Urologists treat all conditions involving the urinary system in both men and women, including the kidneys and bladder. They also treat all conditions involving the male genital system (prostate, penis and testicles).

While urinary incontinence and bladder infections are some of the first conditions that may come to mind, urologists treat other major diseases, including cancer, kidney stones, infertility and sexual health concerns.

Even though urological conditions differ in severity, they are relatively common. The American Cancer Society estimates that urological cancers –of the bladder, kidney, prostate and testicles—account for nearly one quarter of all cancers in the United States. In infants and children, abnormalities of urological organs occur more commonly than in any other organ system.

Northshore's Center for Personalized Medicine identifies some of the key preventative measures for maintaining urological health:

• Visit your physician annually for a physical exam and laboratory tests. All men over 50 should undergo an examination of their prostate annually as part of their routine physical check-up, and men between the ages of 50-75 should undergo a prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test to check for early prostate cancer.  If you have a family history of urological conditions, share this information with your physician.
• Drink plenty of fluids (especially water) throughout the day, especially during the hot summer months. Staying properly hydrated will decrease the risk of developing both kidney stones and bladder cancer.
• Make healthy diet choices and maintain a normal body weight. Unhealthy saturated and trans-fats, along with obesity, not only increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, but also promote the growth of several types of cancer, including prostate cancer.
• Avoid smoking. In addition to being the major cause of lung cancer, smoking is also the leading cause of bladder cancer.
• Maintain proper hygiene. This may decrease the risk of developing bladder infections, particularly in women.