What Happens When You See a Urologist?
This article forms part of Dr Deanne Soares’ patient education series, supporting people living with urological symptoms or undergoing assessment for urological conditions.
Seeing a urologist for the first time can feel uncomfortable or intimidating — particularly when symptoms are personal, persistent, or poorly understood.
Many people delay referral because they are unsure what a urologist actually does, what the appointment will involve, or whether their symptoms are “serious enough” to justify seeing a specialist.
This article explains when people are referred to a urologist, what typically happens during a first visit, and how decisions about investigation and treatment are made.
Patient summary
Key points to know:
Urologists assess urinary and prostate-related symptoms
Appointments are structured and respectful
Investigations are guided by symptoms, not assumptions
Not every problem requires surgery
Early assessment often simplifies treatment
When people are referred to a urologist
Urologists specialise in conditions affecting the urinary tract and, in some cases, the reproductive system.
People may be referred to a urologist for reasons including:
Urinary symptoms, such as weak flow, hesitancy, urgency, frequency, night-time urination, pain, burning, or blood in the urine
Prostate-related concerns, including benign prostate enlargement (BPH), prostatitis, abnormal PSA results, or suspicion of prostate cancer
Kidney conditions, such as stones, infections, obstruction, or masses identified on imaging
Bladder issues, including recurrent infections, incontinence, overactive bladder, or unexplained haematuria
Male and prostate-related sexual health concerns, including erectile dysfunction or fertility assessment
These symptoms are common, and in many cases manageable — particularly when assessed early.
What a urologist actually does
A urologist is a medically trained specialist who assesses symptoms, investigates underlying causes, and helps guide management.
That management may involve:
reassurance and observation
lifestyle or medication-based treatment
targeted investigations
minimally invasive procedures
or, where appropriate, surgery
A large part of urology is decision-making, not intervention.
Not every symptom leads to a procedure, and not every abnormal test result requires treatment.
What usually happens at a first appointment
The discussion
The appointment usually begins with a detailed conversation about:
your symptoms
how long they have been present
what bothers you most
relevant medical history and medications
This helps clarify whether symptoms are likely driven by the prostate, bladder, kidneys, or a combination of factors.
The examination
Depending on the reason for referral, an examination may include:
an abdominal or genital examination
a prostate examination where appropriate
Examinations are brief, explained beforehand, and conducted professionally.
Investigations
Not everyone needs immediate tests. When they are required, these may include:
urine testing
blood tests (including PSA where relevant)
ultrasound or other imaging
flow studies or cystoscopy in selected cases
Investigations are chosen to answer specific clinical questions — not as a routine checklist.
What happens after the appointment
Once information is gathered, management options are discussed.
These may include:
monitoring and follow-up
medication
further investigation
referral for allied health input
or procedural or surgical options where appropriate
The aim is to match the approach to the individual, taking into account anatomy, symptoms, lifestyle, and priorities.
Why early assessment matters
Urological symptoms are often attributed to ageing and ignored.
While many causes are benign, early assessment can:
prevent complications
reduce symptom burden
simplify treatment
and provide reassurance when serious disease is excluded
Waiting rarely improves symptoms on its own.
A note on subspecialty care
Some urologists develop subspecialty expertise in specific areas, such as cancer surgery, minimally invasive techniques, or complex reconstruction.
Understanding a urologist’s scope of practice helps ensure care is well matched to the issue being assessed.
Final thoughts
Seeing a urologist is not a commitment to surgery or long-term treatment.
For many people, it is simply a structured, respectful assessment that clarifies what is happening and what — if anything — needs to be done.
Good urological care prioritises clarity, proportional investigation, and shared decision-making.
About the author
Dr Deanne Soares is a Melbourne-based urologist who assesses and manages a wide range of urological conditions, with an emphasis on thoughtful, individualised care.
