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What is urology?

Urology is a branch of medicine that focuses on diagnosing and treating problems of the male and female urinary systems and the male reproductive organs.

Urologists (doctors who specialize in urology) treat children and adults. They're trained in internal medicine, pediatrics, gynecology and other areas. Most urologists are also trained in surgery because many urological problems are treated with surgery.

Common conditions treated by urologists include:

• Urinary obstruction.
• Prostate enlargement.
• Erectile dysfunction.
• Urinary incontinence.
• Kidney stones.
• Cancer of the bladder, prostate, testes or kidneys.
• Urinary tract infection.
• Sexually transmitted diseases.
• Damage to organs in the urinary system.

For more information on urologists and the conditions they treat, visit the following websites:

• American Urological Association.
• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
• Urology Care Foundation.

Reviewed 7/22/2024