Urology in Pattaya

Urology is a branch of medicine that deals with the diseases of the female and male urinary tract (kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra). This branch of medicine also deals with male reproductive organs (testes, epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate, and penis).

Urology has a number of sub-disciplines, including:

• Endourology – this sub-discipline of urology deals with the closed manipulation of the urinary tract. It includes all minimally invasive urologic surgical procedures, such as prostate surgery and stone removal surgery.
• Urologic oncology – this focuses on the treatment of malignant genitourinary diseases, such as cancer of the bladder, prostate, kidney, ureters, adrenal glands, testicles, or penis.
• Neurourology – this deals with the treatment of conditions involving the nervous control of the genitourinary system or abnormal urination.
• Pediatric urology – this focuses on urologic disorders in children, such as congenital abnormalities of the genitourinary tract, cryptorchidism (undescended testes), underdeveloped genitalia, enuresis, and vesicoureteral reflux.
• Andrology – this deals with disorders of the male reproductive system, such as ejaculatory disorders, erectile dysfunction, vasectomy reversal, and infertility.
• Reconstructive urology – this is a highly specialized field of male urology that deals with the reconstruction of both the structure and function of the genitourinary tract.
• Female urology – this deals with conditions of a woman’s reproductive and urinary tract, such as pelvic organ prolapse, overactive bladder, and urinary incontinence.

Medical professionals specializing in the field of urology are called urologists. Urologists can diagnose and treat diseases of the urinary tract in both women and men, as well as diagnosing and treating any problems in men’s reproductive tract. In some cases, urologists may also perform surgery. In the case of certain conditions, urologists may need to work in conjunction with medical professionals who specializes in other fields, such as oncologist, radiotherapists, nephrologist, and gynecologist.

Urologists can treat the following conditions:

In men:

• Prostate gland enlargement
• Cancers of the penis, bladder, testicles, kidneys, and adrenal and prostate glands
• Erectile dysfunction
• Infertility
• Kidney diseases
• Kidney stones
• Interstitial cystitis, also known as painful bladder syndrome
• Prostatitis
• Varicoceles, or enlarged veins in the scrotum
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

In women:

• Cancer of the kidneys, bladder, and adrenal glands
• Bladder prolapse, or a condition in which the bladder drops into the vagina
• Kidney stones
• Interstitial cystitis
• Overactive bladder
• Urinary incontinence
• UTIs

In children:

• Blockages and other problems with the urinary tract structure
• Bed-wetting
• Undescended testicles

What does Urology Involve?

During your first appointment, your urologist may ask you questions about your health history, any medicines you take, and your current symptoms. Your urologist may do a physical exam that includes a rectal and genital exam. They may also do some tests, such as:

• Imaging tests, such as MRI scans, CT scans, or ultrasound to help them locate the problem.
• A urine test to check for bacteria or other signs of disease.
• A cystoscope (a long, thin tube with a camera on its end) to see inside the urinary tract and take a sample of tissue for testing.
• A biopsy to check for cancer and other disorders.
• Urodynamic testing to check how fast the urine leaves your body, how much pressure there is in your bladder, and how much urine remains in your bladder after urinating.

After your urologist makes a diagnosis, the treatment will depend on your specific condition. It may include the use of medications and surgery.

Types of medication include:

• Hormone treatment for prostate cancer
• Antibiotics for infections
• Phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors for erectile dysfunction
• Chemotherapy drugs for cancer
• Drugs that act on the smooth muscle of the bladder to help reduce urinary incontinence.

Some of the most common types of surgery include:

• A cystectomy, which is a procedure to remove the bladder. This procedure is used to treat cancer.
• A kidney transplant, which involves replacing a damaged or diseased kidney with a healthy one.
• Extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy, which is used to break up kidney stones so they can be removed more easily.
• A repair of damage to the urinary tract due to injury.
• A procedure to open a blockage.
• A repair of urinary organs that are not well-formed.
• A prostatectomy, which is used to remove all or part of the prostate gland. This procedure is performed to treat prostate cancer.
• Transurethral needle ablation of the prostate, which removes excess tissue from an enlarged prostate.
• Transurethral resection of the prostate, which involves the removal of excess tissue from an enlarged prostate.
• A sling procedure, which uses strips of mesh in order to support the urethra and keep it closed. This procedure can treat urinary incontinence.
• A ureteroscopy, which involves the removal of stones in the kidneys and ureter using a scope.
• A vasectomy, which is a procedure to cut and tie the vas deferens, or the tubes that carry sperm. This is done to prevent pregnancy.
• A nephrectomy, which involves removing a kidney to treat cancer.

The surgery can be performed in one of two ways: open through a large incision, laparoscopically through several tiny incisions. Both methods are usually performed under general anesthesia. In some cases, local anesthetic may be used instead.

How Long Should I Stay in Pattaya?

Depending on the procedure you will have, you may be able to leave the hospital on the same day or you will have to stay for up to 5 days. In general, it is highly advisable that you stay in Pattaya for several days following your procedure for initial recovery and to attend scheduled follow-up checkups. For surgical procedures, you may need to stay in the country for at least 10 to 14 days.

What's the Recovery Time?

The recovery time varies, depending on the procedure you have, the reason why you need the procedure, and your overall health. For surgical procedures, it may take about one to six weeks until you can go back to your full activity. For non-surgical procedures, you may be allowed to go back to your normal routine within several days. Your urologist will give you a detailed recovery timeline, which includes the time you can go back to work, normal activity, and strenuous activities, such as exercise and heavy lifting.

What About Aftercare?

Your urologist will give you a set of instructions for your aftercare. The instruction may include a diet plan, exercise, restrictions, and medication to take, and wound care. It is important that you follow every instruction closely. After surgery, you will be encouraged to do some light exercise, such as walking, to help your healing process. You may also need to eat easily digestible food until you are recovered.

Depending on your specific condition, you may need to attend regular checkups following your treatment. For instance, if you had cancer treatment, your doctor will suggest you attend a checkup once or twice a year to ensure that cancer has not come back.

What's the Success Rate?

The field of urology is at the forefront of research and innovation. Due to its constant advancement, the procedures are becoming more effective and safer. Each urological treatment is also known to offer high success rates. However, any procedure comes with risks, such as infection, bleeding, and damage to nearby organs. Therefore, it is important that you choose a skilled and experienced urologist.

Are there Alternatives to Urology?

If you have any injury or disease in your urinary tract and/or reproductive organ (for men), there is no other alternative besides visiting a urology department. However, if your disease is found to be caused by other problems, the doctor will refer you to a relevant doctor.

Urology in and around Pattaya

About Pattaya

Pattaya is a resort city that lies on the eastern coast of the Gulf of Thailand. It is about 62 miles southeast of Bangkok, the capital of Thailand. Pattaya was once a small fishing village. During the Vietnam War, the American soldiers positioned in Thailand visited Pattaya for rest and relaxation. Their enthusiasm about the town spread among other soldiers. Soon it became popular as an R&R destination and a great alternative to Bangkok. Now, it is a thriving tourist destination within Thailand.

According to a recent survey, 11 percent of all medical tourists that visit Thailand have chosen Pattaya as their destination for Treatments and procedures. Pattaya hospitals offer high-quality services at an affordable cost and they provide a range of medical facilities such as health checks, dentistry, cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries, Breast Augmentation procedures, and even cardiac bypass surgeries. The doctors and senior medical team are highly skilled, and they communicate in English with foreign patients.

Phuket's medical facilities offer comprehensive packages aimed at medical tourists, which cover treatment expenses, meticulous aftercare, and accommodation in state-of-the-art private rooms. Notable establishments within this sector include names like the Bangkok Pattaya Hospital, the Pattaya Memorial Hospital, Pattaya International Hospital, and Pattaya City Hospital.

These hospitals are globally recognized for their high-standard healthcare services. Coupled with advanced technology and experienced professionals, they offer a broad range of medical treatments. Balancing excellent medical services with warm Thai hospitality, these institutions provide patients with a comfortable, stress-free medical journey topped with personalized care and attention.

Popular Areas in Pattaya City

Pattaya is the second most-visited city in Thailand next to Bangkok. Divided into four, the North, South, East and Central Pattaya, it is home to about 390,000 inhabitants. Central Pattaya is lively with bars and shopping areas. North Pattaya houses many high-end hotels and is an upmarket area. South Pattaya, with the Walking Street, is a nightlife center. Pratumnak Hills, called the Beverly Hills of Pattaya, is the cleanest and green area, offering the best view of the city. It is also home to the Big Golden Buddha.

This beautiful island city is an ideal location for beach and adventure lovers, and party enthusiasts. It has many exotic beaches, water-theme parks, beautiful nature, religious temples, and exhilarating nightlife.

Some popular areas of tourist interest in Pattaya are –

• Beaches – The beaches are the most popular places in Pattaya and have plenty of beach activities such as parasailing, jet-skiing, snorkeling, and more. Pattaya Beach, Jomtien Beach and Koh LarnBeach are the most visited beaches of the City.
• Sanctuary of Truth –With a height of 105 meters, the Sanctuary of Truth is a place of peace and reflection. Made of teakwood with intricate wooden carvings, the monument built by a millionaire has four wings, each of which is dedicated to the Thai, Chinese, Khmer and Indian religious idols.
• Koh Larn – Located 4 miles from the Pattaya coast, Koh Larn is a beautiful island with six beautiful and unique beaches with plenty of water activities. Boats from Pattaya operate several times every day to this island.
• Khao Phra Tamnak – This is a viewpoint on top of the hill that separates Jomtien Beach from South Pattaya. Wat Phra Yai, the iconic Golden Buddha statue, is atop the mountain. The viewpoint offers a sweeping and scenic view of Pattaya City, and the Bay.
• Walking Street – is a 500-meter stretch and is a busy and trendy street. It is a popular attraction for entertainment and nightlife and is known for its bright and big neon signages. The side streets are lined with bars, nightclubs, live bands, go-go bars, restaurants, and discotheques.
• Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden –is spread over a 500-acre park with a scenic landscape and has the feeling of a theme park with cultural shows, restaurants. The garden has won many awards for its landscapes and you will see many exotic flowers and unique species.
• Floating Market –The Four Regions Floating Market is different from other floating markets of Thailand. The market is divided into four regions, north, northeast, south and central. Each division of the market sells products from a particular region. The shops or stalls are in boats that move around the canals.

Phuket's repertoire of attractions extends beyond its pristine beaches and medical facilities, inviting visitors to discover its varied cultural and recreational sites. Engaging attractions such as the Elephant Village and the Sri Racha Tiger Zoo offer unique wildlife encounters, while theme parks like the Cartoon Network Amazone deliver splashes of fun for all ages. There's also the Million Years Stone Park to marvel at nature's wonders, and Art in Paradise offers a delightful interactive experience.

Weather and Climate in Pattaya City

Located in the tropics, Pattaya is characterized by a tropical wet and dry climate where temperatures tend to remain elevated throughout the year. The city usually sees an average maximum temperature of approximately 91.4°F, making it a perfect destination for those who enjoy a warm climate.

However, it's important for visitors to note that due to the high levels of humidity prevalent in Pattaya, the city may often feel hotter than the actual temperature indicates. This increased perception of heat due to humidity is known as the 'heat index,' and is a common aspect of tropical climates. So whether you're planning a day at the beach or exploring the town, light, breathable clothing and plenty of hydration are recommended to keep comfortable and make the most of your visit.

The city has three distinct seasons –

• Cool Season - Is from November to February and the temperature is moderate, and the weather is dry.
• Hot Season - March to May is the hottest time of year and day temperatures are unbearably hot and humid. The weather starts hotting up by mid-March, and peaks during April and May.
• Wet Season – June to October are the wet months. Temperatures start to moderate from the end of May. September and October are the wettest months and local flooding is normal in Pattaya during this season.

Getting Around in Pattaya City

U-Tapao Pattaya Airport is about 18 miles, and at a 45-minute drive from Pattaya. The airport operates a small number of daily domestic and international flights. The best way to reach Pattaya by air would be via Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport which is 75 miles away from Pattaya. It is just an hour and a half drive by road from Bangkok. Suvarnabhumi Airport is well-connected to many international cities and from Suvarnabhumi Airport, you can take a Grab Taxi, or a metered taxi to reach Pattaya. You can also take the train from Bangkok, which will take about 4 hours, and cost you about 35 THB.

An equally practical and economical option for travelling to Pattaya from Bangkok is utilizing the bus service. With a moderate fare of around 115 THB, these buses are regular and efficient, making hourly departures from Bangkok's Eastern Bus Terminal to Pattaya. The service is impressively extensive, running between the early hours of 5 am through to late in the evening at 11 pm.

For visiting local spots within Pattaya, tourists can opt for a variety of transportation modes such as the popular songthaews, tuk-tuks, rental cars, Grab Taxi services, motorbike taxis, as well as car and motorbike rentals for those preferring to self-drive. Songthaews are distinct dark blue pick-up trucks that have been ingeniously remodeled into passenger vehicles. Offering a cost-effective ride at 5 THB for locals and a mere 10 THB for foreigners, they're an ideal choice for short distance travel.

Further, those who wish to cover long distances or simply crave a more comfortable experience can opt for taxis. Despite being relatively costlier than other forms of public transport, taxis in Pattaya offer a convenient and relaxing journey. They allow you to explore the city's intriguing sites and beautiful landscapes at your own pace, instilling a sense of ease and personalization to your travel plan. The options don't end here, though. With rental services, you can hire a car or a motorbike to drive around the city. It gives you the freedom to plan your itinerary, stop at will for impromptu sightseeing or leisure breaks.

On the other hand, the increasingly popular Grab Taxi service offers the convenience of hailing a ride with just a few taps on your smartphone. So whether it's hopping on a songthaew, zooming off on a motorbike, or enjoying a comfortable ride in a taxi, getting around Pattaya is easy, efficient, and tailored to suit a variety of preferences and budgets.

Tourist Visas in Pattaya City

Visa Exemption - Thailand exempts nationals from 55 countries, including the UK, USA, and many European countries, from obtaining a tourist visa. This means that these visitors can enter Thailand and stay for up to 30 days without having to apply for a visa in advance. The only requirement is that their passport must be valid for at least six months beyond their intended date of departure from Thailand.

To enter Thailand under the visa exemption program, visitors must obtain an arrival stamp at the immigration checkpoint at their port of entry. This is a free and simple process, and it only takes a few minutes.

Visa on Arrival - Nationals from 24 countries, including China and India, can obtain a visa on arrival at the airport in Thailand. This visa allows them to stay in Thailand for up to 15 days.

To obtain a visa on arrival, visitors must present a valid passport (valid for at least six months beyond their intended date of departure from Thailand), a completed visa application form, and a passport photo. They must also pay a visa fee of 2,000 Thai baht.

Important Information

• Visitors who enter Thailand under the visa exemption program or who obtain a visa on arrival cannot extend their stay.
• Visitors who overstay their visa will be subject to a fine and may be banned from re-entering Thailand.
• Visitors who are unsure of their visa status should contact the Thai embassy or consulate in their home country.

Additional Information

1. The local currency of Pattaya is the Thai Baht (THB). 1 US dollar is worth on average  34.5559 THB as of 2023. You will need to have Thai Baht currency for street shopping as most retailers don’t accept cards.
2. ATMs are available everywhere and accept all major debit and credit cards. Though street vendors accept only cash, most retailers in malls accept card payments.
3. The official language of Thailand, including Pattaya, is Central Thai. Locals understand and speak English in the tourist areas.
4. Buddhism is the major religion of Pattaya. Many practice Daoism along with Buddhism. Hinduism and Islam are the other major religions practised in Thailand.
5. While visiting Buddhist temples, it is best you wear conventional clothes and remove your footwear before entering the temple.
6. Chinese New Year (Feb 5), Makha Bucha Day (Feb 19), Songkran Festival (April 12-16), Asahina Bucha and Buddhist Lent Day (July 16 & 17), and Constitution Day Dec 10) are a few important holidays in Pattaya.