Planning a visit to urologist? Most men are nervous about the visit. They have several queries and apprehensions in their mind about the visit and results it might render. However, the process is simpler than you think. All you need to do is trust your urologist and prepare for the meeting in advance.

It really helps to understand who these specialists are. Urologists are physicians who specialize in the genitourinary tract:

– Urinary bladder

– Kidneys

– Urethra

– Adrenal glands

– Male reproductive organs

– Male fertility

These specialists are also trained in the medical and surgical treatment of diseases affecting the above listed organs.

Wondering what to expect on your first visit to urologist? Here is what it’s like to visit a specialist in urology:

Urine Specimen

The meeting will typically start with providing urologist with a urine specimen. Hence, it is advised to avoid visiting the office with an empty bladder. Most urological conditions might prevent you from being able to hold urine in. So make sure you inform the office staff that you are prepared to provide them with the specimen. Do this as soon as you arrive.

Paper Work

All visits to urologist must involve some kind of assorted paper work. This might include a set of opinion polls to help evaluate the severity your ailment. You might be asked to rate certain things on this poll or questionnaire such as the symptoms of lower urinary tract, sexual health, and incontinence. Some urologists may also ask you to complete a “voiding diary”. This is to record times and amounts of urination in case, you experience incontinence issues.

Inside the Exam Room

You will enter an exam room and a staff member will record your detailed medical history. It will focus on your genitourinary system and what your underlying problem is and also involve a complete review of all body systems. Disease of other systems can help diagnose urologic problems. Be prepared to provide a complete list of all your medications, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins and supplements that you take. If you think you may not recall the names of everything you take, bring all your medications with you.

A Physical Exam

Expect your urologist to perform a physical exam. The main focus will be on the genitourinary system. The specialist will evaluate other systems too. A genital exam will also be performed by the physician in addition to a digital rectal exam for examining the condition of prostate.

A Treatment Plan

Once the examination is successfully finished, the urologist will discuss a treatment plan. This plan is created specifically for you to determine what is happening. The plan usually involves additional tests. The doctor might conduct these tests during this visit or at second visit (more commonly). The primary aim of a urologist is to assess functioning of kidney, blood counts, analyze testosterone levels or examine PSA (prostate-specific antigen).

Imaging Studies

The best urologist you visit will order imaging studies. These may include sonography of the prostate, bladder, or kidneys. An imaging scan may also be done to visualize certain organs in detail and clearly.

Ambulatory Procedure

It is possible that the urologist recommends an office-based ambulatory procedure. This may be any of the following:

– A Cystoscopy – A minimally invasive procedure to examine urethra and the bladder

– Urodynamics – The urologist may also perform to assess bladder functionality for patients with incontinence

– A biopsy

The Takeaway

Experts recommend focused, detailed, and regular visits to urologist office. This will help doctors to determine the exact cause of symptoms and appropriate course of action for treating those symptoms.