What is urology?
Urology is a branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of disorders related to the urinary tract and the male reproductive system. This specialty addresses a wide range of conditions affecting individuals of all ages, from infants to the elderly. Urological disorders can lead to significant stress, pain, and embarrassment, impacting overall quality of life.
What do GenesisCare urologists provide?
Our urologists are specialized physicians trained to manage both simple and complex urological conditions. This includes performing elective procedures such as vasectomies, as well as general urology and cancer care. They utilize advanced diagnostic tests and personalized treatment plans to effectively address issues affecting urinary and reproductive system, which include:
Bladder
Kidneys
Ureters
Urethra
Testicles
Urologists are essential in managing both benign conditions and urological cancers, providing comprehensive care tailored to individual needs. They treat non-cancerous issues such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), urinary incontinence, and erectile dysfunction while also addressing serious concerns like prostate, bladder, kidney, ureteric, and testicular cancers.
This dual focus allows urologists to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life while offering advanced treatment options for cancer patients, supporting them throughout their healthcare journey.
Conditions we treat
Our urology specialists provide care for a broad spectrum of conditions, including common benign conditions as well as cancerous conditions.
Click a condition category below to view specific conditions we treat.
Chronic cystitis
Chronic cystitis is a long-term bladder inflammation that leads to pelvic pain and frequent urination, often caused by factors like interstitial cystitis and recurrent UTIs.
Enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH)
Enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a common condition that causes urinary symptoms like frequent urination and difficulty starting urination. It typically results from hormonal changes
Kidney and urinary stones
Kidney and urinary stones are hard deposits that form in the kidneys or urinary tract, causing severe pain and potential blockage. They can result from factors like dehydration and diet.
Lower urinary tract symptoms (e.g., frequent urination, weak urine flow)
Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) include issues like frequent urination, urgency, and weak urine flow which can arise from conditions such as an enlarged prostate or bladder dysfunction.
Overactive bladder
Overactive bladder is a condition characterized by a sudden urge to urinate frequently, often leading to incontinence. It can result from various factors such as nerve issues.
Urinary incontinence
Urinary incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine, which can range from occasional leaks to complete loss of control. It may be caused by factors such as weak pelvic muscles or neurological conditions.
Urinary tract infection (UTI)
A UTI is an infection that develops in any area of the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, bladder, ureters (tubes that connect a kidney to the bladder) or the urethra (tube through which urine exits the body). In most cases, UTIs develop in the bladder or urethra.
Hematuria (blood in urine)
Hematuria is the presence of blood, specifically red blood cells, in the urine. Whether the blood is visible only under a microscope or visible to the naked eye, hematuria is a sign that something is causing bleeding in the genitourinary tract: the kidneys, the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder (ureters), the prostate gland (in men), the bladder, or the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body (urethra).
Prostatitis
Prostatitis is an inflammation or infection of the prostate gland. It can affect men of any age. The most common urological problem in men aged 50 and older, prostatitis is not contagious and is not transmitted during sex.
Urologists collaborate with other specialists—such as radiation oncologists and medical oncologists—to ensure comprehensive care. With a special interest in cancer, we have the latest and most relevant experience in managing the following cancers:
Prostate cancer
Prostate cancer begins when cells in the prostate gland start to grow out of control. The prostate is a gland found only in males. It makes some of the fluid that is part of semen.1
Bladder cancer
Bladder cancer occurs when cells in the bladder start to grow without control. The bladder is a hollow, balloon-shaped organ in the lower part of the abdomen that stores urine.2
Ureter cancer
Ureter cancer occurs when malignant cells form in the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder outside the body. In women, the urethra is about 1½ inches long, located just above the vagina. In men, it measures approximately 8 inches and runs through the prostate and penis, also carrying semen.3
Testicular cancer
Cancer that forms in tissues of one or both testicles. Testicular cancer is most common in young or middle-aged men. Most testicular cancers begin in germ cells (cells that make sperm) and are called testicular germ cell tumors.4
Kidney cancer
Cancer that forms in tissues of the kidneys. It forms in the lining of the tiny tubes in the kidney that return filtered substances that the body needs back to the blood and remove extra fluid and waste as urine.5
Erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection suitable for sexual activity. It can be caused by physical or psychological factors
Impotence
Impotence, often synonymous with erectile dysfunction, is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection, which can impact fertility
Infertility
Infertility refers to the inability to conceive after a year of unprotected sex, affecting both men and women.
Penile curvature (Peyronie's disease)
A slight natural curve to the erect penis is usually normal. But curvature that causes pain and difficulty with intercourse is a problem. The development of painful curvature is called Peyronie’s disease. Peyronie’s disease is due to a plaque (scar) that forms inside the penis.
Testosterone deficiency (low T)
Erectile Dysfunction, loss of libido (sexual desire), premature ejaculation and difficulty achieving orgasm can result from a variety of factors or a combination of factors. 21st Century urologists provide a variety of treatment options for these common issues.
Vasectomy
A vasectomy is a surgical procedure that provides permanent contraception by cutting the vas deferens, preventing sperm from entering the semen.
Vasectomy reversal
A vasectomy reversal is a surgical procedure that reconnects the vas deferens to restore fertility after a vasectomy. Success rates depend on factors like the time since the original procedure and the individual's health.
Urology treatments and services
Our urologic specialists are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and offer a range of advanced treatment options, including:
Laser surgery
The laser inserted through the scope is used to vaporize or cut out the prostate tissue blocking urine flow. Depending on the procedure, your doctor might also use instruments to remove cut pieces of prostate tissue from the bladder.6
Minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery
Surgery that is done using small incisions (cuts) and few stitches. During minimally invasive surgery, one or more small incisions may be made in the body. A laparoscope (thin, tube-like instrument with a light and a lens for viewing) is inserted through one opening to guide the surgery. Tiny surgical instruments are inserted through other openings to do the surgery. Minimally invasive surgery may cause less pain, scarring, and damage to healthy tissue, and the patient may have a faster recovery than with traditional surgery.10
Da Vinci robotic surgery
The da Vinci surgical system provides surgeons with an alternative to traditional open surgery and conventional laparoscopy, putting the surgeon's hands at the controls of an advanced robotic platform. The da Vinci system helps surgeons perform even the most complex and delicate procedures through very small incisions with superior precision.8
Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy
Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is a procedure to break up stones inside the urinary tract, bile ducts or pancreatic duct with a series of shock waves generated by a lithotripter machine.9
Microwave thermotherapy
Transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT) is an outpatient procedure to treat urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate, a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). TUMT is generally considered a safe procedure with a low risk of side effects. It's generally used for men with other health conditions for whom more invasive surgery isn't recommended.7
Cryosurgery
A type of surgery that involves the use of extreme cold to destroy abnormal tissues. A minimally invasive procedure, and is often preferred to other of surgery because of its safety, ease of use, minimal pain and scarring as well as low cost. A common treatment for abnormal cervical cells.
Prostate seed implants
Radioactive seeds implanted into the prostate have gained popularity in recent years as treatment for prostate cancer. The implants, also known as brachytherapy, deliver a higher dose of radiation than do external beams, but over a substantially longer period of time. The therapy is generally used in men with smaller or moderate-sized prostates with small and lower grade cancers.
In-office Urolift system for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
The UroLift System is an FDA Cleared, revolutionary minimally invasive treatment of an enlarged prostate. Treatments typically a one-time, in-office solution that provides rapid relief and recovery for men living with symptoms of an enlarged prostate. It breaks the cycle of medications and how they make a person feel, all without the risks of traditional surgery.
Find a center near you
- https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/prostate-cancer/about/what-is-prostate-cancer.html
- https://www.cancer.gov/types/bladder
- https://www.cancer.gov/types/urethral/patient/urethral-treatment-pdq
- https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/testicular-cancer
- https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/kidney-cancer
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/prostate-laser-surgery/about/pac-20384874#
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/tumt/about/pac-20384886
- https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/locations/eau-claire/services-and-treatments/surgery/robotic-surgery
- https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/kidney-stones/extracorporeal-shock-wave-lithotripsy-eswl
- https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/minimally-invasive-surgery