A urologist is a physician and surgeon who is primarily concerned with disorders of both male and female genitourinary tracts, including diseases of the adrenal glands, kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. In addition, a urologist’s expertise encompasses the male organs. Women may consult a urologist with concerns such as incontinence, kidney stones and urinary tract infections. Men may additionally address problems such as erectile dysfunction, prostate problems, vasectomy, infertility and sexually transmitted diseases. While physicians representing overlapping medical disciplines may be consulted, men and women should consider a urologist as the specialist of choice when problems of the urinary tract and male organs first occur. In the weeks and months ahead, this column will help readers make informed decisions.
HINT: About 12 percent of men and 5 percent of women will suffer from kidney stones at some time in their lives.