Why are there more male than female urologists?
Urology is often referred to as the so-called “male domain”. This is due to the fact that only about one sixth of all working urologists are women, more than three quarters are correspondingly men. This strong imbalance is probably due to the fact that the majority of all patients are also male.
Although urology also deals with the kidneys, the ureters, the bladder and the urethra, so that both men and women consult the urologist in case of complaints, the urologist also deals with the male sexual organs, i.e. testicles, prostate, penis, seminal vesicles, etc. The gynaecologist or gynaecologist is responsible for the female sexual organs. Although women can probably carry out diagnoses and therapies on the male sex just as well as men can on the female sex, such examinations are considered to be very intimate and are therefore preferably carried out by their own sex.
What tests does the urologist perform on the prostate?
The prostate is one of the male sex organs and should be examined regularly in every man from the age of 45 years, as prostate cancer is an extremely common cause of death in men. To reach the prostate gland in a minimally invasive way, a rectal examination is recommended. The basic examination during such a screening consists of a simple palpation of the prostate, ultrasound examination and determination of the PSA level.
During the palpation examination, special attention is paid to the shape, size and consistency of the prostate. If hardenings, nodules and asymmetrical shapes can be palpated, this may be an indication of a tumor. During the ultrasound examination, an ultrasound probe is inserted through the anus into the rectum and thus held onto the prostate.
The ultrasound can be used to identify the size of the prostate gland as well as nodules. No direct intervention on the prostate is necessary to determine the PSA level. The PSA level can be easily determined in the blood.
If elevated PSA levels are present, this may indicate a tumour. If the above-mentioned diagnoses indicate a possible malignant tumour, several tissue samples are then taken. These can give certainty about the abnormalities of the prostate. In general, however, a large number of apparently dangerous enlargements, asymmetries or elevated PSA levels are often completely harmless and not malignant.
What is andrology?
Andrology refers to a medical specialty that specializes in the reproductive function of the male and its disorders. Andrologists are therefore often referred to as “gynaecologists for men”. Another synonym for andrology is the so-called “male medicine”.
The andrologist thus deals with the male sexual organs. These include both the internal and external sexual organs. In andrology, special attention is paid to the fertility of the man.
Undesirable childlessness plays a special role here. Another central topic in andrology is the production of hormones in the testicles. The sex hormone testosterone, which plays a decisive role in male fertility, is produced in the testicles.
A testosterone deficiency can impair a man’s sense of well-being on the one hand, while on the other hand it can prevent the body from performing important functions. Erectile function or erectile dysfunction are also diagnosed and treated by andrologists. Mostly such dysfunctions are due to psychological reasons, high blood pressure, cancer or other metabolic diseases. A last big point in andrology is the contraceptive methods or sterilisation of the man by vasectomy.
