How to Find a Prostate Doctor

Finding doctors who treat problems of the prostate--a walnut-sized gland that sits just below the bladder in men--is an easy process. These doctors, called urologists, specialize in problems or diseases of the male urinary and reproductive system. There are many ways to find a urologist--from personal resources such as family and your regular family doctor to online resources developed by governmental and professional organizations. No matter which option you take, finding a prostate doctor is simple.

Instructions

• 1

  Ask family or friends for recommendations. Because prostate problems are often difficult to talk about and manifest themselves in a sensitive area of the body, sometimes getting recommendations from family or friends may help reduce some anxiety in seeking help. Close personal contacts can recommend a doctor whose bedside manner may appeal to you.

• 2

  Ask your internist or family physician for a referral to a urologist. Although most internists or family physicians are trained to diagnose, treat and manage some problems of the prostate, your doctor can also help you find a specialist if you need one. Ask your doctor for a few recommendations, and when he provides you with some names, ask if there is a particular doctor on the list that he would send a family member to see.

• 3

  Call your health insurance provider and ask for a list of in-network urologists. Your health insurance provider will be able to provide you with names and contact information for prostate doctors in your area who will accept your health insurance. Contact information for your health insurance provider is available on your insurance card or on the provider's website.

• 4

  Use online resources developed by government and professional organizations to find a urologist in your area. The National Institutes of Health hosts an online guide to prostate health that also features a tool to find a prostate doctor in your area (link in References). Professional organizations such as the American Urological Association and the American Medical Association maintain databases of urologists nationwide that are searchable by city, state or zip code (links in References).