Gender-specific medicine has become increasingly important in identifying and understanding differences in the ways diseases manifest in men and women. As our understanding of the unique biological, social, and cultural factors that shape health and disease in men and women continues to expand, so too does the need for gender-specific approaches to diagnosis, treatment, and management of urological conditions.

This special issue of the World Journal of Urology brings together a diverse range of original research and review articles that highlight the importance of considering gender differences in urological disease. From pregnancy-related urological conditions to urologic oncology and the unique health needs of transgender and gender-diverse individuals, the issue offers valuable insights into the complex interplay between gender and urological health.

In their original study, Mason et al. [1] touches on an important and often overlooked aspect of urology care comparing adverse pregnancy events between different treatment strategies of nephrolithiasis during pregnancy. This research highlights the importance of tailored treatment approaches for pregnant women with urological conditions.

The issue also features a solid urologic oncology module that covers several important topics in the era of personalized medicine. The review article by Pallauf et al. [2] explores gender-specific metabolome and mutational differences in renal cell carcinoma, which highlights the importance of personalized medicine and targeted treatment approaches. While Cerrato et al. [3] emphasizes the need for a multidisciplinary approach and comprehensive genetic counseling for patients and their families during gender-specific counseling of patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma and Lynch syndrome.

The impact of gender is not only related to diagnosis but it also affects disease outcome and response to treatment. Sexual dysfunction is a significant quality-of-life issue among patients undergoing radical cystectomy for bladder cancer; with female patients often receiving less attention than male patients. Orji et al. [4] highlights the importance of addressing sexual function as part of comprehensive care for female patients undergoing radical cystectomy. Furthermore, Yanagisawa et al. [5] provides a systematic review and meta-analysis of the impact of sex on the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in kidney and urothelial cancers. This study highlights the need for gender-specific analysis in clinical trials to better understand the impact of gender on treatment outcomes.

Finally, despite a multidisciplinary approach to the care of transgender patients, the urologist plays a vital role, both in providing gender-affirming surgery as well as part of continued care. The issue features an article by Koehler et al. [6] on (de-)centralized health care delivery, surgical outcome, and psychosocial health of transgender and gender-diverse people undergoing vaginoplasty. This research emphasizes the importance of access to specialized care and highlights the need for greater attention to the unique needs of transgender and gender-diverse patients.

I hope you would enjoy this topic issue on “Gender Aspects in Urological Disease” which provides valuable insights into the unique challenges and opportunities for improving care in patients with urological diseases. The findings underscore the importance of considering gender-specific factors in the diagnosis and management of urological diseases. We hope that this issue will not only raise awareness of the importance of gender-specific medicine in urology, but also inspire further research, collaboration, and innovation in this rapidly evolving field.