If you're experiencing problems with your urinary system, your GP may refer you to a consultant urologist. A urologist is a medical professional who specialises in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the urinary tract and male reproductive system.
Common reasons for referral to a urologist include urinary tract infections, kidney stones, prostate problems, erectile dysfunction, and infertility. Urologists can also provide preventive care, such as prostate cancer screening.
During your appointment with a urologist, they will conduct a thorough examination of your urinary and reproductive systems and develop a personalised treatment plan. Treatment may involve medications such as antibiotics, alpha blockers, hormones or procedures such as cystoscopy, prostate biopsy or vasectomy.
It's important to take care of your urinary and reproductive health and seek medical attention if you're experiencing any problems. With the right care and support from a urologist, it's possible to manage and treat many urological conditions and improve your overall quality of life.
At Blackrock Health, we know that urinary or reproductive health issues can be very challenging - both emotionally and physically. Our team of specialists – including gynaecologists and urologists is dedicated to providing compassionate and supportive care to the men and women that we treat. We provide access without delay to cutting-edge diagnostic and medical technology. This includes minimally invasive surgical solutions where required and when possible. Our team will ensure that you receive the best possible care and treatment plan, tailored to your own needs. With decades of experience and expertise, we are committed to helping you. Working with us, we want you to achieve the most optimal outcome possible for your urinary and reproductive health. Whether you need routine care or more specialised treatment, we are here to support you every step of the way.
Our urology team offers a broad range of treatment options for all adults. This includes a range of advanced surgical laser-based interventions and non-surgical treatment options. We specialise in treating conditions of the urinary-tract system and the male reproductive system. Our dedicated staff will care for you from your first consultation to your discharge from the clinic.
Who we treat
We treat all patients with diseases and disorders of the bladder, ureters, kidneys, prostate, testes and genitalia.
We cover all aspects of general urological care including:
- stones of the kidneys, bladder and ureter
- overactive and underactive bladder
- catheter care
- incontinence
- hydrocoeles (fluid in the scrotum)
- epididymal cysts (growth on a testis)
- tumour on a testis
- kidney (renal) cancer
- bladder cancer
- prostate cancer
- benign prostate hyperplasia
- strictures (narrowing) of the urethra
- congenital anomalies
What to expect
Once we've received your referral, you'll be seen at one of our Urology Departments.
We usually run diagnostic tests on an outpatient or day case basis.
Following diagnosis, your consultant will discuss treatment and care options with you.
Services
We offer a range of urological services to best suit your needs, including:
- surgical urology
- robotic urology
- andrology
- female pelvic medicine
- urologic oncology
- urodynamics service
- haematuria diagnostics
- green light laser
- treatment of stone disease including lithotripsy
- cystoscopy
Physiotherapy for Women and Men's Continence Issues
The specialist physiotherapist is a critical member of the multidisciplinary team of consultant urologists, gynaecologists, general surgeons and clinical nurse specialists. The service aims to provide treatment for females and males with weakened pelvic floor muscles which can cause:
- Urinary and/or Faecal Incontinence
- Bowel Dysfunction including constipation and obstructive defaecation
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Overactive Bladder
- Pelvic Pain
- Under or Overactive Pelvic Floor Muscle
- Muscle Weakness or Problems Following Childbirth
- Pelvic Floor Muscle dysfunction post Prostatectomy
- Pelvic Organ Prolapse
- Sexual dysfunction including erectile dysfunction
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (Enlargement), also referred to as BPH, commonly affects most men at some point in their lives, with the percentage escalating with age. By the age of 60, 50% of men will show signs of BPH.
Roughly half of these men will develop symptoms which will require treatment. BPH is the most common prostate problem in men, and whilst it is benign, it can have symptoms similar to prostate cancer.
Mild symptoms may require no further treatment than continued observation by a urologist. For more severe symptoms, there are various treatments on offer:
- Medications
- Surgery such as Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)
- Laser Therapy (Green Light™ Laser Therapy)
- Minimally Invasive Water Vaper Therapy (Rezūm™ Water Vapor Therapy).
Prostate Cancer
You can find out more about our diagnostic and treatment options for Prostate Cancer here.
Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are hard mineral deposits that form in your kidneys and can cause pain and discomfort, and can even lead to infection. Kidney stones can range in size from a grain of sand to a golf ball and can block the flow of urine, causing pressure to build up in the affected kidney. Symptoms include intense pain in your back, lower abdomen or groin, pain while urinating, and blood in your urine. Treatment options include drinking plenty of fluids to help flush the stone out, pain relief medication, and in some cases, surgery or lithotripsy (using shock waves to break up the stone). Lithotripsy is a procedure that uses sound waves or lasers to break up the stone into smaller pieces so that your body can pass them more easily. You may also be prescribed medication or be advised to make changes to your diet and fluid intake to help prevent stones from forming in the future. Surgery may be necessary if the stone is too large or the lithotripsy is not effective. Your urologist will work with you to find the best treatment plan for your individual needs.
Male & Female Pelvic Health
For information on the broader range of diagnostics, treatments and procedures that Blackrock Health provides which are specific to males and females, please refer to the following pages: Male Pelvic Health and Female Pelvic Health Physiotherapy.
How do I get this?
You will need a referral letter from your GP or consultant before you make an appointment. Please see our Request Appointment Form here.
Is this insured?
Not all services are covered by health insurance. To find out if you're covered, please check your health insurance before your visit. You can do this on our health insurance Cover Check page here, or by contacting your health insurer.
How do I pay?
If you do not have health insurance or your health plan does not cover the full cost, you will need to pay the balance due before your treatment or procedure. You may be able to claim back some fees on your insurance. To pay an excess not covered by your insurance or any other inpatient fees, please visit our payment page here. If you have any queries about paying for your care, please contact the finance team in your hospital.
