Urology and Men’s Health

Urology (also genitourinary surgery) is a branch of medicine focused mainly on surgical and non-surgical medical diseases of the urinary tract system (of both sexes) as well as the male reproductive organs.

Among the organs under the domain of urology include:

• kidneys
• adrenal glands
• ureters
• urinary bladder
• urethra

as well as the male reproductive organs

• testes
• epididymis
• vas deferens
• seminal vesicles
• prostate gland
• penis

The term is derived from the Greek οὖρον ouron 'urine' and -λογία -logia 'study of'.

The urinary and reproductive tracts are linked very closely. A major spectrum of the conditions managed in urology also exist under the domain of genitourinary disorders.

Urology manages many medical and surgical conditions:

• urinary tract infections (non-surgical)
• benign prostatic hyperplasia (non-surgical)
• bladder cancer (surgical)
• prostate cancer (surgical)
• kidney stones (surgical)
• congenital abnormalities (surgical)
• traumatic injury (surgical)
• stress incontinence (medical/surgical)

Urology has been on the cutting edge of surgical technology in the field of medicine.

This includes:

• minimally invasive robotic and laparoscopic surgery
• laser-assisted surgery
• scope-guided procedures
• open and minimally invasive techniques
• real-time ultrasound guidance
• fiber-optic endoscopic procedures

Urology is closely related to:

• oncology
• nephrology
• gynaecology
• andrology
• pediatric surgery
• colorectal surgery
• gastroenterology
• endocrinology
and
• others

As a medical discipline that involves the care of many organs and physiological systems, urology can be broken down into several subdisciplines. At many larger academic centers and university hospitals that excel in patient care and clinical research, urologists often specialize in a particular subdiscipline.

Subspecialties of urology include:

• urologic surgery
• urologic oncology & oncological surgery
• endourology & endourologic surgery
• urogynecology & urogynecologic surgery
• sexual medicine
• reconstructive urologic surgery
• minimally invasive urologic surgery
• pediatric urology & pediatric urologic surgery
• adolescent urology
• treatment of congenital urological syndromes, malformations, and deformations
• transplant urology
• voiding dysfunction
• neurourology
• androurology

Endourology

Endourology is a branch of urology that deals with closed manipulation of the urinary tract. Endourology is performed using very small cameras and fine instruments inserted into the urinary tract.

Enlarged prostate is one of the most common diseases with elder men. This disease causes serious problems with urination. Normally the enlarged prostate is treated with drugs that can significantly improve symptoms but do not stop the progression and the growth of the gland. That is why within more severe cases it requires a surgery.

Modern methods for operation of the enlarged prostate are the endoscope surgery or bloodless surgery, namely - the natural openings of the body are being used (without making any cuts) in order to remove the clogging, with the help of electricity or a laser.

Laparoscopy

Laparoscopy is a branch of urology that has successfully replaced some open surgical procedures from the past with the likes of robot-assisted prostate, kidney, and ureter surgery.

Urologic oncology

Urological oncology deals with the surgical treatment of malignant genitourinary diseases such as:

• prostate gland cancer
• adrenal gland
• bladder
• kidney
• ureters
• testicles
• penis
• skin and subcutaneous tissue
• muscle and fascia

Some subspecialties overlap with dermatological oncology and related areas of oncology.

Neurourology

Neurourology concerns nervous system control of the genitourinary system. Neurological diseases and disorders such as a stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and spinal cord injury can disrupt the lower urinary tract and result in conditions such as urinary incontinence, detrusor overactivity, urinary retention and sphincter dyssynergia.

Pediatric urology

Pediatric urology concerns urologic disorders in children, such as:

• cryptorchidism
• congenital abnormalities of the genitourinary tract
• enuresis
• underdeveloped genitalia
• vesicoureteral reflux

Andrology

Andrology focuses mainly on the male reproductive system and deals with problems such as:

• male infertility
• erectile dysfunction
• ejaculatory disorders
• fertilization procedures
• vasectomy
• vasectomy reversal
• penile prostheses implantation

Reconstructive urology

Reconstructive urology is a specialized field of urology that restores the structure and function of the genitourinary tract:

• prostate procedures
• full hysterectomy
• partial hysterectomy
• consequences of trauma
• consequences of various diseases
• obstructions
• various blockages

Препоръчани клиники за такъв тип заболявания

Common diseases
Common urological diseases and men's health conditions

Common diseases and conditions

The intensive development of urology as medical specialty in recent decades is characterized by integration of a number of innovative methods. More diseases of the urogenital system, which in the recent past have imposed surgeries and open operations are now successfully treated and eliminated with the help of modern medical equipment and medical research methods, treatment and aftercare.

Modern methods allow surgeries to be replaced by non-surgical and non-surgical methods, as well as minimally invasive procedures. Series of revolutionary medical services addressing the issues of renal transplantation, cystectomy in pre-tumor conditions and bladder cancer and prostatectomy for prostate cancer are now implemented.

Among the most common male patients’ problems and conditions are:

• urology-associated issues
• benign prostatic hyperplasia
• bladder stones
• bladder cancer
• cystitis
• epididymitis
• erectile dysfunction
• interstitial cystitis
• kidney transplant
• kidney cancer
• medical specialty
• kidney stone
• prostatitis
• prostate cancer
• testicular cancer
• urolithiasis
• vasectomy
• vasectomy reversal

Symptoms
What are the most common symptoms linked with urological diseases and conditions?

What are the most common symptoms linked with urological diseases and conditions?

Male patients should undergo regular examinations, especially after 45 years of age. Urology and andrology deals with many diseases and conditions, and some of them share similar symptoms, such as frequent need to urinate, problems and pain while urinating, erectile dysfunction, pain, burning sensation or stinging, high body temperature and so on. There are certain symptoms that suggest you may need to see a urologist right away. If you do experience any of the symptoms listed below, be sure to see a medical specialist.

• blood in urine
• pain or burning sensation while urinating
• changes in the usual urinary pattern
• more frequent urge to urinate
• inability to urinate
• weaker stream
• incontinence
• pain in the lower abdomen area
• frequent infections of the urinary tract
• infertility
• impotence
• erectile dysfunction

Some diseases suggest that you should see a urologist regularly, i.e. at least once a year.

Among these are:

• a past diagnosis of a disease that affects the urinary tract or the male reproductive organs (penis, testes, etc.)
• kidney cancer
• bladder cancer
• prostate cancer
• kidney stones
• interstitial cystitis

First Aid
What to do in emergency cases and when to call a doctor

Most urological diseases as well as conditions of the male reproductive systems do not cause emergency. However, this is not the case when it comes to the excruciating pain, linked with kidney stones and kidney failure.

Kidney failure is a medical emergency!

First aid for kidney stones and kidney failure

If a kidney stone becomes large and end up blocking the urine flow, it can cause extreme pressure and pain. Infection is also very likely. Untreated kidney stones could cause permanent damage. When a kidney stone causes a blockage some of the following symptoms may appear:

• intense pain
• back ache
• painful spasms
• blood in urine
• cloudy urine
• discoloration of the urine
• nausea
• vomiting
• frequent urge to urinate
• burning sensation
• fever
• chills

If you have some of these symptoms seek medical attention right away!

If you experience kidney problems your doctor will rule out any complications and provide you with adequate pain relief.

Treatment
More detailed information about the treatment of urological diseases

Conservative treatment, surgery, bloodless and mini-invasive procedures are used to treat various diseases of the male reproductive system.

Kidney Stones

The stones in the kidneys and ureters are among the most common urological diseases. They affect over 15% of men and 10% of women. If untreated they can lead to severe renal impairment.

Prostate problems

Treatment of diseases of the prostate is performed after a proper diagnose by a medical specialist.

Prostate Cancer

Treatment of prostate cancer is determined by the stage of development of the disease. The state requires careful, precise assessment of the situation, individually for each patient.

Among the most common methods and approaches to treatment are:

• surgery
• radiological treatment
• medication

Among the most widely used tests are:

• scintigraphy
• CT scan
• x-rays
• ultrasound
• MRI
• other

Attention! The information contained in this article does not replace consultation with a doctor and has only informative character. Talk to your preferred healthcare professional for more information on the treatment of diseases of the urinary tract and reproductive system.

Prophylactic
Prophylactic of urological diseases and conditions

How to prevent urologic diseases and improve your overall health?

Many urologic and andrologic diseases, such as kidney disease, prostate problems and infection of the urinary tract are usually registered at a late stage and often remain undiagnosed.

Take annual medical tests – this practice greatly reduces risks and allows an early and timely diagnosis as well as effective treatment.

Among the most important preventive tests are:

• urinalysis (laboratory analysis)
• blood tests
• clinical examination (doctor’s visit)

Prevention
Prevention of diseases

Preventive measures for urologic diseases and conditions

Among the main reasons for development of kidney disease are:

• obesity
• metabolic syndrome
• development of sclerotic changes in the kidneys
• side-effects of some neurotoxic drugs
• side-effect of medicines (some antifungal antibiotics, immune-suppressants, contrast agents for vascular examinations, etc.)
• other

Urinary tract infections may be an important cause of serious kidney damage, especially when not treated early.

Take annual medical tests – this practice greatly reduces risks and allows an early diagnosis as well as effective treatment.

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