Urology questions and answers
The questions asked most often at appointments, with short, clear answers. Decisions about your own situation can only be made after an examination.
Kidney and urinary tract stones
Severe pain or infection; a stone that does not pass despite treatment; bleeding; a risk of losing kidney function; complete obstruction; a stone in a solitary kidney.
They occur in roughly 1 in 11 people. By the age of 70, about 19% of men and 9% of women have faced this problem.
These figures come from population studies conducted in the United States and do not describe Azerbaijan; the prevalence of kidney stones varies by country and region.
The main limiting factor is the size of the stone. With large stones, the operation takes longer, which increases the risk of infection and sepsis; general anesthesia is required, and any existing urinary tract infection must be treated beforehand. Otherwise, percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is chosen.
Stones up to about 1 cm can be removed from any calyx without a single incision. The patient is usually discharged the next day.
The 1 cm figure is not a strict cutoff: whether flexible endoscopic surgery is suitable is decided individually, based not only on the size of the stone but also on the number of stones, their density, the calyx they are in, the anatomy of the kidney and the patient’s overall condition. It can also be used for larger stones, but a repeat session or a percutaneous approach is sometimes needed; a temporary stent may be placed after the operation.
No. The decision depends on the size and location of the stone and on whether pain or complications are present.
Prostate
After the age of 50, symptoms begin in about half of men: a weak urine stream, stop-and-start urination, waking up at night to urinate, difficulty starting to urinate, dribbling at the end and a feeling that the bladder has not emptied completely. The size of the prostate may not match the severity of the symptoms — a small prostate can cause severe symptoms, while a large prostate may cause none at all.
It is the removal of the prostate for prostate cancer; in some patients, the regional lymph nodes are removed as well. It is used in patients with non-metastatic disease whose age and health make them suitable candidates. It can also be performed robotically.
No. The laser acts only at a very shallow depth, healthy tissue is preserved and the nerves responsible for erection are not damaged.
That said, as with any surgical procedure, laser surgery carries individual risks; the outcome depends on the patient’s condition and cannot be guaranteed in advance.
They should not be regarded as treatment. Before using supplements advertised in pharmacies or online, be sure to consult an experienced doctor.
Bladder and infections
It usually shows up after the age of 50 as blood in the urine. The first step in early detection is a routine ultrasound and a urine test.
Visible blood in the urine, however, is a different matter: even if it is painless and happens only once, it always requires a urological evaluation. Even if the ultrasound is normal, a camera examination of the inside of the bladder (cystoscopy) and imaging of the upper urinary tract may be needed; an ultrasound and a urine test alone are not enough to rule out bladder cancer.
It occurs in at least 50% of women and can persist for years despite antibiotics. An accurate diagnosis may require cystoscopy and multiphase contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT). This condition is often not managed properly.
Urinary tract infections are far more common in women than in men, but recurrent (chronic) infection is much less common than a single episode, and the exact percentage depends on the study and on how the condition is defined. In recurrent infections, the cause should be investigated with a urological evaluation.
Chronic prostatitis is a long-term inflammation or pain syndrome of the prostate gland and one of the conditions men commonly face. It can be caused by a bacterial infection, but in many cases no infection is found; bowel-related problems and other factors may also play a role. Acute bacterial prostatitis that is not treated properly can become chronic. Chronic prostatitis may be accompanied by pain in the area of the testicles and epididymides, and sometimes by their inflammation. Symptoms include problems with urination, painful intercourse, frequent and painful urination, sometimes fever, pain in the perineum and above the pubic bone, pelvic pain, discomfort in the rectum, testicles and lower back, sexual dysfunction and a burning sensation when urinating. Similar symptoms also occur in other conditions, so the diagnosis and treatment — including whether antibiotics are needed — are determined after a urological evaluation. A high fever, chills or a complete inability to pass urine require urgent medical attention.
In older patients, taking these medications together with steroids, heart medications and antiarrhythmic drugs can contribute to a decline in cognitive function. Anticholinergic drugs are contraindicated in glaucoma. Age and coexisting conditions should be assessed before they are prescribed.
Do not stop a prescribed medication or change its dose without consulting the doctor treating you; if you notice side effects, tell your doctor.
Urinary incontinence should not be seen as an inevitable part of aging. The causes vary: urinary tract infections, atrophic vaginitis in women (thinning of the vaginal lining after menopause), certain medications, metabolic diseases such as uncontrolled diabetes, and disorders related to mental health can cause incontinence or make it worse. Each type requires different treatment, so a urological evaluation is essential before treatment begins. Do not stop the medications you are taking without consulting your doctor.
Kidney health
Blood pressure control; blood sugar control if you have diabetes; cutting down on salt — salt consumption in Azerbaijan is about 3 times higher than in European countries. Early diagnosis saves lives.
This comparison is an approximate estimate rather than a precise measurement; the key point is that reducing salt intake benefits blood pressure and kidney health. For people with kidney disease, the diet is determined together with a doctor.
Men’s health
Genetic predisposition is considered one of the factors that increase the risk, but the causes have not been fully established.
Children
It can be considered normal up to a certain age. However, bedwetting that persists should always be investigated.
Appointments
No, online consultations are not offered. To book an appointment, you can get in touch by phone or WhatsApp.
About the doctor
“Leitender Oberarzt” is a job title used in German hospitals. In Germany, a “Klinik” (clinic) often refers to a specialized department of a hospital — for example, a urology clinic — which is headed by a Chefarzt. In this hierarchy, the Leitender Oberarzt holds the leading position among the senior physicians (Oberarzt), ranking directly below the Chefarzt; put simply, it means “deputy head of the urology department”. Dr. Rufat Asadbeyli works as “Leitender Oberarzt” in the urology clinic at Lausitzer Seenland Klinikum (Sana) and heads its robotic (Da Vinci) and laparoscopic urology division.
Emergencies
If you have a high fever, severe pain, blood in the urine or a complete inability to pass urine, do not wait — seek emergency care immediately.
Last updated: