Urology venereology. Gynecologist, venereologist or urologist: which doctor to contact and when to contact. How to make an appointment
![Urology venereology. Gynecologist, venereologist or urologist: which doctor to contact and when to contact. How to make an appointment](https://i1.wp.com/onvenerolog.ru/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/%D0%92%D1%80%D0%B0%D1%87-%D0%B2%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%BE%D0%B3_02.png)
Urology is a branch of clinical medicine covering various specializations and areas. What diseases does a urologist treat? The professional activity of a urologist is aimed at studying, diagnosing, prescribing complex treatment and preventive measures to prevent urological diseases that disrupt the normal functions of the kidneys, adrenal glands, inflammation of the prostate gland, bladder, ureter, and urethra. A urologist also treats infectious diseases that are transmitted through sexual contact.
Urologist or?
Often patients, faced with unpleasant sensations, do not know which doctor to see urologist or ? These two branches of clinical medicine are so connected that a urologist can be called a urologist.
If urination is accompanied by pain and burning sensations, urinary incontinence appears, discharge appears from the genitals, blood appears in the urine, or lower back pain, you should immediately consult a urologist. The sooner a diagnosis is made and treatment is prescribed, the better the result will be.
Urology is closely related to such areas of clinical medicine as gynecology, andrology and pediatrics. Urology includes the following areas: urological problems in men, urological problems in women, urology of children and adolescents, urology of the elderly (geriatric).
Urological health problems
Urology helps in the treatment of infertility in men. Today, many men suffer from inflammation of the prostate gland (prostatitis), but few go to a urologist for help without taking the symptoms of the disease seriously. A urologist will diagnose and prescribe treatment to stop the progression of the insidious disease. You need to go to a urologist for help if your bladder or kidneys are inflamed, or if you are bothered by stones in the bladder. Urologist carries out treatment of infectious diseases that often occur in patients and are transmitted through sexual contact (genital herpes, chlamydia and others).
Urological diseases in women affect inflammation of the bladder, impaired renal function, the presence of stones in the bladder, and inflammation of the genital organs. Female urology also treats infectious diseases transmitted through sexual contact (mycoplasma, genital herpes, ureaplasmosis) and other diseases.
A pediatric urologist prescribes treatment for children who exhibit symptoms of urological diseases, and also studies and treats various pathologies in the development of the genitourinary system
Visit to the urologist
The first visit to a urologist, as well as to another doctor, for any patient is some fear, a feeling of shyness (a trip to a gynecologist, urologist). At the first examination by a doctor, the patient talks about the symptoms that bother him and answers the doctor’s questions about the general condition of the body and complaints about the symptoms of the disease. The doctor will then visually examine the external genitalia and groin area.
Examining a male patient, urologist examines the patient’s genital organ and determines its condition; the condition of the scrotum is assessed; the lymph nodes in the groin area are not enlarged. The condition of the prostate gland is examined through the anus by inserting a finger and palpating the prostate. Prostatitis is a common disease in men, so men over 40 years of age are recommended to undergo regular preventive examinations by a urologist.
A urologist examines female patients on a gynecological chair. Its special device allows you to conduct an examination and make a real assessment of the condition of the internal organs of the genitourinary system. In addition, the doctor has the opportunity to examine the vaginal mucosa and assess its condition.
If the patient of the urologist is a child, the examination is carried out only if the parents are present at the appointment. Medical practice shows that parents avoid examining their children by a urologist and examine the child only by a surgeon.
Diagnosis of urological diseases
The diagnosis of the disease is made when the patient undergoes a series of laboratory tests. The patient submits urine, blood, prostate secretions and a number of other tests for laboratory tests. The examination uses endoscopy, examination with medical instruments and ultrasound. A comprehensive treatment is prescribed, during which the patient undergoes control tests. If necessary, the doctor can make adjustments to the treatment.
Operative urology
Not every urological disease can be cured without surgery. In cases of urolithiasis, surgery is often performed as a last resort to overcome the disease. Modern advances in medicine make it possible to get rid of stones without surgery using ultrasound, which destroys the stone. But, unfortunately, not all patients are indicated for such manipulation, because the general condition of the patient, the size of the stones, the possibility of their localization and other individual characteristics of the patient are taken into account.
Medical science does not stand still, and today urologists place great hope in photodynamic therapy, which was recently created but is very successfully undergoing clinical trials. The introduction of this method into practical medicine will replenish the therapeutic arsenal in the fight against certain types of tumors and their diagnosis in the early stages.
A urologist not only treats diseases and deals with prevention, but for many patients he is also a psychologist and advisor in difficult life situations. Medical practice knows cases when men asked for sterilization, and then came and begged to regain the ability to bear offspring. And moreover, these are not thoughtless actions, but mostly everyday problems and even tragedies. This is where the doctor must show his wisdom, professional and life experience, and a sense of tact in order to understand the patient and help him.
Widespread sexual liberation has led to the fact that the services of a venereologist may be required by any person. The main calling of this profession is the treatment of sexually transmitted infections and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The scope of work also includes a lot of skin pathology. Residents of megacities are often forced to consult such a doctor.
In large cities with a developed entertainment industry, for example in Moscow, these specialists have a lot of work. STDs and sexually transmitted diseases affect people of both sexes. Therefore, the question of whether to consider a venereologist a female or male doctor is not relevant. The profession allows us to treat both women and men.
Patients with symptoms of an STD always have the opportunity to see a doctor at a municipal clinic and be tested for the disease there. But practice shows that such a visit cannot be called free. We have to buy medical supplies and pay extra for tests.
An alternative is private practice doctors working on a paid basis. As a rule, these are professionals with a good store of knowledge and rich experience. They have access to the most modern diagnostic and treatment methods. Of course, the gender of the doctor himself does not matter: among highly qualified venereologists there are both men and women.
- How does an appointment with a doctor work?
- Related specialties
- Venereology and urology
- Dermatologist venereologist
- Gynecologist venereologist
- How to make an appointment
- Where is the reception taking place?
- Cost of admission
- Online consultation
- Reviews
What does a venereologist treat and do?
By the name of the specialty, you can guess the main profile of the doctor. These are services for the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases. The most common are:
![](https://i1.wp.com/onvenerolog.ru/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/%D0%92%D1%80%D0%B0%D1%87-%D0%B2%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%BE%D0%B3_02.png)
In men, the doctor treats acute and chronic infectious diseases of the urethra, prostate, and reproductive organs. It is impossible to engage in treatment and achieve success without a thorough diagnosis.
The venereologist uses a variety of tests:
![](https://i2.wp.com/onvenerolog.ru/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/%D0%92%D1%80%D0%B0%D1%87-%D0%B2%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%BE%D0%B3_03.jpg)
The doctor decides what examinations to order and what to check after interviewing and examining the patient.
How does an appointment with a doctor work?
An experienced and qualified venereologist will try to collect as much diagnostic information about a person’s health as possible at the first visit. The consultation begins with a survey. If everything is fine with your health and you need to undergo an examination by a venereologist for preventive purposes, the doctor prescribes standard tests for sexually transmitted infections:
- Blood for syphilis.
- Scraping from the urethra for sexually transmitted infections.
- Vaginal smear.
- Urine examination.
In a modern clinic, you can undergo a full check and get results within one day. If the indicators are normal, the doctor issues a certificate stating that the person is healthy. Or makes a note in the health book or medical examination form. A common reason for seeking advice is suspicion of a sexually transmitted disease. In this case, the first stage of admission is the same as during a preventive medical examination. That is, the patient is interviewed and examined. An anamnesis is collected: complaints, when they appeared, the peculiarities of sexual life are clarified.
The next step is an examination: rashes, sores, wounds, signs of inflammation on the skin or genitals.
This is followed by the collection of diagnostic material for laboratory research. To obtain accurate data, patients need a little but important preparation before going to a venereologist.
- Light toileting of the genitals in the morning.
- Do not urinate 2-3 hours before the examination.
- Avoid sexual intercourse before going to the doctor.
- Try to arrive on an empty stomach.
It would be correct to contact the doctor in advance and clarify all the details. Specialist contacts are located on every page of the site. Indicate address, email, phone number. Calling from home and getting a preliminary consultation with a venereologist by phone is a very practical and convenient solution. There is also an online chat functionality with a doctor. Through it, you can ask any question regarding how the inspection is carried out, what preparation measures are taken. You can also clarify the specifics of the preventive examination, whether certificates from the doctor are issued indicating a normal state of health. And how best to prepare.
Related specialties
The specialization of a venereologist does not allow solving absolutely all human health problems. In difficult cases, the doctor involves an immunologist, infectious disease specialist, urologist and other related medical professions in examination and treatment. The same goes for laboratories.
For high-precision studies, diagnostic samples are sent to certified centers.
Venereology and urology
Absolutely all sexually transmitted infections and most STDs affect the genitourinary system of men and women. Because of this feature, many patients complain first to a urologist, and then come to a venereologist. These doctors have something in common: treatment of diseases of the urinary system. The main thing that distinguishes them from each other is the profile. A urologist is a surgical specialist, and a venereologist is a general practitioner. The difference becomes noticeable if removal of the prostate or bladder and kidney stones is required. Otherwise, a urologist and a venereologist treat the same infectious diseases of the lower tier of the urinary system. In this area, the line between these medical specialties is blurred. An experienced venereologist in Moscow very often provides effective therapeutic assistance to patients with urological infections.
Dermatologist venereologist
In fact, sexually transmitted diseases and skin pathologies are not very often combined. And these problems are far from the same thing. Although the name of the medical specialty “dermatovenereology” suggests the opposite. The only difference between a venereologist and a dermatologist is significant specialization in the field of infections of the reproductive organs and STDs.
Otherwise, the difference is little noticeable. A venereologist also examines patients with skin pathologies and provides consultations regarding examination and treatment. In turn, a dermatologist provides assistance to people suffering from sexually transmitted diseases.
So you shouldn’t think about what a dermatologist and venereologist treats and does. In Moscow, a doctor of dermatovenerological practice will be able to advise and treat patients of both profiles.
Gynecologist venereologist
Like a urologist, a gynecologist is a surgical specialty and this is very different from a venereologist.
What these doctors have in common is the fight against infections of the lower genital tract in women: vaginosis, vaginitis, colpitis, and so on. Therefore, if a woman has complaints about inflammation of the genital organs with signs of an STD, in Moscow you can contact a venereologist for treatment.
Privacy and anonymity
The advantage of treatment in a paid clinic is the opportunity to be examined and treated anonymously. When visiting a doctor’s office, the patient’s passport data is encrypted. And in the future, all analyzes are carried out under this code.
This way the doctor maintains the patient’s confidentiality and provides the opportunity for anonymous treatment. Advising someone to contact an anonymous office is the best thing that can be done for a person with signs of an STD.
How to make an appointment
It is better to come to an appointment with a venereologist in Moscow at a clinic or dermatovenerological dispensary (VD) by appointment. This way there is a guarantee that the doctor will be ready to see the patient. In addition, details on preparation for inspection and collection of tests are clarified in advance. The telephone number and information on how to get an appointment can be obtained on the KVD website or at the clinic reception. The specialist’s work schedule is also revealed there.
Where is the reception taking place?
Finding a place in Moscow where a qualified paid venereologist sees you is quite simple. An Internet search will help with this.
Thanks to information from the network, you can find a clinic, private clinic or clinic, as they say, “near me.” And then take a closer look at the search results. Read about the skin and venous dispensary, venereologists, choose the best offer. Sometimes it is possible to invite a doctor to your home for an examination. If the problem is purely skin, then there may be no need to visit a clinic or office.
Cost of admission
The price of services is usually indicated on the website of the clinic or clinic. Given the large selection of specialists, in Moscow the cost of doctors’ services is a competitive area. And you can always find a place where you can get examined and treated inexpensively. Moreover, it is not a fact that a municipal institution will be cheaper than a private doctor. But the quality of services of a paid specialist is almost always higher than that of a “free” one.
Online consultation
Modern technologies allow you to consult a doctor online.
You can ask the doctor a question in the chat, discuss with him the possibility of consultation via online video or digital photos. Many venereologists conduct such conversations free of charge. But it is important to understand the preliminary nature of remote consultations. There are many issues that can only be resolved with a direct visit to the doctor.
Venereologist - is a doctor who diagnoses and treats sexually transmitted, skin and urological diseases (prostatitis, urethritis) in women and men. Also, such specialists are sometimes called dermatovenerologists.
An appointment with a venereologist is necessary if: the occurrence of burning and pain when urinating, discharge, burning or itching in the genitals.
The cost of an initial consultation with a dermatovenerologist includes a conversation with the patient, a visual and instrumental examination, and a diagnosis or treatment. For preventive purposes, it is recommended to check with a venereologist once a year.
➤ On our portal you can choose a venereologist from the best clinics in Moscow and make an appointment with him online or by phone. Doctors' profiles with information about their work experience, education, as well as patient reviews will help you find a good specialist.
FAQ:Is it possible to find a professional venereologist in your area?
Yes, it's possible. On our website you will find profiles of venereologists with detailed information about them, and you will be able to choose the most suitable specialist for you.
You can look at patient reviews of venereologists or dermatovenerologists and choose the right doctor. It is also worth paying attention to the education and work experience of the specialist indicated in the application form.
Which dermatovenerology clinic should I go to?
If you have difficulty choosing a clinic, on our website you can find a venereology center that suits you based on patient reviews and clinic ratings.
What is the difference between a venereologist-dermatologist and a dermatologist?
A dermatovenerologist deals with the diagnosis and treatment of not only skin diseases, but also sexually transmitted diseases (including STIs).
Gynecologist-venereologist – related specialties?
There is no dedicated specialty of gynecologist-venereologist, but there are doctors who have experience and education in both specializations and combine knowledge of subjects for the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases.
Urologist-venereologist - male doctor?
A urologist-venerologist deals with the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of inflammation of the bladder, urethra and other organs of the genitourinary system caused by sexually transmitted infections.
How is an appointment with a venereologist?
An appointment with a venereologist involves examining a patient to identify and treat sexually transmitted infections. A specialist in this profile observes patients with skin diseases. The venereologist examines the skin, lymph nodes, genital mucosa, oral and pharyngeal mucosa, and examines the eyes and scalp. A venereologist collects bacteriological material. The specialist also conducts a preventive conversation with the patient in order to prevent the disease in time and maintain health.
How to prepare for an appointment with a venereologist?
In most cases, there is nothing wrong with both the visit itself and the preparation for it. In order for the consultation to be as complete as possible, men are recommended to follow the following simple rules: do not relieve the bladder for 1-2 hours, stop using antibiotics several days before visiting a doctor, do not apply any creams, ointments, solutions, etc. to the genitals, refuse sexual intercourse 24 hours before the visit. Women, like men, should also follow a number of simple rules: you should not perform deep lavage of the vagina before visiting a doctor, you should not take antibiotics, like the stronger sex, a few days before the visit, it is also recommended to refuse sexual intercourse, and use vaginal suppositories with any effects are also prohibited.
How does recording via DocDoc work?
You can make an appointment with a venereologist online or by phone. You can find information and reviews about doctors on the DocDoc website or check the necessary information with the operator over the phone.
Note! The information on the page is provided for informational purposes only. To prescribe treatment, consult your doctor.
When symptoms of infections and sexually transmitted diseases appear, the question often arises - where to go, which doctor to make an appointment with, a urologist or venereologist?
The fact is that this area of medicine stands at the intersection of two specialties - dermatovenereology and urology. Traditionally, the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases (syphilis, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, granuloma inguinale, lymphogranuloma) was carried out by venereologists. They also dealt with the treatment of complications of venereal urethritis: prostatitis, epididymitis.
Urologists historically, and indeed even now, were mainly involved in the surgical treatment of diseases of the kidneys, bladder, prostate gland and scrotal organs. But urologists practicing on an outpatient basis have also accumulated significant experience in drug therapy for diseases of the male genital organs, including infectious diseases (STIs).
It can be said unequivocally that the diagnosis and treatment of syphilis, inguinal and lymphogranuloma remain exclusively the responsibility of dermatovenerologists.
With venereal urethritis and prostatitis (chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, ureaplasmosis, mycoplasmosis, gardnerellosis, candidiasis, HPV, genital herpes) the situation is not so simple. These diseases are treated by both venereologists and urologists, plus andrologists who have spun off from urologists, and in women, also by gynecologists.
So who should you choose from this list of specialists? Here it is more important to choose not even a specialty, but a specialist. Just a good practicing doctor familiar with this pathology. Of course, preference is given to venereologists who deal exclusively with sexually transmitted infections. Because:
- know well the peculiarities of the course of sexually transmitted diseases,
- their incubation periods,
- have a thorough knowledge of laboratory diagnostics of STIs, including express methods,
- can correctly interpret test results,
- put together all the clinical manifestations on the genitals, skin and mucous membranes
- prescribe the most appropriate, rather than formal, treatment for infectious urethritis, prostatitis, balanoposthitis or syphilis.
- Carry out effective prevention after an accidental relationship.
Only a good dermatovenerologist has these qualities. Urologists, andrologists, and gynecologists do not possess some of the knowledge and skills from this list. Although in my practice I met highly qualified urologists who were also familiar with the necessary sections of dermatology and laboratory diagnosis of infectious urethritis. But they also had problems with syphilis, especially with interpreting test results.
The advantage of urologists in this area is that they are better informed than dermatovenerologists in the field of pathology of the kidneys, bladder, testicles, which are involved in the infectious process in advanced, chronic forms of sexually transmitted infections. This is especially true in cases where surgical intervention is required. Urologists are, after all, surgeons. This happens when the patient does not seek medical help in a timely manner or due to previous inadequate treatment for STDs, which a qualified venereologist will not allow, or during self-medication.
Since the treatment of sexually transmitted infections is the main focus of our clinics, we approached the problem of choosing a patient between a venereologist or a urologist in the following way. All of our main doctors are urologists-venereologists, that is, they have both specializations, which allows them in their practice to use all the necessary knowledge in dermatovenerology and urology in the treatment of these diseases and their complicated, chronic forms.
By making an appointment with our urologists and venereologists in clinics in Warsaw (Southern Administrative District and South-Western Administrative District) and Chistye Prudy (in the center, Central Administrative District), you are guaranteed to see high-level specialists dealing with men's health problems and sexually transmitted infections.
First, a short test: “Do you recognize yourself?”:
- “Maybe it will go away on its own...”
- “I’ll wait a couple of days: if it doesn’t get better, I’ll go to the doctor.”
- “What do they write on the internet? Now I’ll list the symptoms...”
- “I probably have this disease... so, what can I do to treat myself at home?”
- “Who should I ask... I think a friend had something similar... I’ll ask what she was treated with...”
- “Pills are poison and chemistry... Where is the newspaper (book) with recipes for traditional medicine?”
If you recognize your thoughts in the phrases, then this article caught your eye at the right time.
Let's be honest, a huge number of people go to the doctor only when they “cannot stand it.” Especially if the problem is quite intimate and related to the genital area or urination disorders.
Reluctance to go to a clinic or hospital is usually explained by the following reasons: lack of time, shame, laziness, fear of the “white coat,” and mistrust of doctors. Due to lost time, the disease becomes chronic or complications appear.
If you consult a doctor on time, genital infections are most often treated simply and not for long. You should “run to the doctor” if the following symptoms appear:
- discomfort when urinating
- frequent urination and “false” urges
- burning, pain during or after intimacy
- itching in the area of the head in men, the entrance to the vagina in women
- lower abdominal pain
- atypical discharge, repulsive odor from the genital tract
- rashes on the skin in the intimate areas
The content of the article:
Which doctor should I see?
The genitourinary system consists of the organs that produce and remove urine from the body and the reproductive organs. Due to their close proximity, they are combined into one system.
The cause of inflammation of the genitourinary organs is almost always an infection. Unprotected sexual intercourse is the most common method of infection. Less commonly, microbes enter the body through everyday means - shared bathroom amenities, visits to public baths, saunas. An infected mother also infects the child in the womb and during childbirth.
Doctors diagnose and treat sexually transmitted infections: venereologist, gynecologist and urologist. They all deal with different diseases, but with very similar symptoms. We tell you how these medical specialties differ, and in which case which one should be contacted.
Doctors diagnose and treat sexually transmitted infections: venereologist, gynecologist and urologist
Dermatovenerologist
A dermatovenerologist is a doctor who deals with skin problems (dermatology) and sexually transmitted infections (venereology). In some medical institutions, these specialists are divided into dermatologists and venereologists. But all these doctors have the same education and the same diploma as a dermatovenerologist.
What complaints require consultation with a venereologist?
You should contact a venereologist if:
- Emergency prevention of sexually transmitted infections is required: there was sexual contact with a partner in whom you suspect a sexually transmitted infection.
- Signs of a sexually transmitted infection have appeared: rashes and lesions of the genital mucosa, itching or pain in the groin area, unusual discharge or odor, the appearance of warts on the genitals, enlarged inguinal lymph nodes, the appearance of a rash throughout the body.
- The test results showed the presence of:
sexually transmitted diseases - syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia and others;
other bacterial sexually transmitted infections: mycoplasmosis, ureaplasmosis;
viral infections: genital herpes, venereal warts.
Based on the test results, the venereologist will select the optimal treatment. After finishing treatment, it is necessary to retake tests to check its effectiveness - this is an important point that patients often neglect.
When identifying a sexually transmitted disease, the clinic’s venereologist is required to collect information about sexual contacts. All sexual partners will be invited to be examined. This is necessary to prevent the spread of infection. The invitation to the appointment does not indicate the reason and the person who is the primary link in the chain. This is the principle of “non-disclosure of medical confidentiality”.
In what cases will a venereologist refer you to another doctor?
There are many diseases that are spread through sexual contact. Basically, venereologists identify and treat syphilis and gonorrhea. Ureaplasmosis, mycoplasmosis and candidiasis in acute form can also be treated by a venereologist. But much more often these diseases in the chronic stage are detected by gynecologists, less often by urologists. The reason is as follows: chronic genital infections cause erosive defects on the cervix, scarring and adhesions on the pelvic organs in women. A venereologist does not treat these conditions. If damage to the structure of the reproductive organs is detected or suspected, the venereologist will refer you for a consultation with a gynecologist.
A venereologist will refer you for a consultation with a urologist if the infection spreads to the bladder, kidneys, ureters and urethra. Sometimes sexually transmitted infections occur together with other pathologies, which are identified by a urologist. The venereologist will also refer you to a urologist if sperm motility decreases, a common cause of which is sexually transmitted infections.
The venereologist refers for consultation to a urologist if the infection spreads to the bladder, kidneys, ureters and urethra
Gynecologist
A gynecologist is a specialist who deals with problems of the female reproductive system. He treats diseases of the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries and vagina, and is responsible for planning and managing pregnancy, delivery and monitoring in the postpartum period.
What complaints require consultation with a gynecologist?
You should contact a gynecologist if:
- pain in the lower abdomen, inner thighs and genital area;
- pain during and after sex;
- unusual discharge and unpleasant odor from the vagina: changes in its color, consistency, smell;
- menstrual irregularities
- bleeding outside of menstrual days
- failure to become pregnant one year after the start of planning
- itching and burning in the intimate area
Examination by a gynecologist
After clarifying the complaints, the doctor conducts an examination in a gynecological chair. Visually and with the help of hands, the gynecologist assesses the condition of the vaginal and cervical mucosa and the nature of the discharge. Takes tests to identify the causative agent of the disease: a smear from the vagina and cervix, bacteriological culture of vaginal discharge, test systems to determine antibodies to various microorganisms and their presence DNA.
If the cervix is affected, colposcopy is performed, and if the uterus is inflamed, hysteroscopy is performed. In addition, according to indications, the doctor prescribes Ultrasound pelvic organs, computed tomography and laparoscopic examination. Studies reveal complications of sexually transmitted infections - adhesions, cysts, abscesses. These pathologies are treated by surgical gynecologists in a hospital setting.
In what cases will the gynecologist refer you to another doctor for consultation?
If syphilis or gonorrhea is detected, the gynecologist will refer you to a venereologist for treatment. With concomitant inflammation of the urethra, bladder, and kidneys, the gynecologist will refer you for a consultation with a urologist.
If a genital infection is detected, the gynecologist will recommend that the woman and her partner undergo joint treatment. However, gynecologists, unlike venereologists, do not identify sexual contacts and do not invite potentially infected people to an appointment.
Urologist
A urologist is a specialist who deals with the problems of the male reproductive system and the female and male urinary system. A urologist diagnoses and treats diseases of the urethra, bladder, ureters, kidneys, prostate, penis, testicles and vas deferens.
What complaints require consultation with a urologist?
Sexual infections usually affect the urethra. They are treated by dermatovenerologists. However, a visit to a urologist is necessary if bacteria “rise” through the urethra into the upper parts of the urinary system, as well as through the vas deferens into the testicle - and cause inflammation of the genitourinary organs.
In women, the entrance to the vagina and the urethral sponges are located a couple of centimeters from each other. Close proximity is the reason for the spread of infection from the genital organs to the urinary tract.
In men, the urethra communicates with the vas deferens, so infection of the urinary and reproductive systems occurs simultaneously. A narrow specialization in urology is andrology, the field of which consists exclusively of diseases of the reproductive organs in men.
If you have one or more symptoms, you should contact an appointment:
- Urinary disorders - pain when urinating, difficulty or increased frequency of urination (at this point the most common symptom encountered by urologists: “I often go to the toilet in small quantities”)
- Feeling of a full bladder after urinating
- Change in urine color and odor
- Other changes in urine: blood in the urine, the appearance of various flakes, clots, turbidity in it, a noticeable decrease or increase in the volume of urine
- Pain in the lower abdomen or lumbar region, in the sacrum, lower abdomen, groin area
- Impaired ejaculation, decreased potency
Examination by a urologist
If possible, it is better to visit a urologist immediately with a urine test. The laboratory technician determines the quantitative composition of cells in the urine: an increase in leukocytes indicates inflammation, red blood cells indicate damage to tissue structures. Protein in the urine signals serious damage to the structure of the renal parenchyma. Urine is also sent for bacteriological examination to identify the pathogen.
To identify microbes, the doctor takes a smear for microscopy and bacteriological culture from the urethra. For examination, prostate secretions and sperm are taken from men, and a manual examination of the prostate is performed through the rectum.
Instrumental studies prescribed by the urologist: Ultrasound bladder, kidneys, prostate (in men), cystoscopy. In difficult cases, computed tomography may be prescribed.
When does the urologist refer you for a consultation to another doctor?
If syphilis and gonorrhea are detected, the urologist will refer you to an appointment with a venereologist for further examination and treatment. When examining women and suspecting structural damage to the reproductive organs, the doctor will refer you to a gynecologist for consultation.
When several doctors are needed
Sometimes it is necessary for several different specialists to treat a disease at the same time. As a rule, this happens in the case of complicated sexually transmitted infections.
A venereologist is the main of three specialists in the treatment of sexually transmitted infections. Due to the close proximity of the reproductive organs and urinary tract, infection of the latter occurs very often. Inflammation of the urethra, bladder and kidneys should not be ignored by the urologist. In men, sexually transmitted infections sometimes go unnoticed. Existing for a long time in the genitourinary system, bacteria cause weakening of potency, problems with ejaculation, and a decrease in the fertilizing function of sperm. In this case, a urologist also provides assistance.
Sexual infections in women, when becoming chronic, contribute to a long-term inflammatory process in the pelvic organs. This leads to scarring and adhesions in the uterus and fallopian tubes. As a result, the ability to become pregnant and bear a healthy child is reduced. Untreated cervical erosions can develop into cancerous tumors over time. Therefore, when sexually transmitted infections are detected in women, as a rule, a consultation with a gynecologist is needed to exclude a specialized pathology.
In the case of a complicated course of sexually transmitted infections, the disease is treated by several different specialists simultaneously
What happens if you choose a doctor wrong?
If you choose the wrong doctor, it is quite disappointing: in a state clinic the waiting list for an appointment is up to 2 weeks; in a paid clinic, the average cost of a consultation with a specialist doctor is from 1000 rubles. But often, without tests, it is difficult to understand whether a sexually transmitted infection caused a disease in the intimate area, or something else. Therefore, if in doubt, you can contact any specialist. Depending on the results of the examination and tests, the patient will be referred to the right specialist.
If you have an active sexual life, visiting and examining a venereologist or gynecologist is mandatory 1-2 times a year, even without complaints in the intimate area. Some sexually transmitted infections occur without symptoms. Identification of pathogens occurs precisely in such preventive examinations and examinations. Timely treatment is the key to maintaining intimate health.
There is also nothing wrong with a “false” visit to a urologist. Prostatitis is detected in 3 out of 10 men over 25 years of age. The onset of prostate disease is not always pronounced. Identifying problems with this important male organ helps to quickly and effectively cure the disease.