Erectile Dysfunction Causes and Treatment Options – Dr. Nicholas Laryngakis

Key Takeaways:

  1. Erectile Dysfunction (ED) affects men of all ages and can have a range of physical and psychological causes.
  2. Consulting a Urologist is an important step in finding the right treatment for ED.
  3. St. Pete Urology offers a range of treatments from lifestyle changes and medications to penile prosthetics. They provide insights and support to help patients make informed decisions about their treatment options.

“Erectile Dysfunction, or ED as we commonly refer to it, is a prevalent issue among men, both young and old,” explains Dr. Nicholas Laryngakis, a board-certified urologist with St. Pete Urology. This medical condition, which is more common in elderly patients, affects the lives of many. However, recent observations reveal that younger patients are not immune to this issue. Are you one of the many trying to navigate the often-unspoken difficulties of this condition? Let’s understand the roots of this condition.

Delving into the Causes of ED

The causes of Erectile Dysfunction range across various physical and psychological factors. “It can be due to poor blood flow into the penis or issues with the blood maintaining in the penis,” Dr. Laryngakis shares. Sometimes, a psychogenic component may also lead to Erectile Dysfunction. Don’t let these ED causes deter your journey to a healthy sexual life; understanding is the first step towards finding a solution.

Seeking Professional Help: An Important Step

Choosing to consult a specialist shows your commitment to address any health concern, particularly one as delicate as ED. Dr. Laryngakis and his skilled team at St. Pete Urology are available to guide you through the different stages of ED treatment. “We see patients for Erectile Dysfunction who have either come to us primarily or have exhausted all other options with other physicians,” explains Dr. Laryngakis. Consulting a Urologist is a move towards the right direction, towards reclaiming your health and happiness.

Exploring the Various ED Treatments

St. Pete Urology offers an array of ED treatments, starting from lifestyle changes like diet and exercise to improve erectile function. If non-medicinal methods are unfruitful, medications become necessary. However, if other medications fail, diverse tools such as a vacuum erection device, a urethral suppository or a penile injection may be used to induce an erection.

One of the last resorts is a penile prosthesis which, as Dr. Laryngakis describes, is a “device that is implanted to give the patient an erection when they want to. It’s a permanent internal device and usually, it’s an inflatable penile prosthesis to achieve erections.” This may feel daunting, but remember – it’s a common device used in the United States, and it significantly improves patients’ quality of life.

Entrust Your Health to the Right Hands

Finding the right ED treatment is not a solitary quest. The team at St. Pete Urology, led by Dr. Laryngakis, will walk the journey with you. They provide the insights and support you need to make informed decisions about your treatment options. “At St. Pete Urology, we help patients make the right decision for why they should choose a specific treatment,” assures Dr. Laryngakis.

Your journey to reclaim your health begins here, right in the heart of St. Petersburg, FL. The dedicated team at St Pete Urology understands the intimate nature of ED and is committed to helping you navigate through the various ED treatments available. Your wellbeing is their priority; let them guide you towards a healthier, happier life.

References:

  1. St Pete Urology. (2013, January 2). St. Pete Urology | Urologists in St Petersburg, Florida. St Pete Urology. https://stpeteurology.com/what-is-the-cause-of-erectile-dysfunction/
  2. St Pete Urology. (2023, June 12). St. Pete Urology | Urologists in St Petersburg, Florida. St Pete Urology. https://stpeteurology.com/is-erectile-dysfunction-treatable-exploring-modern-treatment-options/
  3. And, D. (2023, September 25). Symptoms & Causes of Erectile Dysfunction. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; NIDDK – National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/erectile-dysfunction/symptoms-causes
  4. Nall, R. (2015, March 12). 5 Common Causes of Impotence. Healthline; Healthline Media. https://www.healthline.com/health/erectile-dysfunction/common-causes-impotence#takeaway
  5. Erectile dysfunction. (2020). Nhsinform.scot. https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/sexual-and-reproductive/erectile-dysfunction-impotence ‌

How Does the Vasectomy Procedure Function? – Dr. Nicholas Laryngakis

Key Takeaways:

  1. The vasectomy procedure is relatively quick and painless and is performed by making a small incision in the scrotal skin and removing a small portion of the vas deferens.
  2. Post-surgery care involves avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous activity for the first 48 hours and avoiding ejaculation for 5 to 7 days.
  3. St. Pete Urology is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care for their patients, with a focus on patient education and transparent communication.

Demystifying the Vasectomy Procedure

For many men, the thought of undergoing a vasectomy can be both confusing and intimidating. However, gaining a better understanding of the procedure and its function can help ease those concerns. Dr. Nicholas Laryngakis is a board-certified urologist at St. Pete Urology. He provides an insight into the vasectomy procedure and what to expect during and after the surgery.

Quick and Painless: The Vasectomy Process

According to Dr. Laryngakis, “The vasectomy will take about 10 to 20 minutes to perform.” The process begins with the injection of a local anesthetic into the scrotal skin adjacent to the vas deferens. This step “affords almost immediate anesthesia,” ensuring patients remain comfortable and pain-free throughout the procedure.

After, a small incision is made in the scrotum. This incision allows the surgeon to expose the vas deferens. Next, a small portion of this tube is then removed, and the severed ends are either clipped, tied with suture, or cauterized. Typically, the incisions are closed with a single dissolvable suture. This generally heals within 7 to 10 days.

Post-Surgery Care and Precautions

After the surgery is complete, Dr. Laryngakis recommends that patients can “take showers the following morning after the procedure.” It’s essential to follow specific postoperative guidelines to ensure a smooth recovery process. Furthermore, reduces the risk of complications.

For the first 48 hours after the procedure, patients should avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity. To ease any swelling, ice packs can be periodically applied to the scrotum during the first 24 to 36 hours. After, the patient may gradually begin physical activities as comfort allows.

In terms of resuming sexual activity, Dr. Laryngakis advises that “ejaculation should generally be avoided for about 5 to 7 days.”

Promoting Confidence and Trust: St. Pete Urology

At St. Pete Urology, the team of skilled professionals led by Dr. Nicholas Laryngakis is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care for their patients. With a focus on patient education and transparent communication. Furthermore, they help dispel concerns and fears surrounding urological procedures, such as vasectomy.

Located in St. Petersburg, Florida, St. Pete Urology offers a comprehensive range of services to address a variety of urological issues. Trust the experienced team at St. Pete Urology for a safe, comfortable, and effective vasectomy procedure. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or contact their office today.

References:

Vasectomy vs Tubal Ligation

Are you done having children or just feel sure you never want kids? If so, then you may consider having a permanent birth control (sterilization) procedure. For couples, sterilization can be performed on either a man or woman, with the procedure for men called a vasectomy while for women it is known as tubal ligation (getting your tubes tied). Sterilization is a common method of birth control, with more than 23 percent of all couples in the United States relying on it to stop having children.

What is tubal ligation? What is vasectomy?

Tubal ligation is a sterilization option for women. During the procedure, the fallopian tubes are sealed off or blocked to prevent ova (eggs) moving from the ovary via the fallopian tubes, preventing them from meeting with male sperm. A vasectomy is a sterilization option for men in which a man’s vas deferens tubes are blocked or tied and cauterized to prevent the transportation of sperm during ejaculation. While both vasectomy and tubal ligation are viable options, only one of the two procedures may be necessary when a couple chooses sterilization as a method of birth control. And often, vasectomy is the most preferred method of sterilization for couples because it is simpler, safer, cheaper, more reversible and more effective than tubal ligation.

Safety of vasectomy and tubal ligation

Both tubal ligation and vasectomy are extremely safe. However, tubal ligation involves hospitalization of women as the procedure is performed under general anesthesia. Tubal ligation is a more complex and lengthier procedure. On the other hand, a vasectomy, particularly the no-scalpel procedure, can be performed in as little as 10 minutes with the patient allowed to go home soon after operation. Vasectomy is less invasive and the doctor barely scores the scrotum skin. So when as a couple you are choosing between a vasectomy and tubal ligation, then the safety, convenience, minimal complications and short recovery time should make vasectomy the better option.

Risks of vasectomy and tubal ligation

Tubal ligation is typically a laparoscopic procedure that requires many hours or days of recovery. There also may be serious complications associated with general anesthesia, perforation of intestines or even infection. Tubal ligation also may cause long term side effects such as painful menstrual cycles and pelvic pain, though this occurs rarely. A vasectomy is a simple, minimally invasive outpatient procedure which takes less than one hour. It also does not have scientifically proven long-term risks or complications.

Efficacy of vasectomy and tubal ligation

Both vasectomy and tubal ligation are very effective. Studies examining the failure rates of vasectomy and tubal ligation have rated them among the most effective methods of birth control, with less than 1 in 100 chance of pregnancy after sterilization. However, because tubal ligation is more invasive and women have to stop using all forms of contraception after attaining a certain age, vasectomy is more appropriate.

Cost of vasectomy and tubal ligation

The costs associated with vasectomy and tubal ligation is quite different. A tubal ligation costs four times as much as a vasectomy. The average cost of a tubal ligation procedure is $2,000 or more while the average cost of a vasectomy procedure is $500, though the exact price varies from one surgeon to another. Nevertheless, if you have to pay for sterilization straight from your pocket, then a vasectomy may be more preferable as it is less expensive.

Reversibility of vasectomy and tubal ligation

Vasectomy and tubal ligation are considered permanent procedures. While a reversal of either is possible, the reversal procedures are quite expensive and without guarantee of success. While at least half of couples have reported successful pregnancy after a reversal of either type of sterilization, success rates depend on a number of factors, including the age, time since sterilization and type of surgery. So if you are not really sure that you do not want children, you should consider other birth control methods such as the implant (IUD) instead of sterilization.
Birth control is not the sole responsibility of women and their male partners should work with them to choose safer and more effective methods of birth control. A vasectomy has lower risks of complications, lower costs and more convenience than tubal ligation. However, before making a decision, it is important to speak with your doctor to obtain all the crucial information necessary for making an informed decision. At St Pete Urology, we help couples to make the right birth control decisions and to have access to safe and effective procedures. For more information, visit the “St Pete Urology” site.

Treating Low Testosterone Properly

St Pete Urology in Florida offers a comprehensive and compassionate patient-centered approach to men with urological problems. We also listen and respond to the mental health problems related to the conditions we treat. Our experienced doctors know their work and efficiently diagnose and treat ailments with a focus on restoring and improving the overall health of the patients. For an all-inclusive, focused, safe and effective treatment of men’s issues, St Pete Urology leads the way.

How do we deal with men’s health and mental health problems?

At St Pete Urology we recognize that mental health problems can be closely interlinked with urological problems such as erectile dysfunction, low testosterone and enlarged prostate. We have tailored our screening, diagnostic and treatment procedures to also respond to the mental health needs of our patients. We take a leadership role in men’s health by treating a patient’s visit to our clinic as an opportunity to comprehensively assess his overall health.

For men suffering from the effects of low testosterone, we follow a biopsychosocial approach that goes beyond testosterone replacement therapy. For instance, we engage in distress screening and ask brief questions on relevant life domains such as work, substance use, relationship and sexual function to help us identify men with mental health problems. We also endeavor to build close and cordial relationships with our clients, which enable us to treat their urological problems while also acting as their gateway to mental care services through appropriate referrals.

Excellence in treating low testosterone

At St Pete Urology, we strive to ensure that your visit is as convenient as possible. We keep all the procedures for diagnosis and treatment of urologic disorders, from urologic consultation to testing and treatment, under the same roof. The availability of the latest diagnostic tools such as ultrasound, Ureteroscopy and cytoscopy, urodynamic studies, PSA, blood tests, urinalysis with culture, among others, makes us a reliable clinic for all types of urological issues. And because of our capacity to deliver accurate and timely results for testosterone tests, we offer a safe and more effective place to treat low testosterone.

What are the symptoms of low testosterone?

Also called Andropause or Hypogonadism, low serum testosterone is a condition affecting about 39 percent of all men who are 45 years old or older. Its prevalence increases with age and studies have shown that its incidence increases from roughly 20 percent in men older than 60 to 30 percent of men older than 70 and to 50 percent of men older than 80. When serum testosterone drops below the normal range, the following symptoms may occur:

  1. Diminished energy levels or fatigue.
  2. Reduced libido or a drop in sex drive.
  3. Sexual dysfunction characterized by weak erections or fewer erections.
  4. Increased body fat or weight gain.
  5. Reduced muscle mass.
  6. Decreased bone strength.
  7. Loss of body hair.
  8. Depressed mood.
  9. Hot flushes and sweats.

Low-T is diagnosed based on the symptoms and on blood tests measuring the amount of testosterone. This is why it is important to go to a clinic managed by a urologist and where low-T levels can be measured correctly.

At St Pete Urology, we are proud of our comprehensive and innovative diagnostic and treatment options for low testosterone. We follow a guideline approach to ensure that we have correctly identified patients with low-T and to guarantee that we do not miss a diagnosis. We also monitor our patients closely enough to be able to check for other related issues, including mental health problems. And when we find a patient whose testosterone is low, we order more tests to check for any underlying causes. So when you visit St Pete Urology, you can be sure that your diagnosis and treatment of low testosterone will be safe, effective and the best you can possibly get. For more information, visit the “St Pete Urology” site.

What is Overactive Bladder?

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a common condition defined by a set of urinary symptoms related to the frequency and control of urination. Most cases of overactive bladder are characterized by a sudden, uncontrollable urge to urinate even when the bladder is not full (urinary urgency), passing urine 8 or more times daily without excessive fluid intake (urinary frequency), and involuntary loss of urine immediately after onset of an urgent need to urinate (urge incontinence). In the United States, the condition affects at least 30 percent of men and 40 percent of women, with about 33 million Americans having bothersome overactive bladder.

Annoying and embarrassing problem

Untreated overactive bladder comes with symptoms that can cause serious embarrassment and get in the way of your social life, work, exercise and sleep. For instance, with lots of bathroom trips associated with the condition, you may begin to shy away from social events or everyday activities for fear of not finding a bathroom when you need one. As you refrain from going out with friends or engaging in everyday activities, you start to feel lonely and isolated and may even experience relationship problems with your spouse and family. Overactive bladder also can rob you of a good night’s sleep and leave you tired and depressed. Likewise, frequent leakage of urine can lead to infections or skin problems.

Causes of overactive bladder

At St Pete Urology, we are keen on identifying the underlying causes of an overactive bladder in order to boost treatment outcomes. We recognize that while an overactive bladder is quite common in older adults, it is not a normal part of aging but a treatable condition with various causes. Generally, OAB occurs when bladder muscles begin to contract involuntarily even when the volume of urine in the bladder is low. It is the involuntary contractions that cause the urgent need to pass urine. The most common causes of an overactive bladder include:
Neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease and stroke.

  1. Catheter use.
  2. Obstructions to bladder outflow, such as enlarged prostate.
  3. Pelvic organ prolapse.
  4. Weakened or stretched pelvic muscles.
  5. Weakened or stretched bladder muscles.
  6. Incomplete emptying of bladder.
  7. Excess consumption of alcohol or caffeine.
  8. Structural problems with bladder.
  9. Stroke and Parkinson’s disease.
  10. Hip problems or hip surgery.

When to see a doctor

If your symptoms disrupt your life or cause distress, speak to your doctor about available treatments. While discussing such a private issue with your urologist may not be easy, doing so may be the beginning of restoring your life back to normal. Make sure to see a doctor if the symptoms disrupt your social interactions, work, sleep or everyday activities.

Safe, confidential and effective treatment

If you have overactive bladder, you should not allow the symptoms to weigh you down. Instead of feeling embarrassed, isolating yourself or limiting your work and social life, you should see a urologist for a brief evaluation to reveal the specific cause of your symptoms and help you to get relief. At St Pete Urology, we recognize that you may feel discouraged from seeking treatment because of the sensitive nature of the condition. For this reason, we offer confidential and patient-oriented services to suit your needs. Our candid and private conversations will help us explore your condition, identify the underlying cause and provide the right treatment. We help with all urinary incontinence problems in men and women, but evaluate men with urinary incontinence further to rule out prostate problems. For more information, visit the “St Pete Urology: site.

Why Interstim Therapy is For Both Men and Women

For men who suffer from embarrassing and frustrating bladder control problems like retention and overactive bladder, it is typically difficult to control when and how much you urinate. As a result, you may be compelled to cut back on your everyday activities, feeling trapped by the fear of accidental leaks and being unduly preoccupied with your bladder. Unfortunately, you also may find out that common treatments such as behavior modification, drugs, dietary changes, use of catheters to empty your bladder or pelvic floor exercises do not effectively treat your symptoms. What can you do when traditional treatments for bladder problems fail or are intolerable? Never despair. Instead, just visit a competent urologist to administer InterStim therapy.

What is InterStim Therapy?

Also called Sacral Nerve Stimulation (SNS), InterStim is a reversible therapy for treatment of urinary incontinence, urgency (frequency), urinary retention and overactive bladder. It involves implanting an InterStim device (neurostimulator) into the skin in order to send mild electrical pulses to the sacral nerves (nerves located above the tailbone) which control the bladder and muscles associated with urinary function. As a result, the electrical stimulation of the sacral nerves promotes communication between the brain and bladder, improves bladder control functions and eliminates symptoms of overactive bladder and urinary incontinence.

Effective for Both Men and Women

Many people tend to consider InterStim therapy as an exclusive treatment for women with bladder control problems. In truth, however, the therapy is also ideal for men who have failed medications, experience serious adverse effects with bladder medications or do not like using catheters to empty their bladder. Incontinence is a common problem affecting both men and women and any person experiencing the problem can explore InterStim therapy as an effective and convenient option regardless of their sex.

How is the Procedure Performed?

InterStim therapy is a two-stage process involving minimally invasive testing (test stimulation) and the eventual placement of the InterStim device. The urologist conducts the non-invasive test to determine the possible response to the actual device while allowing patients to see if InterStim would be appropriate for them. After successful testing, the InterStim device is placed using a minimally invasive technique in which small and inconspicuous incisions are made on the skin.

InterStim improves the quality of life and will help you to return to your normal life quickly with no more worries of accidental urine leaks. Doctors at St Pete Urology have conducted hundreds of InterStim therapy since the device was approved by the FDA. We help both men and women regain their confidence and dignity. For more information on treatment of bladder control problems, visit the site, St Pete Urology.

Causes of Kidney Stones and Treatment Options

The United States has been experiencing a rise in the number of people with kidney stones over the last 30 years. While less than 4 percent of the population had the disease in the late 1970s, the portion of the population with the disease increased to over 5 percent by the early 1990s, and today 1 in 11 Americans has kidney stones. The stones occur more frequently in men than women, with Caucasians being more prone to developing the stones than African Americans.

The prevalence of the stones increases dramatically as men reach their 40s and continues to increase into their 70s. But for women, the occurrence of the stones peaks in their 50s. After a person gets more than one stone, the chance of other stones developing increases radically.

What causes kidney stones?

The major cause of kidney stones is a lack of fluids in the body, which allows minerals and salts to concentrate and crystallize over weeks or months to form the stones. Most often, the stones result from a build-up of certain chemicals in the body, such as ammonia, calcium, uric acid or cysteine. You are more likely to have kidney stones if you do not drink enough fluids.

It is also believed that high-oxalate foods such as spinach, peanuts, sweet potatoes, chocolate, okra, black Indian tea, wheat germ, beets and rhubarb, may increase the risk of developing kidney stones. In the South, often referred to as the stone belt, people tend to be dehydrated in the summer and drink a lot of tea, increasing the chances of developing stones.

You are also more likely to have kidney stones if you:

  • Are between 30-50 years old
  • Have a family history of kidney stones
  • Have hypercalciuria (unusually high amounts of calcium in urine).
  • Are taking certain medicines, such as diuretics (like triamterene) or protease inhibitors (like indinavir)
  • Are taking too much antacids, calcium, vitamin C or vitamin D supplements.
  • Have metabolic syndrome (a combination of many heart disease risk factors like high blood pressure, high sugar, unhealthy cholesterol levels and obesity)
  • Have a condition such as hyperthyroidism, gout or high blood pressure
  • Have cystitis
  • Have a condition that affects the structure or shape of your ureters or kidneys

Even though small kidney stones are often asymptomatic and may pass with little or no pain, large stones that block the urine’s path may cause severe symptoms. These could include sharp pain in the lower back or abdomen, painful urination, fever and chills, nausea and vomiting, blood in urine, and abnormally colored urine. It is important to visit your urologist if you experience such symptoms. The urologist will order blood and urine tests and imaging, and recommend appropriate treatment.

At St Pete Urology in St. Petersburg, we use minimally-invasive techniques and have a wide array of treatment options for kidney stones. If you think you may have kidney stones or have questions about the condition, visit the St Pete Urology website.

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