Female urology – Interstitial Cystitis

Interstitial cystitis(IC) or bladder pain syndrome is a clinical syndrome characterized by daytime and nighttime urinary frequency, urgency, and pelvic pain of unknown etiology. The symptoms of this condition vary among individuals and may even vary with time in the same individual. The term “cystitis” refers to any inflammation of the bladder. Despite considerable research, universally effective treatments do not exist for interstitial cystitis, and therapy usually consists of various supportive, behavioral, and pharmacological measures. Surgical intervention is very rarely indicated.

Over time, interstitial cystitis can cause physical damage to the bladder wall. Scarring and stiffening of the bladder may occur as a result of the chronic inflammation, leading to a decrease in bladder capacity. Many scientists believe IC is actually several diseases. Many use the term painful bladder syndrome (PBS) to describe urinary pain for which they cannot find a cause. There is no one test to tell if you have IC/PBS. Doctors often run tests to rule out other possible causes of symptoms.

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Male Infertility – Impotence

Erectile Dysfunction or impotence is the inability to maintain an erection. Causes are clogged blood vessels, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, diabetes and metabolic syndrome among others. Risk factors include getting older, having a chronic heart condition, medications, smoking, alcohol abuse, obesity and stress. There are several test that can be done: they include Ultrasound, neurological evaluation, psychological evaluation and invasive tests.

Treatment methods include oral medications, needle injection therapy, hormone replacement therapy, penis pumps, vascular surgery, Penile Implants and psychological counseling. There are several ways to reduce the chances of having erectile dysfunction. Technology and techniques have improved substantially making minimally invasive penile implants an option to consider with your doctor. One must attempt the following: Manage existing conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, limit or avoid alcohol, stop smoking, exercise, reduce stress, get enough sleep, and get help for depression or anxiety.

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Erectile Dysfunction Overview

Video transcription:
“Erectile Dysfunction or ED is the inability of a man to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for his or her partner’s sexual needs. Most men experience this at some point in their lives usually by age 40. Incidence of the disorder generally increases with age. ED affects about 5% of men in their 40’s, and 15 to 25 percent of men by the age of 65. 50% of men over the age of 40 may experience transient ED and inadequate erection. Physical or psychological stimulation or arousal result insignificant blood flow to the penis. The arteries in the penis supply blood to erectile tissue which becomes engorge and expands as a result of the increase blood flow and pressure. This constricts the fibrous elastic sheets or tunica that cinch to prevent blood from leaving the penis during erection. Reduced blood flow to the penis and nerve damage are the most common physical causes of erectile dysfunction. Underlying condition associated with erectile dysfunction include the following: Vascular disease, diabetes, drugs,hormone disorder, neurological conditions, pelvic trauma, surgery or radiation therapy, Pyrenees disease, venous sleep or psychological conditions.”

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5 Things You Need To Know About Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer is a health condition where malignant tumors start growing in the urinary bladder. While it is a condition that typically affects older adults, bladder cancer can affect all age groups. It is the fourth most common cancer in the United States, and has a 50-70 percent possibility of recurring.

1. What Is Bladder Cancer?

This type of cancer is characterized by aggressive cell growth in the bladder, a muscular organ that stores urine. Instead of a growing in the usual fashion, these mutated cells multiply rapidly and uncontrollably. Transitional cell carcinoma is the most common type of bladder cancer, and occurs in the bladder’s inner lining.

2. Signs and Symptoms

The most common symptoms include blood in the urine, frequent urination, severe itching, and general discomfort. Some may even experience excruciating pain. Just like prostate cancer, middle-aged men are the most susceptible to this disease. In fact, the symptoms are identical despite the fact that it affects different organs. Unfortunately, just like prostate cancer, the symptoms are not easily detected and it often develops quietly.

3. Causes

While the exact cause cannot be pinpointed, smoking is believed to be the leading cause of this type of cancer. Smoking forces the body to process harmful chemicals that are ultimately released through your urine. Exposure to industrial chemicals found in leather, rubber, paint, and even hair dyes can also trigger the growth of cancer cells. This explains why people who are most at risk include factory workers, machine setters, rubber workers, and hairstylists.

4. Detection and Prevention

To diagnose this cancer, a urologist will perform a cystoscopy procedure where a flexible tube with a camera is inserted in the urethra. Abnormal lesions are then biopsied and analyzed. Early detection of the disease can also be made through a patient’s urine sample.

To prevent this cancer, cut down or stop smoking tobacco. If you work in any of the professions that expose you to industrial chemicals, it may be wise to consider other career options to cut down the possibility of the disease. Regular consumption of fruits and vegetables like carrots and citrus will also help you cut down the risks.

5. Treatment Options

In the United States alone, there is an estimated 55,000 yearly cases of this type of cancer. The good news is that it is curable given the right methods of treatment. Urologists in St Petersburg, for instance, give a number of options to combat cancer of the bladder and this includes the following: radiation therapy, surgery, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy.

However, before a patient is treated, a thorough examination should be done. This is because treatment is based on the cancer type and its specific stage. The cancer patient’s age and general wellness are also major factors to consider before choosing the treatment.

Regardless of the treatment choice, urologists in St Petersburg will suggest that cancer patients be well-aware of the risks. For one, it involves a commitment to strictly follow the doctor’s advice. Cancer of the bladder is something that should be addressed promptly. The earlier it is diagnosed and treated, the greater chance for full recovery.

Causes Behind Infertility

Video transcription:
“The testicles of adult men produce about half a billion sperm each day. By contrast, women generally release only one egg per month. In order for fertilization and conception to occur, one of the man’s many sperm must join the single egg release in a woman’s oviduct or fallopian tube. There are many causes of infertility and often times the reason for the couple’s inability to conceive is never determined. Some known causes of the infertility in men include low sperm count or non-functioning sperm. Infertility in women can be caused by many factors. Some known causes can include failure to ovulate or blocked fallopian tubes. Severe endometriosis, a disorder where pieces of the uterus lining stray interfere to reproductive organs is also a common cause of infertility in women. Diagnosis and management by a physician may be successful in treating some couples with infertility. Some cases of infertility can be treated with medications or surgery. A physician can also discuss alternatives to natural conception, such as donor sperm, donor egg and adoption.”

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Kidney Stones Prevention

Kidney Stones are one of the most common disorders of the urinary tract. A person who has had more than one kidney stone may be likely to form another, so remember the old wisdom saying prevention is better than cure. You can prevent kidney stone formation by drinking plenty of fluids this would dilute your urine also the chemicals which combine to formstones. Avoid eating low fat dairy products and other calcium rich foods. Avoid eating oxalate rich foods like beefs, spinach and chards. Also tea, coffee, cola, chocolate and nuts. Reduce the proportion of salt and meat in your diet. Based on the chemical analysis of the kidney stone , your doctor may prescribe medication and beneficial changes in your diet to prevent further formation.

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Bladder Incontinence – Factors for Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence in general term is the loss of bladder control or an involuntary loss of urine. There are approximately 13 million people in the U.S with bladder control problems. The causes of incontinence can be surgery, childbirth or hormonal loss post-menopause and age. There are many treatment options available to help people with urinary incontinence. Your doctor can prescribe an appropriate treatment according to the severity and cause of the incontinence.

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The Pros And Cons Of Undergoing A Vasectomy

A vasectomy is basically a male birth control procedure that entails separating the tubes in the scrotum to stop the secretion of male sperm. A vasectomy seems to go against all that is natural. However, wait a minute and ponder on what life would be without such a medical procedure, worst still, in a world whose resources are under growing pressure from the increase in human populations worldwide? That is just a tip of the iceberg, a lot more underlying issues are there to be considered by the revelations of Urologists around the world. Taking on a life changing experience of this nature requires a balanced thought process which is set on attaining the bigger picture.

Pros

Any Urologist in St. Petersburg will narrate a factual presentation on how a vasectomy allows married couples to stagger the impulsive growth of their family structure in strict accordance to changing economic times. There is no point in having children parents cannot support as doing so can only lead children into undeserved suffering.

This procedure also finds itself being highly beneficial in reducing the rate of mother-to-child HIV transmissions, particularly in developing countries where medications to prevent mother-to-child transmissions are in scarce proportions. It therefore makes sense to use vasectomies to reduce new HIV contractions in newborn babies, thereby reducing the incidence of infant mortalities.
Another point of notable significance is the positive impact the male vasectomy procedure has had in impoverished areas of the world. There can be dire consequences of childbirth on a starved mother and child if pregnancies persist. The pressure on resources therefore makes it essentially important to initiate birth control procedures in the form of sterilization.

The awesome news is that there is now the non-surgical procedure. This vasectomy is painless as the tubes in the scrotum only have to be pinned instead of being cut and tied. Making it painless has seen a sizeable increase in the number of males queuing up in front of, say, the office of a Urologist in St. Petersburg, waiting impatiently for their names to be called up.

Cons

Besides the fact that there are so many benefits to vasectomies, there are a few disadvantages that come with them. To start with, a reverse procedure is something that is difficult to perform. With that said, it will be quite stressful to realize that you can never have children again, especially if you lose the two children you considered to be your last.

There is also the possibility of the procedure going terribly wrong. When something like that happens the only option is to pray that the Urologist in St. Petersburg will be able to stop any catastrophic infection. However, this can very easily curtailed if by speaking to the Urologist in St. Petersburg prior to the operation and ensuring that follow-ups are carried out.

People bent on undergoing this male sterilization procedure are advised to consider these pros and cons as a guide for making the best decision. Doing so puts you in a position of self-assurance, and nothing beats that. After all, Urology is a proven science of in-depth study. So there is no point in disregarding the science of Urology, it would simply be a show of irrational fear.

Contact St Pete Urology office (727) 478-1172 for help and more information about the procedure