One of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to urologists or when discussing urological concerns revolves around knowing when to see a urologist versus your primary care physician.
You may even be wondering what makes a urologist different from your primary care doctor.
These are all normal and common questions to have and important to consider when urological concerns are observed.
What is a Urologist?
A Urologist is simply a physician who specializes in the urinary tract. This includes the kidneys, bladder, adrenal glands, urethra, and male reproductive organs and fertility. Urologists are highly trained in the surgical or medical treatments for conditions that affect the urinary tract.
When to See a Urologist
As with any medical condition we encourage you to seek medical attention as soon as you notice a concern. Most people start with their primary care physician and then are referred to a urologist. Your primary care physician will know when it is appropriate to see a urologist for any given health concern.
We always encourage people, however, to advocate for a referral should they feel it is necessary or reach out to us at Urologist Specialist of Ohio with concerns they want managed directly through a urologist.
What a Urologist Has to Offer
You may still be wondering why your primary care physician can’t treat your urological condition on their own. Is it necessary to see a Urologist?
The truth is a Urologist will be able to help and treat you in specialized ways that a primary care physician is not equipped to do.
As a general rule your primary care physician is there for preventative care and management of long term or chronic illnesses. A urologist and other specialized physicians will treat specific conditions or diseases that affect their area of expertise.
A urologist is who you will see to treat cancer of the bladder or prostate. Urologists can perform surgical procedures such as vasectomies or a prostatectomy. Urologists can treat conditions such as kidney stones, UTIs and incontinence.
Your primary care physician can be helpful in a lot of ways and will likely help you identify a urological condition, it is then a urologist that will help you treat a urological condition.
Creating a Partnership
Your primary care physician and a urologist will work together to both identify and treat any urological condition you may have. Both practices are incredibly important for your overall health and will be helpful in maintaining your urological health moving forward.
As urologists in Dayton Ohio we are available to work in partnership with your primary care team to ensure you get the best treatment options available for your specific needs.