• What to Expect During a Male Fertility Evaluation

    Has your partner been unable to get pregnant following a year of unprotected sex? If so, then you or she may be suffering from infertility. If you’re a man and your partner is unable to conceive, then your doctor may advise you to see a urologist for a male fertility evaluation. Here is what you can expect from this process:

    Initial Examination

    To begin the evaluation, your doctor will perform a physical exam. Then, he may ask you about any surgeries that you have had, if you exercise and how much, if you take any medications, and whether you take recreational drugs or smoke. Your doctor may also talk to you about your sex life and ask whether or not you’ve ever had any STDs.

    Semen Analysis

    During your appointment, your doctor may request a semen sample to help determine if you are dealing with male infertility. This sample will be tested by trained experts who measure sperm count and examine the sperm’s characteristics, such as their movement and shape. In simple terms, men who have high amounts of normal-shaped sperm have higher fertility. However, having low levels of sperm or abnormal sperm in your semen does not necessarily mean that you’re infertile. Your doctor may advise a second semen analysis to confirm the results of the first .

    Additional Testing

    Some of your body’s hormones are responsible for making sperm, so your doctor may use a hormone evaluation to test their levels. While hormone imbalances can cause infertility, they are not the primary culprit in most cases. Also, genetic testing is sometimes performed to look for reasons why you may have sperm problems.

    Further Examination

    There are a number of physical issues that may cause you to have fertility problems. Your doctor may examine you for a sperm blockage, retrograde ejaculation, a missing vas deferens , and anti-sperm antibodies.

    If you’re a man who is concerned about his fertility, then call Urology Associates, P.C. at (855) 901-1338. Our urologists provide testing and treatment for male infertility in Tennessee.

  • Robotic Surgery 101

    Robotic surgery provides urologists with the ability to view the patient’s anatomy in a more detailed and dynamic way. If you’ve been diagnosed with prostate or kidney cancer and have questions about what treatment to pursue, then watch this video to learn a bit about robotic surgery.

    Robotic surgery allows for nerve-sparing to be a more precise procedure and lets urologists get a better view of a patient’s nerve structure. Also, this technology helps surgeons see tumors more accurately to help ensure their complete removal in the case of kidney cancer.

    If you’re interested in minimally invasive treatments for kidney or prostate cancer, then contact Urology Associates, P.C. at (855) 901-1338 to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced urologists in Tennessee.

  • Possible Causes of Low Libido in Women

    When it comes to sexual health for women, low libido is not an uncommon problem. The sexual response cycle requires both psychological and physical stimulation, and it can be affected by many issues. The following are a few potential causes of low libido in women:

    Having Certain Physical Conditions

    There is a wide range of health problems that can lead a woman to experience low libido. For example, natural hormonal changes caused by being pregnant, your menstrual cycle, taking birth control, and experiencing menopause can all impact your sexual response. Also, some medical conditions, like endometriosis, diabetes, and anything that causes you to feel sexual dysfunction or discomfort during sex, can also result in low sexual responsiveness.

    Drinking Alcohol

    While it’s not uncommon for women to view a glass of wine as a way to feel more relaxed and willing to be intimate, it may actually have a negative impact on one’s libido. For both men and women, regularly consuming alcohol over an extended period can reduce the body’s sexual response. Some women may experience increased libido by planning to spend time with their partner without the involvement of alcohol.

    Being Anxious

    Many people already know that regularly experiencing anxiety can have a negative impact on their health. However, some women do not realize that being anxious can also affect their sex drive. Sexual arousal is a natural process, so when you are anxious, stressed, or distracted, then you may find it difficult to enjoy yourself physically.

    Feeling Depressed

    Feelings of depression are a common cause of low libido in women. When a person is depressed, this often coincides with imbalances in their hormones. Your hormones play a critical role in your sexual response cycle so if you are suffering from depression, addressing this condition may improve your libido.

    Are you a woman who is struggling with symptoms of low libido in Nashville ? If so, then Urology Associates, P.C. may be able to diagnose the cause and treat your symptoms. To schedule a consultation with one of our compassionate urologists, please give us a call today at (855) 901-1338.

  • What It Means to Have Elevated PSA Levels

    Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein that is produced by the prostate gland. If your urologist determines that you have elevated PSA levels, you may be asked to undergo additional tests to figure out if a medical condition could be causing this. It is possible for elevated PSA levels to indicate prostate cancer, although many men who do have elevated PSA levels do not have prostate cancer. Similarly, some men with low PSA levels do have prostate cancer. This is why additional tests may be needed.

    Elevated PSA levels can also be caused by conditions other than cancer, including urinary tract infections (UTIs) and prostatitis, the latter of which refers to the inflammation of the prostate gland. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or an enlarged prostate is another condition that may result in elevated PSA levels.

    You’ll find comprehensive and compassionate treatment for prostate cancer at Urology Associates, P.C. To discuss cancer treatments in Tennessee, call our office at (855) 901-1338 and make an appointment with one of our knowledgeable and experienced urologists.