What Causes Difficult Urination?

Many people think of incontinence when they think of problems with urination, but some people have a different concern: difficult urination. Difficult urination is characterized by weak urine streams, an increase in nighttime urination, and back and abdominal pain during urination. If you have difficulty urinating, don’t assume it is simply a sign of aging. Difficult urination could be the sign of an underlying medical problem and should be evaluated by a urologist.  

There are several different conditions that can cause difficult urination. Urinary tract infections can cause difficult urination in both men and women. In men, enlarged prostates can also interfere with the ability to empty the bladder. Kidney stones and other blockages can cause similar problems.  

Urination difficulty isn’t something you have to just live with. At Urology Associates, P.C., we can find the root cause of your symptoms and create a treatment plan that works. Make an appointment for a consultation with a urologist in Nashville by calling (855) 901-1338. 

Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction, or ED, can be upsetting to experience. It is also extremely common, so if it happens to you, you’re not alone. When you experience ED, see a urologist as soon as possible to discuss how to improve your sexual health and overcome your symptoms. During your appointment, asking questions will help you better understand your condition and how you can find a treatment that works. Consider asking these questions when you see your urologist. 

Why do I have ED? 

This is the first question that most men want to ask, but the answer isn’t simple. There is a huge range of things that can cause ED, and sometimes, men have more than one contributing cause. Everything from high blood pressure and diabetes to stress and depression can trigger ED, but your urologist will work closely with you to determine what is most likely to blame for the symptoms that you’re experiencing. Pinpointing a cause is the first step in ED treatment.  

Is my age to blame for my ED? 

Getting older does increase the risk for ED, but aging doesn’t make ED inevitable. Often, older men simply accept ED as something that they have to deal with because of their age, but this is not the case. There are ED treatments available for men of all ages, so see a urologist for care regardless of how old you are.  

How is ED treated? 

In some cases, treating underlying conditions that are contributing to ED is all that is necessary. For example, getting blood pressure or diabetes under control can make a big difference. In other cases, medications, sex therapy, and even surgery can all help men who are dealing with ED.  

The Men’s Health Clinic at Urology Associates, P.C. helps men with ED and low testosterone return to feeling their best with medically supervised hormone therapy. Our urologists understand how stressful ED can be and are committed to helping patients get the care they need in a private, supportive environment. For treatment for ED in Nashville, call (855) 901-1338.  

What Women Need to Know About Fecal Incontinence

About 18 million people in the US suffer from fecal incontinence. Women are most at risk, because of the potential damage to muscles and nerves in the anal sphincter and rectum during childbirth. Because fecal incontinence can cause anxiety and embarrassment, causing women to avoid work and social situations, it’s important to see a urologist as soon as possible. With the help of a urologist, treatment is available to stop the symptoms of fecal incontinence and get back to doing your normal activities.  

What exactly is fecal incontinence? 

Fecal incontinence refers to the loss of bowel control. It often occurs as the result of sphincter muscle damage or nerve damage in the rectum or sphincter after surgery or childbirth. This kind of nerve and muscle damage can also occur with diabetes, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and chronic constipation. Treatments for inflammatory bowel disease and cancer may also contribute to fecal incontinence. Pelvic floor dysfunction is a contributing cause for many women as well.  

What are the symptoms? 

Women who are suffering from fecal incontinence are unable to control the passage of liquid and solid stool. The amount of leakage may be minimal or severe. Some women experience occasional bouts of incontinence, while others deal with it during almost every bowel movement. Women with fecal incontinence may also more frequent bouts of diarrhea and constipation.  

How is fecal incontinence diagnosed and treated? 

There are several tests that your urologist may recommend to diagnose fecal incontinence, including anal manometry, which tests the tightness of the sphincter, anal electromyography, which tests the nerves in the rectum for damage, and ultrasounds to examine internal structures. Treatments depend on the cause but can include surgery, medications, and lifestyle interventions.  

Don’t suffer in silence with fecal incontinence. The urologists at Urology Associates, P.C. provide compassionate care for women living with fecal incontinence to help them reclaim their confidence and their lives. Call (855) 901-1338 to schedule a treatment consultation for fecal incontinence in Nashville.  

Who Is a Good Candidate for Vasectomy Reversal?

If you have had a vasectomy but later decide that you want more children, then a vasectomy reversal could be the right answer for you. There are a number of factors that go into determining if a reversal procedure is successful, and your urologist will review your personal health history when helping you decide if you are a good candidate. Here are some of the signs that a vasectomy reversal could be right for you.  

It has been less than 15 years since your vasectomy.  

Generally, the more recent your vasectomy was, the more likely it is for your reversal to be successful. Although studies vary, 15 years seems to be the point at which the success of a vasectomy reversal tends to drop off considerably. Newer surgical techniques are more successful than in the past for vasectomy reversals, even when a considerable amount of time has passed, but the length of time since the vasectomy is still a factor.  

You haven’t had additional surgeries in the groin area.  

Other surgical procedures in the groin area, such as hernia surgeries, can decrease the chances of having a successful vasectomy reversal. This includes previous vasectomy reversal surgeries that were unsuccessful. Some surgical procedures increase the chances of a blockage in the vas deferens that makes reversals more difficult.  

A minimal amount of the vas deferens tubing was removed during your vasectomy. 

If a large amount of the tubing of your vas deferens was removed during your vasectomy, there may not be enough left to reconnect or it may make your surgical procedure more difficult. It can also be more difficult to reverse your vasectomy if your vas deferens was cut length-wise during your original surgery.  

If you are interested in a vasectomy reversal, make an appointment with a urologist at Urology Associates, P.C. to discuss your case. Our urologists in Nashville will review your history and help you decide if a vasectomy reversal is a good choice for you. To schedule your consultation, please call (855) 901-1338.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Difficult Urination?

Difficult urination occurs when it is hard to start the flow of urine or to maintain it. This is also referred to as urinary hesitancy. This condition is most common in older men, but it can happen to anyone, at any age. There is a number of different potential causes for urinary hesitancy, and it’s important to work with your urologist to pinpoint the trigger for your symptoms. Hesitancy can lead to serious complications, including urinary retention, when left untreated. Here is a look at some of the most common causes of difficult urination.  

Enlarged Prostate 

For men, an enlarged prostate is a very common cause of urinary hesitancy. When the prostate gland becomes enlarged, it puts pressure on the nearby prostatic urethra. As a result, it can be difficult for the flow of urine to begin, or, once it is started, to continue until the bladder is empty. There are a number of different treatments you urologist can use to address an enlarged prostate, including medication and surgery.  

Nerve Damage         

If nerve damage occurs in the urinary tract, the flow of urine can be affected. This damage can occur as the result of trauma, such as giving birth, or it can be a complication of an illness, including spinal cord infections and diabetes. People with multiple sclerosis frequently experience difficult urination that is linked to nerve damage.  

Paruresis 

Paruresis, or shy bladder syndrome, is a rare, psychological cause of difficult urination. It occurs when people are unable to urinate in places in which they fear others may present. Some people only experience paruresis in specific situations, such as in a public restroom, while others may experience it with more regularity.  

If you think you are suffering from the symptoms of difficult urination, make an appointment at Urology Associates, P.C. Our urologists can find the cause of your symptoms so you can the treatment you need. For more information about our urology services in Nashville, call (855) 901-1338. 

Kidney Stones 101

Kidney stones occur when certain minerals build up and clump together in your kidneys. They are extremely painful, and in some cases, they may require surgery. It’s important to see your urologist as soon as you notice any symptoms that could indicate that you might have a kidney stone.  

Watch this video to learn more about how kidney stones form and what you can do about them. Some kidney stones are small enough to pass on their own, but your urologist may suggest laser treatments or surgery for larger ones.  

Urology Associates, P.C. offers comprehensive urology services for kidney stones, UTIs, sexual dysfunction, and much more. To make an appointment with a urologist in Nashville, please call (855) 901-1338. 

What Happens if You Have Elevated PSA Levels?

PSA refers to prostate-specific antigen. Testing for this protein that is produced by the prostate is often done as a screening test for disorders of the prostate, including prostate cancer. PSA tests are often done by primary care physicians in the course of a routine physical. If your levels are high, your primary care doctor may refer you to a urologist.  

It is important to note that elevated PSA levels are not always indicative of prostate cancer, but they are usually an indicator that you may need further testing. If you have elevated PSA levels, your urologist may recommend that you undergo a prostate biopsy to determine if you have any cancerous cells. The results of those tests will be used to diagnose prostate cancer or decide if you need more testing to determine if you have another prostate disorder.  

If you are concerned about prostate health, make an appointment with a urologist at Urology Associates, P.C. For more information about our urologists and cancer treatments in Nashville, call (855) 901-1338. 

What Causes Chronic Testicular Pain?

Chronic testicular pain—or CTP—is a serious condition that is often misunderstood. It affects thousands of men and can be debilitating, and yet, many men don’t know that it exists. Ongoing testicular pain without an explanation isn’t normal and should always be addressed with a urologist.  

CTP can have a number of different causes. Trauma, infection, surgery, and kidney stones can all cause CTP, as can hernias and torsion. In rare cases, a tumor is to blame. Blockages, varicoceles, and hydroceles may also cause pain. In about a quarter of cases, the cause cannot be determined. Fortunately, your urologist has several treatments that can put an end to the discomfort, including surgery and medications.  

At Urology Associates, P.C., we offer comprehensive care for a range of urological and sexual health concerns for both male and female patients. Schedule a consultation with a urologist in Nashville by calling (855) 901-1338.