Last Updated on December 2, 2025 by Bilal Hasdemir

Urologists are key in finding and treating problems with the urinary and reproductive systems. They use different tests to spot issues like prostate cancer, kidney dysfunction, and infertility.

These tests start with physical checks and digital rectal exams. They also include blood tests for PSA and testosterone levels, semen analysis, urine cytology, and imaging tests like ultrasounds and MRIs.

A common question is how does a urologist examine your ejaculation as part of fertility or urinary evaluations. In that case, the urologist may order a semen analysis, where the semen sample is collected and evaluated in a laboratory for sperm count, motility, morphology, and other parameters. Cleveland Clinic+1

Additionally, in some cases the urologist might perform special tests like a post-ejaculate urine test, especially when investigating retrograde ejaculation (when semen travels back into the bladder instead of exiting the penis). mireproductivemedicine.com+1

Knowing about how a urologist examines your ejaculation helps patients prepare and understand what to expect during urology exams.

Key Takeaways

• Urologists perform various diagnostic tests to evaluate urinary and reproductive health.
• Tests include physical exams, blood tests, semen analysis, urine cytology, and imaging tests.
• These tests help diagnose conditions like prostate cancer, kidney dysfunction, and infertility.
• Understanding the purpose of each test helps patients prepare for their examinations.
• Advanced imaging tests like ultrasounds and MRIs provide detailed insights into urinary and reproductive health.

Understanding the Role of Urologists in Diagnostic Testing

It’s key to know what urologists do for those with urinary or reproductive health issues. Urologists are doctors who focus on these areas. They diagnose and treat problems.

Who Needs to See a Urologist

If you have issues like not being able to control your bladder, trouble getting an erection, or pain in your pelvis, see a urologist. The Cleveland Clinic says urologists handle problems with the urinary tract and male reproductive organs. If you’re worried about your urinary or reproductive health, a urologist is a good choice.

Common Urological Conditions Requiring Testing

Urologists deal with many issues, like urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and prostate problems. Men might see them for erectile dysfunction or low testosterone. Women might go for urinary incontinence or interstitial cystitis. Testing is key to finding out what’s wrong.

What to Expect During Your First Urology Visit

At your first urology visit, expect a detailed medical history and physical exam. The doctor might do tests like urinalysis, blood tests, or imaging studies. The aim is to find out what’s wrong and create a treatment plan just for you.

Be honest about your symptoms and medical history. This helps the urologist understand and treat you better. Knowing what to expect makes your visit more productive and helps you address your health concerns.

Initial Physical Examinations in Urology

When you see a urologist, you’ll get a detailed check-up. This is key to spotting any health issues early. It helps decide the best steps to take next.

General Physical Assessment

First, we check your overall health. We look at your vital signs and check for any signs of illness. This helps us see if there’s a link to urological problems.

Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) for Prostate Evaluation

A DRE is a key test for the prostate. A healthcare provider feels the prostate gland. They look for any unusual lumps or hardness, which could mean prostate cancer or other issues.

How Does a Urologist Examine a Woman

Women get a pelvic exam to check the urinary and reproductive areas. This helps find problems like incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse.

Male Urology Exam Procedures

Men have different exams. These include a genital check for any unusual growths or epididymal problems. And, of course, a DRE is done too.

Knowing what to expect can make patients feel less nervous. We explain each step clearly. This way, we make sure they feel comfortable and informed.

Blood Tests for Urological Diagnosis

Blood tests are key in urology. They help doctors find and treat problems in the urinary tract and male reproductive system. These tests give important health info, helping urologists decide on next steps.

Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Testing for Cancer Screening

PSA testing is a common way to check for prostate cancer. It looks at the prostate-specific antigen in blood. High levels might mean cancer. Catching it early can lead to better treatment.

The American Cancer Society says men should talk to their doctors about PSA testing. This helps them understand the pros and cons.

Kidney Function Tests: Creatinine and BUN Levels

Kidney function tests, like creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), check kidney health. They help find and track kidney disease. They also see if treatments are working.

High creatinine and BUN levels mean the kidneys might not be working right. This calls for more tests to find the cause.

Hormone Level Testing: Testosterone and Other Hormones

Hormone tests help find issues like hypogonadism and erectile dysfunction. Testosterone is key for male health.

Low testosterone can cause problems like low sex drive, tiredness, and less muscle. Testing helps find the right treatment.

Blood Tests for Urinary Tract Infections

While urine tests are common for UTIs, blood tests are also useful. Blood cultures can spot bacteremia, where bacteria get into the blood. This might come from a UTI.

Sometimes, blood tests check how bad a UTI is or watch for sepsis. Sepsis is very serious and can be life-threatening.

How Does a Urologist Examine Your Ejaculation: Semen Analysis

Understanding male fertility means looking closely at the ejaculate. This is done through semen analysis, a test that checks semen and sperm quality. It’s key for checking if a man can have kids and is often suggested for those having trouble.

Purpose and Collection Procedure

Semen analysis checks the quality and amount of semen and sperm. It helps understand male fertility. The test is done by collecting semen in a clean container after not ejaculating for 2-5 days.

The sample is then tested in a lab. The Cleveland Clinic says semen analysis is vital. It looks at sperm count, how well they move, and their shape.

Key Parameters Evaluated

Several important things are checked in semen analysis. These include:

• Sperm Count: The number of sperm in each milliliter of semen.
• Motility: How many sperm are moving.
• Morphology: The shape and structure of sperm.
• Volume: How much semen is ejaculated.

Each of these gives important info about fertility.

Interpreting Semen Analysis Results

Understanding semen analysis results is important. A good result means good fertility, while bad results might mean issues. We look at sperm count, motility, and shape to see fertility.

For example, low sperm count or poor motility might mean fertility problems. But a normal result is good news, showing good fertility.

Comprehensive Urine Tests in Urological Diagnosis

In urology, urine tests are key for finding infections and other issues. They show a lot about a patient’s health, making them very important. This is why they are a big part of diagnosing urological problems.

Basic Urinalysis: What Do Urine Tests Detect

Basic urinalysis is a common test that finds many problems in the urine. It looks for infections, kidney issues, and more. It can spot blood, protein, or bacteria, which might mean there’s a health issue.

For example, finding blood in the urine could mean kidney stones or bladder cancer. By checking the urine’s properties, doctors can learn a lot about a patient’s health.

When doing a urinalysis, the urine’s color, clarity, and concentration are checked. If the results are not normal, more tests might be needed. For more info on urology tests, check out Byram Healthcare’s blog on commonly performed urology.

Urine Cytology for Cancer Detection

Urine cytology is a test for finding cancer cells in the urine. It’s great for spotting bladder cancer and other cancers. It looks at the cells in the urine to see if there’s abnormal growth.

This test is often used with others to fully understand a patient’s condition. It helps doctors know if cancer is present.

Types of Urine Tests: A Complete List

There are many urine tests used in urology, each for different things. Some common ones are:

• Routine urinalysis
• Urine culture
• Urine cytology
• 24-hour urine collection

These tests help find many urological problems, from infections to cancers. Knowing about these tests helps patients understand their care better.

Specialized Urine Tests for Specific Conditions

There are also special urine tests for certain conditions. For example, a 24-hour urine test can find kidney stones by measuring certain substances. Other tests help diagnose interstitial cystitis or urinary incontinence.

These tests help doctors understand patients’ health better. They are key for treating infections, cancers, and managing chronic conditions. Urine tests are very important in urology.

Advanced Imaging Tests in Urology

Advanced imaging tests are key in finding urological problems. They give clear pictures of the organs involved in urine and reproduction. This helps doctors spot issues like tumors, stones, and other problems.

We use many advanced imaging methods to check urological issues well. These tests are important for making good treatment plans.

Ultrasound Examinations of Urinary and Reproductive Organs

Ultrasound is a common test in urology. It lets us see the kidneys, bladder, prostate, and more. This test is non-invasive and helps find problems like kidney stones, bladder tumors, and big prostate.

Ultrasound uses sound waves to make images of inside organs. It’s great for checking the size, shape, and structure of these organs.

Specialized Imaging for Erectile Dysfunction Diagnosis

For some issues, like erectile dysfunction, special imaging tests are needed. These tests can find problems with blood flow or nerves that cause the issue.

Tests like penile Doppler ultrasound check blood flow to the penis. This helps find vascular problems that cause erectile dysfunction.

Advanced imaging in urology has changed how we find and treat many conditions. These tests give us detailed views of organs. This helps us make better treatment plans, which improves patient care.

Conclusion: The Importance of Timely Urological Testing

Getting timely urological tests is key for your urinary and reproductive health. We talked about different tests like physical exams, blood tests, and urine tests. These help find problems early, like prostate cancer and kidney disease.

These tests help patients get better sooner. If you have symptoms or worries, see a urologist. They’ll tell you what tests you need to find and fix the problem.

Urological tests are very important. Regular check-ups can catch issues before they get worse. We urge you to take care of your urological health. See a doctor when you need to, and get the best care from a skilled urologist.

FAQ

References

1. Benson, C. R., et al. (2021). Long term outcomes of one-stage augmentation anterior urethroplasty: A systematic review and meta-analysis. International Brazilian Journal of Urology, 47(2), 213-222. https://www.scielo.br/j/ibju/a/pRz6Jkwjvqc9FM49SFLXLnQ/?lang=en
2. Neuville, P., et al. (2025). Systematic review of the outcomes of urethroplasty for male urethral stricture disease. International Journal of Impotence Research. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41443-025-01132-4
3. Robine, E., et al. (2017). Analysis of success rates of urethroplasty for adult male urethral stricture disease. Urology Annals, 9(1), 13-18. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28117233/