About urologists

Urologists are medical doctors with specialist training and skills in problems related to the urinary tract. This is a part of the human body made up of the:

• kidneys – organs that turn waste materials from the blood into urine
• ureters – tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder
• bladder – an organ that stores urine
• urethra – a tube through which urine passes out of the body.

Paediatric urologists have additional training and skills in urinary tract problems that affect babies, children and teenagers.

If your child has health or development concerns, health professionals like urologists are there to care for your child and help you understand your child’s condition and treatment. With the support and expertise of these professionals, you can help your child thrive.

Why your child might see a urologist

Children might see urologists for advice on and treatment of conditions like:

• daytime wetting
• foreskin problems
• hypospadias
• kidney anomalies like hydronephrosis
• night-time wetting
• urinary tract infections.

If your child has one of these conditions, together you and the urologist will work out the best treatment options. This could involve medicine or surgery.

In certain cases, urologists might be involved in medical support for trans and gender-diverse children and teenagers who are affirming their gender.

To see a urologist, your child will need a referral from your GP or another medical specialist. Your GP or other doctor can help you find someone who’s right for your child.

Before going to a urologist

Before seeing a urologist, it’s a good idea to find out about things like the following:

• Why you’re going – talk with your GP about why your child needs to see a urologist.
• Appointments – do you need to make the appointment, or will the GP make it for you? Does the appointment need to be in person, or can it be via telehealth?
• Waiting lists – how long before you can get an appointment to see the urologist?
• Is there anything you can do while you’re waiting for the appointment? For example, can your child start some treatment or therapy?
• Costs – how much will the appointment with the urologist cost? Check whether you can get money back from Medicare or private health insurance.
• What to take – for some conditions, you’ll need to get some tests done. It’s a good idea to take your test results and any X-rays, ultrasound pictures or urine culture reports to your appointment with the urologist.
• Locations – find out where you have to go to see the urologist – for example, public hospital, private hospital or clinic.
• Preparation – what do you need to bring to the appointment? For example, should you bring your child’s test results or their child health and development book?

You can ask your GP these and any other questions before you go to the urologist. You could also ask the urologist’s clinic when you make your appointment. Writing down your questions can help you remember them.