What Does a Urologist Do?
A urologist specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect your urinary system. Your urinary system is the group of organs that make and get rid of urine. Several parts work together in your urinary system:
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First, your kidneys filter waste from your blood to make urine.
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Then, a tube called the ureters sends urine from your kidneys to your bladder.
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Your bladder holds the urine until it’s full.
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A tube called the urethra then sends your urine from your bladder through your penis.
Urologists also treat conditions that affect male reproductive organs. The reproductive and urinary systems work closely together in men. Urologists often treat conditions that affect both systems.
Find a Urology Specialist
What Happens During a Male Urology Exam?
You don’t usually need to do anything special to prepare for a urology exam. You will need to send your urologist the results of any imaging tests you’ve already had. This will help them start to diagnose you and determine what other tests you may need.
Your urologist will collect your health history and do a physical exam during your appointment. They will ask you about your symptoms and what treatments you’ve already tried, if any.
Urology Tests
We may perform urology tests in the office, depending on your symptoms:
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Cystoscopy—Your urologist inserts a small hollow tube through your urethra to get a better look at your bladder.
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Ultrasound—This test uses sound waves to make images of your urinary organs.
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Urinalysis—We test a urine sample for certain conditions or disorders.
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Uroflowmetry—This test measures the volume and rate of your urine flow.
Your urologist will use your test results to diagnose the problem. They will discuss the diagnosis with you and form a treatment plan.
Male Bladder Problems We Treat
Bladder problems are one of the most common reasons to see a urologist. Our urologists care for patients with a wide range of conditions that affect your bladder:
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Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
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Spinal cord injuries, stroke, or other neurologic conditions
Symptoms of Urinary Bladder Problems in Males
Bladder problems can cause a range of symptoms:
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A weak urine stream
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Blood in your urine
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Difficulty emptying your bladder
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Frequent urination, defined as going more than every two hours or getting up more than once at night
When to See a Urologist
Your primary care provider will typically treat mild bladder problems. A urologist treats you if your initial treatments don’t work after several months.
When Are Male Bladder Problems an Emergency?
Go to the emergency room if you haven’t emptied your bladder in more than four hours and can’t urinate when you try to.
Treatment for Bladder Problems
Your urologist may offer several treatments to improve your bladder problems:
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Lifestyle modifications—Avoid caffeine, tea, coffee, soda, and artificial sweeteners to help treat bladder symptoms. Your urologist may also recommend you change the amount of liquid you drink at certain times of day.
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Pelvic floor physical therapy—A pelvic floor physical therapist teaches you exercises to help improve bladder control.
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Medications—You may take medicines that relax your bladder if you urinate often or with little warning. You may need medications to shrink your prostate if an enlarged prostate causes your bladder problems.
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Surgery—You may benefit from urology surgery when blockages or other problems affect your bladder. Find out more about urology surgery options.
Why Choose University of Utah Health?
Our urologists work closely with you to develop the best way to treat your bladder problem. We have the skills and expertise to care for men with any type of urologic condition. Our team includes world-renowned urology experts who participate in leading-edge research.
Make an Appointment
Our team doesn’t require referrals, but some insurance plans do. We will help you check your insurance coverage and requirements before your appointment. If needed, your referring physician may make an online referral. Call 801-213-2700 to connect with our team or schedule an appointment.
