Understanding the complexities of the human body can often lead to confusion, especially when trying to figure out which medical specialist is best suited for particular health concerns. Urology and nephrology, for instance, are two fields that, while overlapping in some areas, cater to different aspects of your health. Learn more about the roles and specializations of urologists and nephrologists.*

Urology v. Nephrology

Urology is recognized as a surgical specialty focused on the urinary tract of both males and females, encompassing:

• Kidneys,
• Ureters,
• Bladder, and 
• Urethra.

Urologists are trained to treat a wide range of conditions related to these organs, and their expertise extends beyond surgical interventions to include general and specialized care, covering areas such as urologic cancers, male infertility, and pediatric urology. 

Nephrology zeroes in on diseases affecting the kidneys, and does not cover other parts of the urinary tract or male reproductive system. Nephrologists manage kidney-related disorders, often dealing with associated conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, and autoimmune diseases, focusing their treatment on how these issues impact kidney health, as well as how kidney function affects other body functions and medical conditions.

Nephrologists can further specialize in areas such as interventional nephrology (treating and maintaining blood vessel access for dialysis) and transplant nephrology. 

When to Seek Which Specialist

Determining whether to consult a nephrologist or a urologist can be guided by the nature of your condition. Nephrologists are the go-to specialists for disorders and events that specifically impair kidney function, such as:

• Acute kidney injury
• Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
• Diabetes
• Glomerulonephritis (GN)
• Hyponatremia and other electrolyte disorders
• Kidney failure
• Kidney infections
• Toxic overdoses that require dialysis
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

Urologists offer a broad scope of services that include diseases and disorders of the entire urinary tract–which overlaps with nephrologists’ specialty area–as well as the male reproductive organs. Urologists’ range of treatments and services encompass such conditions as:

• Erectile dysfunction
• Kidney stones
• Male infertility
• Prostate cancer
• Urinary incontinence
• UTIs
• Vasectomies

Depending on your overall health situation, you may be referred to both a nephrologist and a urologist. The two types of specialists often go into practice together, as their medical arenas are so closely related.

*Alliance Urology Specialists. (n.d.) Urology and Nephrology: What’s the Difference? https://allianceurology.com/urology-and-nephrology/