What are the 4 stages of prostate cancer?

Key takeaways

  • Prostate cancer starts in the prostate gland, but can spread outside of it if not detected and treated early.
  • To confirm a diagnosis of prostate cancer and assess the stage of the cancer, doctors will use tests such as the PSA test and DRE, as well as a biopsy, ultrasound, MRI, and CT scans.
  • The cancer is staged based on the size and spread of the tumor, with Stage I being the least advanced and having a high survival rate.

Prostate cancer starts and grows in the prostate gland, but may spread outside the prostate, particularly when not detected and treated early. As it grows and spreads away from the prostate, the tumor may invade nearby tissues and consequently get carried via lymph nodes and lymph vessels traveling to distant tissues.

Grading of prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is primarily screened using the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test and the digital rectal exam (DRE). And when screening tests give abnormal results, your physician will run further tests to confirm the diagnosis, grade the cells, and then assess the stage of the cancer.

To confirm the diagnosis, your doctor will order a prostate biopsy.  The test involves obtaining a sample of tissue from the most affected areas of the prostate and having the cells examined by a pathologist to determine if they are cancerous. And since cancerous cells appear different from healthy cells, the biopsy helps to confirm the diagnosis.

The appearance of cells is also used to grade the cancer. Usually, the cells are classified using the Gleason system, which uses the numbers 1 to 5 to grade the patterns of cells seen in the tissue sample as the most common (primary) and the second most common (secondary) patterns of cells.

Cells that look much similar to normal cells are given a score of 1, and then the scores 2-4 are given an increasing order of difference from normal ones. Therefore a score of 4 represents cells that are more different and have a higher chance of uncontrolled replication than a score of 2. And a score of 5 is given to cells that are completely different from normal prostate cells.

The total Gleason score is obtained by adding the primary and secondary scores, with the least tally that indicates cancer being 6—a score that shows a low-grade, least aggressive cancer. A Gleason score of 7 indicates a medium-grade cancer, while tallies of 8, 9 or 10 show a high-grade cancer.

Generally, the higher the score, the more the cancer cells appear different from normal prostate cells, and the more aggressive the cancer. Aggressiveness of a cancer means it has more chances of spreading to other areas of the body.

Today, the Gleason score is used alongside the grade group score to help stage prostate cancer. Other tests that help assessing the stage of prostate cancer include Transrectal ultrasound, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), MRI of the prostate, abdominal and pelvic CT scan to detect the potential spread of the cancer, nuclear scans to detect spread to bones, and surgical biopsy to check lymph nodes of your pelvis for the tumor.

So what are the stages of prostate cancer?

Staging of a prostate cancer means classifying the cancer according to how far it has spread and its effects on the prostate. The staging system helps in tailoring treatment to properly address the tumor.

To determine the stage of a cancer, your doctor will use a number of indicators. For instance, your doctor will use the TNM system, which has three different aspects. Tumor (T) describes the size of the main area of the cancer, nodes (N) identifies whether the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes and to what extent, while metastasis (M) describes how far from the prostate the cancer has spread.

Similarly, your physician will use the Gleason score and the grade group score to stage the cancer. The higher the Gleason or grade group score, the more aggressive and widely spread the cancer. Plus, your doctor will use the PSA level, ultrasound, MRI, CT scans, nuclear scans, and surgery to correctly stage the cancer.

  1. Stage I Prostate Cancer

The least advanced prostate cancer, usually small and not yet spread beyond the prostate, is called stage I prostate cancer.  It is characterized by a PSA level that’s less than10 ng/mL, a Gleason score of 6, and a grade group score of 1. The cancer has a 5-year survival rate of almost 100 percent.

Stage I prostate cancer is managed by active surveillance for nearly all patients with a Gleason score of 6, unless the patient is unwilling or unable to undergo additional biopsies or has high-volume disease.

Active surveillance means your doctor monitors the tumor over time to check whether further treatment is necessary. Apart from active surveillance, stage I cancer may be treated using radical prostatectomy—the surgical removal of the prostate; or radiation therapy, either alone or with prostate removal.

  1. State II Prostate Cancer

The cancer is still restricted to the prostate and has not spread to the lymph nodes or other parts of the body.  Also, it may or may not be felt during a prostate exam, though it may appear on ultrasound imaging.

Stage II prostate cancer has a PSA score of less than 20ng/mL, but is further divided into three phases depending on Gleason scores and grade group scores. Stage IIA has a Gleason score of 6 or less and grade group score of 1, stage IIB has a Gleason score of 7 (3+4) and grade group score of 2, while stage IIC has a Gleason score of 7 or 8 and grade group score of 3 or 4.

For stages IIA and IIB, active surveillance may be adequate. But, in some cases, doctors recommend removing the prostate together with the surrounding lymph nodes in order to prevent further spread of the cancer. Your doctor may also consider radiation therapy, in the form of external beam or brachytherapy.

For stage IIC, a combination of hormone therapy with radiation therapy in select patients—group grade 3 or those with more than 50-percent positive biopsy cores, usually gives great results.

  1. Stage III prostate cancer

At this stage, the cancer may or may not have spread outside the prostate. If the tumor hasn’t spread outside the prostate, the 5-year survival rate still remains close to 100-percent. But when the tumor has spread, the survival rate is reduced.

Stage III prostate cancer is divided into three sub-groups: IIIA, IIIB and IIIC. In stage IIIA, the cancer hasn’t spread outside the prostate, has a PSA level of 20ng/mL or higher, a Gleason score of 8 or less, and grade group score of 1 to 4.

Stage IIIB has spread outside the prostate and may have reached the seminal vesicles or the surrounding tissue, but it hasn’t reached the lymph nodes or other parts of the body. It may have any PSA level, but a Gleason score of 9 or 10, and grade group score of 5.

Stage IIIC prostate cancer may or may not have spread to the lymph nodes or other nearby organs. It has any PSA level, but a Gleason score of 9 or 10 and a grade group score of 5.

Stage III prostate cancer is treated through a combination of external beam radiation and hormone therapy. In some cases, brachytherapy or radical prostatectomy—with removal of pelvic lymph nodes—is considered. Active surveillance isn’t used for stage III prostate cancer because there is a higher risk of disease progression if not treated.

  1.     Stage IV prostate cancer

This is the most advanced form of prostate cancer. The cancer has typically spread to distant parts of the body and affected several organs. Stage IV prostate cancer is divided into IVA and IVB. Stage IVA tumor has spread to nearby lymph nodes but hasn’t reached other areas of the body. Stage IVB tumor has reached distant lymph nodes and many other areas including bones or organs.

The treatments for stage IV prostate cancer include hormone therapy, chemotherapy, external beam radiation, targeted radiation and potentially prostate surgery.

Effective, state-of-the-art treatment

Successful treatment of prostate cancer depends on regular screening to increase the chances of early detection, correct grading of the cancerous cells, and proper staging of the cancer. Early detection ensures a higher survival rate just as the right staging ensures that the treatment administered is safe and effective.

At St Pete Urology, after a diagnosis, our skilled and experienced urologists select the right tests to determine the stage of the cancer. Then through a multidisciplinary approach, we provide a tailored treatment with the highest potential of achieving the best possible outcomes.

Call us today to book your screening, diagnosis and treatment of prostate-related problems. For more information on prostate cancer and other urological disorders, visit https://stpeteurology.com/

References

What are the key signs of prostate cancer?

Key takeaways

  • Prostate cancer occurs when prostate cells grow and multiply uncontrollably, and can be malignant and life-threatening if it spreads to other parts of the body.
  • Early-stage prostate cancer does not have any unique signs or symptoms and is difficult to detect, making regular screening and testing important for early detection.
  • Common screening tests for prostate cancer include the PSA test and the DRE, and men who are 55-69 years old, African-American, or have a family history of prostate cancer should consider getting screened.

The prostate is a tiny, walnut-shaped gland in the pelvis. Located near the bladder and felt through a digital rectal exam, the prostate produces the fluid that transports and nourishes sperm. The fluid—called seminal fluid—is squeezed out via the urethra during ejaculation.

What is prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer occurs in the prostate when prostate cells grow and multiply non-stop. The growth of the prostate can either be benign or malignant. Benign growth of the prostate, also called benign prostatic hyperplasia, is rarely a threat to life as it doesn’t invade tissues around your prostate, doesn’t spread, and can be removed or shrink back.

On the other hand, prostate cancer is a malignant growth that can spread to nearby organs like the bladder or rectum and is, therefore, a threat to life. This cancer can spread to other parts of your body and may grow back after removal.

When prostate cancer cells break away from the prostate, they can spread through lymph nodes or blood vessels to other parts of your body. 

Upon spreading, the cancer cells attach to other tissues and grow to form new tumors that cause damage in the areas where they land.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. 

Although most cases of prostate cancers grow slowly and are restricted to the prostate gland, where they tend to cause little harm, some types of cancer are aggressive, spread quickly, and are life-threatening.

What are the key signs of prostate cancer?

Early-stage prostate cancer doesn’t have any unique signs or symptoms. It starts in the outer areas of the prostate and grows slowly. These areas are away from the urethra, so the growing tissue mass does not press against the tube and affects your urination.

There are no early urinary signs of prostate cancer. When symptoms occur, they are usually related to the non-cancerous condition called enlarged prostate or another health condition.

Nevertheless, as the tumor grows and spreads, it begins to affect the organs around the prostate. So with time, it will eventually show signs as it breaks out of the gland (locally advanced prostate cancer) or spreads to other areas of the body (advanced prostate cancer).

Unfortunately, even late-stage prostate cancer shares signs with other urological disorders, making it difficult to tell whether it is due to cancer or other conditions, such as prostatitis or benign prostate enlargement (BPH). 

That is why the key to establishing if you have prostate cancer is seeing a urologist, who will order tests to help find out what is causing the symptoms.

When they occur, the symptoms of prostate cancer include:

  1. Dull pain in the lower pelvic area
  2. Trouble starting to urinate or to empty your bladder
  3. Interrupted or weak urine flow
  4. Dribbling of urine after urinating or a feeling that the bladder hasn’t emptied properly
  5. Frequent urination, particularly at night
  6. Pain or burning sensation when urinating
  7. Difficulty having an erection, painful ejaculation, or decrease in the amount of ejaculate
  8. Blood in urine or semen
  9. Pain or pressure in the rectum
  10. Persistent pain in the back, hip, or pelvis
  11. Unexplained weight loss
  12. Bone pain
  13. Loss of appetite

Diagnosis of prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is highly treatable when detected early. But for the condition to be discovered early, frequent screening is necessary. 

Screening means you undergo testing even though you have no symptoms. The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test and the digital rectal examination (DRE) are the most commonly used screening tests. Both help detect cancer early, although they aren’t perfect tests.

Speak with your urologist about whether or not you should undergo screening. Your doctor will assess your degree of risk and decide whether you should have the PSA test and the DRE. Generally, you should be screened if you are 55-69 years or older, African-American male, or have a family history of prostate cancer.

If the screening tests show that you might have cancer, your doctor will recommend a biopsy for confirmation. The decision to have a biopsy is based on the PSA and DRE results. Your doctor will also consider family history, ethnicity, and other health factors.

At St Pete Urology, we offer screening, diagnosis, and treatment of prostate cancer. Through our patient-centered, compassionate approach to care, we have ensured that most of our at-higher-risk clients are enrolled in screening.  

We have employed a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach that ensures all our patients get the best possible care. 

Call us today for more information on prostate cancer and other urology disorders.

References

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. 

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

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 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.

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.

Urologists: What they do and what to expect

A urologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the urinary system, which includes kidneys, bladder, urethra and ureters. Urologists also specialize in issues related to the male reproductive system. Specialization in this field requires a great deal of education. Urologists go through four years of medical school followed by five years of specialized training focusing specifically on urology. By the time a urologist enters a practice they are experts in their field.

There are many reasons why your primary care doctor may recommend a urologist. Urologists help patients with issues like urinary tract infections, stubborn kidney stones, enlarged prostates, incontinence and pelvic prolapses. There are also various forms of cancers that urologists monitor and treat, like prostate cancer. For men, their urologist can be their main point of contact for issues like erectile dysfunction.

Urologists have a variety of tools to help their patients achieve positive outcomes with whatever issue they may be facing. They will consult with their patients to determine what is the best method to treat each individual’s medical issue. Treatment options will vary case to case. Treatments can be both surgical and non-invasive. For example, a urologist may perform surgery to implant stints in the urinary tract to help with kidney stones or perform biopsies on prostates with cancer. Urologists may use new technologies like HIFU, which uses ultrasound waves to break up kidney stones.

A patient seeing a urologist for the first time can expect an experience similar to seeing any other kind of doctor. The appointment might include collecting a urine sample, depending on the reason for the visit. A first visit usually will include a questionnaire about patient’s health history and issues. It is important to answer these questions as truthfully as possible, even though discussing issues regarding incontinence, urinary issues or erectile dysfunction can be embarrassing for many patients. It is helpful to remember that urologists deal with these issues on a daily basis and are accustomed to having these conversations with their patients. There is no issue a patient should be too embarrassed to discuss.

For some patients, seeing a new doctor can be frightening. At St Pete Urology, doctors understand this and work to create an open environment where doctors and patients can achieve positive and sometimes life-changing outcomes. For more information, visit the St Pete Urology website.

Can Male Infertility Be Treated?

Can Male Infertility be treated?For many couples, trying and not being able to conceive a child is a stressful, emotional and frustrating time. Up to 15% of couples are infertile, meaning that they cannot conceive a child despite actively trying for a year or more. And for that 15%, over a third of these problems stem from issues caused by male infertility.Male infertility is the inability to conceive a child. There are no obvious signs that a man is infertile, and he may not realize it until he and his partner are unsuccessful in their attempts. However, in some cases like hormonal imbalances, inherited disorders and testicular vein issues, symptoms may exist. These can include erectile dysfunction, difficulty ejaculating, ejaculating in small volumes, decreased sexual desire, or abnormal breast growth.

There are numerous causes that can lead to male infertility. A common and easily reversible symptom is Varicocele, the swelling of the veins that release fluid from the testicles. Infections also can be the cause of male infertility, as they can cause issues with sperm health and production. In some cases, treating the infection can treat the issue, but not in all instances. Another cause of infertility is retrograde ejaculation, an issue where semen enters the bladder during orgasm. Infertility can also be a symptom of certain tumors.

In addition to medical causes for infertility, there are also environmental and lifestyle factors that can be attributed. Extended exposure to industrial chemicals or heavy metals can contribute to low sperm counts. Radiation or x-ray exposure can cause temporary reductions in sperm count. As for lifestyle causes, drug, alcohol, tobacco use and emotional stress can be contributing factors to male infertility.

Although a specific cause of male infertility may not always be clear, there are plenty of treatments available, and a urologist may be able to assist you. Surgery can help to open pathways in constricted veins to allow more semen to flow freely. Antibiotic treatments will clear up any infections that may be causing infertility. Hormone treatments and medications are useful in some cases. And in other cases, assisted reproductive technologies, like the surgical extraction of sperm for fertilization, may be recommended by your urologist.

For many couples the inability to have a child can cause a lot of stress and anxiety. But there is hope. Urologists and fertility doctors have dedicated their lives to helping couples who want to have children. Doctors, like those at St Pete Urology, can help you learn more about your condition and help you start your family. For more information, visit the St Pete Urology website.