What color of pee is bad?

Do you ever pay attention to the color of your pee? If not, then starting today, you should.

The color of your pee can give you a hint of what is going on in your body—and whether you are well or unwell.

Urine is made in your kidneys as your blood is filtered. The kidneys make pee to help remove toxins and other harmful substances from your blood. So your pee is not just made of water and salt but also contains wastes such as uric acid and urea, and other substances found in your blood.

What is the color of pee?

The normal color of pee is yellow because of the yellow pigment, urochrome, made in your body.

When you are healthy and adequately hydrated, you should expect to produce light yellow and close-to-clear pee.

However, lots of things can change the color of your pee.

For instance, your urine will have no color if you’re drinking a lot of water or taking diuretics drugs that enhance fluid loss.

But when dehydrated, your pee becomes amber, dark yellow to light brown.

The color of your pee also changes with the type of foods, medications, or illness.

What color of pee is bad?

  1. Clear

Clear urine typically indicates you’re drinking too much fluid, and you need to cut back on your water intake. Although staying hydrated is a good thing, drinking too much water can rob your body of electrolytes.

Besides, consistently clear pee may indicate that you have a liver problem, like viral hepatitis or liver cirrhosis.

If your pee is clear for a while and you’re not consuming large amounts of water, then you should see your doctor.

  1. Dark brown

Dark brown pee color may be due to medications, such chloroquine (Aralen) and metronidazole (Flagyl), or extreme exercise that causes muscle injury.

It may also be due to eating large quantities of aloe, rhubarb, or fava beans.

Most often, brown pee indicates you should drink more water, showing that you are dehydrated.

In some cases, brown pee results from diseases. One of them is porphyria—a rare disorder that usually involves sensitivity to light and leads to brown urine because of the breakdown of red cells.

Pee can also be brown when you have a buildup of bile, liver disease, or a tumor.

You should see a urologist if your pee is brown and doesn’t get better after a day or so.

  1. Cloudy

Cloudy, foamy, or frothy pee is bad and requires immediate medical help.

When urine has bubbles or foam, you may be consuming too much protein in your diet, but a persistently cloudy pee indicates a more serious condition, such as kidney disease, diverticulitis, Crohn’s disease, or other chronic condition.

Make sure to let your doctor know about it as soon as possible.

  1. White

Pee that is cloudy white could mean you have kidney stones or a severe infection.

The white color is probably due to the presence of pus in your urine.

Make sure to see your urologist immediately for appropriate medication.

  1. Pink or red

Your pee may be pink or red due to foods like blackberries, beets, rhubarb, and carrots. But red or pink color of pee may also be caused by medications like the antibiotic rifampin or phenazopyridine for urinary tract infections (UTIs).

In the worst case, pink or red pee is due to blood in urine caused by urinary tract infections, an enlarged prostate, kidney disease, a tumor, kidney stones, or cysts.

If the color change occurs together with burning pain, odd smell, or any other unusual symptoms, then it certainly means you have an underlying health problem.

So if you have red pee and have recently not eaten the foods above, then you should visit your doctor immediately for help.

  1. Orange

Pee that has the color of citrus-flavored soft drink may be due to medications such as high-dose vitamin B12, the antibiotic isoniazid, or the UTI drug phenazopyridine. But it can also mean you’re dehydrated or you have a problem with your bile duct or liver.

If you have orange urine in addition to light-colored stools, then bile might be reaching your bloodstream due to problems in your bile ducts or liver.

It could be a result of adult-onset jaundice.

 Make sure to speak with your doctor about it.

  1. Blue

Blue urine is usually due to brightly colored food dyes and medications such as amitriptyline and indomethacin.

If you are not taking dyed food or these types of medications, the blue tinge may be due to bacterial infection by Pseudomonas aeruginosa or the rare condition hypercalcemia—too much calcium in your bones.

Generally, blue pee is rare and is almost often related to diet.

  1. Green

Your pee may be green due to vegetables in your diet.

However, green pee is usually bad as it is associated with Proteus infection.

If your pee is green, you should see your doctor, establish the source, and prescribe a course of antibiotics to clear up the urinary tract infection.

When should you see your doctor?

Speak with your doctor every time you see a change in your urine color that you can’t link to a new medication or a recent meal, particularly if the color change lasts more than a day.

Don’t hesitate to inform your doctor about it as it could signify a serious health condition.

A change in color of your pee that comes with a fever, vomiting, side or back pain, feeling very thirsty, or discharge requires urgent attention. Your doctor will run tests on your urine to determine what is going on and provide proper treatment.

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.

Symptoms of Low Testosterone

Testosterone is a sex hormone found in humans, with men having much higher levels than women. Production of the hormone usually increases during puberty in order to help with the development of adult male physical features. Testosterone also helps maintain various critical bodily functions in men, including muscle strength and mass, body and facial hair, mood, deeper voice, red cell production, bone density, fat distribution, sperm production, erections and sex drive. In fact, due to the role of the hormone in various bodily functions, a decline in its levels can cause significant undesirable changes.

What is low testosterone?

When men have low testosterone levels, the condition is called “low-T” or hypogonadism. The bottom limit of normal testosterone in men is around 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) while the upper limit is about 900ng/dL depending on the lab. Low testosterone results in a lower-than-normal score from a blood test. Although testosterone production increases sharply during puberty, it usually decreases after age 30 at an estimated rate of 1% per year. This decrease results in low testosterone levels in about 4 out of 10 men above the age of 45, 2 out of 10 men over 60, 3 in 10 men over 70, and 3 in 10 men over 80 years of age. Nevertheless, the age at which testosterone deficiency first appears varies widely. Some men feeling great into their 70’s while a minority requires testosterone replacement therapy in their 20’s or even in their teens.

What are the symptoms of low testosterone?

  1. Diminished sexual function

Since testosterone is responsible for sex drive and high libido in men, a drop in hormone levels may result in a decreased desire for sex, a slightly lower sperm count, infertility, fewer and weaker spontaneous erections, increased refractory period after ejaculation and decreased sexual performance. Although erectile dysfunction (inability to achieve or maintain an erection) may not necessarily be caused by insufficient testosterone, if it accompanies low-T then hormone replacement therapy can help to treat the condition. The adverse effects of low-T should not occur suddenly. If they do, other underlying issues should be investigated and treated by a urologist or physician.

  1. Adverse physical changes

Since testosterone is responsible for increasing muscle mass, maintaining body and facial hair and contributing to the overall masculine form, a man with low testosterone will gradually experience physical changes. Such changes may include fragile bones, decreased strength and endurance, reduced muscle mass, increased fatigue, decreased body hair, hot flashes, tenderness or swelling in the breast tissue, frequent back pain, increased body fat, increased build-up of bad cholesterol, development of male breasts (gynecomastia) and increased risk of heart attack.

  1. Mental and emotional problems

Low-T can affect a man mentally and emotionally. For instance, a man with low testosterone may experience memory problems, difficulty concentrating (brain fog), sleep disturbances, frequent feelings of sadness and depression, irritability, mood swings, diminished self-confidence and reduced motivation. An accumulation of these mental and emotional challenges may degrade a man’s overall sense of well-being and adversely affect his quality of life.

Why should you see a urologist?

Men experiencing these symptoms should see a doctor for advice and treatment. The symptoms described above are not unique to low testosterone levels and could also be the normal side effects of aging or the effects of another serious condition such as thyroid malfunction, injury to testicles, testicular cancer, infection, HIV, type II diabetes, alcohol use, pituitary gland problems, genetic abnormalities affecting the testicles, or side effects of certain medications. By visiting a urologist, you will be examined, tested and treated for the correct condition causing the symptoms.

At St Pete Urology, we have skilled and experienced board-certified urologists who can give you proper advice on managing the symptoms of low-T. We will determine your testosterone level through a blood test and effectively treat the symptoms, allowing you to feel your best throughout your life. For more information on treatment of low-T, visit the St Pete Urology website.

What are the two major functions of the testes?

The testicles are the male reproductive organ. These oval-shaped organs are located in the scrotum just below the penis. The testicles have two primary functions: The first is to produce sperm and the second is to produce and discharge hormones, primarily testosterone. These two functions make them an indispensable part of the male reproductive system.

The testicles are continuously making sperm. Male testicles can produce up to 200,000 sperm per minute and can make several million sperm per day. This may seem like an overabundance, but each ejaculation releases anywhere between 20 and 300 million sperm cells, making all that hard work necessary. A full sperm production cycle can take 64 days and in that time the testicles will produce up to 8 billion sperm.

Androgens, the hormones produced in the testicles, play an important role in many aspects of a man’s life. These hormones control the development of masculine features. For instance, deeper voice and beard hair growth can be linked to androgens. The hormone called testosterone also plays a vital role in male reproduction. Testosterone drives genital growth and the sperm production that takes place in the testicles.

Maintaining good health is important to ensuring the testicles are able to perform their functions properly. Evidence shows that poor health can lead to lower sperm counts and weakened testosterone production. Some research shows that male infertility increases by 10 percent for every 20 pounds that a man is overweight. Unhealthy lifestyle factors like smoking, heavy drinking and stress can also affect the testicles’ ability to perform their functions.

Given the importance of testicle functions, it is important to pay attention to the diseases and conditions that occur in them. One of the most serious conditions is testicular cancer. This cancer is tends to affect younger men between 15 and 34 years of age, and although it is not common, it is important to be aware of it and check one’s testicles somewhat regularly. According to the American Cancer Society, about 410 deaths a year in the United Stated will be caused by this form of cancer.

Because the testicles are a part of the male reproductive system, a urologist is the doctor to see if any symptoms arise that indicate a problem. Men who have health concerns can make and appointment at St Pete Urology and meet a highly skilled uologist who is dedicated to improving reprouctive health and quality of life for his patients.

How do you keep your prostate healthy?

Prostate health is an important part of overall health for men. The prostate is a walnut-sized gland situated between the bladder and the penis. The urethra, the tube through which urine exits the body, runs through the prostate. One of the prostate’s main functions is producing a fluid that nourishes and protects sperm. For men, the prostate is an important part of both the urinary and reproductive systems.

The prostate is also the organ where the most common form of cancer for men develops. This cancer affects many men and the chances of developing it increase with age. The prostate also grows in size as men age. The rate and side effects of this growth can vary, but the most common symptoms are difficulty urinating and having to urinate frequently.

Given the importance of the prostate’s role and how easily it can develop problems, good prostate health is important. Luckily, there are simple lifestyle changes that can help improve prostate and overall health. These changes start with diet and exercise. There is a great deal of evidence that diet can help determine prostate health as well as cancer risk. It is recommended to have at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Whole-grain bread and pastas are also recommended.

Protein is an important food group and eating the right kinds of protein plays a big role in prostate health. It is recommended to limit the intake of red and processed meats. Healthier sources of protein include fish, chicken, beans and eggs. Like protein, consuming the right fats is important, too. Healthy fats from olive oil, nuts, and avocados are much better than fats from animal byproducts or the trans fats found in fast food.

Sugar, salt and exercise play a role in prostate health as well. Sugary drinks like soda should be limited or cut out completely. Sweets in general should be an occasional treat, not a food group in your diet. Salt intake should be cut down for prostate health and keep in mind that most processed foods are very high in salt content.

Exercise is also important for maintaining good prostate health. There is evidence that regular exercise helps bring down the risk of stroke, heart disease and certain types of cancer.

Small changes to diet and exercise can add up to big health improvements, but there is still more you can do. Another important tool in keeping your prostate healthy is having a good relationship with your urologist. Yearly prostate exams and an open dialogue with a trusted urologist is key to maintaining prostate health and resolving issues early, before they turn into serious health problems. The urologists at St Pete Urology are dedicated to helping you keep your prostate healthy.

What can damage your kidneys?

The kidneys are a pair of organs located on either side of the spine just above the waist. Healthy kidneys work as your body’s filtration system. They help balance water and minerals in your blood. They remove waste from the blood that develops from digestion and muscle activity. In addition to filtration, the kidneys make renin to help manage blood pressure and vitamin D for bone health, among other things. There is no question that the kidneys are an important and hard-working pair of organs.

Like any other organ in the body, there are factors that can damage and affect the kidneys ability to perform their vital functions. Acute kidney problems are those that happen suddenly or in a brief amount of time. Some examples of acute kidney problems are direct trauma to the kidneys, not enough blood flowing to the kidneys, or urine backed up in them.

There are a variety of factors that can cause acute kidney problems. Traumatic injury can be caused by an incident like a car wreck or severe fall. Extreme dehydration can cause the kidneys to begin to fail. Certain drugs can release toxins that in large quantities can cause kidney failure. In men, both an enlarged prostate and kidney stones can restrict urine flow to the point the urine becomes backed up in the kidney.

Chronic kidney damage occurs when the kidneys have not been working correctly for longer than three months. Chronic kidney damage is usually the result of disease over long periods of time. High blood pressure and types 1 and 2 diabetes are the most common reasons behind chronic kidney damage. In addition to high blood pressure and diabetes, chronic kidney damage can also be attributed to illnesses like lupus, HIV/Aids, hepatitis, and urinary tract infections within the kidneys.

Urologists have many tools to help with prostate and kidney stone issues. They can remove tissue from an enlarged prostate, relieving pressure on the urethra and freeing up the flow of urine. They also have ultrasounds that use sounds waves to break up large kidney stones that can be restricting urine flow. In both cases, being able to rid the kidneys of urinary toxins can be lifesaving.

There are many factors that can damage your kidneys. St Pete Urology has urologists that understand the causes of kidney damage and what can be done to produce good outcomes and better lives for those who have suffered kidney damage. For more information, visit the St Pete Urology website.

What is Penile Trauma?

The penis is one of the male body’s organs that is least likely to be harmed. Men are generally very careful not to damage their penises, but accidents do happen. The causes most often linked to penile trauma are car accidents, sport injuries, machine accidents, burns and gunshot wounds.

However, the most common cause of penile trauma is sex related injuries. When the penis is not erect it is soft and flexible, making it less susceptible to harm. But during sex the penis becomes erect and firm from increased blood flow. This is when injuries are most likely to occur. For instance, during sex with a partner, there are many ways a man may accidentally bump or bend his penis. This can cause a sharp pain followed by loss of the erection. This is caused by a tear in the tunica albuginea, a part of the penis that is stretched tight during an erection.

The first sign of penile trauma is immediate pain that can subside quickly or continue for a long period of time. Blood can build up under the skin of the penis causing bruising and swelling. Blood in the urine is further indication that something is very wrong. These are all signs that it is time to seek medical treatment. A trained urologist will most likely be needed at this point.

Your urologist will ask you questions and perform a physical exam to assess the damage to the penis. The urologist may need to perform an X-ray to determine the extent of the damage to the urethra. In addition to an X-ray, a urologist may want to perform an ultrasound to determine if there is any damage inside the penis. It is important to determine if there is any damage to the many veins and tubes that run through the penis.

Surgery is the most common treatment for penile trauma and has the lowest chances of causing erectile dysfunction. The surgery is performed under anesthesia and begins with the urologist making a cut around the shaft below the head of the penis. The skin then is pulled back to remove any blood clots and repair any tears. Recovery from the surgery can take one to two days in the hospital, and patients may need a catheter for a brief time while at home.

Because penile trauma is almost always caused by accident, prevention really isn’t possible. In case of an accident that causes penile trauma, it is best to remain calm and contact a urologist immediately. St Pete Urology helps men with all kinds of urologic issues, whether it is underlying, chronic or urgent as in penile trauma. For more information, visit the St Pete Urology website.

Reconstructive Urologic Surgery

Reconstructive urology is a very important part of a patient’s urological treatment. For many different reasons, patients may find themselves in need of surgery to repair their urinary and reproductive systems. Everyone is different, so urologists assess each patient’s situation to determine the best treatment. A patient’s age, health and ability to recover from surgery are all factors a urologist will consider when determining if surgery is the best option.

There are many different forms of reconstructive urologic surgery. Urologists are trained to perform surgeries on the kidneys, bladder, urethra, testicles, prostate and vagina. They spend years in school and training with urologists to learn the surgical techniques needed to perform reproductive surgeries. They stay up to date with the newest techniques and technologies in urologic surgery.

Reconstructive urologic surgery is used to treat issues such as erectile dysfunction, pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic floor disorders, urinary incontinence, penile trauma, and issues caused by different forms of cancer. One example is the treatment for erectile dysfunction. In some cases of ED, doctors will repair the blood vessels in the penis to allow easier blood flow so the patient can achieve erections. This is an option for some patients when medication and other treatments do not work.

Urologists also may rely on reconstructive surgery in cases of pelvic organ prolapse. This occurs when a woman’s muscles that hold organs like the bladder, uterus and vagina in place begin to weaken. These organs can begin to prolapse, or droop, causing numerous medical issues. A urologist will use reconstructive surgery to either implant a small plastic support device, or remove some of the drooping organs, such as the uterus, by hysterectomy.

Urologists often rely on reconstructive surgery to treat penile trauma. There are many different causes of penile injury, often from blunt force trauma. But the most common cause is an accident during sex. One type of surgery used to treat penile trauma is to make a cut around the head of the penis to pull back the skin of the affected area and treat any blood clots or tears.

All surgery is serious, and reconstructive urologic surgery is no exception. St Pete Urology has long been a leader in Florida and in the United States for all treatments of urological issues, including surgery. For more information, visit the St Pete Urology website.