A urologist is a doctor who specializes in taking care of the genitourinary tract. The genitourinary tract may sound intimidating, but it is just a big encompassing name that describes your kidney, bladder, adrenal glands, urethra, and male reproductive organs. A urologist is an expert in diseases and conditions that can impact that part of your body. If your general doctor recommends that you see a urologist, here is what you can expect during your visit.
Go With a Full Bladder
When you go to the urologist, generally, you will be asked to provide a urine specimen. That is why you should drink a lot of water before your visit so that you will have no problem providing a sample. Providing a urine sample is a regular part of one's first visit to the urologist, like many conditions that a urologist treat have to do with the condition of your urine or your ability to hold it in.
Let the staff know if you need to give a sample right away when you arrive. As this is a routine part of the visit for most patients, the staff will know what you are talking about and will be able to provide you with a sample cup and a safe place to collect a sample.
Be Ready to Fill Out Paperwork
As with any first visit to a new doctor, there may be a wide array of paperwork for you to fill out. In addition to general contact and insurance information, you may be asked to fill out questionnaires related to your genitourinary tract function. For example, you may be asked to rate your sexual health, your ability to hold in urine, or other issues related to the function of that part of your body.
Many doctor's offices, including a urologist, will now send you this information via email or have you download and fill out the forms before you come in. That way, you have to fill out the forms all the time you need. This also cuts down on the time you have to spend in the waiting room around other people. Find out if you can get the paperwork and take care of it ahead of time. Be honest when answering questions about your health, which will help the doctor treat you.
Know Your Medications
It is a good idea to write down the names and dosages of all the types of medication you take. This list should include prescribed medications as well as supplements and vitamins that you take as well. Medications, vitamins, and supplements can impact your genitourinary tract's overall function and health. Also, the other diseases you are being treated for with the medications can often help pinpoint the exact urological problem you are dealing with.
Be Prepared for the Physical
Your doctor will do more than talk to you; they will perform a physical exam as well. In addition to typical things, such as taking your blood pressure and getting your weight, the doctor will perform a genital exam. They will give you a digital rectal exam to assess the condition of your prostate. They may need to examine your penis as well. These are all part of your genitourinary system and will need to be inspected. Don't feel embarrassed; this is what your doctor does every day, and they know what to look for.
You may also have to undergo imaging to get a picture of what is happening inside your body. Depending on your symptoms, imaging may focus on specific organs, such as your bladder, kidney, or prostate.
When it comes to your first visit to the urologist, be prepared to fill out paperwork and be honest about your physical health. Go with a full bladder and be ready to give a urine sample. Be prepared for a detailed physical with imaging and a follow-up appointment to get your treatment going.
For more information, contact a urologist near you.
Share22 December 2021
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