Nothing here is too awkward to say.
Care for the kidneys, ureters, bladder and prostate, and for the male reproductive system. Stones, infections, obstruction, blood in the urine, and the changes that come with an ageing prostate.
From the first visit to the all-clear
A urological problem is rarely one test. You are examined, scanned, treated, and then followed until the symptom that brought you in has actually gone rather than simply quietened down.
far too long.
Urinary symptoms are easy to put off and easy to explain away. Most are simple to treat once someone looks at them.
Blood in the urine always needs explaining, even once, even painless, even if it never happens again.
The consultation is private and the examination is explained before it begins. You can ask for a companion or a chaperone.
What the department treats
Stones
Stones in the kidney, ureter or bladder. Ultrasound and a plain film usually find them, and a CT settles it when they do not.
Prostate
Difficulty starting, a weak stream, getting up at night, and the screening and treatment that follow.
Infection
Cystitis, kidney infection and the repeated infections that need a reason found rather than another course of antibiotics.
Blood in the urine
Visible or found on a test. It needs explaining, and the work-up is straightforward.
Obstruction
A blocked kidney or a bladder that will not empty, which can turn urgent quickly.
Male reproductive health
Scrotal swelling and pain, hydrocele, varicocele, circumcision, and problems with fertility or function. Common, treatable, and worth raising.
What the first visit involves
A conversation about what you have noticed and for how long, then a urinalysis, and usually an ultrasound of the kidneys, ureters and bladder. Blood tests are added where they are needed.
A physical examination may be part of it. Your urologist will explain what it involves and why before starting, and you can ask for a chaperone or bring a companion into the room.
Come to the emergency room if
You cannot pass urine at all
A bladder that will not empty is painful and urgent. It is relieved quickly once you are seen.
Severe flank pain with fever
Loin pain with fever, chills or vomiting can mean an infected, obstructed kidney. That needs treating the same day.
Heavy bleeding or clots
Visible blood with clots, or bleeding that makes you feel faint, should be assessed rather than watched at home.
Before you come in
Your urologist will confirm anything specific when you book. These four apply to most first visits.
Come with a full bladder
An ultrasound of the bladder reads far better when it is full. Drink water on the way and do not empty before the scan.
Bring prior results
Old urinalysis, ultrasound, CT and blood tests, including any from other hospitals. Comparison saves repeating tests.
List your medicines
Everything you take, particularly blood thinners and anything for the prostate or blood pressure.
Note what you have noticed
How long, how often, whether it is worse at night, and whether anything makes it better. Detail helps more than you would expect.
Ready to talk to a urologist?
Bring your referral if you have one, any prior results, and a full bladder. The desk will arrange the rest.
Answers before your visit
Do I need a referral?
Bring one if your physician has given you one, along with any prior results. If you do not have a referral, the front desk will tell you how to arrange a consultation.
Is the examination embarrassing?
Urologists deal with these problems every day and nothing you describe will be unfamiliar. Any examination is explained beforehand, you can decline it, and you can ask for a chaperone or bring someone with you.
Will I need surgery for a stone?
Not always. Small stones often pass on their own with fluids and pain relief. Size, position and whether the kidney is obstructed decide it, which is what the imaging is for.
Should men have a prostate check?
Discuss it with your physician rather than assuming. Age, symptoms and family history all matter, and the conversation should cover what a result would mean before any test is done.
I only saw blood once. Is that still worth checking?
Yes. A single episode of visible blood in the urine, even painless and even if it never returns, is worth explaining. Most causes are not serious, and the ones that are do far better when found early.
Can a woman see a urologist?
Yes. Urology covers the kidneys, ureters and bladder in everyone. Stones, infections and bladder problems in women are a large part of the work.
When will I get my results?
Urinalysis and ultrasound results are usually available the same visit. Anything sent to the laboratory follows, and the report goes to the physician who requested it.