• Is Surgery the Only Option for Peyronie’s Disease?

    Surgery is still considered the most effective treatment for Peyronie’s disease, which is a condition in which the penis develops a curvature that may become painful. Urologists may recommend a nonsurgical treatment for certain patients. An injected biologic medicine is FDA-approved to treat Peyronie’s disease in men with curvature of at least 30 degrees during an erection. Candidates must also have an observable lump, which is caused by the accumulation of plaque within the penis.

    The biologic medicine helps reduce the accumulation of plaque in order to treat the abnormal curvature. Men who receive this treatment can expect to return to the urologist’s office several times. At each appointment, they will receive penile injections. The doctor will perform penile modeling treatments to help stretch the plaque and straighten the penis.

    Peyronie’s disease is one of the many sexual dysfunctions we treat here at Urology Associates, P.C. If you’ve been referred to a sexual health specialist in Tennessee, you can call us at (855) 901-1338.

  • Why Do I Have Bloody Urine?

    Hematuria is the medical term for bloody urine . It’s always alarming to see blood in your urine, although the underlying cause might not necessarily be too serious. However, you should always see a doctor for an evaluation as you may require medical treatment. Your family physician can refer you to a urologist for medical testing and a comprehensive exam.

    Urinary Tract Infection

    Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can affect both men and women, although women are at a higher risk. Usually, the urethra or bladder is affected by this bacterial infection. Since the infection is caused by bacteria , a urologist may prescribe antibiotics. In addition to blood in the urine, a UTI can cause pelvic pain or pressure, persistent urges to urinate, and the frequent passing of small amounts of urine.

    Kidney Infection

    UTIs aren’t always limited to the urethra or bladder. If the bacteria infect the kidneys, the consequences can be serious. Unless you seek prompt medical care for a kidney infection, it’s possible to sustain permanent kidney damage or sepsis. A kidney infection can cause the same symptoms as a UTI, but it will also cause fever, chills, nausea, or vomiting. Pain can develop in the back, side, or abdomen.

    Kidney or Bladder Stones

    Urine contains minerals. Over time, these minerals can crystalize on the kidney or bladder walls. The crystals can then gradually form either kidney or bladder stones, which are hardened deposits. Patients often don’t experience symptoms like pain and bloody urine unless the stones start to shift around or cause a blockage. When this happens, the pain can be excruciating.

    Cancer

    There’s a possibility that blood in the urine can indicate cancer of the prostate, kidneys, or bladder. Symptoms of these cancers may not appear until the disease is already at an advanced stage. If the urologist has ruled out all other possibilities of bloody urine, he or she may request some tests to check for cancer.

    When you’re experiencing troubling symptoms, you need to know that your health is in good hands. Come in and talk with the specialists at Urology Associates, P.C. You can schedule an appointment with a urologist in Tennessee by calling (855) 901-1338.

  • Prostate Cancer 101

    Prostate cancer is one of the most common types. Fortunately, most men diagnosed with it have slow-growing tumors. There are several cancer treatments available. Your urologist will develop a personalized treatment plan, depending on the exact type of prostate cancer, and the man’s age and general health.

    You can hear more about cancer treatment when you watch this interview with Dr. Charles Eckstein. He’s a urologist at Urology Associates, P.C. In this video, Dr. Eckstein covers the diagnostics, staging, and treatment planning processes. Some of these treatments include internal and external radiation therapy, and open or minimally invasive surgery.

    Urology Associates, P.C. is committed to providing an exceptional level of care for men diagnosed with prostate cancer in Tennessee. You can call (855) 901-1338 to request a consult.