Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center is consistently recognized as High Performing in Urology and Nephrology by U.S. News & World Report. We have more than 13 clinical urologists performing over 2,800 inpatient and outpatient procedures each year.

Our expertise covers the spectrum of clinical urology. Our leading clinical research enhances our capabilities to offer the highest quality of care. Our urologists diagnose and treat problems involving the male and female urinary tract and the male reproductive organs. Urologists are familiar with many other medical fields—such as internal medicine, pediatrics, gynecology, geriatrics, and oncology—in addition to their surgical training. 

What do you see a urologist for?

You would see a urologist for any medical issues related to the urinary tract and male reproductive system. Urologists are medical specialists who are trained to diagnose and treat a variety of conditions that can affect these areas of the body. If you're experiencing symptoms like blood in the urine, difficulty urinating, pain or discomfort in the urinary tract or male reproductive system, infertility, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), you should see a urologist as soon as possible. Urologists can perform a variety of tests and procedures to diagnose and treat these conditions, such as urinalysis, cystoscopy, prostate biopsy, and urodynamic testing. They can also provide recommendations for lifestyle changes, medications, and surgical interventions to manage or cure these conditions.

What are common urological conditions?

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Kidney stones
• Bladder diseases
• Enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH)
• Prostate cancer
• Bladder cancer
• Overactive bladder
• Urinary incontinence
• Pelvic floor dysfunction
• Erectile dysfunction
• Testicular cancer
• Prostatitis

 

What procedures and treatment options are available for urologic conditions?

Common urology treatment options include:

• Medications: Prescription medications can be used to treat a variety of urologic conditions, such as urinary tract infections, erectile dysfunction, overactive bladder, and prostate problems.
• Surgery: Urologic surgery may be necessary to treat conditions such as kidney stones, prostate cancer, bladder cancer, and testicular cancer. Surgical procedures can range from minimally invasive techniques to open surgeries.
• Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy is a common treatment for prostate cancer, and may also be used to treat bladder cancer and other urologic conditions.
• Shock wave lithotripsy: This non-invasive procedure uses shock waves to break up kidney stones, allowing them to be passed through the urinary tract more easily.
• Ureteroscopy: This minimally invasive procedure uses a small scope to visualize and remove kidney or ureteral stones.
• Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP): This surgical procedure is used to treat an enlarged prostate and involves removing excess prostate tissue to relieve symptoms.
• Bladder training: This therapy involves learning techniques to control urination, and may be used to treat overactive bladder or urinary incontinence.
• Lifestyle changes: Making lifestyle changes such as drinking more water, avoiding bladder irritants, and maintaining a healthy weight can help manage and prevent certain urologic conditions.

 

The specific treatment options will depend on the patient's individual condition and severity of symptoms. A St. Luke's Health urologist can provide a personalized treatment plan.

What to expect at your first urology appointment

• Medical history review: The urologist will ask you questions about your medical history, including any symptoms you may be experiencing, medications you are currently taking, and any previous surgeries or procedures you have had.
• Physical exam: The urologist will conduct a physical exam, which may include an examination of the genitals and a digital rectal exam to check the prostate.
• Diagnostic tests: Depending on your symptoms and medical history, the urologist may recommend diagnostic tests such as urinalysis, blood tests, imaging tests like ultrasound or MRI, or a biopsy.
• Discussion of treatment options: If a diagnosis is made, the urologist will discuss treatment options with you. These may include lifestyle changes, medication, or surgical intervention, depending on the specific condition.
• Questions and concerns: You will have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have and to voice any concerns you may have about your condition or treatment options.

 

It's important to be open and honest with your urologist about your symptoms and medical history, as this will help them make an accurate diagnosis and provide the most effective treatment plan for you.

Providing quality care

Highly qualified nursing staff will provide the patient's care. Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center was re-designated the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Magnet status in 2009 due to our commitment to interdisciplinary practice, ongoing professional development, and evidence-based practice in the delivery of nursing care and ongoing nursing research. We were the 37th hospital in the nation and the first in Texas and the Southwest to receive the honor in 2001 and again in 2005. Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center has joined the elite one percent of hospitals in the nation to achieve this status three times.

Men undergoing a radical prostatectomy are better able to manage pain and know what to expect after the surgery because of research by our urologic nursing team. The nurses provide thorough and consistent education for the patient and his significant other or caregiver.

Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center is a The UroLift® Center of Excellence (COE) Program designed to enhance patient outcomes and experience. Urologists included in the UroLift® COE Program have achieved a higher level of training with the UroLift® System and demonstrated a commitment to care for men suffering from symptoms associated with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) or an enlarged prostate.

Patient stories