A urologist specializes in caring for people of all ages with diseases and conditions of the genitourinary tract. This includes the bladder, urethra, ureters, kidneys, male and female genitals, and the prostate gland. Urologists diagnose and treat urinary tract infections and many diseases, including kidney stones, enlarged prostate, urinary incontinence, and birth defects. Urologists are also experts in the prevention of genitourinary disease.
A urologist typically:
Evaluates a patient’s medical history and educates the patient about genitourinary health and disease prevention
Performs physical exams that include evaluation of blood pressure, vital signs, and genitourinary tract health
Orders and interprets laboratory and imaging tests and prescribes medications
Diagnoses and treats acute and chronic diseases and conditions that affect the genitourinary tract including infections, kidney stones, enlarged prostate, urinary incontinence, and genitourinary birth defects
Screens, treats and monitors conditions that increase the risk of genitourinary conditions, such as infection and kidney failure. For complex risks such as diabetes, a urologist will provide referrals to other specialists such as an endocrinologist.
Performs procedures and surgeries, such as vasectomy, dialysis and prostatectomy
Provides direct care for genitourinary conditions in the office and in the hospital
Works closely with your primary care doctor and other specialists and members of your healthcare team to provide optimal care
Urologists may also be known by the following names: urinary tract doctor and urinary tract specialist.
There are 624 specialists practicing Urology in Illinois with an overall average rating of 3.8 stars. There are 196 hospitals in Illinois with affiliated Urology specialists, including Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital, Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Evanston Hospital.
