For genitourinary issues, you’ll want to see a urologist. They can help diagnose and treat everything from kidney troubles to bladder and urinary tract conditions. Avera urologist Xenofon Papadopoulos, MD, explains some common conditions he sees and what symptoms can cause concern.
What is a urologist?
A urologist is a physician that treats disorders of the urinary tract as well as the male reproductive system.
What conditions that a patient would see this type of specialist for?
In terms of the urinary tract, we treat disorders of the kidneys, kidney infections, kidney tumors, kidney stones, bladder issues, bladder tumors, bladder infections and urinary incontinence. In terms of the male reproductive tract, prostate issues are very common like an enlarged prostate, which is called BPH, issues with urination and frequent nighttime urination.
What symptoms would be a sign you need to see a urologist?
Serious symptoms would be blood in the urine. Especially if it is recurrent or persistent, should be evaluated by a urologist. You could start with your primary care physician to ensure it’s not something easily treatable like a urinary infection, but if there is no such cause you have to be more thoroughly evaluated by a urologist.
Common Problem: Kidney Stones
With kidney stones you will have severe flank pain, back pain, nausea, vomiting, maybe frequent urination or blood in the urine. One of the most common questions people will ask is what can I do to prevent stones in the future? There is what is called a metabolic workup where we can evaluate the patient, collect their urine for 24 hours and bring samples in and do some blood work and put all that data together and see what we can advise the patient to do to avoid future stone episodes. It could be something as simple as drinking more water but some people need to change their diet or go on medications to prevent stones in the future.
Learn more about urology services at Avera.
