Urology in United States

Urology is a branch of medicine that deals with the diseases of the female and male urinary tract (kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra). This branch of medicine also deals with male reproductive organs (testes, epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate, and penis).

Urology has a number of sub-disciplines, including:

• Endourology – this sub-discipline of urology deals with the closed manipulation of the urinary tract. It includes all minimally invasive urologic surgical procedures, such as prostate surgery and stone removal surgery.
• Urologic oncology – this focuses on the treatment of malignant genitourinary diseases, such as cancer of the bladder, prostate, kidney, ureters, adrenal glands, testicles, or penis.
• Neurourology – this deals with the treatment of conditions involving the nervous control of the genitourinary system or abnormal urination.
• Pediatric urology – this focuses on urologic disorders in children, such as congenital abnormalities of the genitourinary tract, cryptorchidism (undescended testes), underdeveloped genitalia, enuresis, and vesicoureteral reflux.
• Andrology – this deals with disorders of the male reproductive system, such as ejaculatory disorders, erectile dysfunction, vasectomy reversal, and infertility.
• Reconstructive urology – this is a highly specialized field of male urology that deals with the reconstruction of both the structure and function of the genitourinary tract.
• Female urology – this deals with conditions of a woman’s reproductive and urinary tract, such as pelvic organ prolapse, overactive bladder, and urinary incontinence.

Medical professionals specializing in the field of urology are called urologists. Urologists can diagnose and treat diseases of the urinary tract in both women and men, as well as diagnosing and treating any problems in men’s reproductive tract. In some cases, urologists may also perform surgery. In the case of certain conditions, urologists may need to work in conjunction with medical professionals who specializes in other fields, such as oncologist, radiotherapists, nephrologist, and gynecologist.

Urologists can treat the following conditions:

In men:

• Prostate gland enlargement
• Cancers of the penis, bladder, testicles, kidneys, and adrenal and prostate glands
• Erectile dysfunction
• Infertility
• Kidney diseases
• Kidney stones
• Interstitial cystitis, also known as painful bladder syndrome
• Prostatitis
• Varicoceles, or enlarged veins in the scrotum
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

In women:

• Cancer of the kidneys, bladder, and adrenal glands
• Bladder prolapse, or a condition in which the bladder drops into the vagina
• Kidney stones
• Interstitial cystitis
• Overactive bladder
• Urinary incontinence
• UTIs

In children:

• Blockages and other problems with the urinary tract structure
• Bed-wetting
• Undescended testicles

What does Urology Involve?

During your first appointment, your urologist may ask you questions about your health history, any medicines you take, and your current symptoms. Your urologist may do a physical exam that includes a rectal and genital exam. They may also do some tests, such as:

• Imaging tests, such as MRI scans, CT scans, or ultrasound to help them locate the problem.
• A urine test to check for bacteria or other signs of disease.
• A cystoscope (a long, thin tube with a camera on its end) to see inside the urinary tract and take a sample of tissue for testing.
• A biopsy to check for cancer and other disorders.
• Urodynamic testing to check how fast the urine leaves your body, how much pressure there is in your bladder, and how much urine remains in your bladder after urinating.

After your urologist makes a diagnosis, the treatment will depend on your specific condition. It may include the use of medications and surgery.

Types of medication include:

• Hormone treatment for prostate cancer
• Antibiotics for infections
• Phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors for erectile dysfunction
• Chemotherapy drugs for cancer
• Drugs that act on the smooth muscle of the bladder to help reduce urinary incontinence.

Some of the most common types of surgery include:

• A cystectomy, which is a procedure to remove the bladder. This procedure is used to treat cancer.
• A kidney transplant, which involves replacing a damaged or diseased kidney with a healthy one.
• Extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy, which is used to break up kidney stones so they can be removed more easily.
• A repair of damage to the urinary tract due to injury.
• A procedure to open a blockage.
• A repair of urinary organs that are not well-formed.
• A prostatectomy, which is used to remove all or part of the prostate gland. This procedure is performed to treat prostate cancer.
• Transurethral needle ablation of the prostate, which removes excess tissue from an enlarged prostate.
• Transurethral resection of the prostate, which involves the removal of excess tissue from an enlarged prostate.
• A sling procedure, which uses strips of mesh in order to support the urethra and keep it closed. This procedure can treat urinary incontinence.
• A ureteroscopy, which involves the removal of stones in the kidneys and ureter using a scope.
• A vasectomy, which is a procedure to cut and tie the vas deferens, or the tubes that carry sperm. This is done to prevent pregnancy.
• A nephrectomy, which involves removing a kidney to treat cancer.

The surgery can be performed in one of two ways: open through a large incision, laparoscopically through several tiny incisions. Both methods are usually performed under general anesthesia. In some cases, local anesthetic may be used instead.

How Long Should I Stay in United States?

Depending on the procedure you will have, you may be able to leave the hospital on the same day or you will have to stay for up to 5 days. In general, it is highly advisable that you stay in United States for several days following your procedure for initial recovery and to attend scheduled follow-up checkups. For surgical procedures, you may need to stay in the country for at least 10 to 14 days.

What's the Recovery Time?

The recovery time varies, depending on the procedure you have, the reason why you need the procedure, and your overall health. For surgical procedures, it may take about one to six weeks until you can go back to your full activity. For non-surgical procedures, you may be allowed to go back to your normal routine within several days. Your urologist will give you a detailed recovery timeline, which includes the time you can go back to work, normal activity, and strenuous activities, such as exercise and heavy lifting.

What About Aftercare?

Your urologist will give you a set of instructions for your aftercare. The instruction may include a diet plan, exercise, restrictions, and medication to take, and wound care. It is important that you follow every instruction closely. After surgery, you will be encouraged to do some light exercise, such as walking, to help your healing process. You may also need to eat easily digestible food until you are recovered.

Depending on your specific condition, you may need to attend regular checkups following your treatment. For instance, if you had cancer treatment, your doctor will suggest you attend a checkup once or twice a year to ensure that cancer has not come back.

What's the Success Rate?

The field of urology is at the forefront of research and innovation. Due to its constant advancement, the procedures are becoming more effective and safer. Each urological treatment is also known to offer high success rates. However, any procedure comes with risks, such as infection, bleeding, and damage to nearby organs. Therefore, it is important that you choose a skilled and experienced urologist.

Are there Alternatives to Urology?

If you have any injury or disease in your urinary tract and/or reproductive organ (for men), there is no other alternative besides visiting a urology department. However, if your disease is found to be caused by other problems, the doctor will refer you to a relevant doctor.

Urology in and around United States

About the United States

With a population of over 327 million people, the United States of America (USA) is the third most populous country in the world. It has endless options for visitors with beaches, snow-covered mountains, forests, big cities; travelers will have many different experiences. The country is also a top global destination for medical travel. Although procedures can cost a lot more when compared to Asian countries, people from all over the world come to the United States to get treated with advanced technology and competent medical professionals. The skilled and experienced doctors are mostly trained in world-renowned universities including Stanford and Harvard. Medical tourists come from the Caribbean, Europe, and Central America and almost any procedure can be done in the country, whether it is complex procedures or a difficult diagnosis.  

Popular Parts of the United States

• New York City is home to various iconic landmarks. Tourists will find world-famous sites around every corner and there are just so many things that tourists should not miss, such as the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, the Staten Island Ferry, Empire State Building, the Brooklyn Bridge, and MoMA. Art is an essential part of the city and museums devoted to every type of art is available from Japanese sculpture, medieval European treasures, to Himalayan textiles. The city is also known to have an incredible food scene. Tourists are welcome to dine at one of the city’s 74 Michelin-starred restaurants or try the food trucks. At night, the city comes alive with the legendary theater of Broadway, burlesque performance, ballet, music, and so many more.
• Los Angeles is home to Hollywood, natural beauty, and architecture. It is filled with movie stars, musicians, and surfers. Tourist who loves film will be delighted to tour TCL Chinese Theatre, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Paramount Picture Studios. Most tourists will enjoy relaxing in Venice Beach, Zuma Beach, and the Santa Monica Pier and Beach. Tourists can also take a day trip to the “Happiest Place on Earth,” Disneyland-Anaheim, wander around Griffith Park, or see the beautiful Getty Museum.
• Dallas is a cosmopolitan city that is overflowing with culture and pride. The city is famous for Cowboys, cheerleaders, and unique attractions. Museums are probably the best points of interest in the city, including the Sixth Floor Museum and Perot Museum of Nature & Science. Tourists also have many options to hang out in since the city is filled with trendy restaurants, boutiques, and cafes. If you want to see some beautiful flowers, visit the Dallas Arboretum. It is a beautiful botanical garden that showcases plants and flowers in themed gardens.
• Chicago is a city of many things. Whether you want to visit jazz clubs, fine dining, admire its skyscrapers, or go shopping, you will find something to do in this city. Some of the top attractions are Hancock Observatory, Shedd Aquarium, Millennium Park, and Lincoln Park Conservatory and Zoo. Everywhere you walk, you will find astonishing art and architecture, such as an abstract Picasso statue and the Museum of Mexican Art.

Weather and Climate in the United States

The United States has a wide variety of climates, which makes it a year-round destination. In general, the country experiences four distinct seasons. Summer starts in June and ends in August. During the summer, the northern states enjoy warm days and cool nights, and the southern states and tropical areas experience very hot temperatures. Autumn is from September to November and the season brings cooler temperatures to the country. December to February is the winter months and the northern areas will encounter snow and colder temperatures, but the southern areas experience mild temperatures. The temperatures all around the country will begin to warm up during the spring months from March to May and expect to find many thunderstorms and rainstorms during this season.

Getting Around in the United States 

The United States is well connected by plane since it has more than 375 domestic airports and numerous international airports. Most tourists will arrive in Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta, John F. Kennedy International Airport, or O’Hare International Airport. These airports serve domestic and international flights to many parts of the world. The airports also operate many carriers such as Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, United, and American Airlines. 

The most affordable way to get around the USA is by bus. Many bus companies go across the country such as Greyhound, Mega Bus, Peter Pan, and Bolt Bus. However, it is important to note that long-distance travel can take a long time. The nicer option to travel around the country is by Amtrak trains. It is by no means fast, but tourists can relax and enjoy the landscape. If you wish to travel by train, tourists can purchase money-saving passes. The most popular way to travel around the USA is by car. Petrol is generally cheaper compared to the United Kingdom and it gives tourists the freedom to go wherever they want. Taxis are plentiful in most cities and can be very inexpensive. Many taxis are painted in bright yellow, making them easy to distinguish. Taxi can be hailed directly from the streets and the fare is run on a meter.

Tourist Visas in the United States

All visitors must obtain a visa to visit the United States of America unless they come from one of the visa-exempt or Visa Waiver Program countries. There are four countries and Bermuda that have visa exemption access to the US. Currently, citizens of 38 countries are selected for the Visa Waiver Program, including Australia, Japan, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. Other nationals not listed in the visa-exempt or Visa Waiver Program should apply and obtain a visa before entering the country. It is advisable to always check with your nearest US Embassy for the visa policy.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: The official currency is the US dollar ($). It is known as a ‘global currency.’ Check XE.com for the current exchange rate to your local currency.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are available almost everywhere around the country. Major credit and debit cards are universally accepted in restaurants, hotels, shops. Credit cards are required to book domestic flights. Tipping is not optional, so make sure to always leave some tips. 
3. Local Language: The main language in the country is American English. Many people will be able to speak Spanish.
4. Local Culture and Religion: The USA is home to many religions and most of the population follows Christianity, but there are small groups of Jews and Muslims. 
5. Public Holidays: Some of the most celebrated holidays in the USA are New Year’s Day, Independence Day, US Indigenous People’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.