![Urologists and nephrologists treat kidney-related conditions such as kidney stones and urinary tract infection (UTI), as there is some overlap in their specialties. Some people may need to see both types of specialists for the same condition.](https://images.medicinenet.com/images/article/main_image/hydronephrosis.jpg?output-quality=75)
Both urologists and nephrologists are specialists in treating kidney-related conditions, and these specialties often overlap. Some people may need to see both types of specialists for the same condition. However, there are differences between the specialties.
What Is a Urologist For?
A urologist is a physician who specializes in treating anatomical or structural problems of the urinary tract and its related organs, including:
- Bladder
- Kidneys
- Urethra
- Ureters
- Adrenal glands
- Prostate
- Penis
- Testes
- Seminal vesicles
- Vas deferens
- Epididymis
Urology is also a surgical specialty, while nephrology is not. Urologists often treat conditions such as:
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Bladder problems
- Kidney stones
- Ureter conditions
- Anatomical kidney defects
- Conditions affecting the male reproductive organs
- Adrenal problems
What Is Nephrology, and What Does a Nephrologist Treat?
A nephrologist is a type of internal medicine doctor who specializes in diagnosing and managing diseases that affect kidney function, such as diabetes, autoimmune disease, hypertension (high blood pressure), and electrolyte disturbances.
People see a nephrologist for:
- Acute kidney failure
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
- Kidney stones
- Protein or blood in the urine
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Electrolyte imbalances, such as low or high sodium, potassium, calcium
- Dialysis treatment
- Chronic urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- A urologist may also treat this condition
- Vascular access management
- Transplant care
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