Urology FAQs | Dr. José Alfredo Ruíz

What Does a Urologist Treat?

A urologist is a medical specialist who diagnoses and treats conditions affecting the urinary system—including the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra—in both men and women, as well as conditions affecting the male reproductive system.

Urologists treat a wide range of conditions, including urinary tract infections, kidney stones, urinary incontinence, prostate conditions, erectile dysfunction, male infertility, and various types of tumors and cancers affecting the urinary and reproductive systems.

When Should I See a Urologist?

You should consider seeing a urologist if you experience any of the following:

Changes in urination, such as difficulty starting urination, a weak urinary stream, pain or discomfort, cloudy urine, blood in the urine, increased urinary frequency, or urinary incontinence.
Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse.
Male infertility or difficulty conceiving.
A feeling of pressure, heaviness, or a bulge in the vaginal area.
Pelvic pain or other persistent urinary or reproductive symptoms.

Listening to your body is the first step toward feeling better. Schedule your urological consultation today and take control of your health.

What Is the Most Common Age to See a Urologist?

For men, a urological consultation is recommended whenever symptoms or concerns arise. If you have a family history of prostate cancer, it may be appropriate to begin prostate health discussions and screening earlier, potentially as early as age 35, depending on your individual risk factors.

Starting around age 40, many men benefit from regular urological checkups, as age-related changes in the urinary and reproductive systems can affect urinary function, sexual health, and overall quality of life.

For women, a urological evaluation is recommended whenever symptoms or concerns arise. Preventive urological care may also be considered starting around age 40, particularly after pregnancy or during hormonal changes such as menopause.

Seeing a urologist can help you maintain your health, sexual well-being, and quality of life as you age.

What Happens During the First Visit to a Urologist?

During your first visit, your urologist will ask about your medical history, current symptoms, and any medications or supplements you are taking. A physical examination may also be performed, and additional diagnostic tests may be recommended to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

Don’t hesitate to take the first step. Schedule your consultation and take care of your health with confidence and peace of mind.

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What Is the Difference Between a Nephrologist and a Urologist?

A nephrologist is a physician who specializes exclusively in the kidneys and their function. Nephrology is a subspecialty of internal medicine rather than urology, which means nephrologists are not surgeons. They diagnose and treat kidney diseases, as well as conditions affecting other parts of the body that can lead to kidney problems or result from impaired kidney function.

A urologist, on the other hand, diagnoses and treats a wide range of conditions affecting the urinary system and the male reproductive system. While some urologists may focus primarily on non-surgical care, all urologists receive comprehensive training in urological surgery.

Urologists may also specialize in areas such as:

Pediatric Urology — Treatment of urological conditions in infants, children, and adolescents.
Urologic Oncology — Diagnosis and treatment of cancers affecting the urinary and male reproductive systems.
Kidney Transplantation — Surgical care related to kidney transplantation.
Sexual Medicine — Treatment of sexual health conditions, including erectile dysfunction and other sexual disorders.
Male infertility or difficulty conceiving.
Genitourinary Reconstruction — Restoring the function and appearance of the genitourinary system through specialized reconstructive procedures.
Minimally Invasive Urology — Advanced surgical techniques, including robotic, laparoscopic, and endoscopic procedures.

Can Erectile Dysfunction Be Cured?

Yes. In many cases, erectile dysfunction can be effectively treated and significantly improved with a personalized approach that may include oral medications, psychological therapy, lifestyle changes, hormone therapy, or specialized medical devices. The most appropriate treatment depends on the underlying cause, overall health, and individual needs of each patient. Schedule a consultation to determine the right treatment option for you and take the first step toward restoring your sexual health and quality of life.

What Is Penile Implant Surgery Like and How Long Is the Recovery?

Penile implant surgery is a well-established procedure with high patient satisfaction when performed by an experienced urologist specializing in penile implants.

The procedure typically takes 45 to 90 minutes and is performed under anesthesia. The surgeon makes a small incision through which the implant cylinders are placed. With an inflatable penile implant, a small fluid reservoir is also placed in the abdomen, along with a discreet control pump positioned in the scrotum. The pump allows the patient to inflate and deflate the implant whenever an erection is desired.
Once the implant is properly positioned, the incisions are closed and a compression dressing is applied.
Most patients can return home within 24 to 48 hours, depending on their individual recovery and the surgeon’s recommendations.
Initial recovery generally takes several weeks, with full recovery typically occurring within 4 to 6 weeks. Sexual activity can usually be resumed once healing is complete and the surgeon confirms that it is safe to do so.
Mild discomfort and swelling are common during the initial recovery period and can generally be managed with prescribed or recommended pain medication.

What Types of Reconstructive Surgery Are Available?

The type of reconstructive surgery depends on the area affected and the patient’s individual needs. Common procedures include:

Urethroplasty — Surgical reconstruction of the urethra to restore urinary function.
Bladder Reconstruction & Urinary Diversion — Specialized procedures to restore or redirect urinary function when the bladder or urinary tract is affected.
Male & Female Genital Reconstruction — Reconstructive procedures to restore the anatomy, function, and appearance of the genital area following trauma, congenital conditions, or previous surgeries.
Artificial Urinary Sphincter & Penile Implant Surgery — Specialized procedures designed to restore urinary continence and sexual function.

Every reconstructive procedure is individually tailored to the patient, with both functional and aesthetic goals in mind. Schedule a consultation and take the first step toward restoring your health, confidence, and quality of life.

Are the Results of Genital Aesthetic Surgery Permanent?

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Yes. In most cases, the results of genital aesthetic procedures are long-lasting and may be permanent, although natural aging, significant changes in body weight, hormonal changes, and other individual factors can influence the results over time. Some procedures may require minor adjustments or additional treatments in the future, depending on how the body changes and the patient’s individual goals. Overall, properly selected procedures can provide long-lasting aesthetic and functional benefits. Schedule a consultation to learn which treatment is right for you and what results you can realistically expect.