Urologists are medical doctors that specialize in the surgical and medical treatment of male and female urinary tract disorders. These may include kidney stones, cancer, bladder issues, incontinence, urethra blockage, sexual dysfunction, etc. Urology is a challenging field to work in because it requires time-consuming research and highly technical procedures. So to become a urologist, plenty of dedication and hard work is required. This article looks at some of the most common problems Michael Rotman, MD, a urologist n New York, can help treat.
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Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are one of the most common problems that urologists deal with. A kidney stone is a solid material that forms in the kidney out of dissolved minerals in the urine. For most people, the kidneys simply pass these small stones without any problem through their urinary system along with their urine. However, they can lead to severe pain and even infections for some patients. So if anyone around you has kidney stones, do not take them lightly and consult a urologist immediately.
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Incontinence
Another common problem that urologists deal with is incontinence. Incontinence means losing bladder control, making it impossible to hold urine until reaching a restroom. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive Kidney Diseases, about 1 in 3 adults over age 60 suffers from incontinence. However, proper treatment can make life easier for people suffering from incontinence.
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Bladder Issues
The urinary bladder is a muscular organ that stores urine until it is removed through the urethra. Problems with this organ can make life extremely difficult for patients. For example, cystitis (bladder infection) may lead to the frequent need to urinate, pain during urination, etc. Additionally, bladder cancer is also a serious problem that urologists can diagnose and treat early on.
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Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is another common problem that urologists deal with. Prostate cancers are very common in men over the age of 50. The prostate gland is located near the bladder and produces fluid that helps transport sperm during ejaculation. Prostate cancer may spread to other parts of the body if not diagnosed early. However, by catching it early enough, urologists can often successfully treat prostate cancer.
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Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is another common problem that urologists deal with. ED means the inability to achieve or maintain an erection long enough for sexual intercourse. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive Kidney Diseases, about 5 percent of 40-year-old men are affected by ED. But in most cases, you can successfully treat it.
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Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
The prostate gland becomes larger in most men as they get older. However, this does not cause any health problems for many men. But in some cases, it can lead to an uncomfortable feeling of needing to urinate right away (urgency), difficulty in starting the flow of urine (hesitancy), a weak urinary stream, and more frequent urination at night. This condition is known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
In summary, urologists are medical doctors specializing in treating urological problems. They can help treat kidney stones, bladder issues, prostate cancer, and more.
