What to expect when preparing for a visit to your urologist can depend on whether you’re male or female and if you are suffering from a particular problem or condition. On the other hand, your consultation might be more along the lines of a general urology check-up, similar to visiting your GP for a general health check-up.
What we’ll take a look at in this article is what to expect when visiting your urologist for a consultation. Just keep in mind that things can vary, depending on the individual and why you’re wanting to see a urologist in the first place.
Typical Reasons You Might Visit a Urologist
The main focus of a urologist is the urinary tract and the male reproductive system. A urologist isn’t a GP, but a specialist in the field.
Some common reasons you might book a consultation with a urologist include:
- A general health check-up of the urinary tract or male reproductive system
- A bladder or urinary tract infection (UTI)
- You suspect bladder or prostate cancer
- You are experiencing bladder control problems
- You experience pain in the lower abdomen or groin region
- The constant need to urinate
- You’re suffering from erectile dysfunction
- A decrease in male sex drive
- Penile or testicular abnormalities
- Issues with the kidneys
- And more…
What To Expect During a Consultation With a Urologist
First of all, there’s absolutely nothing to fear or be nervous about when you visit a urologist. They are trained professionals, are there to help, and will generally do their best to make you feel at ease when visiting their practice.
One of the first things a urologist will typically do is a review of your medical history, just to get an overview of any issues you’ve had in the past. You may even be asked if you have, or are likely to have any hereditary conditions; particularly those pertinent to urology. Depending on your specific reason for your visit to a urologist, tests such as blood tests and urine samples might be taken. Other diagnostic tests such as scans may also be performed. The type of scan could be an ultrasound or a CT scan. This is to get a closer and more definitive look at your organs.
If you’re a male, your urologist will check to determine if you have an enlarged prostate gland. Enlarged prostates can cause issues with urination and potential erectile problems. A PSA blood test is also performed to check for abnormalities with the prostate.
Other things that your urologist may check is your heartbeat and your blood pressure. Performing a visual examination of the genitals is also something you could expect, depending on your reasons for the visit. A rectal exam may also be required.
If and when a specific problem is determined, your urologist will then have you book another appointment with them so you can work together on a treatment plan to resolve the issue you have. Obviously, treatment will vary depending on the problem, but your urologist will explain everything to you in plain English so it’s easily understood. If necessary, more invasive tests or even surgery may be required to resolve an issue.
If you’re a male over the age of 50, regular check-ups with a urologist are recommended to catch any prostate problems early. It’s also an age where ED (erectile dysfunction) is more likely to occur.
Where To Find a Urologist
The first way you might discover a good urologist is through a recommendation and referral from your GP. If you want to research your own urologist and choose one that’s the best fit for you, search online for qualified urologists in your area.
For example, if you live in Sydney, try the following search terms:
- Urologist Sydney
- Urological consultant in Sydney
- Best urologist in Sydney
- Sydney urologists
- And so on…
For other locations, simply substitute Sydney with your area.
In Conclusion
Whether you’re suffering from a condition that a urologist can help with, or you just want a check-up to be sure all is well, ask your GP to refer you to a urologist or contact your closest urology practice directly. It’s worth it for your own ongoing good health and peace of mind.
