Do you know what the difference between a nephrologist and a urologist is? While they may sound similar, each of these medical physicians belongs to different specialized fields. If you are in need of one of these doctors, it’s important to understand the difference between the two. This will help you decide which one is best suited for your needs.
What are Urologists and What Do They Treat?
Urologists diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases and conditions related to the urinary tract in men and women. They also diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases and conditions related to the male reproductive system. Urologists treat a variety of issues such as:
- Incontinence
- Erectile dysfunction
- Peyronie’s disease
- Bladder or kidney stones that affect the urinary tract
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Pelvic prolapse problems
- Cancers of the bladder, penis, testicles, and adrenal and prostate glands
What are Nephrologists and What Do They Treat?
Nephrologists specialize in the care and function of kidneys. They diagnose, treat, and prevent conditions and diseases related to the kidneys. They specialize in treating people whose kidneys are at or near failure or those with kidney disease and hypertension. Nephrologists treat a variety of health issues such as:
- Glomerulonephritis
- Hypertension
- Kidney disease (including acute and chronic cases as well as diabetic nephropathy)
- Kidney stones
- Renal failure (the kidneys’ inability to filter waste from the blood)
- Renal obstruction (caused by kidney stones, tumors, etc.)
- Kidney cancer
Which One Do I Choose?
Choosing between a nephrologist and urologist can be a little confusing. It’s easy to understand that urologists specialize in issues related to the bladder, penis, testicle, urinary tract and male reproductive system while nephrologists specialize in issues related to the kidneys.
But since the kidney, bladder, and urinary tract are related, how do you choose between the two? To make it easier, follow this rule: if you have any issue related to your kidneys or kidney function, you need a nephrologist. They have the education, training, and experience necessary to diagnose, treat, and prevent both common and complex kidney conditions.
A lot of issues in the bladder or urinary tract derive from an underlying problem in the kidneys. This is why a nephrologist is the best medical professional to treat your kidney-related issue. In the situation that you also need to see a urologist in addition to a nephrologist, your nephrologist will work with your urologist to ensure you get the best medical treatment possible.
Kidney Care in Boston, Massachusetts
If you have a kidney-related health problem, see a nephrologist for prompt and trusted medical care. The nephrologists at Commonwealth Nephrology Associates are board-certified and fellowship trained. They have decades of experience and offer high quality kidney care to every patient. If you live in the Boston area and need a nephrologist for your kidney care, call Commonwealth Nephrology Associates to make an appointment today. To make an appointment, call (617) 739-2100 or request an appointment online.
