What to Expect at Your First Urology Appointment

Urologists are doctors who specialize in conditions affecting the urinary system. The components of the urinary tract include the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra.

Urologists also address problems with the reproductive organs. Sometimes, the term “genitourinary” is used in this area of medicine to encompass both aspects — genital and urinary.

Some of the medical conditions urologists diagnose and treat include:

• Incontinence (trouble holding your urine)
• Kidney stones
• Enlarged prostate
• Blood in the urine
• Erectile dysfunction
• Urinary tract injuries
• Trouble urinating
• Pelvic organ prolapse
• Urinary tract infections
• Male hormone problems or infertility
• Prostate, kidney, and bladder cancer

If you need to see a urologist, knowing what to expect in your first appointment is helpful. This article provides details.

Preparing for a Urology Appointment

Before your appointment, it’s a good idea to create a list of your symptoms, questions to ask your doctor, and medications you take. Your doctor’s office may also send you forms to complete in advance. You may need to provide a urine sample at your appointment, so plan to arrive with a full bladder.

Many urological procedures are performed on an outpatient basis. That means you go home after your appointment. However, some procedures require an overnight stay. Your doctor will tell you if that’s necessary.

Your physician may require you to fast for a specified number of hours before your appointment, but not all procedures require that step. Depending on the treatment you receive, you may need someone to drive you home after your appointment.

During Your Urology Appointment

What takes place at your appointment will vary based on your medical condition. Your doctor will do some or all of the following:

• Conduct a general physical exam
• Perform a digital rectal exam (inserting a gloved, lubed finger into the rectum) to check the prostate gland
• Perform a pelvic exam
• Order urine or blood tests
• Do imaging, such as ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) scans
• Perform a cough stress test for urinary incontinence

Some of these procedures can cause mild, temporary discomfort. However, they’re essential for diagnosing urological conditions.

After Your Urology Appointment

You may be able to return to normal activities immediately after your appointment. However, some procedures require a little recovery time. If you’ve had imaging that involved contrast dye, your doctor will advise you to drink plenty of fluids to flush the material from your system.

Getting up slowly after procedures is crucial, as some people get dizzy or lightheaded. It’s also important to monitor injection sites for redness or swelling and tell your doctor if you notice anything unusual.

Your care team will tell you when to expect results from any tests conducted during your appointment.

Get Help With Urological Issues From Baptist Health

If you have problems affecting your urinary tract or genitals, a Baptist Health urologist can help. Talk with your primary care physician. They’ll let you know if a urology appointment is necessary.

If you don’t have a Baptist Health doctor, you can use our online provider directory to find one.