Urologists

What is a urologist and what is their role?

A urologist is a doctor specialized in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases that affect the urinary tract and reproductive system. This specialty is not limited only to men's health, as many think, but also covers issues related to women's and pediatric health. The urologist is essential in treating conditions such as urinary infections, kidney stones, sexual dysfunction, problems related to the prostate, urinary incontinence, and even urological cancer.

Their role goes beyond the treatment of diseases; the urologist also works in promoting preventive health, performing exams and guiding patients on habits that can improve quality of life. The urologist's work is fundamental in all phases of life, being an important specialist for the health of men, women, and children alike.

To become a urologist, the doctor needs to complete medical school, complete residency in general surgery, and specialize in urology. Many opt for subspecializations such as pediatric urology, urological oncology, andrology, or urogynecology.

Main conditions treated by urologists

Urologists treat a wide range of conditions related to the urinary and reproductive systems. These conditions can severely impact the health and quality of life of patients.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)

Common in both men and women, urinary infections can affect the bladder, kidneys, and urethra. They are more frequent in women due to female anatomy. Factors such as pregnancy, menopause, and diabetes increase the risk. Typical symptoms include burning during urination, urinary urgency, and pelvic pain. Treatment generally involves antibiotics and preventive measures such as adequate hydration.

Kidney Stones

Renal calculi cause intense pain and form due to the crystallization of mineral salts in urine. Factors such as chronic dehydration, genetic predisposition, and a diet rich in proteins contribute to their formation. Besides lithotripsy, which breaks stones with shock waves, treatments include pain medications and procedures such as ureteroscopy when necessary.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Common in men over 50, BPH causes enlargement of the prostate and difficulties urinating. It affects approximately 50% of men over 60 years old. Symptoms include weak urinary stream, nocturia, and a feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder. Treatment may involve medications, minimally invasive therapies, or surgical procedures.

Erectile Dysfunction

Affects approximately 52% of men between 40 and 70 years old to some degree, often being an indicator of other health conditions. Therapeutic options include oral medications, intraurethral therapies, injections, vacuum devices, and, in refractory cases, penile implants. The psychological approach is also fundamental.

Urological Cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common among men, mainly affecting those over 65 years old. Screening through PSA and digital rectal examination is fundamental. Bladder cancer is frequently associated with smoking, while kidney cancer is often asymptomatic in early stages. Treatments range from surgeries to personalized molecular target therapies.

Common exams and procedures performed by urologists

Cystoscopy

This examination allows direct visualization of the interior of the bladder and urethra using a thin and flexible instrument equipped with a camera. It is fundamental for the diagnosis of recurrent urinary infections, tumors, or stones in the bladder. During the exam, the urologist can collect samples for biopsy or remove small calculi. It is particularly important in the follow-up of patients with a history of bladder cancer.

Prostate Biopsy

When there is suspicion of prostate cancer, a biopsy is performed to confirm or rule out the presence of cancerous cells. New techniques such as transperineal biopsy and image fusion-guided biopsy have improved diagnostic accuracy. During the procedure, multiple samples are collected for pathological analysis, which will determine the presence and aggressiveness of cancer through the Gleason score.

Lithotripsy

This procedure uses shock waves to fragment kidney stones, facilitating their elimination without invasive surgery. Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) is performed with the patient on a special table, with equipment that generates waves directed at the renal calculus. Its effectiveness varies according to the size, composition, and location of the stone.

Urological Ultrasound

Non-invasive and painless examination that observes kidneys, bladder, and prostate, detecting calculi, tumors, or anomalies. Renal ultrasound evaluates the size and structure of the kidneys; vesical examines the bladder; and prostatic, which can be abdominal or transrectal, evaluates prostatic volume and possible nodules. Resources such as Doppler and elastography bring additional information about vascularization and tissue rigidity.

Technological advances and innovations in urology

Robotic Surgery

Robotic surgery allows more precise procedures, with fewer risks and faster recovery. The Da Vinci system provides an enlarged three-dimensional vision and instruments with articulation superior to human hands. It benefits procedures such as radical prostatectomy, partial nephrectomy, and complex reconstructions of the urinary tract, resulting in less blood loss and shorter hospital stays.

Genetic and Stem Cell Therapies

Research with stem cells shows potential for regeneration of damaged urinary tissues and treatment of erectile dysfunction. Gene therapy is being investigated for resistant bladder cancer, modifying cells to increase their susceptibility to medications or stimulate the immune response. For hereditary kidney diseases, genetic editing techniques such as CRISPR-Cas9 are being explored.

Non-Invasive Treatments for Kidney Stones

Besides lithotripsy, new technologies include digital flexible ureteroscopy with high-definition cameras and advanced lasers such as Holmium:YAG and Thulium Fiber Laser for more efficient pulverization of stones. Computer-assisted navigation systems allow precise planning for removal of complex calculi, while research with medications for stone dissolution advances.

How to choose a qualified urologist

Qualifications and specializations

Verify the urologist's credentials, including academic background and specializations. A qualified professional should have completed medical residency in urology and possess a specialist title granted by the Brazilian Society of Urology. For specific conditions, look for professionals with subspecialization in the area. Affiliation with reference hospitals can also indicate qualification and access to advanced technological resources.

Patient Reviews

Consult reviews from other patients to understand the style of care and quality of service. Medical evaluation sites, support groups, and personal recommendations can provide insights about punctuality, attention during consultations, and availability for clarifications. Professionals who demonstrate empathy and respect generally provide more positive experiences, especially in urological issues that involve intimate aspects.

Initial Counseling

Observe if the urologist performs a complete anamnesis, questions about your medical history, and answers your doubts in accessible language. A good professional explains in detail the diagnosis, necessary exams, and therapeutic options. Also evaluate the office structure and ease of scheduling. The doctor-patient relationship based on trust is fundamental for treatment adherence and positive results.

The Importance of regular consultations with urologists

Many urological conditions do not present obvious symptoms in the early stages, making regular follow-up with a urologist essential.

Digital Rectal Examination and PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen)

For men over 50, these exams are essential to detect problems in the prostate, including cancer. The digital rectal exam allows evaluation of size, consistency, and presence of nodules in the prostate, while PSA is a blood marker whose increase may indicate prostatic alterations. The combination of the two significantly increases diagnostic accuracy. Men with risk factors should start screening at age 45.

Urine and Culture Tests

Type I urine test (urinalysis) can reveal blood, proteins, leukocytes, and other alterations indicative of urological problems. Urine culture identifies bacteria in the urine and determines effective antibiotics. For people with recurrent infections, diabetes, or compromised immunity, these tests should be performed periodically. New technologies are expanding non-invasive diagnostic possibilities in urology.

It is important to demystify urological consultations and overcome embarrassment, especially among men. The periodic consultation allows integral evaluation of urogenital health, preventive guidance, and clarification of doubts about intimate health.

Factors that Influence urological health

Healthy Diet

Diets rich in fiber, fruits, and vegetables help maintain urinary tract health and prevent kidney stones. Adequate water intake (2-3 liters daily) is fundamental to dilute urine. Foods rich in antioxidants benefit prostatic health. To prevent renal calculi, moderate consumption of animal protein, salt, and foods rich in oxalate. Avoid excess caffeine and alcohol, which can irritate the bladder.

Physical Exercise

Regular physical activity contributes to prostatic health and control of conditions that affect urinary function. Physically active men have a lower incidence of prostatic hyperplasia and urinary symptoms. Kegel exercises are beneficial for people with urinary incontinence. Avoid high-impact exercises after urological surgeries or in cases of pelvic prolapse.

Stress Reduction

Chronic stress elevates hormones that can interfere with sexual function and exacerbate conditions such as chronic prostatitis and pelvic pain. Techniques such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing, and acupuncture are effective for stress management. Adequate sleep is essential, as its deprivation increases stress levels and can contribute to problems such as nocturia and erectile dysfunction.

Avoid risk behaviors such as smoking, the main modifiable factor for bladder cancer, and excessive alcohol consumption, which causes dehydration and hormonal imbalance.

Urology and sexual health

Urology plays an essential role in sexual health. Problems such as erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and pain during sexual intercourse can be treated with urological help, whether due to physical, psychological, or hormonal causes.

The World Health Organization recognizes sexual health as a fundamental component of well-being. The urologist, often in collaboration with other specialists, treats various sexual dysfunctions. In the male sphere, besides erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation, conditions such as decreased libido and Peyronie's disease are treated by the subspecialty of andrology.

For women, the urologist treats conditions such as dyspareunia related to urinary infections, painful bladder syndrome, and incontinence during sexual intercourse.

Modern treatments are increasingly personalized and multidisciplinary, including medications, hormonal therapies, shock waves, and minimally invasive procedures. The contemporary urologist adopts a holistic approach, considering psychological, relational, and sociocultural aspects of sexuality.

Telemedicine has expanded access to urological consultations for sexual health issues, facilitating initial evaluations in a more comfortable environment for patients who feel embarrassment. Adequate sexual education and demystification of problems are also part of the role of the modern urologist.

Why choose a urologist consultation at AvaliaMed?

Opting for a consultation with a urologist at AvaliaMed is ensuring specialized care in men's health and the urinary system, with highly qualified professionals committed to your well-being. At AvaliaMed, our urologists offer precise diagnoses and personalized treatments for various urological conditions, from prostate problems, sexual dysfunctions, and infertility to kidney stones and urinary infections.

Whether for preventive prostate check-ups, treatment of urinary incontinence, vasectomy, or kidney health care, the urologist professionals at AvaliaMed are prepared to offer the best medical support. By choosing AvaliaMed, you guarantee dedicated care with specialists who prioritize your quality of life and urological well-being.

Schedule your consultation and experience the benefits of being attended by reference urologists on our platform.