A urologist is a medical doctor and surgeon who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases of the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. They also treat conditions involving the male reproductive system, such as the penis, testes, scrotum, and prostate. Urologists are trained to perform various surgeries in the urinary tract, including sling procedures to help with prolapse or urinary incontinence, removal of blockages, repairs to urinary organs, vasectomies, removing excess tissue from an enlarged prostate, and removal of the entire prostate. They can also prescribe medicines and offer behavior training to manage some problems with holding in urine by doing exercises that strengthen pelvic muscles. Urologists must pass an exam and earn board certification from the American Board of Urology. To become a urologist, one must first get a bachelor’s degree, pass the Medical College Admissions Test, and complete a medical degree. From there, they spend five to six years in a residency program, during which they receive training in both surgical and medical treatments of urologic diseases.