What does a urologist do?

A urologist is a physician who has advanced training in the medical and surgical management of diseases of the urinary tract in both men and women. This includes the adrenal glands, kidneys, bladder, prostate gland, and the male reproductive system. Their training requires four years of medical school and five to six years of surgical residency.

What can I expect at my first visit?

The majority of patients are referred to our office through primary care physicians. Your urologist will review all the prior tests related to your symptoms. Often we will order or perform more specific tests, or procedures to establish your diagnosis. We then establish a treatment plan which may involve medication or surgery.

Do urologist treat women?

Yes, urologist treat the urinary system. Problems with the kidneys and bladder in women are managed by urologist.

I have a kidney stone and my doctor wants to place a ureteral stent. What is a stent?

A stent is a soft, thin, flexible tube that is placed into the ureter. The ureter is the tube that drains urine from the kidney into the bladder. When stones become lodged in the ureter, the kidney can become obstructed which causes the severe pain that people experience with stones. A stent allows the urine to pass properly around the stone. They protect the kidney from damage until the stone can be safely removed.

Stents may cause some side discomfort, urinary frequency while they are in place. These symptoms will resolve once the stone is taken care of and the stent removed.