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What
is urology?
The organs within the spectrum of urology are the kidneys, adrenal glands,
bladder, prostate, testicles, epididymis, vas deferens, and penis. In addition,
urology also includes the female urinary system. Urologists are doctors/surgeons
who care for the urinary system in both men and women, and the genital/reproductive
system in men.
When should I see a urologist?
You should always see a urologist if you are referred by your primary care
physician or another specialty physician.
Urologists treat patients with a variety of medical conditions, including
cancer, benign prostate enlargement (BPH), male infertility, kidney stones,
erectile dysfunction (impotence), incontinence, voiding dysfunction, and urinary
tract infections.
Blood in the urine may be a warning sign of a potentially serious urological
disorder or condition. It should always be evaluated by a urologist.
An enlarging scrotal mass should also be evaluated as soon as possible by
a urologist. All men should perform bi-monthly testicular self examination.
How can I reach an MGH urologist
in an emergency?
The urology staff can always be reached through (617)
726-2241. To reach an attending urologist, please call their office
phone number 24 hours/day. Outside of business hours, the answering service
will be able to reach the covering physician at any time.
If you do not already have a physician, please call either the resident on-call,
or dial
(617) 726-2797 and ask for the "chief resident" who is a
staff attending physician with full hospital privileges. (Please note that
some insurance plans require that you contact your primary care physician
first for a referral).
If you have any of the following urology conditions,
have not recently been evaluated by a urologist, and have not been told by
a physician that the problem can wait for evaluation, you should be seen in
an emergency room urgently:
1. Inability to pass any urine at all, often associated with distension of
the bladder and pain
2. Visible blood in the urine (with clots), which makes urination difficult
3. Blood in the urine after trauma/injury
4. The sudden onset of severe pain in the scrotum/testicles, often associated
with fever, nausea, swelling
5. Severe back/flank pain, sometimes associated with blood in the urine, nausea,
vomiting, fever
A word about privacy.
We clearly recognize that people may be uncomfortable or embarrassed when talking about urologic conditions. Since urologists treat many patients for sexual dysfunction, among other conditions, we are used to discussing these conditions and the available treatments.
We will always maintain the strictest of privacy in your urology treatment and care.