Bladder Health Experts

The answer is false --in general, a urologist is a doctor who treats the diseases of the male and female urinary tracts, as well as the male reproductive system. Some urologists specialize in treating the female urinary tract; these are referred to as a female urologist (meaning a doctor who specializes in the female urinary tract, as opposed to a urologist who happens to be female.) A gynecologist treats the female reproductive system, including the uterus, vagina, and ovaries.

The answer is false, primarily because every person that experiences bladder leakage issues is different. Some women find relief after visiting a generalist, for instance, because implementing very basic lifestyle changes, such as caffeine elimination, can solve their problem. For other women, though, consulting a specialist may be necessary if their condition is more complicated, or if they have multiple or varied pelvic health issues. All doctors are different, but in very general terms, generalists (such as urologists and gynecologists) are usually very good at the basic treatments for bladder weakness, while specialists, such as a female urologist or a urogynecologist (a specialist who focuses on pelvic floor dysfunction) bring specialized knowledge to the treatment.

The answer is true. Although every doctor is different, many bladder health experts agree that generalists usually play more of a screening role and tend to diagnose based on symptoms rather than the results of diagnostic tests. Patients who can’t find relief for their symptoms after trying the first, baseline treatments are often referred to a specialist. Because these doctors bring highly specialized knowledge of their field to the table, they may know more about specific prescription drugs or diagnostic tests—or they may have experience with more complicated surgeries.

The answer is true. What’s more, many insurance companies don’t require a referral before seeing one, however you should check with your insurance company before making an appointment to verify that the procedure is covered by your plan. These medical professionals also bring a highly focused knowledge to their patients’ treatment plans. For instance, they can teach patients how to do their physical therapy exercises at home, how to become more aware of the need to urinate, or how to control the bladder and muscles during urination.