urolog

A urologist, often shortened to urolog, is a physician who specializes in urology, the branch of medicine dealing with diseases of the urinary tract in both men and women and the male reproductive organs. The field encompasses the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra, as well as the male organs such as the penis, testes, scrotum, and prostate.

Common conditions managed by urologists include urinary incontinence, urinary tract infections, kidney stones, hematuria, and cancers of the urinary tract and male reproductive system. They also treat congenital and acquired conditions, male sexual health issues such as erectile dysfunction and infertility, prostatitis, and disorders affecting the pelvic floor. In children, pediatric urology focuses on congenital anomalies and other age-specific concerns.

Training and certification typically involve earning a medical degree, completing a residency in urology (often five to six years), and obtaining board certification where available. Many urologists pursue subspecialty fellowships in areas such as pediatric urology, uro-oncology, female urology, reconstructive surgery, or endourology, to gain focused expertise.

Techniques used by urologists range from medical management and diagnostics to surgical interventions. They employ imaging, cystoscopy, urodynamics, and laboratory tests, and may perform endoscopic procedures, lithotripsy for stones, laser therapies, and open, laparoscopic, or robotic-assisted surgeries. Reconstructive and transplant-related procedures may also fall within the specialty.

Urologists work in hospitals, clinics, and academic medical centers, often as part of multidisciplinary teams. They collaborate with nephrologists, oncologists, radiologists, fertility experts, and other specialists to diagnose and treat complex genitourinary conditions.