The urologist is the specialist responsible for diagnosing and treating all aspects of bladder health and urinary tract conditions—from functional disorders to infections and even oncological concerns. This comprehensive view allows the urologist to evaluate bladder health in both men and women holistically.

But what exactly is the role of the urologist when it comes to bladder health? And how does prostate health factor into the picture?
We explore the topic with Professor Costantino Leonardo, urologist at Arsbiomedica Clinic.

Do Urologists Treat Both Men and Women? Are the Issues the Same?

Yes—urologists care for the urinary systems of both men and women. The key difference lies in reproductive health: urologists specialize in the male reproductive system, while gynecologists focus on the female reproductive system.

However, when it comes to the urinary tract, the urologist addresses all issues for both sexes.
While bladder issues may be similar, they present differently in men due to the presence of the prostate. Many lower urinary tract symptoms—known as LUTS—are more common in men, often caused by prostate enlargement.

That said, women are more frequently affected by inflammatory conditions, such as cystitis, as well as functional and oncological bladder disorders.

Do Male and Female Bladders Work the Same?

Yes—the bladder functions identically in men and women. The symptoms experienced may differ slightly in frequency or cause (due to the prostate in men), but overall, the organs are functionally equivalent.

Are the Diagnostic Tests the Same?

In most cases, yes.
The most common initial tests are:

• Urinalysis and urine culture – to detect or rule out infections

• Bladder ultrasound with post-void residual assessment – to measure how much urine remains in the bladder after urination, and to evaluate the detrusor muscle, which plays a key role in bladder contraction

These exams help create a comprehensive picture of bladder health for both men and women.

There is no strict age at which these tests should begin, but a urological evaluation is essential at the first signs of symptoms.

What Are LUTS (Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms)?

LUTS are typically categorized into:

• Storage symptoms:

  • Increased urinary frequency

  • Urgency (a sudden, strong need to urinate)

  • Urge incontinence (leakage before reaching the toilet)

• Voiding symptoms:

  • Weak urine stream

  • Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying

These symptoms can affect both sexes, but often go unrecognized or misattributed—especially in women.

Is Urinary Incontinence Only a Women’s Issue?

While commonly associated with women, urinary incontinence affects both men and women. The reason it appears more prevalent in women may be cultural: women are generally more open to discussing the issue with healthcare providers.

In reality, literature shows minimal difference in the actual incidence between the sexes.
Urologists are trained to treat all forms of incontinence—using both pharmacological and surgical options depending on the case.

At Arsbiomedica, we provide a full range of diagnostic and imaging tools to assess bladder health in one location, allowing the specialist to tailor the diagnostic process to each patient with efficiency and precision.