A urologist is a doctor who specializes in the care of the urinary tract, which includes the urethra, bladder, kidneys, and renal pelvis. If you are having issues with any aspect of your urinary tract, your doctor might refer you to a urologist. Here are a few of the most common reasons why you will be referred to a urologist or you should schedule a visit with one.

Bladder Control Issues

If you are suffering from issues with bladder control, a condition called urinary incontinence, a urologist can help determine the cause. For example, the urologist might diagnose you with a condition called stress urinary incontinence, or SUI. This is a common condition in both men and women, although some women will experience SUI after sneezing, coughing, or performing another physical activity. 

Overactive bladder is another condition that can create bladder control issues. A patient with overactive bladder will feel the need to urinate more frequently and might have issues with bladder control. Overactive bladder occurs when the muscles of the bladder contract, even if the bladder is not full. Some causes of overactive bladder include diabetes, urinary tract infections, bladder stones, or menopause.

Pain While Urinating

Having trouble urinating or experiencing pain while urinating are two other symptoms that will warrant a visit to a urologist. There are several different conditions that can cause either or both of the issues, including:

• Bladder stones
• Kidney stones
• Enlarged prostate
• Yeast infection
• Interstitial cystitis
• Sexual transmitted infections

A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is often the reason why both men and women will suffer from pain or burning during urination. A UTI typically requires treatment with antibiotics.

Pain Concentrated in the Lower Abdomen, Groin, or Lower Back

If you are experiencing pain in your lower abdomen, lower back, or groin accompanied with nausea, issues with urination, blood in the urine, and fever, your urologist might diagnose you with kidney stones. Kidney stones occur when crystals that are normally filtered out by the kidneys combine and create a larger mass that cannot pass normally through the kidneys.

Pain is one of the most troubling symptoms associated with kidney stones and if you are experiencing severe pain, visit a urologist immediately. Your urologist will help determine the size and placement of the kidney stone and determine a course of action to help you pass the kidney stone, such as shock-wave therapy or drinking additional fluids.

From pain in the lower back or groin to painful urination or bladder control troubles, there are several reasons why you will be referred to or should seek the services of a urologist.

Visit a urology center if you notice any of the above issues.