Urologist, andrologist, venereologist?
Which doctor should you contact if you find signs of an STD? What is better - online consultation or examination by a venereologist at the clinic? You will get answers to these and other questions by reading this article.
When is a good urologist needed?
If your financial situation and time do not allow you to visit the clinic, then an online urologist will help.
A urologist is a doctor who diagnoses and treats diseases of the genitourinary system (inflammation of the glans penis, foreskin, urethra, varicocele, dropsy and tumors of the testicles, kidneys, prostate and bladder. After talking with the patient and establishing a preliminary diagnosis, he will send for STI analysis, general analysis of urine, blood, spermogram, hormonal profile, tumor markers, ultrasound, mri, CT and other specialists.
What does an andrologist do?
Andrologist is the male equivalent of a gynecologist. He is engaged in the diagnosis and treatment of male genital organs - testes, epididymis, penis, prostate and seminal vesicles.
Helps to solve such problems of the reproductive system in men as infertility and erectile dysfunction (impotence), which are often the result of undiagnosed and untreated STDs.
As a gynecologist during menopause, an andrologist helps men get through andropause, and be like a man, "on top". Although it is milder than menopause in women, it can expose the patient to certain health risks and reduce his quality of life, and not only sexual.
When to see an andrologist:
- problems with erection;
- dry (retrograde) ejaculation;
- fertility disorders;
- andropause (male menopause);
- the appearance of visible deviations in the structure of the reproductive system;
- pain or swelling in the genitals and perineum;
- the appearance of alarming changes on the penis, testicles or scrotum (lumps, thickenings, etc.);
- a sharp decrease in libido (this can also be due to poor hormonal balance, which is responsible for the reproductive system).
What does a venereologist do online?
A doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases is called a venereologist. He determines the suspicion of STD infection, prescribes STI tests, appropriate treatment, explains to the patient in detail how the infection could occur, and how to properly prevent STDs and exacerbations of chronic urethritis and urethroprostatitis.
Why do you need to visit a venereologist in Kiev?
There are many myths and jokes about visiting this doctor, especially about an unpleasant examination.
In the case of an andrologist, the first visit is to thoroughly study the medical history, take anamnesis and discuss problems - complaints of symptoms that concern the patient. This can be done online, then determine the need for a visit to the clinic.
During this visit, the doctor examines the man's genitals, and may also perform a rectal examination if he sees a reason to check the condition of the prostate.
Further, the doctor, if necessary, directs for additional tests that will help determine the source of problems of the reproductive system:
- general urine analysis;
- detailed blood test;
- spermogram and sperm culture for trichomoniasis and gonorrheal infection;
- conducts taking swabs from the urethra, prostate secretions, PCR tests and bacterial cultures for flora;
- conducts ultrasound of the genitourinary system;
- hormonal tests (the level of hormones important for the male body - starting with testosterone);
- checking the level of cholesterol and sugar (too high of them can affect the functioning of the whole body, including the reproductive system).
If you suspect a neoplasm (benign or malignant, i.e. cancer), your doctor may prescribe:
- high-precision hormonal tests, tests for markers of prostate cancer (PSA, etc.);
- MRI, CT of organs of the genitourinary system, PET CT, radioisotope examination;
- Biopsy of the genitourinary system, including fusion biopsy.
These are common general examinations that help you see a complete picture of a patient's health. Based on these data, the doctor can begin treatment or refer the patient to other specialists.
After consulting an urologist-andrologist, you may need help:
- oncourologist (when symptoms or results indicate cancer of the genitourinary system),
- vascular surgeon (in case of problems with blood circulation in the corpora cavernosa of the penis),
- sexologist (for example, in the case of psychogenic impotence), etc.
