Urology

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The urogenital system has several vital functions: it removes waste from the human body, produces hormones necessary for healthy blood and bones, helps to regulate the chemical balance of the body and is essential for fertility. In both sexes the urinary tract consists of six organs: two kidneys, two ureters, the bladder and the urethra. Men have additional organs of reproduction including the prostate, seminal vesicles, vas deferens, epididymis and testicles. The kidneys filter the blood and remove waste as urine, with the ureters transferring urine to the bladder where it is stored until the bladder is full when it is disposed of through the urethra. The average adult produces around 1.4 litres of urine a day.

Male runner holding water bottle

What is urology?

Urology is a surgical speciality that deals with the treatment of conditions involving the male and female urinary tract and the male reproductive organs (penis, testes, scrotum and prostate). You might see a urologist if you have urinary tract infections, bladder problems, kidney stones or kidney blockages, blood in the urine, bladder or kidney cancer. Men might be referred to a urologist for erectile dysfunction, enlarged prostate as well as prostate or testicular cancer.

Private urology at Harley Street Specialist Hospital

We offer discreet and compassionate care in comfortable surroundings from our team of internationally renowned urologists who can perform a range of investigations, including cystoscopy, which allows them to examine the lining of your bladder and urethra (the tube that carries urine out of your body), tissue biopsies, urinary flow studies and body scans (CT, Ultrasound and MRI). We provide in-depth assessments, diagnosis and specialised treatments for male and female patients with a wide range of urological disorders including:

  • Male urinary symptoms/prostate disorders – men can experience different disorders of the prostate including prostate enlargement, prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate gland) or prostate cancer. It is important for prostate problems to be investigated.
  • Concerns about urological cancers – men are often concerned about their risk of prostate or testicular cancer. Simple assessment can provide accurate risk assessment and reassurance.
  • Haematuria – this is the medical term for blood in the urine. Pinky/red urine can be caused by certain foods or medication or the blood may be coming from an infection or other disorder. Sometimes blood may show up on a test but not be visible. It is important to identify the cause and treat any underlying problems.
  • Painful conditions – testicular pain, prostatitis, bladder pain, also known as chronic pelvic pain syndrome, can be a worrying and debilitating condition. Simple investigation can rule out underlying problems and get you on the path to effective treatment.
  • Female incontinence – stress and overactive bladder are types of incontinence. You may feel the urge to pass urine many times during the day and night, which can be difficult to control and may lead to leakages. The condition can impact work and social life but is normally treatable.
  • Interstitial cystitis and other inflammatory conditions affecting the bladder – interstitial cystitis is a chronic condition that causes bladder pressure, bladder pain and sometimes pelvic pain. It is most common in women.
  • Male incontinence especially post prostatectomy – sometimes men who undergo surgery for prostate cancer go on to develop urinary incontinence due to the removal of one of the valves that controls the flow or urine. This condition is often temporary.
  • Renal stones – also called kidney stones, they can be extremely painful and lead to kidney infections or damage. They most often occur in people aged 30 to 60 and can affect one or both kidneys.

Why choose Harley Street Specialist Hospital?

At Harley Street Specialist Hospital, you can expect:

  • Our team of expert urologists to offer rapid assessment and the latest treatments in comfortable central London surroundings, as well as video consultations from the comfort of your own home.
  • Holistic care where you are an equal partner in the creation of your individualised treatment plan.
  • State of the art diagnostic imaging – you don’t need to go elsewhere as we have in house X-ray, ultrasound and image intensifiers.
  • Day-case and outpatient investigations and surgical procedures in a modern clinical setting.
  • No waiting lists and your treatment can take place at a convenient time for you.

We welcome patients with private medical insurance or those wishing to pay for their own treatment.

Our urology consultants