What diseases does urology deal with?
Although many people consider that urological problems affect men only, they can occur in both sexes, as it deals with diseases of the urinary system - the kidneys, renal tract, bladder and urethra. It also includes problems and disorders of the male reproductive organs, including the testicles, epididymis, prostate, vas deferens and the penis, of which the most common are outlined here.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Urinary tract infections are caused by various pathogens and bacteria, and not, as is commonly thought, by exposure to cold. The bacteria that enter the body can cause various tissues to become inflamed, leading to inflammation of the urethra, bladder or, in severe cases, the kidneys.
The most common symptoms of UTIs are a burning sensation, pain and difficulty when passing urine, which results in only a little urine being passed, even with effort, as well as a feeling of tenderness in the bladder. If the inflammation becomes more advanced, the urine may become bloody.
If the above symptoms are accompanied by fever and lower back pain, inflammation of the kidneys may be suspected, which requires prompt medical attention, as pathogens can cause long-term kidney damage.
UTIs are more common in women, but other predisposing factors can include a weak immune system, obesity, menopause, pregnancy, an active sex life, diabetes, kidney problems and other chronic diseases, as well as an enlarged prostate in men.
Kidney stones
About 70-80 per cent of kidney stones are composed of calcium oxalate, 15-20 per cent of uric acid and 10 per cent of magnesium phosphate. They can be very small, the size of a grain of sand, but in severe cases the stone can be larger than a golf ball. Kidney stones become problematic if they block the urinary tract, as this causes considerable pain.
This disease can affect women but is much more common in men. The main cause is insufficient fluid intake, as any small crystals that may form in the kidney can normally be flushed out by fluid, but if this does not happen, larger stones will form.
Less frequently, however, kidney stones can be triggered by poor diet, obesity, certain underlying conditions such as metabolic disorders or thyroid problems, taking certain medicines or vitamins, or inflammation due to urinary tract infections.
The presence of kidney stones may be indicated by dull pressure in the kidney area, frequent bacterial infections, bloody urine, and a severe stabbing, cramping pain in the lower back or abdomen, which may radiate to other parts of the body.
Benign prostate enlargement
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) - also referred to as an enlarged prostate - is the most common urological disease in men. This occurs when the cells that make up the prostate start to multiply, causing the prostate to enlarge. It is effectively a benign tumor that only causes symptoms because it changes the prostate’s size, but it does not metastasize in the body.
The word ’disease’ is misleading, as benign prostatic hyperplasia is a natural physiological process: after puberty, the prostate starts to grow again in the 40s and 50s, and as a result the symptoms – urination that becomes difficult to start, intermittent, weak-flowing or that requires effort - become more common with age, affecting around 90 per cent of men aged over 80. It's important to know that the condition is manageable, so it's worth seeking medical advice as soon as possible.
Prostatitis
Prostatitis is one of the most common prostate problems at any age, and types of prostate problems can present different symptoms.
Acute bacterial prostatitis is caused by a bacterial infection that can spread from surrounding areas, such as the urinary tract, to the prostate. Typical symptoms include frequent, urgent urination, small amounts of urine passing at a time, pain in the area and high fever and chills. In the case of acute prostatitis, it is very important to start antibiotic treatment, so seek medical advice as soon as possible if you have symptoms.
Chronic prostatitis is caused by ongoing, possibly recurrent, bacterial infection, and can also occur if treatment of acute inflammation fails to kill all the pathogens. Symptoms of chronic inflammation may include a pressing urge to urinate, painful ejaculation and urination, lower back pain or bloody semen.
Prostatitis can also develop without the presence of bacteria, in which case anti-inflammatory and other medications can help relieve symptoms.
Erectile dysfunction
Erectile problems – including the inability to have or maintain an erection, rapid loss of erection, premature ejaculation - can have several causes, including psychological problems or a side effect of medication, but it is still important to rule out the presence of an organically caused condition.
When should you see a urologist?
Many urological problems are easily treated if detected early, and early diagnosis is also very important in the treatment of a potentially more serious condition. It is therefore important to consult a specialist as soon as possible if you notice any changes in your urination habits, such as difficulty urinating, intermittent urination, changes in the urination arc or flow rate, or if you feel that you cannot completely empty your bladder every time you go to the toilet.
Consult our specialist urology department if you experience sexual dysfunction or urinary problems, if you have cramping pain in the lower back, or any discomfort or pain in the lower abdomen or around the perineum. Naturally, you will need to be examined if you experience bloody or cloudy urine, whether it is painful or not; if you have a rash or other skin condition or pain in the genitals, or if you notice a change in their shape or feel.
Don't delay if you notice or feel anything unusual or abnormal while washing yourself or self-examining.
In addition to the above, testicular complaints, pain, enlarged testicles or erectile problems and premature ejaculation may be signs of a urological problem in men, and regular screening is recommended for all men over the age of 40. Women should also visit a private urologist for recurrent gynecological complaints.
What happens during a urological examination?
The first step in a specialist urological examination is to discuss your medical history. During this, our specialists will ask you about your past illnesses, medications, and current complaints and symptoms. A physical examination is then performed, during which our doctors palpate the affected areas and order further tests if necessary. For example, uroflowmetry, which shows the dynamics and quality of urine output, or a completely painless ultrasound scan may be used to look at the kidneys, adrenal glands and their surroundings, the ureter, the bladder and its surroundings, the urethra, the prostate and the seminal vesicles. This allows any structural abnormalities to be detected and the structure of the genital organs to be studied.
Failing a precise diagnosis after the initial examination, our doctors may recommend further tests – including CT and/or MRI scans, isotope diagnostics, targeted histological tests - which will be arranged for the patient immediately.
How should the patient arrive for the examination?
If the tests take place in the morning, it is advisable to arrive on an empty stomach and with a full bladder so that the laboratory and any ultrasound tests can be conducted at the same time. In all cases it is important, where available, that the patient brings with them any previous final reports, outpatient findings, CT or MRI scan images and a list of their regular medications.
Why choose Dr. Rose Private Hospital?
- Highly qualified specialists. In our urology department, we have highly skilled, experienced doctors and the latest diagnostic equipment.
- Personalized care for all our patients. We not only focus on medical history and family history of similar diseases, but also on the individual needs of the patient, and develop an appropriate treatment plan accordingly.
- An empathetic approach. From the first examination to the therapeutic period, we treat our patients with patience and always provide detailed and transparent information about the diagnosis and treatment options.
For all your urological questions, please feel free to contact the doctors at Dr. Rose Private Hospital.
