Urology

Regardless of age or gender, urinary system disorders can significantly affect quality of life, ranging from minor discomfort to conditions requiring complex interventions.

Urology consultations at MedicalES Pantelimon in Bucharest

MedicalES Pantelimon clinic offers urology consultations with a team of dedicated specialists and state-of-the-art medical equipment. We focus on comprehensive and careful patient evaluations and a personalized treatment plan that addresses all healthcare needs.

For appointments or additional information, you can contact us by phone at 031.433.84.00 / 0720.060.990 or through the online appointment form.

The urinary tract

The urinary tract is a system of organs responsible for producing, storing and eliminating urine from the body. This system includes:

• Kidneys, which filter blood and produce urine;
• Ureters, which transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder;
• Bladder, where urine is temporarily stored;
• Urethra, through which urine is expelled from the body.

In men, the urethra is also part of the reproductive system, serving as the channel through which sperm passes during ejaculation.

The urinary tract plays an important role in maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance in the body and eliminating waste products. Any imbalance or dysfunction in this system can lead to severe complications, affecting the patient’s overall well-being.

Urinary tract disorders

Urinary tract disorders can affect any part of the system and range from minor issues to severe conditions requiring urgent medical intervention. Some of the most common disorders include:

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract, leading to symptoms like pain during urination, frequent urination and, in severe cases, fever and back pain;
• Kidney stones, characterized by the formation of mineral and salt deposits that can obstruct the urinary tract, causing intense pain;
• Urinary incontinence, the inability to control urine flow, affecting both men and women, often due to factors like injury or hormonal changes;
• Prostate-related disorders, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate), a common urological condition in men that can cause urinary difficulties and impact quality of life.

What is urology?

Urology is a branch of medicine focused on diagnosing and treating disorders of the urinary tract in both sexes and the male reproductive system. Urologists are specialized doctors treating a wide range of issues, from urinary tract infections to more complex conditions such as kidney, bladder, or prostate cancer, as well as sexual dysfunction and male infertility. Urologists also manage traumas affecting the urinary or reproductive organs.

What is the difference between urology and nephrology?

Although both specialties focus on kidney health, urology and nephrology have different approaches and address distinct conditions. Nephrology is a medical specialty dealing exclusively with kidney diseases, focusing on medical management, including dialysis and kidney transplants. Urology, on the other hand, not only treats kidney disorders, but also addresses conditions affecting the bladder, prostate and male reproductive system.

When should men see a urologist?

Men should consult a urologist if they experience:

• Difficulty urinating, such as incomplete bladder emptying or frequent urination;
• Pain or discomfort in the pelvic or genital area;
• Symptoms of erectile dysfunction, decreased libido or infertility;
• Blood in the urine or unusual changes in its appearance;
• After the age of 50, for regular prostate check-ups to prevent issues like benign prostatic hyperplasia or prostate cancer.

When should women see a urologist?

Women should consult a urologist if they experience:

• Recurrent urinary tract infections, which can cause discomfort and long-term complications;
• Urinary incontinence caused by previous pregnancies, aging or other conditions;
• Chronic pelvic pain or frequent urination;
• Interstitial cystitis, characterized by pain and discomfort in the bladder area;
• Pelvic organ prolapse, which can affect bladder function and quality of life.

What to expect during a urology consultation?

A urology consultation begins with a detailed discussion of the patient’s medical history, current symptoms, and any previous medical conditions. The doctor will ask about the frequency and quality of urination, any pain or discomfort and other symptoms related to the urinary or reproductive systems. Following this initial assessment, the doctor may perform a physical examination, which could include palpation of the abdomen and pelvic area to detect abnormalities. For men, a rectal examination may be performed to evaluate the size and shape of the prostate.

Depending on the symptoms presented, the urologist may recommend additional tests (blood and urine analyses, imaging studies). The results of these tests help establish a diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan.

What conditions do urologists treat?

The most common conditions treated by urologists include:

• Urinary tract infections;
• Kidney stones;
• Benign prostatic hyperplasia;
• Prostate cancer;
• Urinary incontinence;
• Erectile dysfunction;
• Male infertility;
• Kidney cancer;
• Bladder cancer;
• Testicular cancer.

Urologists also treat urinary tract traumas and other less common conditions, such as interstitial cystitis and pelvic organ prolapse.