Urologist, andrologist - who is this, what's the difference? What kind of illnesses does the child urologist-andrologist treat?

Modern medicine is an extensive scientific branch, within which various specializations are combined. Sometimes it creates a lot of misunderstandings, and patients can not determine to which specialist to go with this or that disease. In particular, there is often confusion with such medical specialties as a urologist / andrologist. Who is this and how are they different?

The relationship between urology and andrology

Undoubtedly, these areas of medicine are interrelated, because they, one way or another, are engaged in the genitourinary system of men. However, not so long ago andrology was considered a part of urology and became a separate discipline only in the last decades. If you take into account the characteristics of the male body, namely the close relationship of the urinary and reproductive systems, it should not surprise the existence of such a specialty as a urologist andrologist. Who is it?

In this case, we are talking about a specialist in a wide field, who can also be a sex therapist in parallel. In some cases, it may be necessary to help a narrow specialist focused on a certain range of problems.

What does the urologist do?

Urology is one of the branches of surgery, and a fairly wide spectrum, studying the genitourinary system and its associated processes (urologist patients can be both men and women). In particular, adrenal gland diseases and some endocrine disorders are also administered by a urologist. In part, urology is in contact with nephrology, so if the kidney problems with the patient can deal with both the nephrologist and urologist.

The urologist treats various diseases of the kidney and adrenal gland, bladder and urethra, prostate disease, sexually transmitted infections both medically and by surgery. In some cases, an examination of the urologist-andrologist may become intermediate, if the help of a specialist is required.

What does the andrologist do?

Andrology at one time "budded off" from urology and is one of its specific areas. The main area of work of the andrologist is the male reproductive system and processes associated with this part of life. Thus, this specialist can be called completely a male doctor, by analogy with a female gynecologist. Another important difference that should not be dismissed: Andrology as such does not deal with acute conditions.

It is not difficult to understand why the question arises: the urologist-andrologist - who is this ?. After all, both specialties often deal with the same problems, but there are differences. The disease can be dealt with by any of these specialists, depending on the severity of the diagnosis and the type of treatment to be undertaken.

Urologist / andrologist: who is this and what is the difference in principle?

Since we are talking about related specialties, as the accumulation of professional knowledge, the doctor can combine profiles. In this case, it is called "urologist-androlog." If a specialist declares himself strictly as an andrologist, then in the overwhelming majority of cases he has a good work experience as a urologist. Do not also forget that urology is a branch of surgery, therefore, part of the urological diseases is treated surgically. This requires a high degree of professionalism and considerable work experience.

Symptoms for a visit to the urologist

First of all, potential patients should remember that they do not necessarily have the ability to self-diagnose. If something is disturbing in the body, then first of all they turn to the therapist - this doctor determines the sphere of the disease and, if necessary, directs to a narrow specialist, including a urologist-andrologist. Diseases can be infectious in nature, with endocrine disorders, or it is pathological changes in organs.

To the urologist it is possible to enter, and passing the therapist, especially if the following symptoms are observed:

• Pain during sexual intercourse or urination;
• Violations of reproductive functions (infertility, difficulty with erection);
• Pain in the lumbar region (may indicate problems with the kidneys);
• Problems with urination (incontinence or delay);
• Any problems with the prostate gland;
• Discharge from the urethra.

A urologist is clearly required if the symptoms turn into an acute condition, that is, seriously worsen the quality of life, reduce the degree of socialization.

Symptoms for a visit to the andrologist

In the overwhelming majority of cases, the andrologist is treated with male problems that do not belong to acute conditions: there is no pain, no temperature, or no significant problems with urination. In fact, a good urologist andrologist can solve those problems that are traditionally called delicate.

Reasons for contacting the andrologist:

• Low libido (lack of sexual desire);
• infertility;
• Endocrine disruption of the male genitourinary system.

If the urologist accepts both men and women, then the andrologist is a specialist only for men.

Children urologist andrologist

For boys and boys, up to adulthood, there is a children's urologist-andrologist. You need to contact him if you find any symptom relating to the genitourinary system. At the same time, responsibility lies primarily with parents, because a baby can not complain of discomfort. If the boy has some problems with urination (including enuresis after four years), there was a testicle descent into the scrotum, inguinal hernias were formed, the foreskin is not removed from the head or neoplasms or tumors are detected, it is necessary to contact the urologist andrologist.

A generalist will conduct a survey, if necessary, assign tests, including hormone levels: often in boys with obesity, oppression of testosterone production is observed.

Even if there are no problems with men's health at first glance, a visit to the urologist andrologist is necessary for preventive purposes, because any disease is easier to prevent than cure.

Prevention is the best way to maintain health

By forty years, a man needs regular visits to the andrologue, even if nothing bothers you. In most cases, recommendations similar to those obtained by women for preventive examinations at a gynecologist are issued: 1-2 times a year it is highly desirable to visit a doctor and take tests.

Age-related changes in the male body have three periods of potential risk. In infancy, it is easiest to correct some nuances in the development of genital organs, which can later become a category of problems. In adolescence, extreme hormonal changes that require increased attention may begin. At the time of maturity, about forty years, problems with the prostate gland may start, and an andrologist-urologist will help in early diagnosis. Reviews at the same time indicate that a visit to a specialist does not necessarily mean that serious problems will be found. On the contrary, a calm confidence in one's own health will significantly improve the quality of life.

Choose a specialist can be guided by the feedback of patients who have already used his services. Recommendations of relatives and friends are sometimes the best advertising. Trusting men's health costs only an experienced specialist, so it is advisable to contact medical centers and clinics that have a good reputation, have the necessary technical equipment for examination, and are not involved in any scandalous events.