How is a urological examination performed? Urology - diagnostic methods Urology examination

Before your first examination with a urologist, it is important to understand what this doctor does. He specializes in the treatment of diseases of the genitourinary system (kidneys, bladder, adrenal glands, male genital organs, male infertility) and the treatment of impotence. Urologists are also trained in surgical and medical treatments for diseases that affect these organs.

According to experts

It is best to do a urine test before your first visit to the urologist. This will make it easier to make the correct diagnosis. Moreover, you still have to take such an analysis.

It is also advisable to start keeping a journal of symptoms a few days before the examination by a urologist.

• Write down how many times a day you urinate;
• in what area does the pain occur and how severe is it;
• what you ate and drank during the day;
• Try to trace the connection between diet and lifestyle and worsening or improving symptoms.

This will be very helpful when you discuss your problem with your doctor and ask him questions.

How is the first examination by a urologist carried out?

As your appointment with your urologist progresses, you can expect a lengthy discussion about your symptoms. The urologist may ask various questions, such as:

• How often do symptoms occur and when did they first appear?
• Do they bother you a lot?
• Do you ever have blood in your urine? If yes, how often?
• Have you had urinary tract disease in the past?
• Do you suffer from high blood pressure?
• Do your relatives have any diseases of the genitourinary system?
• Have you ever had episodes of urinary incontinence?

The doctor may also perform a digital examination of the prostate gland and a quick ultrasound scan of the bladder. Don't worry, this is not an invasive procedure.

It is important to know

Although a urologist will primarily ask questions about the condition of the genitourinary system, there is a chance that your urological problem is actually related to other systems of the body. Be prepared to give your urologist a complete list of all medications you take, including any prescription medications. It is advisable to make this list in advance.

How does the examination by a urologist proceed in the future? After completing the examination, the doctor will discuss a treatment plan with you. This usually includes additional tests and tests that must be performed either at the time of the current visit or at subsequent visits. Such studies may include:

• blood tests;
• testosterone level analysis;
• Ultrasound of the kidneys, bladder, and prostate;
• cystoscopy;
• CT or MRI to evaluate the condition of the kidneys or pelvic organs;
• biopsy of the bladder or prostate gland.

Through these procedures, the specialist will be able to determine the correct course of action to take for your treatment. You should not prescribe folk remedies for prostatitis and other diseases without first consulting your urologist.

What questions to ask during a urological examination after surgery is scheduled?

The news that surgery is required to cure a disease probably won't be music to a patient's ears. But there are important questions to ask during your urology exam to reduce your anxiety.

1. Can you describe the operation and its possible consequences for me?
2. Should I have surgery as soon as possible, or should I wait?
3. What should I do to improve my condition?
4. Can you tell me how quickly my problem might progress?
5. How long will it take to recover from surgery?
6. Are there other treatments available for people with my condition?

If after a urological examination and consultation with a specialist you still doubt the need for surgery, sign up for a consultation with an andrologist or urologist at another clinic.

How to understand what you need to see a urologist

There are two types of urinary tract infection:

• Lower urinary tract infections, which involve inflammation or irritation of the urethra and bladder.
• Upper urinary tract infections (this includes the kidneys and ureters).

An appointment with a urologist is necessary if the following symptoms of lower urinary tract infection appear:

• You feel slight discomfort in the abdomen, and urination becomes a problem.
• Pain or burning appears during urination.
• The urge to urinate has become more frequent, including at night.
• You are unable to control your urination.
• Periodically, there is a feeling that the bladder is not completely emptied.
• The urine began to smell very strong.
• The color of the urine changed, became cloudy, and blood appeared in it.
• You feel pain in your lower abdomen and unexplained fatigue.

Symptoms of an upper urinary tract infection include:

• high temperature;
• chills;
• nausea;
• vomiting;
• back or side pain, usually on one side near the waist;
• Sometimes an enlarged kidney can be felt with your fingers. You probably won't be able to detect it, but a urologist will.

Upper urinary tract infections are much more serious problems than diseases "centered" in the lower urinary tract. Bacteria from the upper urinary tract can enter the bloodstream, further weakening the body.

The only way to determine if you have a urinary tract infection is to see a urologist. Only he will be able to conduct diagnostic tests and prescribe appropriate treatment that will effectively deal with the identified pathogens.

In the article we tell you who a urologist is: what he treats for men and women, what diseases and symptoms should be addressed, who is recommended to undergo preventive examinations by a urologist and at what age. We will also tell you how the examination is carried out and what methods are used for diagnosis.

The differences in the functioning of the organs of the genitourinary system in men and women, in adults and children are so striking that separate areas and specializations have been formed in urology.

For men (18+)

A doctor who treats diseases of the male genital area is called a “urologist-andrologist”, “urologist-sexologist”. Representatives of the stronger sex should contact him for any changes in the functioning of the genital organs (internal and external).

The disease does not always signal itself with acute pain. Some serious problems begin with subtle changes that may not seem worthy of a trip to the doctor. Therefore, urologists recommend that men pay attention to their sensations during or after urination, during and after sexual intercourse. And if you feel any changes, even minor ones, do not hesitate to visit a doctor.

You need to consult a male urologist-andrologist if you are concerned about:

• Acute pain in the groin, penis, testicles, lower abdomen, prostate area.
• Frequent, prolonged or constant nagging, aching pain in the groin area (inside and/or outside).
• Change in urination pattern.
• Frequent urination.
• Feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder.
• Itching, burning in the groin area.
• Redness, swelling of the testicles and/or penis.
• Discharge from the genital tract.
• Pain when urinating, cutting, burning.
• Pain during sexual intercourse or ejaculation.
• Blood in semen.
• Problems with potency.
• Ejaculation too early.
• Infertility.

The listed symptoms often turn out to be signs of diseases of varying severity.

Most often these can be:

• Inflammation (prostatitis, urethritis, cystitis, balanoposthitis, etc.)
• Infections.
• Sexually transmitted diseases.
• Vascular problems - poor circulation in the vessels of the genitourinary system.
• Hormonal disorders (lack of testosterone, hypogonadism, etc.)
• Stones in the prostate.
• Erectile disfunction.
• Premature ejaculation.
• Benign tumors.
• Malignant neoplasms.

Preventive examination for men (40+)

Preventive measures, of course, will not hurt anyone. Men at any age should pay due attention to their intimate health. For example, once a year, even if nothing worries you, it is recommended to do an ultrasound of the prostate. It is also advisable to add an annual visit to the urologist to your list of healthy habits.

We would like to draw your attention to the fact that in European countries, systematic visits to a urologist are the same norm for men as, for example, visits to a hairdresser. The result of this attitude towards oneself is higher indicators of public health and average life expectancy in European countries.

At least once a year you must undergo:

• preventive examination by a urologist;
• Ultrasound (TRUS) of the prostate gland;
• PSA blood test (for early diagnosis of prostate cancer);
• tests for sex hormones;
• tests for infections.

The urologist may prescribe other types of diagnostics, depending on the symptoms and the results of studies already conducted.

For women (18+)

A doctor who treats female urological pathologies is called a “urogynecologist” or “urologist-gynecologist.” The most popular female urological problems are:

• cystitis;
• urethritis;
• overactive bladder.

Among the symptoms for which you should immediately visit a female urologist:

• frequent urination;
• pain, burning, cramping when urinating;
• feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder;
• urinary incontinence (involuntary release of drops of urine when sneezing, coughing, laughing and other sudden movements).

For children (0 to 18 years old)

Before reaching adulthood, it is customary to consult a urologist-pediatrician. Consultation with a pediatric urologist is necessary for enuresis (if the child has reached 4 years of age). Boys are referred for pathologies of the foreskin, testicles, penis, spermatic cord.

Other specializations

Differentiation by gender and age alone was not enough. Therefore, doctors were also identified who specialize in the treatment of certain groups of diseases that are particularly complex and dangerous.

1. Kidneys.
   A urologist who treats kidneys in men, women and children is a nephrologist. This doctor diagnoses and treats urolithiasis (kidney stones), pyelonephritis, polycystic kidney disease, hydronephrosis, renal failure and many other kidney diseases. A nephrologist deals exclusively with conservative treatment of the kidneys. If kidney surgery is needed, he refers you to a urologist-surgeon.
2. Oncology.
   A urologist-oncologist is a doctor who provides conservative treatment and surgical removal of benign and malignant tumors in the organs of the urinary system.
3. Tuberculosis of the genitourinary organs.
   Tuberculosis can affect the kidneys, ureter, bladder, and urethra. prostate. Phthisiourologists diagnose and treat such diseases.
4. Emergency care, including surgery.
   Urology specialists working in emergency and emergency departments see patients with genital injuries, acute urinary retention (AUR), and bleeding from the urinary system. Urological surgeons use various types of operations in their practice - endoscopic, laser, transurethral, ​​laparoscopic, retroperitoneal, robot-assisted, abdominal.

Preparing for your appointment

In most cases, no special training is required. Regular hygiene procedures are sufficient.

However, sometimes you may need to come to your appointment on an empty stomach (if you need to take tests) or with a full bladder (if you plan to have an ultrasound). In certain cases, you may be advised to abstain from sexual intercourse for 1-2 days before your appointment. Therefore, when making an appointment, it is advisable to briefly explain to the specialist what is bothering you and clarify whether you need to prepare for an appointment with a urologist.

How is the inspection carried out?

A consultation with a urologist usually begins with a conversation between the doctor and the patient. The doctor may ask a number of questions - for example:

• what worries the patient;
• with what frequency and intensity certain symptoms occur and how significantly they worsen the quality of life; in this regard, it may ask you to remember how many times a day you urinate, whether you notice any discharge, under what circumstances pain occurs;
• Then he collects anamnesis, that is, he asks what you have been sick with before, whether you have chronic diseases, whether you are currently taking any medications, whether you have any allergic reactions, etc.

Examination for men

Depending on the symptoms that torment you, an examination by a male urologist may include:

1. Palpation examination of the lower abdomen and lower back.
   Light pressure with your fingers on the stomach, with the help of which you can find painful areas, as well as feel the enlargement of internal organs, compactions, etc. It is carried out in a lying position on the couch, less often - standing.
2. Visual examination of the external genitalia.
   Allows you to see redness, rashes, swelling, various growths (warts, atheromas, papillomas, etc.).
3. Ultrasound of the prostate gland.
   In the absence of contraindications, TRUS (transrectal ultrasound, through the anus) is recommended, since it is much more informative than transabdominal ultrasound (through the skin of the abdomen). TRUS of the prostate allows you to determine the size of the prostate gland, the exact location of the adenoma, determine the presence/absence of stones in the prostate, and even identify signs of prostate cancer at an early stage. A contraindication to TRUS may be acute pain in the anus caused by hemorrhoids or anal fissures.
4. Ultrasound of the bladder.
   It is most often carried out with a transabdominal sensor, that is, through the skin of the abdomen. Allows you to diagnose the presence of residual urine, assess the size of the bladder, wall thickness, detect foci of inflammation or neoplasm, determine their size and location, etc.
5. Laboratory research.
   These include various types of blood, urine, and smear tests. Prescribed for suspected infections, inflammatory processes, hormonal deficiency, and oncological changes.
6. Urological tests.
   They are carried out if there are problems with potency and/or ejaculation. They allow you to diagnose the presence or absence of vascular diseases of the genital organs, which most often cause sexual disorders in men.

We have listed the main diagnostic methods that can be performed on the day of the initial examination by a male urologist. Based on the results of these studies, the doctor may advise you to undergo additional examination (MRI, CT, biopsy, spermogram, cystoscopy, ultrasound of the thyroid gland, kidneys, etc.).

Examination for women

A female urologist-gynecologist examines patients first on the couch - conducts a palpation examination (pressure and tapping) of the abdomen and lumbar region. Then, in the gynecological chair, he takes a smear and checks the condition of the urethra. An ultrasound (bladder, kidney) and tests (blood, urine) are required. In general, we can say that an examination of women by a urologist is not much different from an examination by a gynecologist.

How to choose a clinic and a doctor without being disappointed?

Today it has become very popular to choose doctors based on reviews on the Internet. This method seems at first glance convenient, fast and simple. But do not forget that reviews do not always reflect reality. In addition, the principles of a doctor’s work very often depend on the norms and rules established in the clinic.

Therefore, look not only for a good urologist, but also for a good clinic! When searching, we recommend paying attention to the following nuances:

1. Are there urologists with a narrow specialization in the clinic?
   If there are doctors who specialize in male urologist-andrologist and female urologist, this is definitely a good sign. It’s even better when not everyone is signed up for a consultation, but when talking on the phone they explain what diseases the clinic specializes in. This approach demonstrates the respectful attitude of the clinic owners towards both patients and doctors. With this approach, the possibility of wasting time is almost completely eliminated for both parties.
2. Is it possible to schedule a consultation at a convenient time?
   Most diseases in urology require fairly long-term therapy (one course can last an average of 2-3 weeks). We recommend that you make sure in advance that doctors work in this particular medical center at least 5 days a week, on different shifts. This schedule provides an almost 100% guarantee that you will be able to see your doctor at a convenient time.
3. How long does the initial appointment last? What does it include?
   The optimal duration of the first dose is 30-40 minutes. The initial consultation is a very important stage. Both the doctor and the patient need to receive a fairly large amount of information from each other. The accuracy of the diagnosis and the ability to identify contraindications before the start of treatment largely depend on this. In addition, it is very important to carry out an examination on the day of the first visit - examination, ultrasound, urological tests, tests. This is especially important when you experience pain or problems with urination. After all, if a comprehensive examination is carried out during the initial appointment, the doctor will be able to give the first recommendations on the same day.
4. What is included in the cost of treatment?
   There are two main options.
   

   One of them suggests payment for each medical service separately. That is, you pay for each consultation with the attending physician, for each injection and any other service. You purchase all prescribed medications at the pharmacy. If the drug is not suitable, again, buy another one yourself. If you need to expand the course by adding additional procedures, you pay again.

   The choice is always up to the patient. If the problem is not serious, then it may turn out that it is more profitable to pay for each service individually. However, you need to understand that with this option you will be forced to pay essentially “for every minute of the doctor’s attention.”

   When choosing the “All inclusive” option, you pay once, and you are treated until a state of stable remission is achieved.

5. Is there a pre-registration for procedures?
   “Live queue” for paid medicine is not an option. You must be sure that when you arrive at the clinic at the appointed time, you will get to the treatment room or to the doctor, who are waiting for you at that moment.
6. Is it possible to pay in stages (installments/credit)?
   Surprisingly, as practice shows, such services are still not provided in every paid urology. Of course, prices in Russian clinics are several times lower than abroad. However, whatever the cost, you should have the opportunity to choose the most comfortable payment option.

The clinic provides treatment for male and female urological diseases, as well as sexual disorders in men. All diagnostic and treatment procedures are carried out within the walls of our clinics - our patients do not have to go to pharmacies or look for where in the city they can undergo additional medical procedures. The cost of a course of treatment includes absolutely everything necessary: ​​a set of procedures, medications (tablets, suppositories, ointments, etc.), additional ultrasounds and tests during treatment and after its completion, follow-up with the attending physician after treatment. Payment in installments is possible.

You can find out more by calling or leaving a request on the website. We will be happy to help you restore your health!

Many male patients are embarrassed to seek advice from specialists due to the sensitivity of the examination. At an appointment with a urologist, you can identify the main inflammatory diseases that threaten your health. How to prepare for the examination and why annual prostate checks are needed - read our article.

Subspecialists help to most accurately diagnose the cause of the patient’s anxiety. If you have problems with hormones, you should visit an andrologist or endocrinologist; women turn to a gynecologist, men - to a urologist.

However, you should not refer the specialist only to a male doctor. A urologist is a universal doctor who helps to identify and cope with urinary tract pathologies for men and women. When contacting a general practitioner, he will refer a patient with symptoms of pain in the penis, appendages and problems with urination to a urologist.

A special mention can be made of a pediatrician. There is a urologist for adults and for children. This division is due to physiological and anatomical differences in the structure of organisms.

The science of urology belongs to the category of surgical specializations. Therefore, you can receive emergency surgical care directly at an appointment with such a specialist. The urologist also performs some types of physiotherapeutic procedures directly during the examination.

Scheduled inspections

To maintain the health of the pelvic organs, it is recommended to undergo annual preventive examinations. Women without need and without visible symptoms of the disease do not need to visit a urologist.

In men, most diseases occur in a latent form. This is the first reason why you should visit a specialist regularly. Such a check will help detect the development of the disease at the initial stage and stop it.

What is included in the scheduled annual inspection:

• taking urine and blood tests;
• rectal examination of the prostate;
• additionally: checking the kidneys, bladder, lymph nodes.

Most urological diseases in the early stages do not manifest any visible symptoms, and very often the time for their timely treatment is missed. Therefore, we recommend that healthy men without complaints contact a urologist for an examination for the first time at the age of 14 and then annually.

According to indications

If a man or woman has previously been diagnosed with developmental pathologies of the urinary tract, then they will have to visit the urology office more often. To control the development of the disease and prolong the stage of remission of the disease, strictly follow the doctor’s recommendations.

Indications for visiting a doctor:

• chronic diseases of the genitourinary system;
• secondary manifestation of prostatitis in men;
• problems with urination of any form;
• neoplasms on the prostate gland, bladder, kidneys;
• cancer diseases;
• congenital structural defects and developmental anomalies.

In this case, you will have to contact a urologist more often than once a year. It is recommended to undergo testing, including laboratory diagnostics, at least once every 3-4 months.

What complaints do people go to a urologist with?

If men need to undergo an examination of the genitourinary system by a urologist, then women more often turn to a gynecologist with such a problem. But there are complaints common to both boys and girls. In this case, you should not risk your health and urgently need to make an appointment.

The main complaints with which people seek advice and treatment from a urologist:

1. Suspicious in men. If a woman detects similar symptoms, she will seek help from a gynecologist. Discharge from the urethra can be either within normal limits or a sign of sexually transmitted diseases. They may be associated with inflammation in the excretory canal and prostate after hypothermia. It may also be a complication of any disease in other organs. The urologist will prescribe bacteriological culture, PCR tests and ultrasound of the prostate.
2. Itching and burning in the urethra. This is an almost universal symptom that can indicate the presence of many diseases. However, with periodic manifestations, one can suspect an allergic reaction to latex, lubricant, or a manifestation of prostatitis or infection. Only a doctor can determine the cause of the discomfort.
3. The appearance of pain syndrome. The pain can be felt in the groin area, in the testicles, on the head of the penis, around the anus, and even radiate to the lower back. There are many reasons for such pain: from yesterday’s cycling workout to the development of a benign or malignant tumor.
4. Problems with urination. Both women and men turn to a urologist regarding this issue. This sign indicates problems with the kidneys, a slowdown in metabolism, or age-related changes in the body. In men, this is how the initial stage of prostatitis manifests itself, which, if left untreated, can become chronic.
5. The presence of blood in urine or semen, as well as other impurities. This is a dangerous sign indicating the presence of an advanced inflammatory or infectious process. The appearance of pus or blood is a symptom of a chronic disease, benign hyperplasia of impressive size, or even cancer.
6. The appearance of rashes, sores, erosions or spots. In this case, the man should take care of genital hygiene and urgently contact a urologist to check for infection. Rashes, redness and the appearance of strange spots are signs of STDs (sexually transmitted diseases).
7. Development of erectile dysfunction. When libido decreases, men are often embarrassed to see a doctor. But in vain, because impotence develops rapidly and, if measures are not taken, becomes irreversible. In this case, the specialist looks for the cause of sluggish potency or its absence. The problem may also be deeper, associated with a violation of the hormonal system, diseases of the blood vessels, internal organs or the genitourinary system. Even psychological problems cause dysfunction.
8. Astheno-vegetative syndrome in men. With such a problem, you can also go for a urological examination. This syndrome is manifested by increased fatigue, decreased performance, irritability, psychological instability, sweating, tachycardia and general apathy.
9. Suspicion of the presence of a disease. You can ask the urologist any delicate questions that concern you: small penis size, lack of ejaculation, complaints of pain, or... Even if the pathology turns out to be far-fetched, it is worth checking your suspicions.

It is important to monitor your health, even if there are no open problems with the urinary organs. Sometimes, due to age-related changes, issues with potency and urination appear. In this case, the urologist will help you choose maintenance therapy.

List of urological diseases

Among the diseases of the excretory system there are exclusively male pathologies and general diseases. Universal ones include cystitis and urethritis, which also occur in women. Due to the anatomical differences in the structure of the genital organs, specific pathologies arise in men.

List of the most common urological diseases in men:

1. Erectile disfunction. These are problems with the hardness of the penis, when the area of ​​the cavernous penis is not filled with arterial blood to the extent to ensure a full erection. Most often, the disease appears in men over 45 years of age, smokers and patients with diabetes.
2. . Problems with the prostate gland are observed in 70% of older men on the planet. This can cause the glandular tissue to enlarge, interfering with normal urination and, in some cases, causing decreased fertility.
3. Phimosis. This is a narrowing of the foreskin. In boys under 3 years of age, the head is hidden behind the fold of the penis; it begins to emerge by the age of six. At the initial stage, the patient feels pain due to the inability to freely retract the foreskin. The latter will require surgery to free the head.
4. Balanoposthitis. This is an inflammatory process on the head of the genital organ. Suspicious rashes and ulcers appear on the mucous membrane and skin. The disease can be either a consequence of an untreated infection or a cause of the development of phimosis (narrowing of the foreskin).

This list can be continued for a long time. Developmental defects are less common; in some cases, priapism occurs - a prolonged erection. Often, diseases of the urinary organs become a consequence of drug treatment.

Common diseases that occur in men and women:

1. Enuresis. This is urinary incontinence, which can be partial or complete. It occurs in both sexes and can occur at any age. In women, it often occurs after childbirth and goes away without treatment after a few days. The cause in most cases is nervous tension or defects in the anatomical structure.
2. Cystitis. This is an inflammation of the bladder, which is manifested by a burning sensation in the urethra when urinating. In its acute form it can cause severe pain. This pathology especially often worries girls of preschool and primary school age.
3. . An inflammatory process occurring on the mucous membrane of the urinary tract. The symptoms are similar to cystitis, the treatment regimen is also practically the same.
4. Pyelonephritis. This is a bacterial disease caused by microorganisms entering the kidneys, which causes an inflammatory process. The danger of this disease is that the infection can spread through the urinary tract.

Do not self-medicate. Therapy is prescribed only based on the results of laboratory tests and depending on the identified pathogen. Antibacterial agents are selected depending on the sensitivity of microorganisms to drugs.

Independent experiments on the body can only worsen the situation. Remember that most urological diseases are sexually transmitted. It is recommended to use a condom during sexual intercourse to avoid infection.

Preparing for your appointment

An examination of a man or woman by a urologist usually takes no more than 15-20 minutes. During this time, the doctor will question the patient, examine the organs of the urinary system, and possibly perform an ultrasound.

General requirements before examination by a urologist:

• avoiding sexual intercourse 24 hours before visiting a urologist;
• refusal to take painkillers for an accurate diagnosis;
• refusal to pre-use antibacterial agents.

The use of analgesics may interfere with localization of pain. The doctor will not be able to make the correct diagnosis. For a similar reason, you cannot perform genital hygiene before examination using disinfectants (Chlorhexidine, Furacilin). The result of bacteriological culture in this case will be incorrect.

In some cases, a gynecological chair is used to examine women. Therefore, do not forget to bring a diaper with you for examination. The day before your visit to the doctor, you should avoid sexual intercourse to avoid extraneous lubricant secretions.

The man needs to cleanse his rectum so that the doctor can perform a digital examination of the prostate. Do not be scared or embarrassed by the erection that occurs during such an examination - this is normal. It's worse if an erection does not occur. A cleansing enema can be replaced by taking a laxative the day before.

How is an examination by a urologist performed?

Many patients are concerned about what they do at an appointment with a urologist. Many men avoid prostate testing because rectal palpation hurts their masculinity and degrades their dignity.

Examination of the prostate gland is purely a medical matter. More problems with embarrassment occur in adolescent patients. Some experts recommend taking a few drops of an herbal valerian-based sedative before a routine examination.

Nothing terrible happens in the urologist's office. The examination begins with a normal conversation. Answer the doctor's questions in detail, this will help with an accurate diagnosis. If there are chronic diseases, the doctor needs to know what medications the patient takes on a regular basis.

At the same time, the doctor studies your outpatient card, looks at tests, the results of which should be pasted into it. If the appointment is primary, the urologist will definitely prescribe, some of which can be taken directly in the office.

Men

Examination of men differs from palpation of internal organs of women. Follow the requests of the doctors; you can inform them in advance that the examination is primary.

How a man is received:

1. Palpation. The patient lies down on the couch, and the doctor manually examines the internal organs of the abdominal cavity and kidneys. Severely enlarged organs can be detected at this stage of palpation examination. The specialist also examines the condition of the internal and external genital organs. These are the scrotum, penis, prostate gland and inguinal lymph nodes.
2. Rectal examination of the prostate gland. Can be performed standing or in a knee-elbow position. The doctor inserts a finger into the rectal area to feel the condition of the prostate; in some cases, an ultrasound probe is used for this.
3. Collection of tests. If a bacterial infection is suspected, a urologist can take a general smear from the urethra, which will help identify the presence of microorganisms. A sample of the prostate is also taken during the examination, if necessary.

Examination of the prostate in men can cause pain only in the presence of acute prostatitis. In other cases, the procedure is painless. Put aside your embarrassment, since preserving your health is more important than your damaged male honor.

Women

In some cases, in the urologist’s office you may notice the presence of a gynecological chair. But in very rare cases, a specialist examines a woman’s genital organs. The appointment is a little different from a men's health check.

Stages of urological examination of women:

1. Conversation. The patient reports her problems, describes the symptoms that bother her. The doctor also examines the woman’s medical history and the presence of other diseases. You should tell your urologist about all suspicious manifestations of abnormalities in the urinary system.
2. Palpation. The doctor will ask you to lie down or conduct an examination in a standing position. Palpation of the pelvic organs occurs: bladder, kidneys. The condition of the lymph nodes is also examined.
3. Instrumental research. If necessary, the urologist uses modern diagnostic tools such as ultrasound, laboratory tests, instrumental and endoscopic methods.

In the same way as in men, urethral secretions are collected. The main difference is the lack of examination of the female genital organs and prostate gland, since women do not have a prostate. Instrumental diagnostics are carried out only in case of obvious manifestation of symptoms and medical suspicion of the presence of a pathogenic development of the disease.

Sometimes, at an appointment with a urologist, men become isolated and cannot talk about sensitive problems. One of the most common reasons for this is when a man is examined by a woman's urologist.

Even though medical issues are being resolved in the specialist’s office, the man is seized with panic. From a psychological point of view, the patient does not want to show his weaknesses.

Advice for a man if the urologist is a woman:

1. Think about your health. First of all, you did not come to flirt, get acquainted or start a family in the urology office, but to solve your problem.
2. The doctor saw something different. Remember that a urologist examines a huge number of patients every day, and in 20 minutes another shy man will see her.
3. Medical ethics. A doctor does not have the right to talk about small penis size and disseminate information about the presence of diseases.

Calm down and go into the doctor's office with confidence. If a urologist is a woman, this does not mean that she is a bad specialist. Trust her medical instincts, do not discriminate based on gender, and follow your doctor's instructions.

Knowing what a urologist checks for men, you can prepare both physically and psychologically in advance. Also at the appointment, the urologist may use additional instrumental diagnostic methods. The most common types are described in the table.

The list of diagnostic methods does not end here. If it is impossible to examine part of the internal organs, surgery is prescribed. Surgery will help make a diagnosis and even become an emergency treatment method.

How to choose a specialist

The choice of a specialist depends not only on the availability of a urologist in a free clinic, but also on the financial situation of the patient. You can make an appointment at a private center to get faster lab test results.

Not all types of diagnostics can be performed free of charge at a local clinic. You can make an appointment with a local urologist, and additionally undergo a urinary tract examination at a medical center for a fee.

The cost of seeing a urologist will cost from 500 rubles, and testing will cost from 1,500 rubles. In the central regions of Russia, the cost of doctor’s services is even higher.

Finding a good doctor is not difficult; you can simply find information about a specialist on the Internet. Each private center has its own website, which describes the achievements of its employees, and there are pages with reviews.

Some tips to choose the best doctor:

1. Choose a specialized medical center. It is better if it is a urological clinic or a private medical office, in which every corner is collected for the diagnosis and treatment of urinary tract diseases.
2. Research reviews. Ask a neighbor or friend for advice, find a page on the forum dedicated to seeing a specific specialist.
3. Estimate the percentage of recovered patients. The higher the effectiveness of treatment, the more responsible the urologist is in performing his work.
4. Novelty of the medical institution. With new equipment, the chance to accurately diagnose the presence of certain diseases increases.

Some men choose doctors only of the stronger sex, embarrassed by a female examination. Others prefer older, experienced professionals. The choice also depends on personal preference. The main thing is to take the first step by asking for help.

Video

How an examination by a urologist takes place - learn more from the video.

Currently, in order to effectively diagnose diseases of the genitourinary system in urology, various studies are used using modern methods, as well as the latest devices and tools.

There are the following diagnostic methods in urology:

laboratory diagnostics

instrumental research methods

endoscopic diagnostics

X-ray diagnostics.

Laboratory diagnostics.

Blood analysis.

General blood analysis identifies signs of a possible infectious process in the body, a decrease in the amount of hemoglobin in the blood, which can also happen with kidney diseases.

During a biochemical blood test determine the content of various substances in the blood; kidney diseases are related to the level of uric acid and creatinine (nitrogenous waste), the increase of which in the blood directly indicates insufficient kidney function. In severe renal failure, the amount of urea and creatinine in the blood can increase 5-10 times. Based on a biochemical blood test, one can judge other changes in the body that may be related to the urinary system.

For a more detailed study of the urinary system, other complex biochemical tests:

acid-base state of blood

the amount of various enzymes in the blood and urine

excretion of amino acids and sugars by the kidneys.

One of the more accurate studies of kidney function is the determination of creatinine clearance. Creatinine clearance is calculated using a formula and represents the volume of blood that is cleared of creatinine in one minute. Using this indicator, the degree of renal failure is more accurately determined.

Analysis of urine.

A healthy adult produces from one to one and a half liters of urine per day. With various diseases, the amount of urine may increase or decrease.

When performing a urine test, measure:

quantity

determine physical properties

The contents of urine sediment are examined under a microscope.

Urine should be collected in a clean container. In this case, the patient should not touch the inner walls of the dish with parts of his body. Collect a medium portion of urine. To do this, the patient must toilet the perineum, then begin urinating into the toilet, then into the test vessel, and finish urinating into the toilet. Sometimes, usually in infants, in order to exclude impurities in the analysis, urine is taken from the bladder using a catheter or using a bladder puncture.

Researched in general urine analysis:

Relative density of urine. It depends on the concentration of substances dissolved in the urine: uric acid, urea, creatinine, salts and other substances. Normally, the relative density of urine can fluctuate from 1005 to 1026 during the day. The density of urine reflects the ability of the kidneys to concentrate this urine.

Hyposthenuria is a decrease in urine concentration, in which the osmotic concentration of urine is equal to the osmotic concentration of blood plasma. In other words, the concentrating ability of the kidneys decreases and a lot of low-concentration urine is released more often. Observed in renal failure.

Hypersthenuria is an increase in the osmotic concentration of urine, which is often not associated with kidney disease, but occurs, for example, with a high content of sugar in the urine in diabetes mellitus and with certain diseases of the thyroid gland or poisoning with heavy metal salts. Then the relative density of urine can reach 1040-1050.

Since the density of urine varies throughout the day, one study is not enough. Then a urine test is performed according to Zimnitsky. The density of urine is measured in eight three-hour portions taken during the day.

Urine color. The normal color of urine is straw yellow. This color is formed by pigments that are excreted from the blood in the urine: urobilin, hepatoporphyrin, etc. Normally, urine is transparent. Cloudy urine occurs when there is salt, bacteria, mucus or pus in it. Changes in urine color may be affected by diet or medication use. Eating blueberries, beets, and rhubarb can color the urine red-brown; the same color of urine appears when treated with rifampicin, phenolphthalein, nitrofurantoin; a brown-black color occurs when using metronidazole, methyldopa.

Be sure to examine the presence of sugar and protein in the urine. A healthy person can excrete up to 50 mg of protein in urine per day. This is a small amount and this amount of protein can only be determined by a more subtle immunochemical method. In inflammatory kidney diseases, the amount of protein can increase to 1 g/l.

An increase in protein excretion in the urine is called proteinuria. This indicates a violation of the permeability of the kidney membranes, which normally should retain protein in the blood and not allow it to pass into the urine. The excretion of protein in the urine due to impaired renal function is called true proteinuria. False proteinuria is an increase in protein due to a large number of leukocytes or red blood cells in the urine. With severe inflammatory processes in the kidneys, there may even be pyuria (pus in the urine). If there is pus in the urine, a so-called three-glass test is often performed. The patient is asked to urinate in turn into three vessels. This test makes it possible to roughly establish the localization of the inflammatory process. If most of the pus occurs in the first portion of urine, more often the infectious process occurs in the urethra, in the middle portion in the bladder, and in the last portion the pus occurs due to a process in the kidneys or prostate gland.

Blood in the urine is called hematuria. Hematuria can be microscopic, when red blood cells in the urine can only be detected under a microscope, and macroscopic, when the color of the urine changes from the color of meat slop to red with noticeable blood clots. Gross hematuria is more common in blood diseases, injuries, malignant tumors of the kidneys and urinary tract. A three-glass test is also used to determine the source of hematuria.

If necessary, it is possible to determine the presence of acetone, bilirubin, urobilin and urobilinogen in the urine.

Urine sediment examined under a microscope. At the same time, it is determined which cellular elements are present in the urine. Epithelial cells, leukocytes, erythrocytes, and casts are counted using special techniques. The sediment may contain salt crystals and bacteria. To determine the type of bacteria, urine is cultured on nutrient media. Normally, one milliliter of urine contains 2x10 - 4x10 leukocytes, 1x10-2x10 erythrocytes, up to 20x10 cylinders. Now more complex immunochemical methods are being produced that make it possible to study the qualitative composition of proteins in urine.

Instrumental research methods.

Bladder catheterization.

It is performed using a catheter for catheterization of the bladder. Catheters are available for men, women and children. Women's are shorter and do not have much curvature like men's. Children's are smaller than adults'. Catheters can also be soft, semi-soft and hard or metal. The use of catheters is carried out in compliance with all rules of asepsis and antisepsis. Catheterization is not performed in case of acute inflammatory processes in the urinary tract in order to avoid the spread of infection higher up the urinary tract. Most often, bladder catheterization is performed in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlargement) due to urine retention in the bladder. Sometimes catheterization is done to measure the volume of residual urine in the bladder, but this is currently done using ultrasound. In some patients, catheterization has to be carried out systematically, then a Foley balloon catheter is used, which is left for some time in the urethra.

Bougienage of the urethra.

It is carried out to expand the narrowed areas of the urethra, to identify the degree of narrowing, to clarify the location of the stone in the canal. Bougies of increasing sizes are used, starting with the thinnest thread-like one, which is introduced at the beginning of the procedure. Before the procedure begins, lidocaine gel is injected into the urethra for local anesthesia.

Needle biopsy.

There is an open puncture biopsy of the kidney during surgery and a closed one, which refers to instrumental methods for studying the kidneys. A closed percutaneous kidney biopsy is required when other methods do not provide reliable results and is performed only in a hospital setting under ultrasound guidance. With the patient lying on his stomach at a point 10-12 cm lateral to the midline, just below the 12th rib, a special biopsy needle is inserted through a small skin incision. The needle consists of an outer cylinder and an inner rod. When the tip of the needle pierces the outer membrane of the kidney, an internal rod is inserted and the needle is advanced into the kidney to a depth of 1.5 cm. There is a recess on the rod into which a piece of kidney tissue falls. The outer cylinder is pushed onto the rod and the needle is removed. A piece of kidney tissue is examined under a microscope. If prostate cancer is suspected or the diagnosis is unclear, a needle biopsy of the prostate gland is performed. It is carried out through the rectum or through the skin of the perineum. For testicular diseases of unknown nature, a puncture testicular biopsy may be performed. A small puncture needle is used under ultrasound control.

Cystomanometry.

This test is done to measure the pressure in your bladder. It allows you to determine the condition of the muscular wall of the bladder and its function. After it has been emptied, warm liquid in 50 ml portions or gas of a certain volume is injected into the bladder through a catheter. Through the same catheter, the pressure in the bladder is measured at the first urge to urinate. Normally, in a healthy person, the first urge to urinate appears when there is 100-150 ml of liquid in the bladder. The pressure in the bladder is 8-10 cm of water column. A pronounced urge occurs when the amount of liquid is about 300 ml and the pressure is 20-35 cm of water column. Measurement of pressure in the bladder is also carried out during urination, this makes it possible to judge the patency of the urethra and its sphincters.

Uroflowmetry.

This test is done to determine the function of the muscle that expels urine from the bladder. In this case, the volumetric velocity of urine flow through the urethra is measured and recorded on a graph depending on time. To measure the volumetric velocity of urine, special devices, uroflowmeters, are used. Normally, the highest urine flow rate in men is 15-20 ml/s, in women 20-25 ml/s. A decrease in the volumetric velocity of urine is observed when the urethra is narrowed or when the contractility of the muscle that expels urine from the bladder is impaired. The average volumetric rate of urination is sometimes determined in a simple way: divide the volume of urine released by the rate of urination. When examining patients with urinary incontinence and urinary disorders, the intraurethral pressure profile is sometimes determined. In this case, using a special device, the resistance of the bladder closure apparatus (internal and external sphincters, prostate gland) to the pressure of the fluid leaving the bladder is measured. The obtained figures are marked on the graph. In patients with urinary incontinence, maximum pressure is reduced compared to normal.

Endoscopic diagnostics.

An endoscope allows you to view the surface of the organ being examined from the inside. Endoscopes come in hard and soft types. Currently, with the help of endoscopes, not only the examination of the internal surfaces of various organs is carried out, but also small surgical interventions, the scope of which is constantly expanding as endoscopic technology develops and becomes more complex. Endoscopic examination in urology is used to examine the urethra, bladder and pyelocaliceal system kidney

Urethroscopy.

This is a study of the surface of the mucous membrane of the urethra along its entire length. The study allows you to examine in detail the mucous membrane of the canal, its changes and sometimes perform therapeutic actions. The manipulation is performed using a urethrocystoscope, which is used to examine the bladder and urethra while slowly removing the device from the bladder. Sometimes only an examination of the urethra is performed. In case of inflammatory diseases of the canal, manipulation is contraindicated.

Cystoscopy.

It is produced more often than other methods. This is an examination of the inner surface of the bladder using a cystoscope or urethrocystoscope. In some diseases of the urinary canal, accompanied by narrowing, cystoscopy may not be available. The urethrocystoscope consists of an optical system that allows inspection of the bladder, a system for catheterization of the ureters that allows the kidneys to be examined separately, and systems for minor surgical interventions. For children, special children's urethrocystoscopes, smaller in size, have been created. Manipulation is not performed for inflammatory diseases of the urethra. Before the examination, the patient is given an intravenous painkiller, and the examination is occasionally carried out under general anesthesia. Before the examination, the patient is asked to urinate. Cystoskipia is performed with the patient in the supine position in a special urological chair. The urethrocystoscope is lubricated with sterile glycerin and inserted into the bladder, the remaining urine is released and the bladder is washed with furacillin solution and the same solution is injected into the bladder until the urge to urinate, simultaneously checking the capacity of the bladder. Then the entire surface of the bladder is examined in detail. Examine the walls of the bladder and the exit site of the ureters. Normally, the color of the inner surface of the bladder is pale pink, smooth, with a pale network of blood vessels. If purulent deposits are found on the surface of the wall, they are washed off. Often, examination of the inner wall of the bladder is combined with chromocystoscopy.

Chromocystoscopy

It is performed to determine the excretory function of each kidney separately. In this case, the patient is injected intravenously with 2-3 ml of a 0.4% solution of the dye indigo carmine, which is excreted in the urine. Through a cystoscope, the release of this substance from the ureters is observed. Normally, a stream of greenish-blue, indigo carmine-stained urine should be released from each ureter 3-5 minutes after intravenous administration. If it is impossible to administer indigo carmine intravenously, it is administered intramuscularly, then the interval is 15-20 minutes. If the release of a dye by one of the ureters is delayed, it is assumed that the excretory function of one of the kidneys is impaired or that there is an obstruction to the outflow of urine from the kidney in the form of a stone, narrowing of the ureter, compression of the ureter, etc. A delay in the release of indigo carmine from the two ureters of more than 10-12 minutes suggests a disruption in the functioning of both kidneys. If necessary, catheterization of the ureters is performed. A catheter is inserted into each ureter separately. The procedure is performed to determine the patency of the ureters, the presence of obstacles to the flow of urine in the ureters, to collect urine for analysis separately from each ureter, i.e. separately from each kidney. The procedure is carried out carefully so as not to damage the ureter. Sometimes pressure in the ureters is also measured.

Pyeloscopy.

This is a method for studying the renal collecting system. It is performed using a special ureteral catheter with a fiber optic system. First, cystoscopy is performed to examine the bladder and ureteral openings, then the ureteral catheter is carefully inserted into the renal pelvis and the inner walls of the pelvis and calyces are examined. During this study, contrast agents are introduced into the pelvicaliceal system, followed by an X-ray examination. X-ray photographs determine the size of the cups and pelvis, the presence of pathological formations in them.

X-ray diagnostics.

X-ray research methods in urology are important, sometimes decisive. To conduct an x-ray examination, the patient must be prepared. It is necessary to empty the intestines thoroughly. Before the examination, a diet with a decrease in the amount of carbohydrates is prescribed for 2-3 days. A cleansing enema is performed the evening before the examination and in the morning on the day of the examination. It is also possible to prescribe activated carbon during the day and a laxative the night before. Thus, the patient must appear for examination on an empty stomach. To prevent excess gas formation, the patient is allowed to drink some strong tea with a cracker in the morning. Gases formed in the intestines do not allow you to see the clear contours of the kidneys and other organs.

Survey radiography.

This is usually the first X-ray examination performed on a urology patient. A survey X-ray image covers almost the entire urinary tract and allows one to judge the anatomical structure of the kidney and suggest the nature of the processes occurring in it and determine further research tactics. On an x-ray you can see shadows of stones in the kidneys, urinary tract, and bladder.

Excretory urography.

With this research method, the patient is intravenously injected with a contrast agent (Ultravist, Urografin, Hypek, Triambrast), which is then excreted by the kidneys. At certain points in time, images are taken that make it possible to obtain an image of the kidneys and urinary tract and evaluate their functional state.

Infusion urography.

This is the same excretory urography, but a larger amount of contrast agent is introduced using an intravenous drip. It allows you to get a clearer image of the renal collecting system.

Retrograde ureteropyelography.

In this case, the urinary tract is filled with a contrast agent through a catheter through the ureter. Ultravist and urografin are used. This study reveals even minor changes in the calyces, papillae, pelvis and ureters.

Antegrade pyeloureterography.

In this study, the contrast agent is administered by percutaneous lumbar puncture. It is used if other methods do not allow diagnosing kidney and urinary tract diseases. It allows you to clarify the condition of the upper urinary tract and its function.

Here is a list of diseases that are within the competence of a urologist:

• All inflammatory processes of the genitourinary system - cystitis, urethritis.
• Urolithiasis disease.
• Injuries and neoplasms localized in the area of ​​the bladder and urinary tract.
• Pathologies and defects of the genital organs in men.
• Pathologies of the prostate gland.
• Diseases of the kidneys and adrenal glands.
• Infertility.

The science of urology belongs to the category of surgical specializations. Therefore, you can receive emergency surgical care directly at an appointment with a urologist.

Preparing for your appointment

A urological appointment requires a little preparation, which varies slightly for women and men. In addition to a general visual examination and history taking, the doctor also performs other diagnostic procedures. We will tell you how an examination by a urologist goes a little lower, but for now we will focus your attention on the preparation that is required before an appointment with a urologist.

How should a woman prepare?

The same as when visiting a gynecologist. A gynecological chair is used to examine women. Therefore, do not forget to bring a diaper with you for examination. The day before your visit to the doctor, you should exclude sexual contact. You should not douche before examining a urologist. There is no need to perform genital hygiene using disinfectant solutions (furacilin, chlorhexidine). The doctor will need to take tests, and after using medicinal solutions, the indicators may be unreliable.

How to prepare for a man?

For men, in addition to the hygienic toilet of the genital organs, the following is required:

• Avoid sexual intercourse for 2 days before being examined.
• Cleansing enema. Cleaning the rectum is necessary so that the doctor can perform a digital examination of the prostate gland through the rectum. Do not be scared or embarrassed by the erection that occurs during such an examination - this is normal. It's worse if an erection does not occur. A cleansing enema can be replaced by taking a laxative the day before.

According to experts

It is best to do a urine test before your first visit to the urologist. This will make it easier to make the correct diagnosis. Moreover, you still have to take such an analysis.

It is also advisable to start keeping a log of symptoms a few days before the examination by a urologist:

• Write down how many times a day you urinate;
• in what area does the pain occur and how severe is it;
• what you ate and drank during the day;
• Try to trace the connection between diet and lifestyle and worsening or improving symptoms.

This will be very helpful when you discuss your problem with your doctor and ask him questions.

How is the first examination by a urologist?

As your appointment with your urologist progresses, you can expect a lengthy discussion about your symptoms.

The urologist may ask various questions, such as:

• How often do symptoms occur and when did they first appear?
• Do they bother you a lot?
• Do you ever have blood in your urine? If yes, how often?
• Have you had urinary tract disease in the past?
• Do you suffer from high blood pressure?
• Do your relatives have any diseases of the genitourinary system?
• Have you ever had episodes of urinary incontinence?

The doctor may also perform a digital examination of the prostate gland and a quick ultrasound scan of the bladder. Don't worry, this is not an invasive procedure.

It is important to know. Although a urologist will primarily ask questions about the condition of the genitourinary system, there is a chance that your urological problem is actually related to other systems of the body. Be prepared to give your urologist a complete list of all medications you take, including any prescription medications. It is advisable to make this list in advance.

After completing the examination, the doctor will discuss a treatment plan with you. This usually includes additional tests and tests that must be performed either at the time of the current visit or at subsequent visits.

Such studies may include:

• blood tests;
• testosterone level analysis;
• Ultrasound of the kidneys, bladder, and prostate;
• cystoscopy;
• CT or MRI to evaluate the condition of the kidneys or pelvic organs;
• biopsy of the bladder or prostate gland.

Through these procedures, the specialist will be able to determine the correct course of action to take for your treatment. You should not prescribe folk remedies for prostatitis and other diseases without first consulting your urologist.

What to expect at your doctor's appointment? Step by step

1. First, the doctor talks with the patient. He asks how the person is feeling, what problems are bothering him. To get a more complete picture of the disease, the doctor asks leading questions and finds out how symptoms change depending on the situation. The urologist must also familiarize himself with the patient’s life history, that is, find out what and when the person was sick with. It is especially important for him to ask about the presence of genitourinary diseases in a person’s life.
2. Examination on the couch. The doctor will ask you to strip down to your underwear and lie on your back. This way he will be able to palpate the kidneys and adjacent organs.
3. An appointment with a urologist for men also includes examination and palpation of the external genitalia: penis, scrotum. This is not painful at all and does not lead to unpleasant sensations if the tissues of these organs are not affected by pathology.
4. Prostate examination. It is carried out only through the rectum. To do this, the patient will need to take a knee-elbow position or squat, having first removed all clothing below the waist. The doctor will insert a gloved finger lubricated with glycerin into the patient's rectum and palpate his prostate. This is a rather unpleasant procedure, but pain occurs only if the prostate is inflamed. Examination of the prostate may be accompanied by an erection. There is nothing wrong with this, even if you are being examined by a woman’s urologist - such a reaction should normally occur during this manipulation, the doctor does not experience any personal feelings. Rather, on the contrary, when palpating the prostate gland, it is important for a doctor, no matter what gender, not only to assess the size, density and uniformity of the gland itself, but also to analyze the level of erection.

What procedures can a urologist do during an appointment?

• takes a smear from the urethra (the woman needs to lie down on a gynecological chair for this)
• massages the prostate
• takes the secretion (“juice”) of the prostate for examination
• corrects paraphimosis
• catheterizes the bladder
• bougienates the urethra, that is, passes a metal probe through the urethra under local anesthesia
• removes small tumors on the external genitalia with an electrocoagulator
• produces shading of the seminal tubercle
• removes a foreign body from the urethra
• changes the indwelling urinary catheter
• injects medications into the bladder through a catheter
• performs diaphanoscopy of the scrotum
• changes dressings and removes stitches after urological operations
• performs suturing of small wounds on the male genitals
• opens boils on the male genitals
• cuts adhesions on the foreskin
• prescribes and can independently perform ultrasound of the scrotum, ultrasound of the prostate, cystoscopy and other instrumental methods.

How to understand what you need to see a urologist?

There are two types of urinary tract infection:

• Lower urinary tract infections, which involve inflammation or irritation of the urethra and bladder.
• Upper urinary tract infections (this includes the kidneys and ureters).

An appointment with a urologist is necessary if the following symptoms of lower urinary tract infection appear::

• You feel slight discomfort in the abdomen, and urination becomes a problem.
• Pain or burning appears during urination.
• The urge to urinate has become more frequent, including at night.
• You are unable to control your urination.
• Periodically, there is a feeling that the bladder is not completely emptied.
• The urine began to smell very strong.
• The color of the urine changed, became cloudy, and blood appeared in it.
• You feel pain in your lower abdomen and unexplained fatigue.

What can a urologist find?

• Inflammation of the urethra – urethritis.
• Sexually transmitted infections: ureaplasmosis, candidiasis, mycoplasmosis, gonorrhea, etc.
• Inflammatory processes affecting the foreskin and head of the penis (balanoposthitis), epididymis and testicles (orchiepididymitis), seminal vesicles (vesiculitis), prostate gland (prostatitis), bladder (cystitis), kidneys (pyelonephritis).

For timely diagnosis of genitourinary diseases, a man must undergo a preventive examination at least twice a year. In the early stages, all urological diseases are quickly and successfully treated and do not cause serious complications. If you are sexually active or over forty years old, visiting a urologist is a must. Put aside false modesty and prejudice: taking care of your men's health is a truly adult act.

Prevention of urological diseases

To avoid urological diseases, doctors recommend following simple rules:

• Underwear should fit you in size, be made from soft natural fabrics, and provide good air exchange.
• Eat right and exercise.
• Avoid casual sex. Use protective equipment.
• Don't sit on cold surfaces. Dress appropriately for the weather.
• Maintain personal hygiene.
• Get checked regularly by a specialist.

How to choose a good specialist?

In order to get an appointment with a urologist, you just need to make an appointment with him at the clinic’s reception desk. If another specialist recommends that a patient undergo a urological examination, he will prescribe additional tests for you. Many patients take them in paid laboratories in order to get results faster. Let's tell you a little medical secret. Any doctor, including a urologist, with whom you have to make an appointment, trusts the laboratory of the institution in which he works more. If you need any additional analysis using rare or expensive reagents, the urologist himself will advise you to sign up for tests in a private laboratory of a good level, in his opinion.

What if you don’t live in a metropolis, and you can’t find a urologist in your latitude? How to make an appointment, and most importantly, where to find a good specialist?

Finding a doctor these days is not difficult. The addresses of clinics and private medical institutions are easy to find on the Internet, and you can also make an appointment without leaving your home. But you want to get examined by a good doctor, and not the one whose phone number caught your eye first! Therefore, we will risk giving you some advice to guarantee high-quality and competent service.

• The easiest way to find a good urologist is in a large clinic that has a urology department.
• Insurance agents who provide individual health insurance can make an appointment with a high-class doctor. They usually know the doctors well, not only personally, but also receive feedback from patients who have already used urological services.