There are doctors specializing in the treatment and health of all systems of the body. One type of specialization that may be required for a patient of any age experiencing pain, discomfort or malfunctioning of the urinary tract system is a urologist. These doctors also specialize in the treatment of the male reproductive tract.
A urinary doctor, often called a urologist, typically see patients referred by a family physician, another specialist or even an emergency room doctor. These professionals focus on the treatment and health of the urinary tract for women, men, and children.
Signs of Problems
Perhaps one of the most common urinary issues that people are aware of is the urinary tract infection or UTI. These infections can be extremely painful and cause problems for the patient in needing to go frequently, bloody or dark urine, as well as a burning sensation.
When a UTI is treated by a family or emergency room doctor and then comes back or becomes a chronic issue, seeing a urinary doctor is an important next step. There may be other health issues that are causing the problem and possibly damaging the urinary tract.
Other issues that trigger the need to see a urinary doctor include:
- Shooting or chronic dull pain in the pelvic area, particularly with women
- Bladder leakage or urinary incontinence
- Chronic feelings of “needing to go” as seen with overactive bladders
- Male infertility or reproductive system dysfunction
- Reconstruction or repair of injured or malformed urinary systems
Patients experiencing any of these issues should ask their primary care physician for a referral to a urologist. In addition, if there is a history of any type of urinary tract health issues in the family including cystitis or kidney stones, seeing a urologist as a proactive measure can be extremely important for early detection.
