Urology

INTRODUCTION

It is very common that when a person reaches the age of 40, he catches many diseases. And very easily, we tend to ignore them by not visiting our doctors for checkups. One of those diseases is urological issues which means problems related to the urinary tract. As per reports, males get UTIs lesser than females, but still, it is noted that 12% of males get UTIs in their lifetime. 

WHAT IS UROLOGY?

Generally, the term "urology" refers to diseases of the urinary tract and reproductive organs in men and women. Problems in the penis, testes, scrotum, prostate, etc. are treated via urological help. 
Urological diseases start with basic symptoms like frequent urination, pain during urination, etc., but it is recommended by the doctors not to ignore them and visit a urologist near you for proper consultation. One must ensure early diagnosis and appropriate treatment is done under their supervision.

WHO IS A UROLOGIST?

A specialized doctor - one who diagnoses and treats diseases of the urinary tract and reproductive parts.

A urologist treats all parts of the male reproductive system, which comprises of the -

• Penis - an organ that releases urine and carries sperm out of the body.
• Prostate - the gland below the bladder which adds fluid to sperm for producing semen.
• Testicles - the two oval organs inside the scrotum that make the hormone testosterone and produce sperm. 

Either by medications, or surgery, or other ways, urologists help in treating the reproductive tract of males and females. 

WHAT ARE SOME COMMON MEN’S UROLOGICAL HEALTH ISSUES?

Urologists help in treating a wide variety of conditions that affect the urinary system and male reproductive system.
Some of them are;

1. ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION is the incapability of getting or keeping an erection firm enough to have sexual intercourse. It may occur due to stress, emotional or relationship difficulties. 
   Common causes of erectile dysfunction are obesity, high blood pressure, urinary tract infections, sleep disorders, high use of alcohol, etc.
2. To get erectile dysfunction treated properly, one must consult a specialist in urology. They have many options to treat this problem. Like medications, talk therapy, sex therapy, vacuum pumps, injection therapy, etc.
3. INFERTILITY occurs when a couple is not able to conceive after having regular unprotected sex. Infertility in men may cause due to low sperm count, low sperm mobility, abnormal sperm.
   Up to 2 percent of men are deemed to have suboptimal sperm.
   Urologists may perform specific methods like retrograde ejaculation, blockage of the ejaculatory duct, varicocele, too, etc. to treat infertility in men.
4. ENLARGED PROSTATE is a very common condition in men aged over 50. It is a benign (non-cancerous) enlargement of the prostate that blocks the flow of urine through the urethra. This condition creates a need to urinate frequently as the urine remains in the bladder and it is not completely emptied. Urologists use the BPH impact index to understand how severe the problem is. 
   Laser surgeries, herbal therapies, medications, lifestyle medications are usually suggested by the top urologists as the treatment of enlarged prostates.
5. URINARY TRACT INFECTION (UTIs) is an infection caused by the bacteria present in the urinary tract. Most often these bacteria get flushed out while urinating, but if they start multiplying, it develops an infection. It may be sensed if one feels pain during urination, occasional blood in the urine, dark or cloudy urine, etc. 
   These infections may develop due to the following reasons -
   • Improper personal hygiene promotes the growth of bacterias, leading to infections.
   • Infrequent voiding allows bacteria a longer period to stay in the bladder, where they multiply and cause infections. 
   • Weak immunity is also a cause due to which we are not capable of fighting bacteria and their infections. 
   • Unprotected sexual activity helps in the development of bacteria, which again promotes infections. 

HOW CAN A UROLOGIST HELP YOU?

A urologist is required to perform some tests to understand the situation. They perform a CT scan, MRI scan, or ultrasound to see inside the urinary tract. They may even use a urine sample to check for infection-causing bacteria.
Urologists are trained enough to perform surgeries also, which are performed to -

• Open a blockage
• Repair of damage due to injury
• Repair of urinary organs that are not performing well
• Kidney transplant
• Removing the bladder to treat cancer
• Extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy to break up kidney stones so that they can be removed easily.

WHEN SHOULD WE SEE A UROLOGIST?

One must book an appointment with a urologist if any of the following symptoms are visible.

• Blood in the urine
• A frequent or urgent need to urinate
• Pain or burning during urination
• Trouble urinating
• Urine leakage
• Weak urine flow, dribbling
• Decreased sexual desire
• Lump in the testicle
• Trouble getting or keeping an erection

CONCLUSION

We understand that nowadays due to heavy workload and stress level, nobody can concentrate on their mental or physical health properly, but ignoring our health may cause many serious issues, that we have come to know via this article. Maintaining a proper diet and exercise routine can help us to reduce the risks of many disorders. We should always maintain a work-life balance to keep our bodies healthy and the above-mentioned conditions at bay. To keep a check, book your appointment with us for getting specialized consultations by urologists near you. 

Treating any urologic condition at its earliest is essential. We at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Kanpur have an experienced team of urologists having wide exposure to treating all disorders of the urinary system. 

Call us at 18605002244 to schedule a consultation at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Kanpur.