• When Blue Pills Fail

  • Symptoms of Interstitial Cystitis

    Interstitial Cystitis (IC) is a condition of the bladder and urethra that affects both men and women. The condition can be diagnosed and treated by a urologist at a urology center near you. Before you visit your urologist, you should be familiar with the most common signs and symptoms of interstitial cystitis so that you can give an accurate description of how they affect you.

    The primary symptoms of interstitial cystitis are bladder pain, incontinence, and urinary urgency and frequency. Many women mistake these symptoms for a urinary tract infection and seek UTI treatment from a urologist. Bladder pain will worsen as your bladder fills, and weaken after urination. Pain may also occur in the abdomen, urethra, or vaginal or testicular area. Pain may worsen during sex or while exercising. You will feel the urge to urinate frequently, and experience continuous pressure in your lower abdomen.

    If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms and would like treatment for IC or incontinence near Nashville , visit Urology Associates, P.C. Our urologists can evaluate your symptoms and determine if you suffer from interstitial cystitis or a urinary tract infection. To schedule an appointment, call (888) 329-7700 today.

  • What Causes Female Pelvic Pain?

    If you’re suffering from female pelvic pain, you should visit a urologist near you as soon as possible. Female pelvic pain may be a symptom of a variety of different health conditions, and some of them can be serious. Here is a look at some of the most common causes of female pelvic pain.

    Urinary Tract Infections

    Urinary tract infections occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra and multiply in the bladder. UTI symptoms include a strong urge to urinate, a burning sensation or pain when urinating, discolored or strong-smelling urine, pelvic pain in the center of the pelvis around the pubic bone, and passing small amounts of urine frequently. If you don’t visit a urologist for UTI treatment, the infection can spread to your kidneys.

    Disorders of the Reproductive System

    There are a number of health problems that can occur in the female reproductive system whose symptoms include pelvic pain. Uterine fibroids and ovarian cysts are very common—and generally benign—causes of pelvic pain. Ovarian cancer can also cause pelvic pain along with other severe symptoms. An ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage may result in pelvic pain, and should be investigated by a gynecologist, obstetrician, or doctor immediately. Pelvic inflammatory disease is another common cause of pelvic pain.

    Kidney Stones

    Kidney stones are small mineral deposits that form in the kidneys and can affect the urinary tract and bladder. There is not always a single, identifiable cause for kidney stones. Common symptoms of kidney stones include severe pain in the side and back, abdominal and pelvic pain, painful urination, discolored urine, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, frequent urination, fever, and chills. Your urologist can provide kidney stone treatment, which may include antibiotics, pain relievers, or surgery.

    If you’re looking for a urologist near Nashville who can provide safe, effective pelvic pain, kidney stone, or UTI treatment, come see us at Urology Associates, P.C. Our urologists have extensive experience in treating and diagnosing the causes of female pelvic pain. To schedule a urology appointment, call us today at (888) 329-7700.

  • Dr. Melvin Seard Awarded Frist Humanitarian Award

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Julie Plummer, (615) 316-4921

    Mobile: (615) 268-2465

    E-mail: julie.plummer@hcahealthcare.com

    HCA’s TriStar Summit Medical Center Names Frist Humanitarian Award Recipients

    HERMITAGE, Tenn. (Feb. 9, 2016) —HCA’s TriStar Summit Medical Center recently announced the recipients of the 2015 Frist Humanitarian Award presented nationally to Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) employees and volunteers. TriStar Summit Medical Center 2015 recipients include: Marylee Locey, imaging coordinator, Ron Watkins, hospital volunteer and Dr. Melvin Seard, urologist. This honor places all three recipients in nomination for the nationwide 2015 Frist Humanitarian Award, the highest honor an employee or volunteer can earn within HCA, the parent company of TriStar Summit Medical Center.

    “TriStar Summit is committed to delivering quality patient care and we are extremely proud to recognize our employees, volunteers and physicians for their efforts on behalf of our patients and our community,” said Jeff Whitehorn, CEO, TriStar Summit Medical Center. “Their exemplary work and compassion set a high standard for health care professionals and we are proud to have them as part of our family. Undoubtedly, our patients benefit from the kind of commitment and humanitarian efforts they demonstrate each day.”

    The Frist Humanitarian Awards were created to recognize one employee, one volunteer and one physician at each HCA facility who demonstrate extraordinary concern for the welfare and happiness of patients and their community. The Humanitarian Awards are given annually in recognition of the humanitarian spirit and philanthropic work of the late Dr. Thomas F. Frist, Sr., one of the founders of Hospital Corporation of America.

    For more information about TriStar Summit or a free physician referral, please call TriStar MedLine at 615.342.1919 or visit TriStarSummit.com .

    Celebrating 20 years of serving the community, TriStar Summit Medical Center is a 200-bed facility located in Hermitage, Tenn. The TriStar Health hospital offers a full array of acute care services, including emergency care, general surgery, cardiology, obstetrics, orthopaedics, intensive care, physical medicine, outpatient diagnostic services and cancer care. Recognized by The Joint Commission as a Top Performer on Key Quality Measures ® , TriStar Summit is a national leader in providing quality healthcare. For more information about the services offered and health plans accepted by TriStar Summit, call TriStar MedLine ® at 615-342-1919 or visit TriStarSummit.com . The hospital is located at 5655 Frist Blvd., Hermitage, TN.

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    (Dr. Melvin Seard is the middle Physician in the photograph.)

  • What Is a Vasectomy?

    Visiting a urologist for a consultation for a vasectomy can help you make a major decision for your sexual health. Most men choose to undergo a vasectomy when they know that they do not want to father children, as it prevents pregnancy better than any other form of birth control.

    Watch this video to learn more about the vasectomy procedure and how it works. After a vasectomy, your testes will still produce sperm, but they will be unable to reach your semen when you ejaculate.

    If you’re interested in improving your sexual health in Tennessee via a vasectomy, come see us at Urology Associates, P.C. Our urologists can counsel you on the benefits of a vasectomy and what your alternative options for birth control are. To schedule an appointment, call us today at (888) 329-7700.

  • A Look at Our Men’s Health Clinic

    In order to maintain your personal health, it’s important to visit a men’s health clinic regularly for urology services. At Urology Associates, P.C., we offer comprehensive urological services, including erectile dysfunction treatment, male infertility treatment, cancer treatment, and treatment for incontinence, kidney stones, and low libido. Here is a look at our men’s health clinic and how it can help you improve your physical and sexual health.

    Penile Rehab Center

    Sexual dysfunction can significantly impact your emotional health and your personal relationships. Our penile rehab center provides effective treatment for erectile dysfunction, impotence, low libido, and male infertility. We also provide pre- and post-prostatectomy rehab. Our treatment methods include medications, intra-urethral suppositories, vacuum erection devices, self-administered penile injections, and implantable penile prosthesis surgeries. We can also diagnose and investigate the causes of low testosterone levels and provide the appropriate treatment.

    Clinical Trials

    Our urologists actively participate in advanced medical research and offer clinical trials to qualified patients for new drugs, devices, and treatments. All of the drugs that we administer during clinical trials are safe, and the data collected during trials is submitted to pharmaceutical and biotech companies for presentation to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Our clinical trials focus on the treatment of prostate cancer, bladder cancer, erectile dysfunction, incontinence, osteoporosis, chronic prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia, overactive bladder, interstitial cystitis, and high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia.

    Prostate Cancer, Bladder Cancer, and Kidney Cancer Treatment

    We offer a state-of-the-art cancer treatment center that provides prostate cancer, bladder cancer, and kidney cancer treatments. The sooner that cancer is detected and diagnosed, the better chances you have that your treatment will be successful. Our medical professionals work closely with patients to develop a treatment plan that works for them.

    If you’re in need of cancer treatment or male infertility treatment in Tennessee , come see us at Urology Associates, P.C. Our experienced urologists can identify the source of your problem and provide safe, effective, and comprehensive treatment for a range of conditions. To schedule an appointment with us, call us today at (855) 901-1338.