What Happens When a Man Visits a Urologist?
Stepping into a urologist’s office can feel daunting for many men. Whether driven by persistent symptoms or curiosity about preventative health measures, understanding what to expect can make the experience less intimidating. This guide will cover the reasons to see a urologist, what happens during an appointment, the various subspecialties within urology, and how Dr Deanne offers tailored care for her patients.
If you’re a man over 40 or someone seeking to understand urological health for a loved one, this post is for you.
Why Men Would Be Referred to a Urologist
Urology is a medical specialty concerned with the urinary system and male reproductive health. Men might be referred to a urologist for a host of reasons, ranging from minor symptoms to serious health concerns. Common issues that prompt referrals include:
Urinary problems: These can include difficulty urinating, a weak urine stream, pain or burning during urination, blood in the urine (hematuria), or recurrent urinary tract infections. Such issues may indicate underlying conditions that need evaluation and treatment.
Reproductive health concerns: This covers issues like erectile dysfunction, which can affect intimacy and quality of life, low testosterone levels that may lead to fatigue or reduced libido, or infertility, which can pose challenges for individuals or couples trying to conceive.
Prostate issues: Common conditions include benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which causes an enlarged prostate and difficulty urinating, inflammation of the prostate (prostatitis), or suspicion of prostate cancer. Early detection and management are crucial for addressing these concerns.
Kidney-related conditions: These range from painful kidney stones and infections to more serious conditions such as chronic kidney disease or kidney cancer. Proper diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications and improve kidney function.
Bladder control issues: These include incontinence, where individuals may struggle with involuntary urine leakage, or overactive bladder, which can cause a frequent, urgent need to urinate. Such conditions can significantly impact daily life and require tailored treatment approaches.
Early intervention is key to ensuring manageable treatment plans for these issues, which is why men experiencing any notable changes in their urological health are encouraged not to delay seeking help.
What Urologists Do
A urologist is a specialist surgeon trained to diagnose and treat medical conditions related to the urinary tract and male reproductive organs. Their role is multifaceted, combining diagnostic, therapeutic, and surgical expertise.
Some common ailments treated by urologists include:
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) – Recurrent or chronic urinary tract infections can disrupt daily life and may require specialised care to identify underlying causes and create a tailored treatment plan, including advanced testing and targeted therapies.
Kidney stones – From medication to manage smaller stones to procedures like lithotripsy or minimally invasive surgery for larger or more complex cases, our approach ensures effective relief while focusing on prevention of future stones.
Prostate concerns – Whether it’s benign conditions like an enlarged prostate (BPH) or more serious concerns like prostate cancer, early detection, personalised treatment plans, and ongoing management are key to maintaining prostate health.
Bladder health – Addressing issues like incontinence, overactive bladder, or bladder cancer with advanced diagnostic tools, behavioural therapies, medications, or surgical interventions to improve quality of life and overall health.
Male reproductive health – Providing treatments for conditions such as erectile dysfunction, hormonal imbalances, infertility, or serious concerns like testicular cancer, with a focus on restoring function and confidence.
Urologists may conduct procedures ranging from cystoscopy (to examine the bladder) to highly specialised robotic surgeries. They work closely with general practitioners and other medical professionals to provide tailored and effective care.
Subspecialties in Urology
Urology is a broad field with various subspecialties that cater to different demographics and conditions. Sub-specialists within urology focus on advanced care in areas such as:
Oncology for cancers of the prostate, kidneys, and bladder, offering advanced diagnostic and treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy to target these complex conditions.
Paediatric urology for urinary issues in children, such as congenital abnormalities, vesicoureteral reflux, and obstructions, providing specialized care tailored to the unique needs of young patients.
Female urology, addressing a range of pelvic floor disorders, including incontinence, overactive bladder, and pelvic organ prolapse, with both surgical and non-surgical treatment options designed to improve quality of life.
Endourology, focusing on minimally invasive techniques such as ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy for kidney stones, as well as advanced treatments for other urinary tract conditions, ensuring faster recovery times.
Robotic surgery, rapidly gaining traction for its precision, efficiency, and minimally invasive approach, allowing surgeons to perform complex procedures with greater accuracy and reduced risk for patients.
Dr Deanne is a urologist with a subspecialty in robotic surgery. Her practice is defined by cutting-edge technology, compassionate care, and a patient-focused approach.
Robotic Surgery and Dr Deanne’s Expertise
Robotic surgery is a game-changer in the world of modern medicine, and Dr Deanne is at the forefront of this innovation. Specialising in cancer and non-cancer robotic surgeries for the kidneys, bladder, and prostate, Dr Deanne offers precise, minimally invasive treatment options using the state-of-the-art da Vinci robotic system.
Benefits of Robotic Surgery
Faster recovery – Smaller incisions used in minimally invasive procedures result in less trauma to the body, allowing patients to heal more quickly and return to their normal routines sooner. This means less downtime and faster overall recovery.
Minimal discomfort – Patients often experience significantly less pain and discomfort with minimally invasive surgeries compared to traditional open procedures. This is due to the reduced size of incisions and the more precise handling of tissues, leading to a more comfortable post-surgery experience.
Less blood loss – Minimally invasive techniques are designed to minimize blood loss during surgery, lowering the risk of complications like anemia or the need for transfusions. This contributes to safer procedures and smoother recovery periods.
Enhanced precision – Advanced tools and automated systems used in minimally invasive surgeries enable surgeons to perform highly intricate and precise maneuvers. This improved accuracy helps ensure better surgical outcomes and can reduce the likelihood of complications.
Shorter hospital stays – With smaller incisions and faster recovery times, many patients can leave the hospital much sooner compared to traditional surgeries. This not only reduces healthcare costs but also minimizes the disruption to personal and professional life, allowing patients to return to their daily activities quicker.
Dr Deanne applies her expertise and patience to guide men through the complexities of medical treatment. Her patient-centric approach ensures each man feels supported and informed throughout his care.
Learn more about robotic surgery options here.
What to Expect During a Visit to Dr Deanne
If you’re visiting Dr Deanne’s clinic, rest assured it’s an experience focused on comfort, clarity, and expert medical care.
Preparing for Your Appointment
Before your visit:
Bring your medical history – Records of past surgeries, medications, or recent test results can help.
Note down symptoms – Jot down everything, even seemingly unrelated symptoms, to discuss during your consultation.
Come hydrated – A urine sample is often required, so it’s helpful not to arrive on an empty bladder.
What Happens During the Consultation
Initial Discussion
Dr Deanne will start by discussing your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle. This step ensures she gets a comprehensive view of your overall health.
Physical Examination
Depending on the issue, an examination may include:
A urinary tract exam.
A digital rectal examination for prostate screenings.
A genital exam to assess possible abnormalities or underlying conditions.
These exams are quick and painless and are conducted with professionalism and respect.
Diagnostic Tests
If needed, tests such as bloodwork, urine analysis, or imaging scans (like ultrasounds) may be arranged to further evaluate your condition.
Developing a Treatment Plan
Once results are reviewed, Dr Deanne will recommend a tailored treatment plan. Whether it’s medication, lifestyle changes, or surgery (including robotic options), she’ll help you understand your options every step of the way.
Follow-Up Care
Ongoing care is an integral part of managing urological health. You’ll receive detailed instructions and any required follow-up plans to ensure long-term improvements in your quality of life.
Book your consultation with Dr Deanne today.
Why Timely Urological Care Matters
Many men ignore the signs of urological issues, attributing them to ageing. However, early treatment can significantly improve outcomes and quality of life. Common symptoms to watch for include:
Pain or difficulty urinating
Blood in urine or semen
Frequent urination at night
Erectile dysfunction
Ongoing pelvic or flank pain
Remember, addressing these symptoms early may help avoid more serious complications. Don’t wait for problems to escalate before seeking professional advice.
Dr Deanne's practice in Sydney ensures every patient receives compassionate, world-class care. Whether it’s an enlarged prostate, kidney stones, or exploring robotic surgery options, she ensures a supportive and highly personalised experience.
Take control of your health today. Book an appointment with Dr Deanne and experience expertise you can trust.