Questions to Ask Your Urologist

Urologists diagnose, treat, and monitor disorders of the urinary tract and the external genital organs, including the kidney, ureter, urethra, bladder, and prostate. They also perform surgery if necessary, such as procedures performed on the adrenal glands (which sit on top of your kidneys). You may need to see a urologist for several reasons. Some common disorders treated by urologists include:

• Recurrent urinary tract infections
• Urinary incontinence; overactive bladder
• Interstitial cystitis
• Prostatitis
• Enlarged prostate
• Kidney stones
• Male and female infertility
• Male Sexual dysfunction
• Cancers throughout the urinary tract (kidney, bladder, prostate, and testicular cancers)

Clear communication with your urologist is one of the critical factors to a successful treatment outcome. At Charlotte Men’s Health, we encourage clients to prepare questions before the consultation. One does not have to adhere to the checklist below fully, but it pays to have a guide that will help you better understand your condition and treatment plan.

1. How serious is my condition?
2. Please describe my condition in a non-medical language.
3. What kind of tests will I need?
4. What are my treatment options?
5. Why do I need these tests and treatments?
6. What will most likely happen after the treatment?
7. Would you like me to see you regularly for check-ups?
8. Are there habits that I need to quit or limit?
9. What were the possible factors that led to my condition?

While urology is its medical specialty, additional subspecialties exist. So, you should not be surprised if your urologist sends you to another colleague in their field with training more aligned with your specific problem. In addition, depending on your health issue, your urologist may need to work with a doctor from a different medical specialty to coordinate your care.

To understand your condition better, call Charlotte Men’s Health at (704) 786-5131 to request an appointment with Dr. Richard Natale.