BPH: What Is It and What Causes It?

BPH: What is it and What Causes it?BPH is the abbreviation for benign prostatic hyperplasia, also called prostate gland enlargement, a condition commonly found in men as they age. Enlarged prostate glands can cause serious urinary issues such as blocked urine flow, urinary tract issues and kidney problems. The treatments for BPH include medications and minimally invasive surgery.The most common symptom is an urgent and frequent need to urinate. These may be accompanied by a difficulty beginning urination, a weak and interrupting stream, extended dribbles at the end of urination, or an inability to completely empty the bladder during urination. Urinary tract infections and bloody urine are other less common symptoms.

It is important to note that the size of the prostate does not necessarily correlate to the enlargement of the prostate. For instance, some men may have prostates that are only slightly enlarged and still suffer from symptoms worse than men with far greater enlarged prostates.

The prostate gland is found just below the bladder, and the tube that allows urine to exit the body runs directly through it. This is why urine flow is affected when the prostate enlarges. The primary cause of BPH is not fully known, but it may be related to changing sex hormone levels in men as they age.

The main risk factor for BPH is aging. Although BPH rarely affects men under 40, one-third of men between the ages of 40 and 60 experience it. And half of men experience it by age 80. Family history also plays a role in your chances of developing these problems. Men with a blood relative with BPH are more likely to develop it themselves. Diabetes, heart disease and obesity all increase the risk factors as well, while exercise helps lower them.

There are several complications that can result from BPH. The most common one is the inability to urinate, which may require a catheter if severe enough. Urinary tract infections can occur as well. Bladder stones and bladder damage may occur when the bladder cannot be fully emptied, which is more likely to happen to someone with BPH. Kidney damage is another complication that occurs when pressure that has built up in the bladder directly damages the kidneys.

Although common, BPH is a serious condition that can negatively affect quality of life and well being. But with many treatment options available, men can find relief by promptly seeking medical help. The doctors at St Pete Urology specialize in treating these issues and improving the lives of men as they age. For more information, visit the St Pete Urology website or make an appointment for a consultation.

How soon can I have sex after a vasectomy?

Men have a vasectomy in order to not have to worry about conception when they are making love. A vasectomy is one of the few ways men can have control over their reproductive capacity. It’s also one of the most reliable ways to prevent an unwanted pregnancy.You may have questions before or right after having a vasectomy. Here are some answers to the most frequent questions.

What is a Vasectomy?

Considered a minor surgery, a vasectomy is when the vas deferens is cut and the two ends are seal and tied together. Depending on factors that your urologist can discuss with you, you will either have a conventional vasectomy or a “no-scalpel” vasectomy.

During a conventional vasectomy, the surgeon will make one or two small incisions in the skin of the scrotum to access the vas deferens. The surgeon may remove a small piece of the vas deferens before searing the ends and tying them off with a suture. The procedure is repeated on both sides. The small cuts in the scrotum may be closed with dissolvable stitches or simply left to close on their own.

For a no-scalpel vasectomy, your urologist will locate the vas deferens by feeling for it under the skin of your scrotum and place a small clamp on the vas. A minute hole is made in the skin, which is stretched open so the vas deferens can be lifted out to cut, and then the ends are tied or seared, and replaced.

What will sex be like?

A vasectomy is a fairly simple procedure without long-term effects on sexual activity. Your surgeon may recommend abstaining from sex for a short time afterward. This is to allow the incisions and sutures time to heal.

Normally the recommendation is to wait for any pain or swelling to resolve before having sex. The reason you should wait to have sex is because if it is too soon, you could reopen the site of the incisions and infection-causing bacteria might enter the incision.

Most men can resume sexual activity within a week or two. During the time shortly after your vasectomy you should use an alternative form of birth control because it takes a little while before all the sperm is cleared from your ejaculate. Your doctor will test your semen sometime after surgery, usually around six to twelve weeks.

Having a vasectomy rarely changes anything about ejaculation or orgasm. There are a few cases of post-vasectomy pain syndrome. But most patients have only the following post-surgical inconveniences which generally go away on their own:

  • mild to moderate pain or discomfort
  • bruising or soreness of the scrotum
  • blood clots in the scrotum
  • swelling in your genital area or scrotum
  • blood in the semen

Having the peace of mind that a vasectomy delivers sometimes can enhance sex life, with better arousal and erections. About three months after your surgery, you can have unprotected sex without fear a possible pregnancy. However, it is always wise to use protection with a new partner.
To find out more about the vasectomy procedure, visit St Pete Urology’s websit.

Facts About Stress Urinary Incontinence in Women

What Is Urinary Incontinence?

Many women have a silent concern due to urinary incontinence. It somehow seems taboo to talk about the problem, even with a regular doctor or gynecologist. There are approximately 25 million Americans who suffer from some type of urinary incontinence and as many as 80 percent of them are women. Pregnancy, giving birth, going through menopause and even the unique structure of the female urinary anatomy contribute to the disparity between male and female sufferers.

Urinary incontinence is defined as the unintentional loss or leakage of urine. The term “stress incontinence” means that when the body is under exertion it puts pressure on your bladder and the bladder leaks. Some triggers for stress incontinence include running, coughing, sneezing, bending or heavy lifting.

Bladder Retraining

The bladder is controlled by muscles and it can be trained. You may wish to keep a voiding diary, noting things like times of urination, duration between bathroom trips, types of food or beverages that seem to trigger urgency or frequency of bathroom trips. This journal describing your symptoms and potential causes can help if you need to visit a urologist for treatment.

As you establish baselines for your urinary problem, you can start behavior modification and training your bladder. Here’s how to do it:

  • Schedule Your Bathroom Breaks

Start by scheduling bathroom visits. Increase the time periods between those breaks by adding 15-minute increments. Visit the bathroom even if you don’t feel you need to go. You will be working toward longer and longer stretches of time between breaks.

  • Perform Kegel Exercises

When you learn to isolate the muscles that control urine flow, you can practice having more control by performing Kegel exercises while sitting, standing or during urination.

Other Tips to Prevent Overactive Bladder:

  • In addition to bladder retraining, you may want to eliminate or limit beverages that increase the need for urinating, like coffee, tea or caffeinated sodas.
  • Drink fewer fluids before bedtime.

Treating Overactive Bladder With Behavioral Modifications

You needn’t feel alone when you have urinary incontinence. Make an appointment with a urologist who is trained to deal with your condition. Your doctor may take any of the following approaches beyond what you can do on your own:

  • Recommend biofeedback,
  • Send urine or drawn blood to the lab to determine how completely you empty your bladder.
  • Prescribe medicine to address bladder function or tighten muscles.
  • Employ a medical device, such as a urethral insert or a pessary.
  • Try nerve stimulation, using a mild electric current to nerves in the bladder that help control urination.
  • Suggest surgery if indicated.

If you have stress incontinence, you may be limiting yourself from fully participating in life events. Seek treatment from experts like those at St Pete Urology, where surgeons perform hundreds of successful sling surgery procedures every year. For more information, visit the St Pete Urology website.

How to tell if your prostate is enlarged?

The prostate gland is an integral part of the male reproductive system. It secretes seminal fluid, which nourishes sperm as they grow and facilitates their transportation during ejaculation. It is located between the bladder and the rectum and surrounds the base of the urethra. Due to its location next to key parts of the urinary system, the health of the prostate gland tends to have a direct impact on the health of a man’s urinary system.

The prostate gland grows larger as a man ages. While this gradual enlargement is normal, by the time a majority of men turn 50, the prostate has reached a size where it may start to affect the normal functioning of the urinary organs near it. It is at this point that a man is said to have an enlarged prostate, or clinically speaking, benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH).

Signs and Symptoms of an Enlarged Prostate

An enlarged prostate presses, pinches or causes a blockage in the urethra. The urethra carries urine from the bladder to outside the body. The direct effects of an enlarged prostate are manifested by difficulty in the discharge of urine. These difficulties could be in the form of:

1. Frequent and sudden urges to discharge urine;

2. Difficulty starting a urine stream;

3. Weak urine stream; and

4. Dribbling urine.

If left untreated, the effects of an enlarged prostate can cause the following complications:

1. Acute Urine retention. This is a complete inability to pass urine. Medical attention must be sought immediately if this occurs;

2. Urinary tract infections;

3. Blood in the urine;

4. Pain when passing urine; and

5. Pain in the lower abdomen.

Sometimes an enlarged prostate does not produce symptoms. When this occurs in some men, it may not even be possible to diagnose the condition because it gives them no trouble at all.

The key to diagnosing and treating an enlarged prostate lies with frequent prostate monitoring by a qualified urologist. Men approaching age 50 should get tested or at least keep a watch out for any of the symptoms listed above. The good news is there are many successful treatment options for the condition. Our specialists at St Pete Urology are experienced and well qualified to help with any questions, concerns and treatment. If you think you may have an enlarged prostate, or are experiencing any problems, by all means contact us. For more information, visit the St Pete Urology website.

Can a vasectomy fail?

A vasectomy is a form of male contraception that is administered through a minor surgical procedure. During a vasectomy, the patient’s vas deferens are cut and the ends are tied up or seared so they are blocked. The vas deferens is made up of two narrow tubes that transport sperm to the ejaculatory duct during ejaculation. A vasectomy inhibits the transportation of the sperm to the duct, so only seminal fluid is discharged when a man ejaculates. The absence of sperm removes the possibility of conception. A vasectomy is considered to be the most efficient form of birth control. However, there are instances, though very rare, in which pregnancy occurs even after the man has had a vasectomy.

Reasons why a vasectomy may fail

1. Recanalization

This is a medical term for when the cut vas deferens reconnect and revert to something like what they were before the vasectomy. This process happens naturally when tissue from the cut ends gradually grows until the two ends reach one another and reconnect.

Tiny channels also can form in the healing scar tissue of the snipped vas deferens and provide a passageway for sperm from one end of the vas deferens to the other.

2. Surgical error

In very rare cases, surgeons have been known to make an error during the procedure. This might mean either that the vasectomy was not done at all or that it was done in a manner that might cause it to fail.

Such errors could be:

a. Cutting one vas deferens and leaving the other;

b. The surgeon cuts completely different tubes that are not the vas deferens; and

c. In the very rare cases where the patient has duplicated vas deferens, that is to say two vas deferens on each side rather than one on each side as is the normal case, and the urologist cuts only one of the two .

d. Having intercourse too soon

Men who have had vasectomies are always advised to avoid having sex too soon, and if they do, to use another form of contraception. This is because semen does not become clear of sperm immediately after the vasectomy. The standard practice is to wait for three months after the procedure. After the three months, a urologist should conduct a semen analysis and advise accordingly.

Vasectomies are largely successful. Any man considering it has absolutely no reason to fear that it will fail because they rarely do. However, after undergoing the procedure, the patient must take care to observe all guidelines given by the urologist. A little anxiety before the procedure might be expected but the advice of a trained urologist, such as those available at St Pete Urology should dispel the worry. The team of specialists at St. Pete Urology can help with questions, consultation, surgery and follow up steps for a vasectomy. For more information, visit the St Pete Urology website.

How to Prevent Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is a condition that prevents a man from getting or maintaining an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. The failure to sustain an erection may happen occasionally in healthy men and this should not be a reason to panic. One is said to have erectile dysfunction only when the inability to sustain an erection is sustained over a period of time. The risk of having erectile dysfunction increases with age, with about 50 percent of men over the age of 40 having the condition. Recent research also indicates an increase in the cases of erectile dysfunction in men in their 30s.Erectile dysfunction is treatable. Even so, it does inhibit a patient’s sexual performance, and in some cases, confidence. It comes as good news, therefore, that the condition is not only treatable, it is also preventable.

Preventing Erectile Dysfunction

The ways in which erectile dysfunction may be prevented fall into two categories:

1. Maintaining good overall health.

The sexual health of an individual is determined by his general health. If his overall health is failing, it will only be a matter of time before this starts to affect one’s sexual ability. One way of preventing erectile dysfunction therefore lies in maintaining good overall health. To this end, the following are recommended:

a. Maintain healthy body weight. A healthy balanced diet and regular exercise go a long way to keep body weight at a desired level. This protects you from obesity and other lifestyle diseases which might cause erectile dysfunction.

b. Avoid excessive use of alcohol, drugs and cigarettes. Taking these may, in the long run, lead to diseases of the heart or interfere with the functioning of blood vessels. Interfering with blood flow may reduce the amount of blood going into the penis, thus causing erectile dysfunction.

2. Managing Underlying chronic diseases

Erectile dysfunction often arises as a result of an underlying illness. For example, obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular illnesses have a tendency of interfering with the flow of blood to the penis. In addition to these, mental issues such as depression or crippling anxiety may cause erectile dysfunction. In such cases, the key to dealing with erectile dysfunction is in fighting the underlying illness. A patient with one of these conditions will be advised to, among other things:

a. Take medication as advised by the attending doctor;

b. Consult with the doctor to see if treatment for erectile dysfunction may be administered independently without affecting the treatment of the underlying illness; and

c. Seek therapy and treatment for mental health conditions.

Erectile dysfunction can be prevented by simply choosing to live a healthy lifestyle. For those already suffering from erectile dysfunction, there is no need to panic as the condition is very treatable. Our team of specialists at St. Pete Urology can help with any questions, consultation, diagnosis and treatment options for erectile dysfunction. For more information, visit the St Pete Urology website.

What to Know About Overactive Bladder

Like the name suggests, an overactive bladder is a bladder that does more than it should. The normal functioning of a bladder is that as urine drains from the kidneys to fill the bladder, nerve signals in the brain communicate the need to discharge the urine. The urge to urinate grows gradually so a person can delay the passage of urine for a while. During the discharge of urine, the bladder contracts, letting out the urine through the urethra.

An overactive bladder contracts suddenly and involuntarily, so a patient cannot hold the urine. It also contracts often, even when it contains just a little urine. This forces the patient to take numerous bathroom breaks. Due to the frequency and suddenness of the contractions, an overactive bladder is known to cause the leaking of urine, otherwise known as urine incontinence. It affects both men and women.

Causes of an Overactive Bladder

An overactive bladder cannot be attributed to one single cause or factor. In most cases, it is caused by a combination of factors. These include:

1. Serious case of a urinary tract infection;

2. A neurological disorder that damages the communication of nerves in the brain and in the bladder;

3. Bladder complications such as bladder stones or tumors;

4. Stroke and multiple sclerosis;

5. Acute urine retention. When urine is retained in the bladder for long, there is no longer space for storage of urine. This may result in an overactive bladder;

6. Pelvic organ prolapse in women and benign prostate hyperplasia in men; and

7. Diabetes.

Social and Emotional Impact of an Overactive Bladder

Patients with an overactive bladder often worry a great deal about stigma. They find the frequent bathroom visits embarrassing and the fear of leaking urine in any social or work environment can be debilitating. These fears affect the normal day to day life of a patient and make it necessary to seek treatment as soon as possible.

Treatment of an Overactive Bladder

A patient can receive treatment in the form of medication, injections and in few cases, minimally invasive surgical procedures. Very often these treatment options are combined with physical therapy and behavioral modifications. Such modifications include:

1. Kegel exercises. These are administered to help strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor;

2. Exercise aimed at achieving and maintaining a healthy weight;

3. Going on scheduled bathroom visits; and

4. Use of absorbent pads.

An overactive bladder is manageable and treatable. In order to avoid the difficulties that accompany the condition, it is advisable to seek the help of a qualified urologist for a proper diagnosis followed up by efficient treatment. Our team of experts at St. Pete Urology can help with any questions, as well as diagnosis and treatment of an overactive bladder. For more information, visit the St Pete Urology website.

What Can You Do To Reduce The Risk of Having Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are hard, crystallized minerals that form in the kidneys that may spread to other organs in the urinary tract such as the bladder and the ureter. They form when urine becomes so concentrated with minerals that the minerals crystallize and harden. Often stones are formed from a fusion of calcium and oxalate or phosphorus. Symptoms of kidney stones include trouble passing urine, excruciating pain when passing urine, pain in the groin, below the ribs and in the abdomen, blood in the urine and frequent urination. While reports indicate that the prevalence of kidney stones has grown in modern times, the condition still remains a preventable one.

Ways of preventing Kidney Stones

1. Cut down on sodium intake
A heavy sodium intake causes a proportionate increase in the amount of calcium in urine, creating a good chance of kidney stone formation. Processed and canned foods are known to contain high amounts of sodium. It is advisable to reduce one’s consumption of such foods.

2. Staying hydrated
Drinking enough water and other fluids is one of the best and easiest ways to prevent kidney stones. Water dilutes urine, making it less concentrated. A shortage of fluid in the body translates into just a little concentrated urine. Urine salts are more likely to crystallize and form stones because there is insufficient water to dissolve them.

3. Consumption of foods rich in calcium
Even if most stones have aspects of calcium, calcium rich foods such as milk and cheese prevent the likelihood of kidney stone recurrence. This is because the levels of oxalate, which is a stone forming mineral, increase with decreasing levels of calcium. Calcium should be maintained at a good level.

4. Cut down on the intake of animal proteins and fructose
Organ meats, red meat, seafood and poultry contain a compound known as purine which contributes to the formation of kidney stones, specifically uric acid stones. The same goes for foods with high fructose, with corn syrup specifically being one to avoid. Managing the intake of these foods should go a long way in preventing stones from forming.

In addition to watching one’s diet, medical professionals advise that people should obtain a good amount of exercise to prevent weight related disorders such as obesity.

Kidney stones are very painful and, in this instance, there is no question that prevention is much better than cure. If you discover that you have kidney stones, you should seek medical attention immediately. For those interested in prevention only, reading up on the subject can offer practical ways to avoid having kidney stones. The staff of specialists at St. Pete Urology also are able to help with diagnosis, prevention and treatment of kidney stones. For more information, visit the St Pete Urology website.

5 Facts Men Need to Know About Vasectomy Reversal

Vasectomy is a form of male contraception. It is achieved through surgically cutting or sealing the vas deferens, which transport sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct during ejaculation. The result is that during ejaculation, the semen ejaculated does not contain sperm. Vasectomies are so efficient in preventing conception that for a long time they have been considered as a form of sterilization. The reality, however, is that with modern medicine, a vasectomy does not have to equal sterilization. It can be reversed through a procedure called a Vasectomy Reversal.

Facts about Vasectomy Reversal

A vasectomy reversal aims at rejoining the cut ends of the epididymis or unblocking them if they had been sealed. Important facts include:

1. It is a precise but outpatient procedure. A vasectomy takes about two hours. The patient can go home the same day. The fact that it is an outpatient procedure, however, should not take away from the fact that vasectomy reversal is a very precise operation that makes use of micro surgical techniques. The sutures made are extremely fine.

2. High success rate. Vasectomy reversal procedures are reported to have a success rate of over 90 percent. Even so, patients should appreciate that the rate of conception will be influenced by factors beyond themselves, such as the fertility of their partner. As such, conception may not happen immediately.

3. The procedure. A vasectomy reversal involves making two incisions on the side of the scrotum through which the vas deferens can be accessed. The surgeon then cuts open the tied or sealed ends and sutures them together.

4. Age of the vasectomy may affect success rate. Reports indicate that vasectomies done not more than ten years ago have the highest success rates. The success rate starts to decline when the vasectomy was performed more than fifteen years ago.

5. Short recovery period. Due to its relatively minor nature, a vasectomy reversal heals quickly and requires little after care. Patients, however, are advised to wait at least six weeks before they return to having sex.

The success of a vasectomy reversal requires almost pinpoint accuracy. A patient, therefore, should place a great deal of weight on the experience and training of the urological specialist or surgeon who does the procedure. St. Pete Urology has a strong track record of experienced specialists who can work with the individual in determining what is the best plan for him and answer questions or concerns. For more information, visit the St Pete Urology website.

What are the Symptoms of Pelvic Organ Prolapse?

In general terms, the pelvic region of a human body is the area between the abdomen and the thighs. The pelvic region primarily comprises the bowels and the organs of the reproductive and urinary systems. In both men and women, pelvic organs are held in place and supported by strong muscles which collectively form the pelvic floor. Pelvic organ prolapse is a condition that results from a weakening of the pelvic floor muscles in women, causing the pelvic organs, chiefly the uterus, the bladder and the small intestines, to droop or descend and press on or even through the vagina. Common causes of pelvic organ prolapse include pregnancy, vaginal childbirth, sustained and prolonged pressure on the abdomen, aging, heavy lifting, hysterectomy, obesity and prolonged chronic coughing. Some women are also genetically predisposed to pelvic organ prolapse.

Symptoms of a Pelvic Organ Prolapse

The symptoms are usually determined by the organ that is affected. The symptoms listed here do not all occur together, although they may manifest in a combination of two or three.

1. A feeling of heaviness, pressure or fullness in the pelvic area. The descending organs put pressure on the lower parts of the pelvis, causing the sensation of heaviness and fullness.

2. Seeing or feeling something coming through the vagina. With time, small parts of the descending organs or the surrounding tissue may be seen through the vagina. Even if not seen, a patient might feel a bulging at the vaginal opening.

3. Urinary incontinence. Pressure on the bladder may cause leaking of urine or a frequent urge to urinate.

4. Painful intercourse and trouble inserting tampons. The displaced organs occupy spaces and put pressure on channels that are usually open to facilitate intercourse and to allow the insertion of tampons, thus making these activities uncomfortable and even painful.

5. Trouble having a bowel movement or constipation. This is common in patients with a rectal prolapse.

6. Lower back ache. This is common with patients who have a prolapse of the bowel.

Most patients report that symptoms worsen late in the day and after standing for a long period of time or taking part in an intense physical activity.

Any of these symptoms should be reported to a urologist so tests can be conducted and treatment administered as early as possible. In addition to finding a competent urologist, a patient also should seek a treatment platform that she is comfortable with. One way to find such a platform is to study the online profiles of urology professionals, such as the one created by St Pete Urology, so as to make an informed choice. For more information, visit the St Pete Urology website.