Urologists and urogynaecologists are doctors who have specialized in specific segments of the urogenital system. Both fields of study need to spend many years of training between medical college, residency, and practice where they learn the more basic aspects of their chosen disciplines. The two specialists both undergo somewhat different educations after their medical school, as the basic fields of study are quite different. But as they specialize in a more specific practice, the two fields may highly overlap and appear to be more similar. In top urology hospitals in Chennai, both the fields of clinical practice are complementary, and is hard to say if either field is better than the other.
Who is a urologist?
A urologist specializes in treating various conditions of the urogenital system that deals with male and female urinary tract systems and male reproductive organs. Urology specialists in Chennai have to treat all conditions of the male and female urinary tract along with problems related specifically to the male genitalia. A urologist, in general, may be thought of as the doctor only for men, but urologists can treat women for conditions such as urinary tract infections, kidney stones, bladder, and kidney cancer, or urinary incontinence. Thus, some urologists may treat disorders involving organs like the bladder, kidneys, testicles, and urethra. There are many urologists who have gained practice through their experience in treating the conditions that are usually treated by a urogynaecologist. In fact, some urologists have acquired the same expertise as a urogynaecologist just through clinical practice.
Urologists may specialize in certain fields like reconstruction of the urethra and a female urinary system where they learn general surgical techniques and clinical urology. After this, they may choose to learn techniques more relevant to the urologist’s chosen field. However, some urologists choose to specialize in treating only one sex, whereas, others may concentrate on a more focused medical problem such as kidney transplants or sexual dysfunction.
Who is a urogynaecologist?
A urogynaecologist is a specialist in treating disorders involving the pelvic region in women. The urogynaecologist in Chennai treats all types of urinary and pelvic conditions such as incontinence, severe constipation, prolapse of pelvic organs, conditions of pelvic muscles and connective tissues in the pelvic area. A urogynaecologist may also perform reconstructive surgery. In short, a urogynaecologist only treats women with a focus on disorders of the pelvic floor. Many urogynaecologists do not deal with obstetrics or urology issues outside of the female bladder. A general physician or OB/GYN may recommend a urogynaecologist for a woman with pelvic organ prolapse, requiring certain types of vaginal surgery, problems emptying the bladder or bowels, and incontinence that needs better intervention.
Urogynaecology is the field of medicine that cross-sections urology and gynecology. A urogynaecologist has initial training as a gynecologist. After specializing in gynecology, candidates usually undertake the training of at least three years where they learn to evaluate and treat pelvic floor disorders to become a urogynaecologist. Here, the candidate studies surgical procedures required for pelvic floor reconstruction, treatments for incontinence, and other related conditions. Thus, urogynaecology is considered a subspecialty of obstetrics and gynecology, and a urogynaecologist is an OB/Gyn who has gone on to more training.
When to see a urologist Vs urogynaecologist?
Decision making on seeing a urogynaecologist vs urologist is often a matter of personal preference and access. It usually depends on who is seen first and who is the most appropriate specialist to see next. However, in top urology hospitals in Chennai, urologists share patients with the urogynaecologists and vice versa in order to provide the best care for the patients. Urologists and urogynaecologists often work together to offer the best of their services in the overall treatment of the condition.
Urologists are not only for men. Urologists are trained to treat problems that affect the urinary tract. A woman needs to see a urologist if she develops symptoms of urinary tract infections, kidney stones, control over urination, or cancer of the urinary organs. A urologist may ask for a urine sample and evaluate pain levels to determine a diagnosis. Based on the initial results, more specialized tests may be necessary for further evaluation, including a cystoscopy or urodynamics test to evaluate bladder function.
urogynaecologist is a urology specialist who treats non-cancerous issues in a woman. For a woman suffering from conditions like severe bladder leakage, bladder bulging due to pelvic organ prolapse, bowel leakage, female sexual dysfunction, or if suffering from pain in the bladder, vagina, or pelvis. Urogynaecologists perform evaluations, diagnose and treat patients. A urogynaecologist will perform a pelvic exam, urodynamics, and call for a scan to look for signs of pelvic organ prolapse, which usually appears as a bulge in the vagina, and also feel the uterus and bladder to know if they are in the right locations.
The major difference between the two fields is that:
- urogynaecologist only treats women, whereas a urologist can treat both men and women.
- urologist work only on the urinary system and genitals and do not work on the pelvic floor.
Healthy women may choose a urologist as they are a good resource for preventing common health problems that arise in women through different stages of life. Leading urologists in Chennai have specialized experience with various life stages of a woman such as pregnancy, post-childbirth, and menopause. Urologists can also educate on how to prevent conditions like incontinence, pelvic pain, and urinary tract infections in women.
On the other hand, as a result of childbirth, injury, or any other condition, a pelvic problem can cause serious pain and discomfort. These problems that also may cause urine or faecal leakage, menstrual abnormalities, and pelvic organ prolapse, can limit activity level and affect a woman’s self-confidence. Women who experience such pelvic floor-related health issues may derive incredible benefits from seeking out the expertise of a urogynaecologist.
