A urologist is a medical professional that diagnoses and treats conditions relating to the urinary tract in both males and females. In males, urologists typically treat disorders to the prostate and reproductive system, including male-factor infertility, while in females, urologist offer treatment on conditions affecting the kidneys, the ureter, the urethra, and the bladder.
What is a urologist?
A urologist is a medical doctor that diagnoses and treats diseases of the genito-urinary tract. Urologists can treat anyone regardless of age or gender. Urologists may also help diagnose and treat diseases that affect the male reproductive system and male fertility.
What a urologist treats
A urologist may treat:
Urologists also perform vasectomies, vasectomy reversals, sperm extractions for in vitro fertilization, gender-affirming genital reconstruction, and other surgeries.
Seeing a urologist for male fertility
In addition to being experts in the urinary tract, urologists are experts in the male reproductive system, including the penis and testicles. Andrologist-urologists, doctors who did additional training in sperm health and male fertility, are the proper specialists to treat male-factor infertility.
Urologist vs. gynecologist vs. reproductive endocrinologist
Gynecologists are doctors that specialize in reproductive health care for people with ovaries. It’s generally recommended to visit a gynecologist every one to two years for preventive purposes. Gynecologists can address basic questions about fertility, can note potential issues or concerns related to your fertility during an exam, and refer you to a reproductive endocrinologist.
Couples who have been trying to become pregnant for 12 months or more (or six months if over the age of 35) may see a reproductive endocrinologist, also known as a fertility specialist. They will perform an evaluation and standard tests like a semen analysis, blood tests, and ultrasound.
Those who are experiencing male-factor infertility, sexual dysfunction, or issues with their urinary tract may also want to see a urologist in tandem with a reproductive endocrinologist.
Training for a urologist
To become a urologist, a person must first earn their Bachelor’s degree and complete four years of medical school programs. After graduating medical school, urologists typically continue their education with a minimum of five years of specialist training. Some urologists may also do subspecialty training in andrology, oncology, or other niches.