A urologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disorders and conditions that affect the urinary tract of both men and women, as well as the male reproductive organs. The field of urology is one of many surgical subspecialties, and since they treat men, women and children, they need extensive knowledge of pediatrics, gynecology and internal medicine. They have skills and knowledge about incontinence, kidney stones, vasectomies, infertility, impotence and conditions that affect the prostate or urinary system.
Reasons to See a Urologist
There are many symptoms that a person can have which may require them to visit a urologist. These symptoms include experiencing pain or discomfort when urinating, problems completely emptying the bladder, problems conceiving children, incontinence, the appearance of blood in urine and sexual dysfunction.
Diagnosis and Treatment
A urologist weighs a variety of factors and uses different tests to arrive at a diagnosis of a condition or disorder. After compiling a medical history of the patient and reporting the symptoms they are experiencing, the doctor may perform a physical exam and may use diagnostic tests such as blood tests, urinalysis, ultrasound, CT scan, MRI and X-ray. A diagnosis is often made after carefully considering the information from these methods.
Treatments for any condition will vary, and may include prescription drugs or surgery, although many times observation is needed to see if the condition will get better over time without any type of intervention from a doctor.
Educational Requirements
Urologists in Cocoa Beach, FL and everywhere else around the world must begin their journey to becoming a medical doctor in medical school after successful completion of an undergraduate degree. The next five or six years are devoted to learning clinical skills in the form of a one to two year residency program in general surgery and three to four years in a urology residency training program.
Upon the successful completion of this lengthy training program, the next step would be to become board certified by the American Board of Urology. In order to meet these licensing requirements, a written exam must be passed which will test knowledge learned while in medical school and in residency.
How to Find a Urologist
One method of finding a urologist is to ask a family doctor or general practitioner if they are able to make a recommendation for a doctor. A person may also want to ask their family or friends if they know a doctor they would be able to recommend. When choosing a urologist, it is important that the patient feels comfortable with them and also that the doctor is able to clearly and fully answer any questions they may have.
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