About Urology
The department of urology is a medical department that deals with male reproductive problems and urinary tract diseases. People who specialize in urology are called urologists. Urologists diagnose and treat problems such as urinary tract infections, kidney stones and prostate. At the same time, urologists have the ability to perform surgery.
What are the Diagnostic Methods of the Department of Urology?
The Department of Urology is responsible for diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the urinary tract and male reproductive system. Some of the diagnostic methods used in urology include:
- Urinalysis: This is a test that involves analyzing a sample of urine to check for abnormalities, such as blood, protein, or bacteria.
- Blood tests: Blood tests can be used to check kidney function, hormone levels, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, which can help to diagnose prostate cancer.
- Imaging tests: Imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasound, CT scans, MRI, and nuclear medicine scans can be used to evaluate the urinary tract and reproductive system. These tests can help to detect abnormalities such as tumors, blockages, or structural problems.
- Cystoscopy: This is a procedure that involves inserting a thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end (cystoscope) through the urethra into the bladder to examine the bladder lining and urethra.
- Urodynamics: This is a group of tests that are used to assess bladder and urinary function. They can be used to diagnose conditions such as urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, and urinary retention.
- Biopsy:It is taking a small piece of tissue from the diseased area and examining it under a microscope. In this way, cancer and other diseases can be diagnosed.
What are the Conditions that the Department of Urology Treats?
Diseases that are commonly treated in the urology department can be listed as follows:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs): A bacterial infection in the urinary tract can affect the kidneys, bladder, and urethra. Urinary tract infection is usually more common in women.
- Kidney stones:Kidney stones may occur as a result of the accumulation of substances such as calcium and oxalate in the kidneys. The most obvious symptom of kidney stones is severe pain in the back, kidneys and sides.
- Prostate problems:Various problems may occur in the prostate, which is a part of the reproductive system. The prostate may enlarge or develop cancer. Prostate cancer treatment may be easier with early detection.
- Bladder problems, such as incontinence or cancer: Bladder problems can involve a range of conditions that affect the bladder, which is a muscular sac that stores urine.Two common bladder problems are incontinence and cancer.
- Erectile dysfunction: Erectile dysfunction is the inability of men to get an erection enough to have sex or stay erect enough for a long time. It can be treated with various treatment methods.
- Male infertility: Various reasons can cause infertility in men. Infertility can be treated with various treatment methods.
- Testicular cancer: It is a type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the testicles. It can be easily treated with early diagnosis.
- Urinary incontinence: It is the incontinence of the person's urine due to various reasons. An appropriate treatment can be applied according to the underlying problem.
- Peyronie's disease (curvature of the penis): The penis is curved. If the degree of curvature is high, it can be treated with surgical methods.
- Overactive bladder syndrome: Urgent urination as a result of an involuntary contraction of the bladder muscles. It can be treated in various ways.
- Interstitial cystitis (chronic inflammation of the bladder): It occurs as a result of inflammation and irritation in the bladder. As a result of this inflammation in the bladder, there may be conditions such as pain and frequent urination.
- Urethral stricture: If urethra becomes narrow or blocked it is called a stricture. It can be congenital or develop later in life.
- Hydronephrosis: Hydronephrosis is a condition in which the kidney becomes enlarged due to a build-up of urine caused by a blockage or obstruction in the urinary tract. The condition can be reversible if diagnosed and treated early
- Vesicoureteral reflux: Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is a condition in which urine flows backwards from the bladder into the ureters and potentially into the kidneys.It’s most commonly seen in children and failure to treat can cause kidney damage in long term.
- Hematuria: Hematuria is a medical term that refers to the presence of blood in the urine. The blood can be visible to the naked eye, resulting in pink or red urine, or it can be detected only with laboratory testing.
- Urinary tract cancers: Male and female urinary tract cancers refer to cancers that occur in the organs and tissues that make up the urinary tract. The urinary tract includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Female reproductive cancers are treated by gynecological oncologists.
- Ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction: Ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction is a condition in which the flow of urine is blocked or slowed at the point where the ureter connects to the kidney. This can cause urine to back up into the kidney and cause hydronephrosis
- Varicoceles: Varicoceles are enlarged veins that occur in the scrotum. The condition is similar to varicose veins that can occur in the legs, and it is relatively common. The treatment usually calls for surgery.
- Congenital abnormalities affecting the urogenital system: A wide range of anomalies can occur during fetal development. Some severe congenital abnormalities affecting the urogenital system may even be diagnosed before birth.
Urologists also provide care for individuals who require urinary catheterization and those with neurogenic bladder dysfunction, which is bladder dysfunction caused by a neurological disorder.
What are the Urology Treatment Methods?
Urology treatment methods vary depending on the specific condition being treated, but some common treatment methods include:
- Medications: Medications may be prescribed to manage or treat a variety of urological conditions, such as infections, prostate enlargement, and urinary incontinence.
- Surgery: Surgery may be recommended to treat conditions such as kidney stones, bladder cancer, or prostate cancer. Surgery may also be used to repair anatomical abnormalities, such as urethral strictures or bladder exstrophy.
- Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy may be used in combination with surgery or as an alternative to surgery to treat certain types of cancers, such as prostate cancer or bladder cancer.
- Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL): ESWL uses shockwaves to break up kidney stones, allowing them to pass more easily. Can be used to treat impotence as well
- Minimally invasive procedures: These procedures are typically less invasive than traditional surgery and involve using specialized tools to access and treat the affected area. Examples include laparoscopic surgery, robotic-assisted surgery, and endoscopic procedures.
- Behavioral therapies: Therapies such as pelvic exercises and bladder training can be applied to control urinary incontinence and other urological conditions.
Female Urology
Female urology is a branch of urology that specializes in identifying and treating diseases of the female pelvic floor and urinary system. In addition to urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and urinary tract infections, urologists with a focus on female urology are educated to treat a variety of other disorders.
The anatomy of the organs in the female urinary tract is quite similar to the male counterpart. The female bladder, ureters, and kidneys are identical in function and appearance to the male bladder, ureters, and kidneys. However, the female urethra is shorter than the male urethra, which increases the chance of urinary tract infections in women.
The treatment of the female urinary tract and reproductive system is the only emphasis of female urology, which is distinct from male urology. Women-specific urological problems, such as urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse, can be diagnosed and treated by urologists who specialize in female urology. They can also provide care throughout pregnancy and childbirth.
Overall, urology is a significant medical field that focuses on treating problems with the male reproductive system and urinary tract. A wide range of ailments that might impact these systems can be diagnosed and treated by urologists, who can also assist patients in maintaining their reproductive and urinary health.
USHAŞ - Urology Experts You Can Trust!
Urology is a vital medical specialty that plays a crucial role in the health and well-being of individuals. USHAŞ helps promote the services provided in the field of international health services in Turkey. The aim of HealthTürkiye is to support and coordinate the activities of the private and public sectors for health tourism.Find out more about the wide range of services, including the diagnosis and treatment of conditions that affect the urinary tract and male reproductive system, such as urinary tract infections, prostate cancer, and male infertility.