Medicine is a fairly broad field that encompasses countless specialties, which will be dedicated to the study and treatment of different areas of the human body. In the case of urology and nephrology, They are two specialties dedicated to the urinary system and that are often confused due to certain similarities that they may have.
However, it must be noted that they are two disciplines that will differ in regard to various aspects. as is the case of your treatment or training. In the following article we are going to talk to you in detail about the differences that exist between urologists and nephrologists.
What is urology
Urology is a branch of medicine specialized in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the urinary system in both men and women. as well as in the male reproductive system. This urinary system will include the kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra in general and the prostate, testicles and penis in the case of men.
In what areas will urologists work?
Urologists are medical professionals who will act in a number of areas:
- Urologists diagnose and treat cancers that affect the urinary tract and male reproductive organs., as well as prostate, bladder, kidney and testicular cancer.
- They treat erection problems in men through medications, devices or surgery.
- They treat urinary incontinence, evaluating its possible causes and establishing the best treatment for it.
- They are experts when it comes to eliminate kidney stones, either through surgery or non-invasive procedures.
- They are responsible for dealing with related problems with male fertility.
What is nephrology
Nephrology, for its part, is focused in the diagnosis and treatment of kidney-type diseases. The kidneys are an organ that will play a key role in filtering waste and fluids from the body. Nephrologists are professionals specialized in the management of these functions and in the treatment of conditions that affect the kidneys and urinary tract.
In what areas will nephrologists work?
Nephrologists are medical professionals They will act in a series of areas:
- Chronic kidney disease causes the kidneys to do not work correctlyuring a while. Nephrologists will work to slow its progression and manage possible complications.
- acute renal failure It involves a sudden loss of kidney function, caused by different factors such as dehydration. Nephrologists are in charge of treating this problem and trying to restore kidney function.
- Nephrologists are part of the team that will manage the care of patients before and after of a kidney transplant.
- When the kidneys are unable to filter waste and excess fluid from the body, dialysis is essential and necessary. Nephrologists are the professionals in charge of supervising this dialysis and work with patients to ensure certain well-being.
What are the differences between urologists and nephrologists?
Although both professionals directly treat the urinary system, the truth is that there are a series of fairly clear differences:
- Urologists focus primarily in surgical and medical treatment of urological disorders and male reproductive problems. In contrast, nephrologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of kidney diseases.
- Regarding training, urologists complete a study program that will include general surgery and urology. In the case of nephrologists, they must complete a study program related to internal medicine followed of a fellowship in nephrology.
- Urologists are professionals who can treat both men and women, On the other hand, nephrologists treat patients of both sexes but with a focus primarily on kidney problems.
- As for the treatment to be followed, urologists use surgical and non-surgical procedures to treat different urological conditions. Nephrologists, for their part, focus primarily on medical therapies and procedures. such as dialysis and kidney transplant to treat different kidney diseases.
In short, although urologists and nephrologists deal with the urinary system, their areas of specialization are totally different. While urologists focus on the treatment of urological disorders and problems related to the male reproductive system, nephrologists specialize both in the diagnosis and treatment of kidney diseases. Both specialties will play a key role in the health care of patients and usually work closely and directly in those cases where urological and kidney problems occur and are present.