Urological tests are essential tools that help detect and manage a wide range of conditions affecting the urinary tract system and provide insight into urology supplies that can help you manage them effectively. Here, we'll go over some of the most commonly performed urology tests, along with their importance and when to see your doctor.
In this article, you'll learn:
- Why regular urological screenings are important and what conditions they can help detect, from UTIs to kidney and prostate issues.
- When to get tested, including common warning signs and risk factors that warrant a visit to your urologist.
- The different categories of commonly performed urology tests, including physical exams, urine and blood tests, imaging, endoscopic procedures, functional diagnostics, and reproductive/fertility tests.
- How each test works, what it measures, and why it’s used in diagnosing urinary tract and reproductive health conditions.
- How to understand your results and the next steps for managing your urological health, including the role of urology supplies and products for ongoing care.
Why Are Urological Screenings Important?
Commonly performed urology tests are a staple and can help identify several conditions or issues that may be causing symptoms. Some of the most prevalent things that can be identified with these tests include:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Urinary incontinence
- Urinary retention
- Overactive bladder
- Kidney and bladder cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
- Prostatitis
- Kidney stones
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
- Urethral stricture
- Interstitial cystitis
- Hematuria
- Neurogenic bladder
- Male infertility
- Diabetes
When to Get Tested
Regular testing is a great way to be proactive with your health, and many experts recommend seeing your urologist at least once a year, especially for men over 50. However, you should also schedule a visit if you fall into any of the following categories:
- Pain or burning during urination
- Frequent or urgent urination, especially if it disrupts sleep or daily life
- Blood in the urine (even once)
- Cloudy, dark, or foul-smelling urine
- Lower abdominal, pelvic, or flank pain
- Difficulty starting or stopping urine flow
- Weak or interrupted urine stream
- Incontinence or urine leakage
- Persistent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Unexplained swelling in the lower body or genitals
- Changes in sexual or reproductive function (e.g., erectile dysfunction, infertility)
- History of kidney stones or family history of urological cancers
- Abnormal results on previous urine or blood tests
- Before certain surgeries or during follow-up for chronic conditions
Sometimes, lifestyle changes and urology products can help provide comfort and relief from symptoms, but other times, you may need antibiotics or further treatments. Your doctor will help you determine the best course of action based on your test results.
Different Categories of Commonly Performed Urology Tests
Your urologist may recommend one or more of these tests, depending on your circumstances. If you have any questions or concerns prior to undergoing them, always talk to your doctor. Just keep in mind that these tests are often done to determine the underlying cause of symptoms, and are an essential step for future treatment.
Initial Physical Exam
A physical exam is often the first step in any urological evaluation. It helps your urologist check for visible or palpable signs of urinary or reproductive issues before ordering imaging or lab tests. While the exact components depend on the patient’s symptoms and gender, here’s what’s commonly assessed:
- Abdominal palpation is done by gently pressing on the lower abdomen to feel for anything that may indicate obstruction, infection, or masses in the urinary system or kidneys.
- Inspection and palpation of the penis, scrotum, and testicles for males to check for abnormalities or visible symptoms.
- Digital rectal exam (DRE) to evaluate the prostate and check for enlarged prostate, prostate cancer, prostatitis, or obstruction.
- A pelvic exam for women to check for any signs of problems contributing to urology. A urogynecologist often performs these types of exams.
Common Urine Tests
Routine urine tests are another key part of urological diagnostics, as they can help your doctor identify infections and warning signs while providing key insights into kidney and prostate health. Some of the most common lab tests done in urology include:
- Urinalysis, which evaluates the appearance, concentration, and content of your urine sample to reveal signs of infection and other metrics. Urinalyses are most commonly done to test for bacteria that cause UTIs and the presence of white blood cells, but can also provide insight into your blood, protein levels, and glucose for further diagnostics.
- A urine culture is a more intensive form of a urinalysis that helps identify the exact bacteria causing the infection, thus providing insight into which antibiotics will be most effective.
- 24-hour urine tests may also be performed. In these situations, you'll be instructed to collect all of the urine you expel over the course of a 24-hour window so your urologist can do a more thorough analysis of your urinary system.
Common Blood Tests
There are also specific types of tests that are performed on the blood to help assess overall urological health. Some of the most common urology-related blood tests include:
- Complete blood count (CBC), which helps detect inflammation and infection.
- The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is used to measure how well your kidneys are functioning. This examines blood cells to calculate the rate at which your kidneys filter waste.
- Blood work to test electrolyte levels.
- Creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) tests measure the amount of creatinine or urea nitrogen (a waste by-product of protein) in your blood. This also measures kidney function.
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test to screen for prostate inflammation, enlargement, and cancer risk. However, PSA test results need to be interpreted with your doctor, as elevated numbers may be caused by natural age progression or other factors.
Imaging Tests for Urological Conditions
Several imaging tests can also be performed to help with diagnostics. Each test is used for unique purposes to help your doctor better visualize the kidneys, bladder, and surrounding areas. Some of the more common types include:
- An ultrasound, which uses sound waves to create live images of your urinary tract. They're used to identify the presence of kidney stones, blockages in the kidneys or urethra, and urinary retention, among other things.
- A CT scan provides cross-sectional images of different parts of the urinary system. It's considered one of the most accurate imaging tools available, especially in urology.
- An MRI may be used when detailed soft-tissue imaging is needed, such as evaluating complex cysts, tumors, or congenital anomalies. It’s also preferred for individuals who cannot receive contrast (used in CT scans) due to allergies or kidney issues.
- Voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) tests may also be recommended. A VCUG is an X-ray test that looks at the bladder and urethra while filling and emptying to identify specific problems.
Endoscopic Urologic Tests
Endoscopic tests allow urologists to see directly inside the urinary tract, providing diagnostic and therapeutic insight that imaging can’t consistently achieve. There are a few different options for this, but the most common is a cystoscopy.
- A cystoscopy involves inserting a thin tube with a camera into the urethra to view the bladder and urethral lining. This can help detect tumors, strictures, stones, and sources of bleeding or inflammation.
- A ureteroscopy is similar, except it uses a more extended, thinner scope to reach the ureters and kidneys.
Functional Diagnostic Tests and Procedures
Functional studies evaluate how well the bladder and urinary sphincters store and release urine, which is critical for patients with urinary incontinence, retention, or nerve-related bladder issues. These are generally referred to as urodynamic tests, and can include things such as:
- Cystometry measures the pressure within the bladder as it fills and is emptied.
- Uroflowmetry measures urine flow.
- Electromyography measures pelvic floor activity during urination.
While functional tests may not specifically diagnose a condition, they can help your urologist get a better picture of your overall urological health, which is essential for customized treatment plans.
Reproductive and Fertility Tests
There are also a few different male reproductive and fertility tests that a urologist does for men. Urologists can also help with several common conditions, including erectile dysfunction, so it's important to schedule a visit if you experience any signs or symptoms.
- A semen analysis can be done to help test male infertility. This will measure sperm count, motility, morphology, and volume. In the case of abnormal results, your urologist may request a repeat test to confirm findings.
- Hormonal panels that test for testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) can also help identify any potential issues.
For women's reproductive and fertility testing, a gynecologist or urogynecologist is recommended.
Understanding the Results and Next Steps
Getting your test results can be a bit confusing, and it's essential to work with your urologist to understand what they mean. The presence of an abnormality doesn't always necessarily mean that something is wrong, but it can help with efficient diagnosis and treatment. To continue to care for your urological health, Byram Healthcare carries a wide range of high-quality products available online. Contact us today to learn more or get started on your order.
