How to Prepare for Your First Visit to a Urologist?

If an individual feels unwell, the initial step would be to consult a primary care doctor or general physician. However, if further evaluation or guidance is needed, the assistance of a specialist would be required. If you suspect that you are suffering from a urological condition or have been referred by your physician to a urology consultant, this is sure to make you feel anxious, especially if it is your first time meeting a urologist. However, accessing correct information and guidance can put your mind at ease. Let us help you better prepare for your urology consultation as we explore what to expect, what conditions urologists treat, and more in this article.

Urologists: What do they do?

What can urology in Singapore help you with, and who are urologists? Urology is a branch of medicine that focuses on diagnosing and treating medical and surgical conditions that affect the urinary and reproductive systems. The urinary system is also referred to as the renal system and consists of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. This system helps regulate the body’s fluids and electrolytes and remove waste and toxins from the body. This is carried out by the functional unit of kidneys – nephrons through filtration, reabsorption, and secretion. However, if there is a disruption or an obstruction with this process, you may require the management of a urologist. Urologists are specialised surgeons who are trained to treat any urological concern. However, there is a common misconception that this field is only concerned with the treatment of urological conditions in men, but this is not the case. If you are a female suffering from a urinary tract problem, you can consult a urology consultant in Singapore to help you out.

What conditions do urologists treat?

A urologist in Singapore can be consulted for a diverse range of conditions, but let’s look at the most common conditions that affect men and women.

Common urological conditions that affect men

Urinary tract infection (UTI)
Urinary incontinence (involuntary leakage of urine)
Urinary frequency (need to urinate several times a day)
Kidney stones
Enlarged prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
Bladder issues
Erectile dysfunction (ED)
Male infertility and hormone problems
Genitourinary cancers (e.g., kidney, bladder, prostate, and testicular cancer)

Common urological conditions that affect women

Urinary tract infection
Urinary incontinence
Urinary frequency
Overactive bladder (sudden urge to urinate)
Interstitial cystitis (painful bladder syndrome)
Pelvic pain
Pelvic organ prolapse (abnormal descent or herniation of pelvic organs)
Sexually transmitted diseases
Sexual dysfunction
Urological cancers (e.g., kidney, bladder)

Along with treating such conditions, there is another essential component that urologists in Singapore can help you with – screening. Urological screening is important to evaluate the function of the urinary system and can help detect any underlying conditions. This is critical in detecting any issues early and providing the right treatment in order to get a better prognosis and outlook.

For more information on the screening services offered at Assure Urology & Robotic Centre, browse our page on Vital Assure Screening or get in touch with our team today.

When do you need to seek help from a urologist in Singapore immediately?

While it is natural to feel anxious when you are suffering from a urinary concern, this should not stop you from seeking help. We advise you to seek immediate medical attention if you have the following symptoms:

Haematuria (blood in urine)
Dysuria (painful micturition)
Sudden change in urine (colour and smell)
Changes in urination (e.g., frequent urination)
Urinary tract infections (especially if they are recurrent)
Have trouble with urinating or flow issues

What to expect at your first visit to a urology clinic in Singapore

As with any other consultation, preparation is the key to making the most out of your appointment. During the consultation, your specialist will take a complete medical history and carry out a physical examination and other investigations (if required). In addition, you may be required to complete some paperwork, such as filling out a questionnaire about your symptoms.

Do not forget to take any appropriate documentation, such as referral papers, medical records, and test results or scans. If you have been taking any medical supplements or herbs, your urology doctor needs to be aware of them. If you feel like you may forget any essential information, it is always best to note them down. Make sure to ask questions and clarify any concerns so that your specialist can provide you with essential information regarding your condition.

During the physical examination, you will most likely be required to undergo a genital and digital rectal examination. This will help the specialist understand your condition better and make the right diagnosis. Your urologist in Singapore will also probably require a urine sample, so do not go to the clinic with an empty bladder!

After the assessment has been completed, your treatment plan will most likely be discussed. However, if further investigations are required, you may have to come in for follow-up sessions. This process may seem a little daunting or overwhelming initially, but if you consult an experienced medical professional such as Dr Terence Lim at Assure Urology & Robotic Centre, you can rest assured that you will be in good hands.

At our clinic, you will have access to a range of health services, from screening to reconstructive urology procedures to robotic urologic surgery and more! If you would like to know more information, do not hesitate to reach out to our team at Assure Urology & Robotic Centre and schedule an appointment with our senior urologist at Mount Elizabeth Hospital today.