A urologist is a physician who specializes in the male reproductive and urinary systems. In a typical week, a urologist will see patients with an assortment of conditions and complaints, including benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), erectile dysfunction (ED), enlarged prostate, urinary tract infections (UTI), kidney stones, and infertility. A Urologist Los Angeles CA can also be involved in procedures such as vasectomies and penile prosthesis.
Here are problems that urologists treat.
Urinary tract infections
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) occur when bacteria enter your urinary tract. Bacteria can cause an infection in your bladder, kidneys, or urethra. In women, UTIs are more common and usually caused by bacteria entering the vagina and then traveling up the urethra to infect the bladder or kidneys.
A UTI can be uncomfortable but is not usually considered a serious medical problem unless there is blood in the urine or an underlying condition that makes you more susceptible to UTIs, such as diabetes or a weak immune system. The most common symptoms of UTI include a sudden urge to urinate frequently, painful urination, and an increased need to empty your bladder during urination.
Interstitial cystitis
Interstitial cystitis is a chronic non-inflammatory bladder disease characterized by pelvic pain, frequent urination, and the urge to urinate without release. Interstitial cystitis is often difficult to diagnose because many of its symptoms closely resemble other bladder conditions.
Interstitial cystitis typically occurs due to the bladder or urinary tract damage caused by a bacterial infection or physical trauma. It can also be caused by changes in hormone levels, such as those associated with menopause or pregnancy.
Urinary inconsistency
Urinary inconsistency is the condition of needing to urinate more frequently or urgently than normal, causing the loss of bladder control. It is common in the United States, and about one in three women and one in ten men suffer from incontinence, typically due to age or childbirth. Urologists can help treat urinary inconsistency and ensure you lead a healthy life.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Many men in their 50s and 60s notice a gradual increase in the frequency of urination and a decrease in the force of their urine stream. This condition is referred to as benign prostatic hyperplasia. If these symptoms persist, it is time to see a urologist and schedule a consultation for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or enlarged prostate.
Erectile dysfunction
ED is caused by a variety of different factors and can be treated in many different ways. A urologist will typically prescribe medications to help alleviate the symptoms of ED and increase blood flow to the penis for achieving an erection. Other treatments for ED include injections directly into the penis and surgeries such as penile prostheses or implants. A urologist will also work with patients struggling with premature ejaculation or other conditions impacting sexual performance.
Urologists provide medical treatment for issues related to the urinary tract and male genitalia. This includes the kidney, ureters, bladder, prostate gland, and penis. The urologist is responsible for diagnosing and treating various conditions, such as incontinence caused by physical injury or pregnancy, kidney stones, blood in the urine, and cancer. If you have any of these problems, contact Atlas Men’s Clinic professionals.