Urologists

Urologists are physicians who specialize in the medical and surgical treatment of diseases of the urinary tract and the male reproductive system. The field covers disorders affecting both men and women, including kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra, as well as the penis, testes, and prostate in men. Urology also addresses conditions such as urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, infertility, and pelvic floor disorders; it may involve procedures that are minimally invasive or open surgical techniques.

Education and training: Urologists complete medical school, followed by a residency in urology that typically lasts five to six years, with possible fellowships in subspecialties such as endourology, pediatric urology, uro-oncology, reconstructive urology, or robotic surgery. After training, physicians may pursue board certification in their country and must maintain licensure and continuing medical education.

Common conditions and procedures: Urologists diagnose and treat stones, infections, cancers of the kidney, bladder, prostate, testicles, and penis; conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia, urinary incontinence, hematuria, and infertility. Procedures include cystoscopy, transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), nephrolithotripsy, ureteroscopy, laparoscopic or robotic-assisted surgeries, vasectomies, and reconstructive surgeries. They often work with imaging, laboratories, and other specialists.

Professional scope and collaboration: Urologists may work in hospitals, clinics, and academic centers. They collaborate with nephrologists, oncologists, gynecologists, and primary care physicians. Subspecialties include pediatric urology, female urology, andrology, uro-oncology, endourology, and reconstructive urology. The field emphasizes evidence-based practice and patient-centered care.