Vasectomy As A Form of Contraception

Vasectomy is a permanent method of contraception for the male reproductive system. It involves the surgical cutting and blocking of tubes located in the groin (vas) in order to prevent the movement of sperm from the testicles to the penis. It is an effective and safe birth control option. The chance of conception from sex with a man who has undergone the procedure is only one in 1,000. Even though the procedure is a routine operation in many surgical clinics around the globe, it is not widespread. In the United States, only about 500,000 vasectomy operations are performed annually. [Read Full Article…]

Artificial Sphincter for Male Incontinence

Male incontinence is rarely life-threatening, but it often hampers a normal lifestyle. It may result in damp undergarments, skin rashes, skin irritation, limited physical activity, reduced social contacts and relationships, and even male impotence or diminished interest in sex. The urologists at St Pete Urology can prescribe one of many different treatments for male incontinence, including medications, biofeedback techniques and exercise programs. However, for patients who do not respond to these treatments, the surgical implantation of an artificial sphincter is the best option. Urologists will carefully evaluate the patient before recommending an artificial sphincter. [Read Full Article…]

Common Causes of Testoterone Deficiency

Testosterone deficiency affects male sexuality adversely because of the important roles that androgenic hormones play in the body. For instance, normal levels of testosterone help in maintaining a healthy mood, sexual desire, fertility and normal energy levels. Depending on age, low testosterone levels can lead to male impotence, bone and muscle development abnormalities and underdeveloped genitalia. Testosterone deficiency has been reported in alarmingly high numbers of males. In the United States alone, over 13 million men experience testosterone deficiency, but less than 10% of these men receive treatment for the disorder. Many studies have revealed that diabetes, hypertension and obesity increase the risk of testosterone deficiency in men. [Read Full Article…]

Who is Dr Nicholas Laryngakis of St Pete Urology?

Dr Nicholas Laryngakis is an experienced urologist at St Pete Urology clinic in the Tampa Bay Area. He received his medical degree at University of Florida College of Medicine. He is known for his skill, professionalism, scholarship and leadership in the nationally recognized Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. To learn more about Dr Nicholas Laryngakis, call us at (727) 478-1172 or visit us in St Petersburg, Florida.

What is Overactive Bladder?

It is easy to guess what the term “Overactive Bladder” means. The bladder is generally associated with the containment of urine until it is passed out of the body. An overactive bladder results in the frequent, involuntary or unexpected release of urine and can cause someone to avoid social interactions they would normally have enjoyed.

What is Prostate Enlargement?

Prostate Enlargement or Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia is a common condition that affects men ages 60 and above. As men grow older the prostate gets larger thus constricting Urethra limiting the urine passage. For more info on Prostate Enlargement call us at (727) 822-9208 or visit our urologist at St Petersburg, FL.

Prostate Laser Vaporization

If a patient diagnosed with prostate enlargement is not responding to medication, surgery may be recommended. Prostate Laser Vaporization is an effective procedure for treating this condition. To learn more about prostate surgery, call us at (727) 478-1172 or visit us in St Petersburg, Florida.

Kidney Stone Promoters

Crystals form in everyone’s urine, including those who do not have kidney stones. Kidneys produce urine and this urine naturally consists of elements that enhance the formation of crystals. The elements that enhance the formation of crystals are sodium, oxalate, uric acid, calcium and phosphorus. However, cystine also promotes the formation of kidney stones, particularly in individuals with Cystinuria, an inherited disorder.

The compounds that promote the formation of kidney stones originate from the bloodstream. These compounds get into urine because kidneys play a role in blood filtration and regulate the amount of urinary components that should be reabsorbed back into the bloodstream or released as waste through the urine.

Kidney Stone Inhibitors

Apart from the compounds that promote the formation of stones, urine is comprised of proteins and other substances that inhibit the formation of crystals. Examples of kidney stone inhibitors include magnesium, citrate, phytate, proteins, pyrophosphate and macromolecules. In addition to these components, urine volume also inhibits the formation of kidney stones such that larger urine volumes tend to be more dilute and less saturated. All of these inhibitors help in the removal of crystals before their attachment and growth along the kidneys.

How Kidney Stones Form

For the tiny crystals to grow into bigger stones, urine must undergo supersaturation caused by several factors such as a low volume of urine, a reduced concentration of the kidney stone inhibitors, a very high concentration of compounds that promote kidney stones, or a combination of all these factors.

Normally, there is a good balance between the kidney stone inhibitors and promoters, and the kidneys eliminate tiny crystals without any pain. Therefore, if the crystals are tiny and the urine is less concentrated to prevent supersaturation, the crystals will be eliminated from the body along with urine, through the bladder and ureters, without any problem. However, not everyone has the right balance between stone inhibitors and promoters. Lifestyle, genetics and other factors can increase the likelihood of kidney stone formation. Individuals who lack this balance can greatly benefit from medical treatment and diagnosis at St Pete Urology.

Facts About Vasectomy Reversal

A vasovasostomy, also known as a vasectomy reversal, is a surgical procedure in which the vas deferens tubes are reconnected. Although a vasectomy is considered a permanent birth control option, you can choose to have it reversed in order to be fertile again.The procedure is done using general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia so that you do not move while the surgery takes place. Most facilities, such as urologist in St Petersburg, consider a vasectomy reversal an outpatient procedure, thus overnight hospitalization is not required.

Post-Surgical Expectations

The procedure itself can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, in addition to a couple more hours for the anesthesia to wear off. In cases where the vas deferens tubes and epididymis are blocked, the surgery may take longer.

Pain medication will be administered immediately after the procedure to take care of any pain or discomfort. Once your doctor approves it, you will be sent home the same day of the surgery. Most patients return to their regular activities 21 days after the vasectomy reversal.

Results

Although the majority of people that undergo vasectomy reversal surgery are successful, the amount of time that has passed since the vasectomy can affect results. Doctors believe people have a greater chance of success if the vasovasostomy is performed within 10 years of the vasectomy. As time passes, problems such as blocked tubes or formation of antibodies to sperm are more likely to develop.

In most cases, vasectomy reversal surgery:

  • Enables pregnancy in 50% of patients.
  • Is most successful when performed within 3 years of the vasectomy.
  • Leads to conception in 30% of patients if the procedure is done before 10 years of the vasectomy.

Risks

Some of the risks associated with vasectomy reversal surgery include:

  • Infection
  • Swelling and edema in the scrotum.
  • Arterial or nerve damage in the scrotum.

Before Deciding on Vasectomy Reversal Surgery

Before opting for vasectomy in St Petersburg, your physician will need to determine whether you are fertile. This can be done with a before and after test that checks your semen for sperm antibodies. If there are antibodies present, the chances of pregnancy are low and an alternative method such as in vitro fertilization may be recommended.

You can speak to a specialist at St Pete Urology for more information about vasectomy reversal surgery. Visit https://stpeteurology.com for more information on the procedure.

What’s the Cause of Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is typically caused by an underlying problem. Some of the most common causes of ED include; arteriosclerosis, diabetes, medication, hormone disorders, and psychological problems. There are also other health conditions that can lead to impotence such as; neurologic problems, Peyronie’s disease, venous leak, injury, surgery, and exposure to radiation.
ArteriosclerosisArteriosclerosis is a condition in which the arteries become narrow and harden. It can also restrict blood flow to different parts of the body and cause ED. About 55% of men with impotence due to arteriosclerosis are at least 60 years of age.

Factors that increase the risk of arteriosclerosis include:

  • Diabetes
  • Hypertension
  • High Cholesterol Levels
  • Smoking

Diabetes

Approximately 60% of men with diabetes mellitus suffer from erectile dysfunction. This is because increased levels of glucose in the blood cause damage to nerves and blood vessels in the body. As a consequence, blood flow is reduced and impulses of the nerve are impaired, preventing a successful erection.

Medication

More than 200 prescription drugs can cause ED as a side effect. These include drugs for hypertension, heart problems, depression, and sedation. Over-the-counter medication, alcohol abuse, and illegal drug use are also factors that contribute to impotence.

Hormone Disorders

Hormone imbalances make up for less than 5% of erectile dysfunction cases. Low levels of testosterone in the body can cause decreased sex drive and lead to impotence. Testosterone deficiency can also be caused by an underlying health condition such as a pituitary gland tumor. In addition to low testosterone, renal and liver diseases are also possible factors of ED.

Psychological Problems

Psychological problems accounts for a big percentage of erectile dysfunction in younger men. However, both younger and older men can be affected by such conditions. Common psychological issues that lead to a low sex drive include; stress, anxiety, guilt, worry, and depression.

Visit St Pete Urology at https://stpeteurology.com for more information about erectile dysfunction causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.