When people think of urology, they often associate it with male reproductive health, such as prostate concerns or infertility. But urologists do much more, which includes diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions that affect the urinary tract in both men and women. Some issues are chronic, like persistent bladder problems, while others may be temporary or related to hormonal changes.
At Piedmont Medical Center, we offer local, comprehensive urological care close to home for men and women. Whether you are managing incontinence, kidney stones or male hormone imbalances, our experienced team is here to help with advanced treatments delivered with exceptional care.
What Is Urology?
Urology is a specialized branch of medicine focused on diagnosing and treating conditions related to the urinary tract and the male reproductive system. The urinary tract includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. These organs work together to produce, store and remove urine from the body. The urinary system helps eliminate waste and excess water, which is key in maintaining health.
In men, urology also covers the reproductive system, which includes the penis, testes, scrotum and prostate. These organs are responsible for making, storing and transporting semen for reproduction.
Urologists are doctors who specialize in managing a wide range of issues that affect both men and women, from kidney stones and urinary tract infections to prostate conditions and male infertility.
What Does a Urologist Do?
Urologists are medical doctors and trained surgeons who specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the urinary tract and male reproductive system. They care for patients of all ages, from newborns to older adults, and provide urology care for both men and women.
Because urology is such a broad field, urologists are trained in related areas like internal medicine, gynecology, pediatrics and oncology. They are uniquely equipped to treat a wide range of urologic conditions, both short-term and chronic.
Some of the most common urologic diseases or conditions they treat include:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Bladder control problems or urinary incontinence
- Kidney stones
- Prostate issues, including benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
- Prostate cancer or other urologic cancers
- Erectile dysfunction or male infertility
- Bedwetting in children
- Injuries to the urinary system
In addition to treating common conditions, some urologists focus on subspecialties like urologic oncology, renal transplant, female urology, pediatric urology and male infertility.
Urologists perform advanced diagnostic evaluations and provide both medical and surgical treatments. They work closely with nurses, physician assistants and other healthcare professionals to deliver personalized urology care.
When Should I See a Urologist?
If you are experiencing discomfort or changes in how your urinary system works, a urologist can help identify the cause and provide treatment. You may be referred to a urologist or choose to see one directly for various health issues related to the urinary or reproductive systems.
Common reasons to see a urologist include:
- Pain or burning while urinating, often caused by a UTI
- Urine leakage or loss of bladder control, such as with urinary incontinence
- Frequent or urgent urination, symptoms of an overactive bladder
- Kidney stones, which can cause intense back or abdominal pain
- Weak urine stream or difficulty starting or stopping urination
- Male or female infertility
- Concerns with the genitals, including swelling, pain or visible changes
- Enlarged prostate or prostatitis
- Male hormone imbalances, such as low testosterone
- Urologic cancers, including cancers of the kidneys, bladder, prostate, testicles or penis
If you are dealing with any of these symptoms or conditions, seeking timely urology care can help improve your quality of life and prevent future complications.
What Is an Aquablation Procedure?
Aquablation® therapy is a minimally invasive treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia, also known as an enlarged prostate. The aquablation procedure offers long-lasting symptom relief with a lower risk of side effects that commonly affect quality of life. For some patients, Aquablation may be a preferred alternative to traditional surgery, such as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), which has been the standard treatment for years.
Aquablation is performed using the AquaBeam® Robotic System, which is advertised as the first FDA-cleared surgical robot that automates the removal of prostate tissue causing urinary symptoms. The surgeon maps the exact treatment contour through robotic assistance and then monitors as the robot executes the treatment plan, guiding a precisely calibrated heat-free waterjet with speed and accuracy. The waterjet removes prostatic tissue.
Some potential benefits of Aquablation therapy include:
- Minimally invasive, with no external incisions
- Can treat a wide range of prostate sizes and shapes
- Preserves sexual function and continence in many cases
- Shorter catheter time—typically just one to three days after surgery
- The full procedure takes less than 40 minutes, with the tissue resection completed in under 10 minutes
If you are living with urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate, Aquablation may offer effective relief while helping you maintain your quality of life.
Learn more about Aquablation
What Is Shockwave Lithotripsy?
Shockwave lithotripsy is the most common kidney stones treatment in the United States. Also known as extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), this noninvasive procedure uses pressure waves outside the body to target and break kidney stones into smaller fragments.
The term lithotripsy comes from Greek roots meaning “stone” and “crushed.” High-energy shock waves are directed at the stone through the skin during shockwave treatment for kidney stones. These shock waves shatter the stone into "stone dust" or tiny pieces small enough to pass naturally through the urinary tract.
The potential benefits of shockwave lithotripsy include:
- No surgical incisions
- Shorter recovery times
- Minimal disruption to daily life
- Quick return to normal activities, often within one to two days
For many patients, shockwave treatment for kidney stones is highly effective. About 50 to 75 percent of patients who are considered good candidates become free of stones within three months following treatment. Those with smaller stones, particularly less than one centimeter, tend to experience the highest success rates.
Although extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy may not eliminate all stones after a single session, it provides a minimally invasive option for managing kidney stone removal with less downtime and discomfort.
