The doctor who takes care of men’s health is the andrologist, a specialization of urology that specifically focuses on male sexual health. Learn more.
The andrologist is often a urologist who has specialized in andrology. Therefore, this professional is ready to take care of the reproductive, sexual, and hormonal health of male patients.
However, this is not the only type of health care that men should have.
It is important that every patient receives a holistic and comprehensive approach to their situation, and this is only possible by combining the knowledge and skills of different medical specialties.
It is also worth remembering that, throughout life, men will need different types of care – and the older they get, the more attention is needed.
Which doctor takes care of men’s health?
The andrologist and urologist are doctors qualified to take care of men’s health.
Many urologists are also andrologists. However, not every andrologist is a urologist. This is because, during specialization, the urological area is the one that is most related to studies in andrology.
Urologist
The urologist diagnoses and treats diseases related to the urinary tract, as well as taking care of the reproductive system and the sexual life of men, which includes organs such as the kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra, prostate, testicles, epididymides, and penis.
The urologist is a doctor for both men and women. He is also the doctor responsible for the female urinary system.
What diseases does the urologist treat?
Urologists treat urinary, reproductive, and sexual conditions. These include diseases such as:
- Urinary infections
- Kidney stones
- Urinary incontinence
- Erectile dysfunction
- Prostate, bladder, and penis cancer
- Peyronie’s Disease
- Curvature in young men
- Infertility
- Varicocele
- Phimosis
- STIs
- Priapism
What are the main tests requested by a urologist?
The tests a urologist will request depend on the reason for the medical consultation.
For routine visits, these include blood and urine tests and ultrasound. With these tests, a good understanding of the patient’s health conditions can be obtained.
In cases of complaints, health history, or anomalies in the primary examinations, the doctor may also request tests such as:
- urine culture,
- cystoscopy,
- semen analysis,
- MRI,
- prostate biopsy.
Andrologist
Andrology is dedicated to the study and care of male health issues, from reproductive and sexual health to hormonal health.
What diseases does the andrologist treat?
Andrologists are ready to address conditions affecting men’s reproductive, sexual, and hormonal health, such as:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Infertility
- Premature ejaculation
- Varicocele
- Hypogonadism
- Gynecomastia
- Priapism
- Phimosis
- Peyronie’s disease
- Micropenis
What are the main tests requested by the andrologist?
The tests an andrologist will request vary.
Generally, in consultations, a physical examination is conducted to assess the patient’s health and genital organs. Blood and urine tests are also commonly requested.
If any symptoms are reported by the patient, there is a health history, or any points of attention are identified in previous examinations, the andrologist may request additional tests such as semen analysis, ultrasound, penile rigidity test, among others.
From what age should men visit the doctor?
Men should visit the doctor throughout their life.
As children and even as teenagers, parents usually take them to pediatricians to ensure their development is healthy. As they grow up, men tend to neglect their health.
Research conducted by the Brazilian Society of Urology (SBU) shows that 46% of men over 40 only go to the doctor when they exhibit symptoms.
Another study by the Health Reference Center for Men concluded that over 50% of men visit clinics when diseases are in advanced stages, and often, surgery is required to treat them.
The frequency of medical visits can vary. Factors such as medical and family history, lifestyle, pre-existing health conditions, and symptoms are determinants for the frequency of consultations.
Furthermore, from the age of 40, men should undergo annual exams to monitor prostate health. This way, it’s possible to detect prostate cancer early.
Other doctors who take care of men’s health
To stay healthy, it is advisable to consult a doctor who cares for men’s health comprehensively. Therefore, throughout life, you should seek the following specialists:
- General Practitioner: is the doctor for general care and who refers to specialists when necessary.
- Dermatologist: a professional who performs diagnostic exams and treatment for skin conditions, such as skin cancer, which is the most common in the country, according to the National Cancer Institute (INCA).
- Ophthalmologist: he performs vision exams, prescribes glasses or contact lenses, treats eye conditions, and assists in the early detection of eye diseases, such as glaucoma and cataracts.
- Cardiologist: is essential to check heart health, with the help of cardiac exams, monitor cardiovascular risk factors, and treat conditions like hypertension, coronary artery disease, and heart failure.
- Endocrinologist: the professional can help maintain hormonal balance and treat conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, with emphasis on regulating testosterone levels, which tend to decrease after the age of 40.
