FAQ
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Frequently asked questions
Would you like to find out more about urological conditions?
What should you expect as urological patient?
Check out for your answer below
What is urology?
Urology is a medical specialty concerned with conditions and diseases of the genital and urinary tract in men, women and children. Urologists also diagnose and treat disorders of the male reproductive system.
What age should you have a prostate exam?
Men at average risk of prostate cancer should have this discussion starting at age 50. Men at higher than average risk (family history and racial/ethnic background) should have the discussion starting at age 40 or 45
Who is most likely to get prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in men.
Family history and racial/ethnic background are associated with an increased PCa incidence suggesting a genetic predisposition. Prostate cancer mainly affects men over 50, and risk increases as you get older
What is prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer is cancer that occurs in the prostate. The prostate is a small walnut-shaped gland in men that produces the seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men.
What happens at your first urology appointment?
During your first office visit you will be asked to complete a questionnaire about your medical problems, including medical history, medications, allergies, and social history. Then, you will see the urologist who will ask you specific questions and he will visit you.
What does blood in urine mean?
The presence of blood in the urine is called hematuria. Gross hematuria is when urine is red at your sight. Microscopic hematuria is when blood is detected through urine analysis only. Blood in urine should always be investigated since it can be a sign that something is wrong in the urinary tract.
What is Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL) for kidney stone?
SWL is a urological procedure that uses an external source of shock waves to break a kidney or ureteral stone into small pieces which can be more easily eliminated from the body through the urine.
Is Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL) painful? How much time does it take? What should I expect after SWL?
SWL is usually well tolerated. Besides, pain killers or some form of anaesthesia (regional or general) can be administered before SWL in order to avoid any discomfort. It takes about 20 to 30 minutes to perform. After the procedure, you can find stone fragments in the urine along with traces of blood.
Is prostate biopsy painful? How much time does it take? What should I expect after prostate biopsy?
Prostate biopsy is usually well tolerated. Local or general anesthesia is usually administered to avoid pain and discomfort. It takes 20 to 30 minutes to perform. Blood in the urine (hematuria) and in the semen (hematospermia) can be seen for a few days following the procedure.
What are urology problems?
Urologic diseases or conditions include urinary tract infections, kidney stones, bladder control problems, and prostate problems, among others. Some urologic conditions last only a short time, while others are long-lasting.
How does a urologist check your prostate?
For men with prostate issues, a digital rectal exam is standard. This allows the doctor to physically examine the prostate. Other tests may include a urethral swab, to rule out any sexually transmitted diseases, and blood work to check your PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) level.
What is a PSA reading?
The PSA test is a blood test used primarily to screen for prostate cancer. The test measures the amount of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in your blood. PSA is a protein produced by both cancerous and noncancerous tissue in the prostate, a small gland that sits below the bladder in men.
What is usually the first sign of testicular cancer?
Usually, an enlarged testicle or a small lump or area of hardness are the first signs of testicular cancer. Any lump, enlargement, hardness, pain, or tenderness should be evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible.
What is a renal colic?
Renal colic is a type of pain you get when urinary stones block part of your urinary tract. Your urinary tract includes your kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. You can get stones anywhere in your urinary tract.
What exactly is a erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get or keep an erection firm enough to have sexual intercourse. It is sometimes referred to as impotence, although this term is now used less often. Occasional ED is not uncommon. Many men experience it during times of stress.
What are the advantages of a laparoscopy over open surgery?
Laparoscopy has the advantages of avoiding big surgical wounds and incision thus reducing blood loss and pain. After a laparoscopic procedure, patients are more likely to return home quickly.
What is prostate biopsy?
Prostate biopsy is the procedure to remove samples of tissue from the prostate. It is requested by the urologist typically when either prostate specific antigen (PSA) is elevated or an abnormal lump is detected during prostate examination.