Any urinary condition requires a diagnosis and treatment from an expert. If you have been struggling with urinary disorder, consider visiting either of the two key specialists—urologists or nephrologists for a suitable treatment.
Urology and nephrology, often confused as one, focus on different parts of the urinary system. As it is common for kidney problems to overlap with urinary tract disorders, it is essential to understand the difference between these two closely related areas and visit the right specialist for your specific needs. Read below to decipher the difference between the two:
What is Urology?
Urology refers to the field of medicine specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of diseases related to the male and female urinary tract. The urinary tract comprises the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. If you experience any pain, discomfort, or other symptoms in these organs, visit a urologist for diagnosis and suitable treatment.
Urologists have extensive education and training in the urinary system. This field is considered a surgical specialty, but urologists do much more than just perform surgical procedures. Many of them treat a variety of urologic conditions, including male infertility, urologic cancer, or pediatric urology.
Urology involves the study and treatment of the following conditions:
- Urinary tract infections or UTI
- Urinary incontinence
- Difficulty urinating
- Infertility in men
- Kidney stones
- Bladder stones
- Low testosterone
- Certain cancers
- Enlarged prostate
What is Nephrology?
Nephrology is another field of medicine closely related to urology. It focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of the diseases that affect the kidneys. Like urologists, nephrologists receive extensive education and training in the field. Unlike the former, the scope of this field of medicine doesn’t include other parts of the urologic system.
Nephrologists do not treat conditions related to the male reproductive system. Their focus lies only in treating the disorders related to the kidneys. In addition, a nephrologist is qualified to treat other factors related to kidney disorders, such as heart disease, blood pressure, and more. That said, these professionals do not treat these problems if they are outside of their relationship to the kidneys.
- Diabetes
Uncontrolled diabetes tends to damage the delicate units of the kidneys. It is when your doctor will recommend you to a nephrologist, and they will help you manage diabetic kidney disease and prevent further complications associated with it. - Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease, or CKD, may be a sign that you need to visit a nephrologist at the earliest. This condition gradually declines the function of the kidneys. A nephrologist works with you to slow down its progression and improve your quality of life. - Kidney Infections
Any kidney infection is not a healthy sign and calls for an appointment with the nephrologist. The doctor will diagnose and treat common to more serious infections. - Renal Artery Stenosis
Nephrologists are qualified professionals in diagnosing and treating the narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the kidneys. When this condition develops, it may lead to high blood pressure and kidney damage. - Kidney Failure
Nephrologists give medications, recommend dietary changes, and dialysis or even kidney transplant options to help you manage kidneys in all instances when they lose most of their filtering ability. - Interstitial Nephritis
Nephrologists are experts in identifying the causes of inflammation and implementing treatment to preserve the health of your kidneys. - Polycystic Kidney Disease
Polycystic Kidney Disease, or PKD, is a genetic condition that causes cysts to grow within the kidneys and affect their function at large. A nephrologist helps manage this condition to prevent its potential complications.
When to See Whom?
While people often confuse a urologist with a nephrologist, it is essential to visit the right professional for the accurate diagnosis and treatment of your condition.
- Urologist
If you have a urinary tract infection or are experiencing other problems like bladder problems, erectile dysfunction, urinary incontinence, or any male reproductive issue, it is advised to visit a urologist for the diagnosis and treatment of your condition. - Nephrologist
If you experience symptoms like blood in your urine, frequent urination, persistent pain in your back, or pain near the kidneys, or have a family history of kidney disease, do not second-guess these symptoms and visit a nephrologist immediately for the diagnosis of your condition. The specialist will work with you and manage conditions like high blood pressure with other concerns related to kidney function and electrolyte imbalance.
Urologists and Nephrologists Work Together
Many a time, urologists and nephrologists may work together to provide the best possible care for patients.
- In case of any overlapping condition or depending on their complexities, both specialists work together to manage it. The most common example is kidney stones.
- Urologists and nephrologists may collaborate for pre- and post-operative care and help you manage the complications, if any.
- Both specialists stay updated on advancements in the urinary field.
Takeaway
Often confused, nephrology and urology have slight differences that set them apart from each other. Be wary of the symptoms of your condition and choose the right specialist for a suitable treatment.
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