A urologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions related to the urinary tract and the male reproductive system. They’re your go-to health professional if you’re experiencing issues such as urinary tract infections (UTI), kidney stones, and infertility. In this article we delve deeper into the role of a urologist and when to see one.
What is a urologist?
Urologists are trained to evaluate and treat various urological conditions, including male infertility. They’re the experts when it comes to your penis, testes, scrotum and prostate and can carry out the necessary tests, identify if surgery is needed, and also perform surgery.
What’s the difference between a urologist and a reproductive endocrinologist?
Both urologists and reproductive endocrinologists deal with fertility, but each have their own speciality. Urologists can treat issues such as low sperm count, poor sperm motility, and erectile dysfunction, and perform surgical procedures to correct any underlying conditions. These can include varicoceles or blockages in the male reproductive system.
Reproductive endocrinologists (RE) specialize in diagnosing and addressing endocrine disorders and are experts in assisted reproduction, including in-vitro fertilization (IVF).
In many infertility cases, the urologist and the RE work together. The urologist treats you and the RE coordinates the treatment of your female partner or gestational carrier to help you conceive, either while you’re still undergoing treatment, or once the issue is solved.
When to seek help from a urologist
You should set up an appointment with a urologist if you’re experiencing any of the following:
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Difficulty conceiving
If you’ve been trying to conceive for over a year without success, or six months, if your partner is older than 35, it’s time to see a urologist. They can perform tests to determine if there are any male factor issues that are preventing conception.
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Unsatisfactory sperm test results
You can check your motile sperm concentration at home with the Yo Sperm Test. The test measures your viable sperm and reports a quality score. If you get a lower score, you can share your live sperm video with a urologist who may then prescribe medication, or recommend a surgical procedure to improve your sperm.
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Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection
The urologist will take your medical history, ask questions about your sexual activity, and perform a physical exam. If necessary, they may order blood work and do an injection test to check if a blood flow issue is causing erectile dysfunction.
You should also seek advice from a urologist if you have a history of conditions that can affect fertility, such as a previous cancer diagnosis, undescended testicles, or a previous vasectomy.
Seeing your urologist on a regular basis helps ensure that everything is working as it should and allows you to fix any underlying problems that may be contributing to your inability to conceive. Male factor infertility can be challenging, but with the help of a urologist, many couples are able to achieve pregnancy.
