Can you still have Orgasm after Vasectomy?

Men, we all desire to be good husbands and partners. Many of you may have seen your wife or partner experience the adverse effects of some contraception. Some will want to help alleviate this unfortunate circumstance.

The option of undergoing vasectomy may come up. This procedure is one big step to take a lead role in family planning and protect your partner. However, you may also have concerns about how it will affect your sex life afterward.

The good news is, vasectomy will not adversely affect your sex life.

It will neither reduce your sex drive nor affect your ability to have an erection. It will not affect your ability to ejaculate or have any difference in the amount of semen you ejaculate.

No effect on testosterone production

Your male characteristics depend on the hormone testosterone. Produced in your testicles and responsible for secondary sexual characteristics, testosterone is the hormone that maintains your libido (sex drive), sensation, and ability to have an erection and an orgasm.

An average testosterone level after vasectomy means you maintain the same level of sexual performance and satisfaction after the procedure.

So does a vasectomy affect your testosterone level? No. Your testicles continue to produce testosterone after the procedure, just as they did before the surgery. The operation is done on the vas deferens and not on your testicles, which means there are no effects on testosterone production. Plus, it means you continue to have normal erections, ejaculations, and orgasms.

If you experience a drop in testosterone after vasectomy, the reduction may be unrelated to the procedure. Such a reduction is often due to diminished function of the testes (hypogonadism), which is linked to age.

Hypogonadism affects 1 in 50 men aged 40-79 years. It is more common in men with diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease, or those taking certain medications, such as steroids. It may also be due to stress, depression, or too much alcohol.

If you notice any drop in your sex drive after vasectomy or feel you might have symptoms of low testosterone, speak with your doctor for help.

Normal ejaculations

A vasectomy does not significantly affect the quantity of the ejaculate. While the procedure ensures that the sperm made in the testicles do not pass through the vas deferens to reach the urethra, it doesn’t noticeably change the quantity of fluid you ejaculate.

In a typical ejaculation, the semen produced in your seminal vesicles and prostate gland forms 95-98 percent of the ejaculate. And so, since sperm only makes 2-5 percent of the ejaculate, preventing sperm from being included in the semen doesn’t make a big difference in the volume of the ejaculate. You will not even realize the difference in your ejaculations.

Remember that the procedure does not stop sperm production. Your testicles will continue to secrete sperm throughout your life; only that the sperm will not reach the urethra to be added to the semen before ejaculation.

During a vasectomy, your vas deferens is cut and blocked to stop sperm and make it impossible for them to travel to the urethra. The sperm dies and is absorbed by the lining (membrane) of the epididymis, where they dissolve naturally. The absorption process doesn’t interfere with testosterone production, erections, or orgasms.

Enhanced orgasms

With a vasectomy, you will feel relieved from the anxiety or stress of an unplanned pregnancy. And, with that freedom, your lovemaking will be more spontaneous, sensual, frequent, and intense.

Recent studies have shown that the procedure isn’t only reliable but boosts sex drive in men and ensures stronger erections and better orgasms without the risk of pregnancy.

Safe, effective vasectomy

Want to have a vasectomy but have questions before the procedure?

At St Pete Urology, we do vasectomies every week and guide men to make the right family planning decisions. We will listen to your concerns, give you the right advice, and help you make an informed decision.

Over the years, we have seen our clients undergo vasectomy procedures and report results that make us proud. We are happy that our patients retain the highest level of sex drive, firmer erections, unchanged ejaculation, and regular orgasms after the procedure.

If you’re considering having a vasectomy at St Pete Urology, you shouldn’t fear it would affect your sex drive or orgasms. We can guarantee that your sexual performance and satisfaction will only get better. 

Does drinking more water help incontinence?

Urinary incontinence is a frustrating, embarrassing condition. Who wants to always be on the lookout for the nearest restroom, or have to deal with an unexpected leak during a cough, sneeze or lifting a weight.

If this condition is not well managed, you may experience discomfort in social situations, affecting your behavior and how you interact with others.

Can drinking more water help?

When you have urinary incontinence, your first instinctive reaction would be to reduce your water intake. You may also be hesitant to drink lots of fluids as a way of forestalling the leaks and minimizing your toilet visits.

But drinking more water is not bad.

While it sounds counterproductive, drinking more water helps with incontinence.

First, your body is full of fluid, and you always need to drink more water to replace the fluid you lose. Failure to drink enough water leads to dehydration.

Secondly, when you drink more water, you ensure a free filtration of fluids via your kidneys. Doing so means that wastes and other substances do not build up in your urinary tract and that your urine does not get more concentrated.

When urine becomes more concentrated, your bladder is irritated, and incontinence worsens.

You can tell when you’re dehydrated, and your urine is more concentrated when it looks darker, cloudy, and has a strong odor.

Concentrated urine results in irritation, which translates to pain or burning sensation while passing urine.

An irritated bladder increases urgency, which is bad news if you have urinary incontinence. So drinking more water is effective when done correctly.

With the right amount of water, you can prevent dehydration, keep your urine dilute, avert bladder irritation, and minimize incontinence.

You must strike a balance, as drinking too much water may also cause excessive leaks.

How do you drink more water to manage incontinence?

1. Drink enough fluid every day
For a grown man, enough fluid is roughly 13 cups (3 liters) of total beverages a day. For a woman, 9 cups (2.2 liters) of drinks a day is ideal. In terms of drinking water, the right quantity is 4-8 eight-ounce cups a day.

2. Drink when thirsty
Your body has a way of directing how much water you need, and you will notice this in how frequently you get thirsty. When this occurs, make sure to drink water immediately.

3. Drink it in sips
When you drink water, you must avoid guzzling one or two cups at a time, which can overwhelm your bladder. Instead, drink water by frequent sipping. It would be best to have smaller amounts of water and liquid throughout the day, sipping slowly over several sittings.

4. Drink most of your water early in the day
Drinking water a few hours before bedtime can be problematic, especially if you are struggling with nocturia. A good practice is to drink most of your water in the morning and afternoon and avoid drinking 2-4 hours before going to bed.

5. Be creative
While plain water is ideal for urinary incontinence, you can try flavored water to boost your fluid intake. Add fresh mint or a splash of lime or lemon to your water. Dilute your juice as much as possible. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables, as they have high water content. Just make sure to avoid adding sugar, particularly if you have diabetes.

6. Drink fluids with every snack and meal
Whether it is breakfast, lunch, dinner, or any little snack in between, ensure to complement it with a glass of water.

7. Carry a bottle of water with you
Whether at your desk, in your car, or in your bag, always have some water with you. The easiest way to drink enough water is to make it a habit to carry a water bottle wherever you go.

Get the right balance gradually

Drinking enough water without overwhelming your bladder is a practice you will learn with time. Once you know how to go about it, you will stay hydrated and reduce urine leakage.

Take it gradually and learn to balance your water consumption with your other health goals and lifestyle.

Seeking treatment for urinary incontinence

Are you having urinary incontinence? Visit your urologist today to determine the actual cause of the condition and get proper treatment.

The problem may be a result of the aging process, urinary tract infection, or a symptom of a disease, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

At St Pete Urology, we offer a wide array of solutions for urinary incontinence, including guided pelvic floor exercises (Kegel exercises), bladder retraining, Botox injection, medications, and surgery.

Come and see us today for tailored treatment of your leaky bladder.

What is sex like with a penile prosthesis

There is no such thing as “normal” when it comes to sex. What you like isn’t necessarily what another person likes. How important it is to you and how often you want it is also a personal preference, but what is common for everyone is the desire to have a pleasurable sexual encounter.

Men with erectile dysfunction who intend to have a penile implant inserted into their penis often want to know how it would impact their sexual pleasure.

Strong, reliable erection

A penile prosthesis enables you to have an erection that is strong enough for satisfactory sex. You will have an erection similar to a natural erection and will not have problems keeping it throughout sexual intercourse.

At St Pete Urology, we offer both inflatable and non-inflatable penile implants. An inflatable implant has two rods filled with fluid from a reservoir near the bladder. As the rods fill, the penis becomes erect. When there is no fluid in the rods, the penis is fully deflated and unnoticeable.

With the non-inflatable implant, a single rod is surgically implanted within the erection chamber of your penis. The rod keeps the penis in a semi-rigid state so that you merely need to lift it into position or adjust it by hand for sexual intercourse.

Regardless of whether the implant is inflatable or in a semi-rigid state, it will support your penis without making it larger or affecting the shape of its head. Expect your penis to be erect to about the same size as before you got the implant, and provide enough hardness for penetration and satisfying sex.

Unhindered sensitivity

A penile prosthesis does not affect the sensitivity of the penis, its glans, or its skin. You will not lose sensitivity and will generally respond to sexual stimulation. You will also have no limitations such as axial effort, traction, or your partner tightening the penis during sexual intercourse.

You can still enjoy different positions and enjoy normal orgasm and ejaculation—deriving maximum pleasure from your sexual encounters. The penis stays rigid even after orgasm, and it is up to you to choose to release the valve to remove the fluid from the rods and end the erection. You should also make sure to have good lubrication during intercourse.

Once you have a penile prosthesis, it may destroy your natural erection reflex. You should have the implant only when recommended by your urologist.

Hidden and unnoticeable

Due to the small incision made for the procedure, the healed scar after penile implant surgery is subtle and hidden to casual observers. The implant will be fully concealed and remain private. You can freely enjoy sex without worrying about your partner knowing you have an implant.

No one will be able to tell that you have a penile prosthesis until they see the small scar at the bottom of your penis. Even in the shower or locker room, it will remain undetectable.

Do you have erectile dysfunction? Would you like to restore your sexual function? At St Pete Urology, we understand that erectile dysfunction can severely impact your relationships and your quality of life. We offer various solutions that can help you with this predicament.

We typically recommend a penile prosthesis for patients who have not found the other ED treatments effective. After the implant surgery, patients can expect to enjoy healthy sex lives, enhanced self-esteem, and more satisfying relationships.

Schedule a consultation with one of our skilled and experienced surgeons at St Pete Urology to find out if a penile implant could be an excellent option for you

ST PETE UROLOGY IS FIRST TO OFFER NEW MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY FROM MEDTRONIC TO TREAT PEOPLE SUFFERING FROM INCONTINENCE

 

Contacts:

Phone: (727) 822–9208
Fax: (727) 822–9211

StPeteUrology@gmail.com

ST PETE UROLOGY IS FIRST TO OFFER NEW MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY FROM MEDTRONIC TO TREAT PEOPLE SUFFERING FROM INCONTINENCE 

The New FDA Approved InterStim™ Micro is the Smallest and Fastest Rechargeable Bladder and Bowel Control System with Conditional Full-Body MRI

Full-Body MRI Conditional InterStim™ II and InterStim™ Micro Systems Give Patients a Choice Between Sacral Neuromodulation Devices to Suit Their Lifestyle

ST PETERSBURG, FL – JUNE 28, 2021 –  St Pete Urology is one of the only medical providers in St. Petersburg, FL to offer new solutions to the millions  of people who suffer from incontinence thanks to technology advancements from Medtronic — the world’s leading provider of therapy for bladder and bowel control issues. 

More than 37 million adults in the United States – almost one in six – suffer from overactive bladder (OAB) and nearly 18 million Americans – about one in 12 – have fecal incontinence (FI).1-4 It is life-altering because many sufferers limit their lives socially, professionally, and personally,5 but it is  treatable. The new InterStim™ II and InterStim Micro systems provide patients with safe, effective relief from OAB and FI. The InterStim™ II recharge-free system offers patients freedom from a recharging routine, the hassle of recharging components, and a reminder they have a disease. The rechargeable InterStim™ Micro system, the smallest device available in the sacral neuromodulation (SNM) market, benefits patients who want a smaller, longer lasting device. Both systems are full-body* conditional MRI and deliver the same therapy with long-term relief.

“Effective long-term bladder and bowel control is an unmet medical need by many in the St. Petersburg area who experience regular accidents and/or frequency issues associated with OAB and FI. It can significantly impact all aspects of a person’s quality of life – self-confidence, exercise, activities and even intimacy,” said Adam Oppenheim, DO. “By partnering with Medtronic, the trusted leader in SNM therapy, my goal is to help give patients a life without limits.” 

Known as sacral neuromodulation (SNM), the therapy is delivered by the InterStim™ system – an implanted medical device that provides gentle stimulation to the sacral nerve and is thought to normalize the brain-bladder connection to alleviate symptoms. Medtronic developed SNM therapy more than 25 years ago in partnership with physicians who specialize in treating incontinence. Recent technology advancements from Medtronic now gives patients lifestyle-friendly choices in the type of InterStim system they choose; improved battery technology; conditional full-body MRI; and the smallest and fastest charging device on the SNM market.

“I must say, I was very impressed with EVERY aspect of my visit with Dr. Oppenheim. His knowledge goes without saying. Top notch. I was taken aback, though, by his patience and kindness. He took the time to listen patiently to the questions I had. I didn’t feel rushed. He answered those questions in a way that was very easy for me to understand. The staff that I encountered were friendly and assistive. I was also glad that any procedures/tests that he recommended I need are done right there at the office, not a hospital. His office and the building in which it’s in is very easy to find. Overall, a great experience. Should the need arise for anyone I know to need a urologist, I’m definitely recommending Dr. Oppenheim and his staff.”

“For much too long, my life revolved around where I would find the next bathroom,” said Wes Linkovich. “I’m so glad I finally sought help and was open-minded about sacral neuromodulation. My therapy fits well with my lifestyle and, finally, I can focus on the things I love. To anyone suffering in silence, please ask your doctor or urologist about the InterStim™ system from Medtronic. I wish I done this sooner.”  

Not every patient receives the same benefit, and there are potential risks, which may include surgical, device and stimulation risks.6   St Pete Urology will explain the benefits and risks and help each patient find their best treatment. 

About St Pete Urology

Drs. Reid Graves, Nicholas Laryngakis and Adam Oppenheim are dedicated to serving the urological needs of the Tampa Bay and surrounding communities. We strive to provide state-of-the-art diagnosis and treatment and believe in rendering the least invasive, most efficacious treatment of urological disorders in a kind, empathetic, manner. We treat each patient as a partner in his or her medical care and make patient education a central component of our care. Because many urological conditions are accompanied by social discomfort or embarrassment, we emphasize sensitivity and discretion when dealing with all of our patients’ concern

-end-

*Under certain conditions; see approved labeling for details. Patients with InterStim™ SureScan™ MRI leads only
References:

  1. Stewart WF, et al. Prevalence and burden of overactive bladder in the United States. World J Urol. 2003 May;20(6):327-336.
  2. United Nations, Department of Economic and Social A airs, Population Division (2011). World Population Prospects: The 2010 Revision, CD-ROM Edition.
  3. United States Quick Facts. United States Census Bureau Web site. Available at: https:// www.census.gov/quickfacts/table/ PST045215/00. Accessed July 19, 2016.
  4. Whitehead WE, Borrud L, Goode PS, et al. Fecal Incontinence in US adults: epidemiology and risk factors. Gastroenterology. 2009;137(2):512- 517.
  5. Dmochowski RR, Newman DK. Impact of overactive bladder on women in the United States: results of a national survey. Current Medical Research and Opinion. 2007;23:65-76.
  6. Link to Important Safety Information

What is the fastest way to cure erectile dysfunction

For a man, erectile dysfunction can be a serious issue. When sex stops, your relationship problems may begin or worsen.The occasional inability to have an erection that is firm enough for sexual intercourse is normal. However, when the problem persists for a while, it points to a deeper issue that should be addressed immediately. Without treatment, ED can make sexual intercourse impossible.

So what is the fastest way to cure erectile dysfunction?

1. Make lifestyle changes
If you have erectile dysfunction, you can get quick results by making a few lifestyle changes that ensure enhanced blood flow to the penis and help achieve harder erections.

For example, if you quit smoking, lose weight, or exercise regularly, you may see an improvement in your sexual function. You may also need to speak with your doctor if you suspect that a medication you are taking contributes to your ED. Your doctor may change or withdraw the medication.

2. Using oral medication
You can get quick results through oral medications such as Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, Staxyn, or Stendra. These pills boost blood flow to the penis during sexual arousal, making it possible to achieve an erection that is firm enough for satisfactory sexual intercourse.

These pills require a doctor’s prescription to guarantee safety and should not be taken more than once per day. They are taken 30-60 minutes before sexual activity. Cialis can be taken up to 36 hours before sexual activity and comes with a lower daily dose.

3. Injectable drugs
If you don’t like pills, injectable medications for ED can help you achieve a stronger erection. They are injected directly into the penis and work by widening the blood vessels, making the penis engorged with blood.

Alternatively, you can use a medicated pellet that you insert into your urethra to trigger an erection within a few minutes.

If you are considering injectable drugs as an option, please make sure to discuss the details with your urologist.

4. Vacuum devices
Also called pumps, vacuum devices provide an alternative to medication. To use the pumps, you place your penis inside a cylinder connected to the pump. The pump draws out air from the cylinder to create a partial vacuum around the penis. As a result, blood rushes into and fills your penis, causing an erection.

You will have an elastic band around the base of your penis to maintain the erection during intercourse. But if you are considering using a vacuum device, it is important to discuss its proper use with your urologist because the elastic band must be used correctly to avoid potential penile damage.

5. Penile implant surgery
If you have tried pills and other less invasive options without success, you may need to undergo penile implant surgery. This option is ideal if your penile blood vessels have been damaged by severe diabetes or during radical prostatectomy. You may also need to undergo penile implant surgery if you have structural problems that make erections difficult or impossible.

There are two basic types of penile implants: inflatable and non-inflatable. The non-inflatable (malleable) implant is a single rod that can be shaped by hand to create an erection. The inflatable implant has two rods filled with fluid from a reservoir located near the bladder.

When you desire an erection, you use the pump to fill the rods with pressurized fluid. As the rods fill, the penis becomes erect and broader. The prosthesis leaves the penis completely deflated when there is no fluid in the rods, making the penis implant unnoticeable.

Want to overcome erectile dysfunction fast?

At St Pete Urology, we offer various safe, effective treatments for erectile dysfunction, including medications, injections, vacuum devices, and penile implants.

We are proud of what we have been able to achieve for our patients. In most cases, our patients have the same level of sexual satisfaction and ability to ejaculate that they had before the erectile dysfunction.

If you have trouble with erections, speak with our skilled urologists and begin your journey to a life of renewed self-esteem, confidence, and optimum sexual function. For more information about effective treatments for erectile dysfunction, visit the St Pete Urology website.

What Foods Are Good For Kidneys?

Kidneys play a significant role in the overall health of the body. They filter out waste products from blood and send them out of the body as waste through urine. The kidneys also balance fluid and electrolyte levels in the body while making hormones that regulate the function of other organs of your body. But to keep your kidneys healthy, you need to watch what you eat and drink because some foods boost the performance of the kidneys while others stress, degrade and damage them.

What foods support healthy kidneys?

Kidney-friendly foods are those that enhance kidney function and protect them from damage. Generally, a good balance of quality protein, calories, vitamins, and minerals are great for the kidneys. Very high dietary levels of some mineral ions such as sodium, potassium, phosphorus and calcium may in the long run endanger your kidneys. Foods linked to heart problems and high blood pressure may put additional pressure on the kidneys.

For healthy kidneys, consider the following:

1. Stay Hydrated

Water helps to flush out toxins from the body. In fact, the body relies on water to assist transporting toxic wastes into the bloodstream, then to the kidneys where they are filtered and removed through urine. This process helps reduce the risk of bacterial infection, kidney stones, and kidney disease, which is why water is crucial for the critical salt-fluid balance in the body.

Ideally, you should drink 6-8 glasses of water per day, but of course you can drink more if you are active during the day. In addition to the many other benefits of staying hydrated, drinking water when thirsty helps to support your kidneys.

2. Apples and mushrooms

Apples are rich in fiber. One of the fibers, called pectin, helps to reduce various risk factors for kidney disease, such as high blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Apples also have anti-inflammatory constituents, prevent constipation, protect against heart disease, and lower the risk of cancer. You might also consider eating mushrooms for their high levels of vitamin D, which boosts kidney function.

3. Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes have a robust fiber profile. They break down very slowly in the body which helps to support low insulin levels. Sweet potatoes also have a healthy amount of vitamins and minerals, such as potassium which helps to balance sodium levels in the body and reduce the effect of sodium on the kidneys. However, since they contain high levels of potassium, sweet potatoes are not ideal for those with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

4. Berries

Dark berries, such as strawberries, raspberries and blueberries are a great source of nutrients and antioxidants and for most people protective for the kidneys.

5. Dark leafy vegetables

Leafy vegetables such as kale, spinach and chard contain a wide variety of vitamins, fibers, and minerals that support kidney function. While they do supply a number of protective compounds, dark leafy vegetables are highly rich in potassium and therefore less suitable for those with chronic kidney disease (CKD), restricted diet, or patients on dialysis.

6. Kale and cauliflowers

Kale is a terrific source of vitamins A and C which reduce inflammation, boost the immune system and protect the kidneys. Kale is also lower in potassium compared to other greens, and contains lots of iron. Like kale, cauliflower is rich in vitamin C and also has plenty of fiber and folate that are crucial for kidney function. Likewise, cauliflower contains compounds that improve the liver’s ability to neutralize toxic substances and reduce the stress on the kidneys.

7. Fatty fish and egg whites

Tuna, salmon and other cold-water, fatty fish have high omega-3 fatty acids. The omega-3 fatty acids in these fish are heart protective and also healthy for the kidneys. Since high blood pressure is a risk factor for kidney disease, fatty fish is a great way to improve your cholesterol profile and protect your kidneys.

Foods to avoid include:

1. High salt

Elevated salt levels raise blood pressure making the heart and kidneys work extremely hard. You can control your salt intake by cooking at home and avoiding most fast foods which are sky high in sodium.

You can also try substituting new spices and herbs in place of salt and by avoiding packaged and pre-cooked foods, such as soups, frozen dinners, and boxed meals that usually have extra salt. Similarly, you should avoid table salt and high-sodium seasonings like soy sauce, garlic salt and sea salt.

2. Foods rich in potassium

While potassium helps your nerves and muscles to work properly, too much of it can lead to serious heart problems and eventually to kidney issues. Potassium is found in most fruits and vegetables, such as bananas, oranges, avocadoes, raw carrots, cooked broccoli, potatoes, greens, tomatoes, and melons.

Instead of these high potassium foods, try alternatives such as apples, cranberries, blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries. Other good options are pineapples, peaches, plums, asparagus, cabbage, cucumber, and beans (green and white).

3. Limit phosphorus and calcium

Phosphorus and calcium are great minerals for keeping your bones healthy and strong. But high levels of phosphorus may increase the risk of long-term kidney disease. Since most foods that contain phosphorus are also equally rich in calcium, the body’s levels of the two minerals can be controlled by similar mechanisms.

If your doctor suggests limiting phosphorus, avoid foods such as red meat, dairy products, nuts, fish, most grains, and legumes. Consider replacing these foods with healthy foods that are lower in phosphorus, such as fresh fruits and veggies, rice, corn and fish.

At St Pete Urology, we encourage our patients to take care of their kidneys through healthy behaviors—exercise, drinking plenty of water and eating a balanced diet. We also perform surgeries and treat urination problems such as incontinence, tumors, cysts, growth and stones of the urinary system, as well as problems of the male reproductive system. For more information on kidney disorders and their treatment, visit the St Pete Urology website.

Overcoming an Overactive Bladder

Overactive bladder (OAB) is an uncomfortable and stressful condition. Characterized by a sudden involuntary bladder contraction that triggers a compelling urge to pass urine, OAB may lead to urine leakage or the need to pass urine several times during the day or night. As a result, having an overactive bladder makes it difficult to go through the day without several visits to the bathroom.

Bothersome Symptoms

While the symptoms of OAB may be less troublesome when you are at home, they can be a problem in a public or unfamiliar place. No one wants to rush out of meetings with important clients or friends for fear of not making it to the restroom in time.

The fear instilled by overactive bladder can interfere with your ability to go out with friends, work, exercise, and even sleep. It can also disrupt your sex life, leave you tired and short-tempered, or cause rashes or infection due to the leaks. And the whole experience may leave you feeling unhappy and hopeless.

Strategies for Overcoming Overactive Bladder

The good news is that overactive bladder can be controlled. In fact, many patients overcome OAB without the need for invasive medical and surgical procedures. The key to successful treatment is seeing a urologist early to assess your condition and identify steps to help you manage the symptoms and regain control over your bladder.

Lifestyle measures may include changing what you eat or drink, pelvic floor exercises, and pre-planned bathroom visits. When lifestyle changes are unsuccessful, medical and surgical interventions may be necessary.

Behavioral Changes

1. Reducing fluid intake

Restricting fluid intake reduces your urinary output and helps control OAB symptoms. Since the symptoms of overactive bladder usually occur after a certain critical urinary volume is reached in the bladder, limiting fluid intake ensures it takes longer to reach this critical volume.

By consuming most of your fluid before 7 PM, you can lessen your nocturnal frequency. If you are on diuretic medications, you can check with your urologist to see whether they can be changed.

2. Limiting foods and drinks that trouble your bladder

Alcohol and caffeine (present in coffee, tea, colas, chocolate and some energy drinks) irritate the bladder and increase urinary output. By reducing the intake of these beverages and foods, you can improve your bladder control.

Foods such as fruits and vegetables have hidden water content, so you can limit additional beverages when eating healthy fresh produce. You might also want to reduce or abstain from spicy foods, citrus fruits, and artificial sweeteners, foods made with tomatoes, soda, and other fizzy drinks.

Because the chemical constituents of tobacco constrict blood vessels, impair blood flow, decrease oxygenation, and promote inflammation—affecting the bladder, urethra and pelvic floor muscles—quitting cigarette smoking will improve your OAB symptoms.

3. Keep a bladder diary

Writing down the time and triggers for your trips to the bathroom can help you understand your body better. After a few days, your diary will show you the things that make your symptoms worse. For instance, you may realize that your symptoms get worse after you eat or drink a certain food. This helps you to decide what changes to make in your diet.

4. Weight loss and regular exercise

Excess weight puts pressure on the urinary bladder and worsens overactive bladder. Even modest weight loss may improve your overactive bladder symptoms.

Lower impact exercises, such as yoga, cycling, Pilates, and swimming, can help to alleviate pressure on the urinary bladder by boosting core muscle strength and tone. As a result, OAB symptoms improve.

Due to the proximity of the rectum to the bladder, a full rectum can put pressure on your bladder, resulting in worsening of urgency, frequency and incontinence. Taking steps to avoid constipation will improve bladder control.

Voiding Measures and Bladder Retraining

You can overcome overactive bladder by managing how and when you void. Ways to manage voiding include delayed (inhibited) voiding, timed voiding, and double voiding. Bladder retraining gradually imposes increased intervals between voids and establishes a more normal pattern of urination.

Delayed voiding means you practice waiting before you can go into the bathroom, even when you feel the urge. At the beginning, you may try waiting a few minutes, then gradually increase your waiting time to achieve a delay of up to 2-3 hours.

By timed voiding, you follow a daily pre-planned bathroom schedule. That is, instead of going to the bathroom every time you feel the urge, you go at set times during the day. For example, you may try to pass urine every 2-4 hours regardless of whether you have the urge to go or not. The goal of doing this is to prevent an urgent uncontrollable feeling and to regain control over your bladder.

Double voiding (emptying your bladder twice) helps if you have trouble emptying your bladder. After you go to the bathroom, try again a minute later.

Pelvic Floor Muscle Training

Pelvic floor muscle exercises, also called Kegel exercises, help to stimulate inhibitory reflexes between the bladder and the pelvic floor muscles. By exercising your pelvic floor muscles rhythmically, you can inhibit involuntary contraction before and after it begins.

Kegel exercises target muscles that relax the bladder. To perform the exercises, you should begin by mastering the presence, location, and nature of the pelvic floor muscles. A simple means of identifying the muscles is to start urinating and then, when about halfway completed, to abruptly stop the urine stream.

Once you locate the muscles, squeeze them just before and during the trigger for urgency or incontinence. This will diminish the urgency and help avoid the incontinence. When performing Kegel exercises, always squeeze and relax the muscles repeatedly when you feel the urge to pass urine.

Medications

Bladder relaxant medications can help you suppress overactive bladder symptoms, although you may need several trials of different medications or combinations of medications to achieve optimal results.

Your urologist will prescribe medication either in conjunction with behavioral modification or after behavior modification has been tried unsuccessfully. The drugs prevent involuntary contractions of the bladder muscles by relaxing and stabilizing them.

Biofeedback and Botox injections

Biofeedback is an adjunct to training pelvic floor muscles in which electronic instrumentation is used to transmit feedback information about pelvic floor muscle contractions. It enhances awareness and strength of pelvic floor muscles.

In other cases, your urologist may opt for Botox—a simple procedure usually done in the doctor’s office—where it is injected directly into the bladder muscle to help reduce OAB symptoms. Once injected, Botox helps to relax areas of the bladder where it is injected. Botox injections generally last 6-9 months and are covered by Medicare and most insurance companies.

Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS) and Interstim

PTNS is a minimally invasive form of neuro-modulation. A tiny acupuncture-style needle is inserted near the tibial nerve in the ankle and a hand-held stimulator used to generate electrical stimulation with the intent of improving OAB symptoms. The procedure is performed once every week for 12 weeks.

In some cases, your urologist may opt for the more invasive form of neuro-modulation, called interstim. During the interstim procedure, electrical impulses are used to stimulate and modulate the sacral nerves in the effort to relieve OAB symptoms. A battery-powered neuro-stimulator (bladder “pacemaker”) is used to provide the mild electrical impulses that are carried by a small lead wire to the stimulated sacral nerves affecting bladder function.

Surgery for Overactive Bladder

Treating OAB with surgery is not common and is usually reserved for cases where other treatment plans have failed. Surgery may increase the physical size of the bladder by using portions of the bowel to replace and expand a section of the bladder.

At St Pete Urology, our approach to helping you overcome overactive bladder includes lifestyle changes and medical treatments such as prescription drugs, bladder Botox treatment, nerve stimulation, and surgery. Our specialist team of urologists is experienced at dealing with overactive bladder through proper diagnosis and treatment. You can be sure your consultation will lead to a recommendation of the best possible treatment options for you. Schedule your appointment with us and begin your journey to freedom from overactive bladder. For more information on overcoming overactive bladder and other urologic conditions, visit the St Pete Urology website.

What Causes Low Sperm Count?

Low sperm count, which means having fewer than normal sperm in the ejaculate, decreases the likelihood that your sperm will fertilize your partner’s ovum and result in pregnancy. But it may also be related to your overall health, as it is often characterized by symptoms such as pain, swelling or a lump in the testicle area, low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, or decreased facial or body hair. Your sperm count is lower than normal if you have fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen.

What are the causes of low sperm count?

1. Emotional stress and inadequate sleep

Prolonged or severe emotional stress may interfere with the hormones needed to produce sperm, while depression lowers sperm concentration. Inadequate sleep makes it difficult to maintain a healthy weight and may lead to obesity. Obesity impairs fertility by directly impacting sperm and causing changes in the hormones that promote sperm production.

2. Overexposure to harmful chemicals

Chronic exposure to pesticides and other harmful chemicals can lead to low sperm count. For instance, prolonged exposure to industrial chemicals, such as xylene, toluene, benzene, herbicides, pesticides, organic solvents, BPA, perfluorinated chemicals, lead, and painting materials may lead to low sperm count. Likewise, when exposure to radiation or x-rays lowers sperm production, it can take years for sperm production to normalize.

3. Lack of exercise

Exercise plays a huge role in the health of your sperm. Men who sit for longer periods tend to have a lower sperm count than those who are active in their daily life. This means you can improve your numbers through moderate routine exercise every day, such as a daily walk for lunch or daily yoga in the evenings. Frequent exercise will increase your circulation, boost your mood, and increase your sperm count.

4. Overheating of the testicles

Exposure to high temperatures impairs sperm production and function. This is why frequent use of hot tubs or saunas temporarily lowers sperm count. Similarly, wearing tight clothing, sitting for long periods or working on a laptop for a long period of time may raise the temperature around the scrotum and reduce sperm production.

5. Drug and alcohol use

Anabolic steroids that are taken to stimulate muscle growth and can cause testicular shrinkage and decreased sperm production. Use of cocaine or marijuana also lowers sperm number and quality, while excessive drinking of alcohol lowers testosterone levels and hampers sperm production. Men who smoke tend to have a lower sperm count than those who do not.

6. Infection, medications and prior surgery

Some infections interfere with sperm production and sperm health. They include epididymitis (inflammation of epididymis), orchitis (inflammation of testicles), sexually transmitted infections (like gonorrhea, Chlamydia and HIV), and mumps infection. Also, long-term anabolic steroid use, cancer medications, testosterone replacement therapy, some ulcer medications, some antifungal and antibiotic medications, and other medications can hinder sperm production and lower sperm count.

Prior surgeries such as a vasectomy, scrotal or testicular surgery, inguinal hernia repair, prostate surgery, and large abdominal surgery for testicular or rectal cancer may affect sperm production. Similarly, tubes that carry sperm may be blocked by injury from surgery, trauma, prior infections, or abnormal development such as cystic fibrosis. Spinal cord injuries, diabetes and surgeries can block the normal flow of sperm and lead to retrograde (backward) ejaculation.

7. Certain medical conditions

A varicocele, the swelling of veins that drain the testicle, impairs testicular temperature regulation and causes low sperm count. Anti-sperm antibodies, which are immune cells that mistakenly identify sperm as harmful invaders, may destroy sperm and lead to low sperm count.

Undescended testicles, Peyronie’s disease, sperm duct problems, vas deferens blockages, unhealthy prostate, high blood pressure, diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, tumors that affect male reproductive organs directly, and hormonal imbalances may impair sperm production and lower sperm count.

What should you do to improve your sperm count?

  1. Eat healthy
  2. Exercise regularly and minimize your sitting time
  3. Don’t smoke
  4. Reduce or abstain from alcohol
  5. Avoid illicit drugs
  6. Use protection (condoms) during sexual intercourse
  7. Manage stress
  8. Get enough sleep
  9. Maintain a healthy weight
  10. Avoid exposure to pesticides, heavy metals, and other toxins
  11. Keep your laptop away from your lap
  12. Speak with your doctor about medications that can affect your sperm count
  13. Avoid frequent hot showers or hot tubs.
  14. Avoid tight pants

Maintaining a high sperm count is not necessarily difficult. All you need is some good habits such as healthy eating, regular exercise, comfortable clothes, and avoiding toxins. You should also speak with your urologist about possible remedies.

At St Pete Urology, we offer a variety of treatments for low sperm count, including lifestyle changes and minimally invasive procedures. We make sure to conduct thorough physical exams, medical history, and diagnostic tests to establish the underlying cause of the low sperm count before we recommend treatment. Meet with one of our urologists and start your journey to healthy fertility. For more information on male fertility, erectile dysfunction and other urologic issues, visit the St Pete Urology website.

How and Why Should I Do Kegels?

Kegel exercises are for strengthening pelvic floor muscles. They involve contracting and relaxing, clenching and releasing those muscles. Also called pelvic floor exercises, Kegels strengthen and coordinate the muscles that support the bladder, rectum, uterus and small intestines. The strengthening, in turn, helps to prevent the accidental passing of stool or gas, stops bladder leaks, and improves orgasm.

What are the benefits of Kegel exercises?

1. Prevent pelvic organ prolapse

Pelvic floor muscles support abdominal organs such as the stomach, bladder, intestines and uterus. With age, the weakening and slowing down of these muscles may lead to pelvic organ prolapse (POP).

A prolapse means the pelvic organs are displaced, drooping and fallen out of their normal position. In women, the pelvic organs may fall into the vagina or cause vaginal tissues to protrude from the body, particularly if the prolapse occurs after a hysterectomy.

Through regular Kegel exercises, pelvic floor muscles become stronger and more coordinated, reducing the risk of prolapse.

2. Avert incontinence

Pelvic floor exercises not only contribute to good posture and spinal stability, they also strengthen the muscular support for bladder and bowel function and help to maintain urinary and fecal continence. If you already have bowel or bladder incontinence, or drip after peeing, the exercises can help to relieve your symptoms.

3. Enhance sexual function

Kegel exercises improve sexual function. In men, they increase control over ejaculation and enhance the feeling experienced during orgasm. In women, the exercises improve flexibility and ease penetration. In addition, they provide the muscular strength to achieve orgasm while also making pregnancy and childbirth easier.

How should you do Kegel exercises?

1. Begin by identifying pelvic floor muscles

Kegel exercises do not require a lot of time, but targeting the right muscles is necessary. One of the easiest ways to identify the muscles is to stop urinating midstream by squeezing your muscles to hold the urine in. Another way of locating the muscles is to stop the passage of gas.

The muscles that help you to stop the passage of urine or gas are the ones you will need to work on. You only need to stop passing urine once or twice in order to identify the right muscles. After that, it is not advisable to perform Kegel exercises while urinating as that can lead to incomplete emptying of the bladder and increased risk of urinary tract infections.

2. Start slowly and improve with practice

Like other exercises, Kegels become easier with practice. Plan to begin slowly and build on your gains over time. For instance, you can start by squeezing your pelvic floor muscles for 3 seconds, releasing for another 3 seconds, and then repeating 10 times in a row. If you are not able to do 10 at time, begin with a lower number and increase with time.

3. Keep the focus

As you do these exercises, you will be tempted to flex the buttocks, thighs or abdomen. You may also find it difficult to increase the number of repetitions. Always target and exercise your pelvic floor muscles, pushing your body to complete at least one set of 10 Kegel exercises two to three times a day.

As you do the exercises, make sure to relax your pelvic floor muscles completely and to avoid holding your breath.

4. Perform Kegels anytime, anywhere

Kegel exercises are quite convenient. You can make them part of your routine and do them anywhere, whether brushing your teeth, driving to work, shopping for groceries or watching TV. Combining the exercise with another activity is a good way to remember your routine and see quick results.

Can Kegel exercises cause complications?

While the exercises are completely safe, you still need to do them the right way. For instance, you should not overdo Kegels as this may lead to straining when you visit the bathroom. You should also not do them as you urinate because that could increase your risk of urinary tract infections.

Kegel exercises are not for everyone. If your muscles are already tired, they will not respond if you try to contract them. Also, if your muscles are already tight, exercising them may cause more harm. Speak with your urologist to determine if you can benefit.

Are the exercises effective?

For those who do Kegel exercises regularly, the results are excellent. For example, urine leaks become less frequent within a few weeks of starting the exercises. Keep in mind that they have more impact when performed regularly over an extended period of time, such as doing them every day for at least 15 weeks. If you do not feel your symptoms are improving, you should speak with your doctor about alternative treatments.

At St Pete Urology, we offer personalized treatments for patients with urological problems. We will only recommend you do Kegel exercises after a thorough assessment of your condition. For more information on pelvic floor exercises and other treatment options for urologic disorders, visit the St Pete Urology website.