Blood in your urine, persistent urinary tract infections, kidney stones, or concerns about prostate health — these issues all point toward one specialist. If you are searching for a urologist near me, you are looking for a physician trained in the medical and surgical treatment of conditions affecting the urinary tract and male reproductive system. According to the American Urological Association (AUA), urologists treat conditions in patients of all ages and genders, though many people mistakenly assume they only see men. About 50% of adults will experience a urological condition at some point. This guide walks you through what urologists treat, how to find the right one, costs to expect, and when a telehealth visit might be a smart first step.
What Does a Urologist Treat?
Urologists complete medical school followed by a five- to six-year surgical residency in urology — one of the most competitive residency programs in medicine. They are trained in both open and minimally invasive surgical techniques, including robotic surgery, as well as non-surgical management of urological conditions.
Conditions treated by urologists include kidney stones, urinary tract infections (UTIs) that are recurrent or complicated, bladder infections and interstitial cystitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH or enlarged prostate), prostate cancer screening and treatment, bladder cancer and kidney cancer, erectile dysfunction, male infertility, urinary incontinence in both men and women, kidney cysts and tumors, undescended testicles and other pediatric conditions, and pelvic organ prolapse. If you have been dealing with symptoms of kidney stones — severe flank pain, blood in urine, nausea — a urologist is the specialist who can determine whether the stone will pass on its own or requires intervention.
Urological subspecialties include urologic oncology (cancers of the kidney, bladder, prostate, and testes), female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery, pediatric urology, male infertility and andrology, endourology (minimally invasive stone and tumor treatment), and neurourology (bladder dysfunction related to neurological conditions).
When Should You See a Urologist?
Many urological symptoms overlap with conditions your primary care doctor can manage. A simple UTI in an otherwise healthy woman, for example, rarely requires a specialist. But certain scenarios should prompt a referral to urology.
See a urologist if you have blood in your urine (hematuria) — even once — as this can signal bladder or kidney cancer, recurrent UTIs (three or more in a year), difficulty starting or maintaining a urine stream, frequent urination that disrupts daily life or sleep, kidney stones that are large (over 5mm), recurrent, or causing obstruction, an elevated PSA (prostate-specific antigen) level, erectile dysfunction that does not respond to first-line treatments, a testicular lump or pain, urinary incontinence that affects quality of life, or a family history of kidney or bladder cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends that men discuss PSA screening with their doctor starting at age 50 (or 45 for those at higher risk, including African American men and those with a first-degree relative diagnosed before age 65).
When to seek emergency care: Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you experience complete inability to urinate (urinary retention), severe flank pain with fever and chills (possible kidney infection or obstructing stone with sepsis), gross hematuria with large blood clots, or testicular torsion symptoms (sudden, severe testicular pain with swelling) — this is a surgical emergency requiring treatment within six hours to save the testicle.
Telehealth vs In-Person Urology Visits
Urology has adapted well to telehealth, particularly for consultations and chronic condition management. A study in the Journal of Urology found that patient satisfaction with telehealth urology visits was comparable to in-person visits for appropriate use cases.
When Telehealth Works Well
Virtual urology visits are appropriate for initial consultations to discuss symptoms and determine next steps, medication management for BPH, overactive bladder, or erectile dysfunction, reviewing lab results (PSA levels, urinalysis, stone analysis), post-procedure follow-ups, kidney stone prevention counseling, and discussing surgical options and preparing for procedures. Telehealth is particularly valuable for urology because many patients feel more comfortable discussing sensitive symptoms — urinary issues, sexual dysfunction, incontinence — from the privacy of their own home.
When You Need an In-Person Visit
Physical examinations (digital rectal exam for prostate evaluation, testicular exam), urodynamic testing, cystoscopy (camera examination of the bladder), prostate biopsies, stone removal procedures (ureteroscopy, lithotripsy), and all surgeries require in-person visits. If a telehealth urologist determines you need further evaluation, they will schedule the appropriate in-office appointment or procedure.
How to Find a Urologist Near You
Finding a qualified urologist near me involves verifying credentials and, when procedures are involved, assessing experience with your specific condition.
The AUA’s Find a Urologist tool searches by location and subspecialty. Verify board certification through the American Board of Urology. Unlike many surgical boards, the ABU requires ongoing recertification, so current certification confirms the urologist maintains up-to-date knowledge.
For surgical conditions, subspecialty training matters significantly. A urologic oncologist who focuses on robotic prostatectomy will have vastly different outcomes than a general urologist who performs the procedure occasionally. Surgical volume is one of the strongest predictors of outcomes in urologic surgery — ask how many of your specific procedure the surgeon performs annually. According to research cited by the NIH, high-volume surgeons performing radical prostatectomy have significantly lower rates of complications and better functional outcomes.
Consider whether the practice offers comprehensive services. Some urology groups include advanced imaging, a pathology lab, radiation oncology, and physical therapy for pelvic floor conditions — reducing the number of separate appointments and facilities you need to visit. For female patients seeking help with incontinence or prolapse, look for a urologist or urogynecologist with fellowship training in female pelvic medicine. You can apply similar search strategies when looking for an orthopedic doctor or other specialists.
Average Cost of a Urology Visit
Urology costs range from straightforward office visits to expensive surgical procedures. Here are typical ranges based on CMS data and Healthcare Bluebook.
An initial urology consultation without insurance costs $200 to $450. Follow-up visits run $100 to $250. A PSA blood test costs $20 to $50. Urinalysis costs $15 to $50. Cystoscopy (an in-office procedure) runs $500 to $3,000 depending on whether it is diagnostic or involves treatment. Urodynamic testing costs $500 to $2,000.
Surgical procedures carry higher costs. Kidney stone lithotripsy (shockwave treatment) ranges from $5,000 to $15,000 without insurance. Ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy for stones costs $7,000 to $20,000. Robotic prostatectomy for prostate cancer can run $15,000 to $40,000 or more. Vasectomy — one of the simpler urological procedures — costs $500 to $2,000 without insurance.
With insurance, expect specialist copays of $40 to $80 for office visits. Surgical costs depend on your deductible and out-of-pocket maximum. Telehealth urology consultations typically cost $100 to $200 without insurance. If you are uninsured, ask about self-pay discounts and whether the practice offers payment plans for larger procedures.
Preparing for Your First Urology Appointment
Many patients feel anxious about their first urology visit, particularly regarding what the physical exam might involve. Knowing what to expect can ease that anxiety. For men, the visit may include a digital rectal exam (DRE) to check the prostate — this takes about 10 seconds and, while uncomfortable, is not painful. For both men and women, the doctor may examine the abdomen, flanks, and genitalia depending on the presenting complaint. A urine sample is almost always collected, so arrive with a reasonably full bladder.
Bring a complete medication list, including supplements — many over-the-counter products affect urinary function. Alpha-blockers, antihistamines, decongestants, and certain blood pressure medications can all influence urination patterns. Note the timing and severity of your symptoms: how many times do you urinate per day and night? Is there urgency, hesitancy, or pain? Is there blood in your urine, and if so, how often? For men with erectile dysfunction concerns, be prepared to discuss when the problem started, whether onset was gradual or sudden, and whether morning erections are still present — this information helps distinguish between physical and psychological causes.
Questions to Ask Your Urologist
Urology often involves sensitive topics, and a good urologist will create a comfortable environment for discussion. Do not let embarrassment prevent you from asking important questions. Bring a list of all medications (including supplements), a summary of your symptoms with timeline, and any previous test results.
Key questions to ask: What is causing my symptoms, and do I need tests to confirm the diagnosis? Are there lifestyle changes or medications that could resolve this before considering surgery? If a procedure is recommended, what are the alternatives and what happens if I delay or decline? How many of this specific procedure do you perform per year? What are the risks, and how do you handle complications? Will this condition affect my sexual function, and if so, what can be done? How long is the recovery, and what restrictions should I expect?
For prostate cancer patients, ask about active surveillance as an option for low-risk cancers, the surgeon’s nerve-sparing technique and continence rates after surgery, and whether radiation therapy might be equally effective for your specific cancer stage and grade. These are complex decisions, and a second opinion is standard practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do women see urologists?
Yes. While urologists treat conditions of the male reproductive system, they also manage urinary tract conditions in women, including recurrent UTIs, urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, kidney stones, and pelvic organ prolapse. Some urologists subspecialize in female pelvic medicine. Urogynecologists (gynecologists with pelvic floor training) are another option for women with these conditions.
At what age should men start seeing a urologist?
There is no universal age to start seeing a urologist. The AUA recommends discussing prostate cancer screening with your doctor at age 55 (or earlier if you are at high risk). Beyond screening, see a urologist at any age if you develop urinary symptoms, erectile dysfunction, testicular concerns, or kidney stones.
What happens during a first urology visit?
Your first visit typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. The urologist will review your medical history, ask detailed questions about your symptoms, and perform a physical exam. For men, this may include a digital rectal exam to check the prostate. They may order blood work (PSA, kidney function), urinalysis, or imaging (ultrasound, CT scan). Some offices perform a basic bladder ultrasound to check for residual urine.
How can I prevent kidney stones from coming back?
Recurrence prevention depends on the type of stone. In general, drinking enough water to produce at least 2.5 liters of urine daily is the single most effective prevention strategy, according to the AUA guidelines. Your urologist may also recommend dietary changes (reducing sodium and animal protein intake), medications like thiazide diuretics or potassium citrate, and a 24-hour urine analysis to identify specific metabolic risk factors.
The Bottom Line
A urologist is the right specialist for any persistent or concerning urinary or male reproductive issue. When choosing a provider, board certification is the baseline — subspecialty fellowship training and surgical volume are what separate good outcomes from great ones. Telehealth works well for initial consultations and ongoing management, making it easier to take that first step on sensitive topics. Do not ignore symptoms like blood in your urine or changes in urination patterns. Early evaluation leads to simpler treatment and better outcomes across nearly every urological condition.