Academic and clinical excellence in a private practice setting

Jerry G. Blaivas, MD, FACS

Dr. Blaivas is a world-renowned urological expert, surgeon, distinguished author, educator, and medical pioneer. He was one of the founders of urodynamics and established many of the current surgical procedures used to correct stress incontinence, urinary fistulas, urethral diverticulum, overactive bladder and neurogenic bladder.

He is also one of the few surgeons who routinely performs reconstructive surgery for prolapse and incontinence without the use of mesh. His success in this area has led him to publishing one of the largest series in the world on treatment of mesh complications.

Dr. Blaivas possesses decades of experience providing urology care to some of the most complex cases ever encountered, bringing academic and research-based modernization to the clinical forefront. His research in developing new medical techniques has become the standard in patient care, including breakthrough treatments and research in:

Mesh complications
Radiation complications
Autologous Slings
Natural Tissue Repairs

Schedule an appointment online or call Dr. Blaivas today at (646) 205-3039 to schedule a confidential consultation.

Insurance Information

Dr. Blaivas does not participate with private insurance plans. He is considered an “Out of Network” physician, which means that payment in full is expected at the time of the visit and you will be reimbursed directly according to your insurance plan. As a courtesy, we offer to complete and mail claims on your behalf and assist you in obtaining timely reimbursement.

About the Uro Center of New York

At the Uro Center of New York, we combine clinical and academic excellence in a private practice setting. For over twenty years, our staff has been committed to diagnosing and treating people with bladder and prostate conditions. Our services include the use of state-of-the-art video urodynamic equipment and a custom-designed computer system that assists our physicians in ensuring an accurate and prompt diagnosis.

Learn more >

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Category Archives: Bladder

Bladder Problems: Do You Have Neurogenic Bladder?

Bladder Problems | Best Urologist NYC

According to urologist New York at the URO Center, if you’re experiencing bladder problems, you may have neurogenic bladder. This is the name given to a variety of urinary conditions and is the result of difficulties with nerves that control how the bladder stores or voids urine.

These conditions include overactive bladder, incontinence, and obstructive bladder. Many women and men experience these bladder problems, including people who suffer with illness and injury that affect the brain and/or the spinal cord.

What are the causes associated with neurogenic bladder?

According to your urologist New York, in patients with neurogenic bladder, the nerves and muscles don’t operate together in the correct way. For example, the bladder may not fill or void correctly due to nerve damage. Bladder muscles may be overactive and contract involuntarily more often than usual and before the bladder is filled with urine.

Sometimes muscles are too loose and they allow urine to pass before you’re ready. In some other cases, the bladder muscle may be underactive, which occurs when it will not contract when filled with urine and won’t empty entirely. The sphincter muscles surrounding the urethra may also not function properly, remaining tight when you try to release urine.

What are the symptoms associated with neurogenic bladder?

The symptoms differ from person to person and depend on the type of damage they have experienced. Some symptoms include:

Incontinence;
Urgent urination;
Frequent urination;
Urinary retention;
Recurrent urinary tract infections.

How is this condition diagnosed?

Your urologist New York may diagnose your neurogenic bladder using methods such as:

Reviewing your past and present health;
Performing a physical exam;
Asking you to keep a bladder diary;
Performing a Pad Test;
Collecting urine to test for infection or blood;
Conducting a series of tests such as a bladder scan or urodynamic test.

Your urologist New York may need to perform additional imaging tests such as x-rays and CT scans to diagnose your condition.

The treatment is designed to control your symptoms while preventing damage to your kidneys. Treatment will be dependent on the symptoms you are experiencing, and the cause of your neurogenic bladder. However, regardless of the cause, treatments are concentrated on improving the patient’s quality of life.

It’s vital that you determine what is causing your symptoms before they lead to more serious bladder problems.

If you are having bladder problems or need urinary treatment, you can rely on the expert care provided by the best urologist Dr. Jerry G. Blaivas, MD, FACS at the New York URO Center:

Uro Center of New York
Jerry G. Blaivas, MD, FACS
445 East 77th Street
New York, NY 10075
646-205-3039

Understanding Overactive Bladder

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a common condition in bladder function that causes the sudden and frequent need to urinate. It is a common problem affecting millions of Americans, especially older adults.

Urine is stored in an organ called the bladder. Normally, when it is not full of urine, the bladder is relaxed. When the stored urine level increases and bladder gets full, it sends signals to your brain telling you that you should go to the bathroom. When you urinate, the bladder muscles contract or squeeze to expel the urine out of your body.

With overactive bladder, the nerve signals between the bladder and the brain tell your brain to urinate even when your bladder isn’t full. The muscles in the bladder contract involuntarily, leading to urination even when the amount of urine in the bladder is low. This leads to urinary incontinence, or a loss of bladder control.

Signs and symptoms of overactive bladder

The most common sign of overactive bladder is the sudden urge to urinate, and difficulty controlling that urge. This leads to “urge incontinence,” or an immediate involuntary loss of urine. Leaking urine throughout the day is also common. Overactive bladder is associated with frequent urination (8 or more times a day) and being woken up at night to pee (“nocturia”), often more than 2 times a night. Many people with overactive bladders say that it is hard to get through the day without many trips to the bathroom and they fear not being able to get to a bathroom when they need one.

Having an overactive bladder is a source of distress and embarrassment for many. The need to urinate frequently and a limited ability to control one’s bladder can lead to social isolation, limiting one’s work or social life, and other disruptions in normal daily life. It also can lead to disrupted sleep, anxiety, sexuality issues, and emotional stress.

What causes an overactive bladder?

There are many causes for overactive bladder, and doctors are still learning more about these causes through research.

Overactive bladder can occur without any underlying health issues, but there are some known health problems that are associated with it. For example, nerve damage and neurological disorders like stroke or multiple sclerosis are associated with low bladder control. Overactive bladder is also common in people with diabetes and with enlarged prostates. Parkinson’s disease, herniated discs, and having had back or pelvis surgery also can lead to overactive bladders. People with weak pelvic muscles, such as women after pregnancy, can experience urine leakage.

Aging also can lead to overactive bladder for both men and women. For women, menopause is sometimes associated with an overactive bladder.

Some medications and foods can make it harder to control overactive bladders. Medications called diuretics can cause increased urine production, and other medications require you to take them with a lot of fluids. Foods that are acidic like citrus and tomatoes, and drinks with caffeine, alcohol, and soda may make bladder problems worse.

What can help an overactive bladder?

For many with overactive bladders, behavioral strategies and lifestyle changes can be extremely helpful. Setting bathroom or “voiding” schedules, doing pelvic floor strengthening exercises (“Kegel” exercises), and avoiding foods and drinks that make bladder problems worse all have been shown to help overactive bladders.

If these behavioral strategies and exercises do not work, doctors also can prescribe medications to help calm the bladder.

In addition to these changes and treatments, wearing absorbent pads or underwear can help to hide any unwanted bladder leakage.

If you have any of the signs or symptoms of an overactive bladder, a doctor can help you. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with the best urologist in NYC.

Common Symptoms of Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer. Statistically, it affects men more than women. Adults are more at risk to be affected, but it can happen at any point in life. Almost 7 out of 10 times, bladder cancer is detected in patients at an early stage. It is the point when it is highly treatable. At the same time, patients who have undergone treatment for bladder cancer successfully, need to follow up tests for years as it has a high probability to recur.

What Is Bladder Cancer?

The bladder is a hollow, membranous sac in the abdomen. Its function is to store the urine from kidneys for excretion. Bladder cancer develops when the cells of the bladder start to grow abnormally as opposed to growing and dividing in an orderly way. The wall of the bladder has many layers, and in most cases, cancer begins in the innermost layer. As time goes by, cancer spreads to other layers and becomes harder to treat.

Symptoms of Bladder Cancer

bladder Some of the common symptoms of Bladder Cancer are:

Blood in the urine. Most of the times it is not painful, but it is one of the most prevalent symptoms amongst patients.
Cancer can cause a change in urinary habits, such as frequent visits to the bathroom but small amounts of urine.
Bladder cancer can be the reason behind frequent UTIs or urinary tract infections.
Dysuria, i.e., pain, discomfort or burning while urinating. It is known that Bladder cancer is more common in men along with prostate and testicular cancer, but dysuria is more common in women.

These symptoms are not exclusive to bladder cancer and may at many times be indicators of other problems, such as infections or stones in the kidney/bladder. Most of the times, the blood in the urine is not visible and needs to be tested. If the urine changes color beyond just a slight change in shade, or it is bright red, you need to seek a medical professional immediately.

Risk Factors of Bladder Cancer

If you have no risk factors, you need to pay close attention to the changes in your urinary habits. But if you have risk factors, you should undergo screening tests. These examinations are not for detecting cancer, but their result can determine further testing, based on abnormalities. Risk factors include:

White Skin
Being a man
Old Age
Smoking
Family History
Exposure to Certain Chemicals
Another Form of Cancer
Chronic Bladder Inflammation

When the cancer cells form a mass, they are called a tumor or cancer. These cells can spread to other areas of the body through metastasis. It is a process in which the cancer cells destroy the local tissues, and the fluids from these tissues become a passage for the cancerous cells to spread through the lymphatic system or the bloodstream where they can stop off at other organs/tissues and destroy them.

Preventive measures and early detection is the key to defeat the disease. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with the best Urologist doctor in NYC.

Call us today at 646.205.3039 to schedule an appointment to meet with the best NYC urologist.

What is a Urinary Tract Infection?

When it comes to common issues your urinary tract may have, a urinary tract infection or a UTI is among the most common on the list. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, urinary tract infections account for over eight million healthcare visits each year.

Anyone can contract this kind of infection, both adults and kids, men and women, but it’s most common in adult women. It is estimated that about 80% of women will get a UTI at least once in their lifetime. Within that group, 20-30% will suffer from recurring UTI’s. So, what is a urinary tract infection, how do you get one, and what can you do about it? Let’s take a look.

What Does a Urinary Tract Infection Mean?

By definition, a urinary tract infection is an infection that takes place in the urethra, bladder, ureters, or kidneys. The reason it is found in these areas is because this is the path the urine travels through. In most cases your urine is sterile, but from time to time you may get a bacterial infection that makes its way into your urine. From there it can grow and start to spread into the urinary tract.

In the majority of cases, the bacteria that is to blame is E.coli or Escherichia coli. This bacterium lives around the anus and in the colon (bowel). When you urinate it usually empties out the bladder, which in turn gets rid of the bacteria. Once the bacteria multiplies, though, urinating isn’t enough.

The most common reason people end up with this infection is from sexual intercourse, or through wiping the wrong way (this relates specifically to women). It is suggested you wipe from front to back so as not to spread the bacteria from the anus closer to the urinary tract. There are other causes as well such as pregnancy, menopause, a suppressed immune system, bowel incontinence, and diabetes.

What are the Signs and Symptoms?

The most common signs of a UTI are abdominal pains and muscle aches, vomiting, nausea, a burning or painful sensation when you urinate, urine that smells or is cloudy, blood in the urine, and a frequent and strong urge to urinate.

What is the Treatment Plan?

Urinary tract infections aren’t something you want to ignore as they can get quite serious very fast. In most cases, antibiotics are given to fight off the infection. If you think you may be suffering from a urinary tract infection, be sure to contact us today in order to schedule an appointment with the best urologist doctor in New York City.

Contact us at 646-205-3039 to schedule a consultation

What are Bladder Stones?

Did you know that your bladder could be home to hard lumps of minerals called bladder stones? Often, they are so small that they don’t cause symptoms, which means you could have them without even knowing. So what exactly are these stones, how do they form, and what can you do about them? Here’s a closer look.

What is a Bladder Stone?

Bladder stones are little stones that develop from the minerals found in your body. What happens is the minerals that are found in your urine crystallize and become hard. You can have just one or many. They can also range in size from being very small to quite large. If you just have small bladder stones, then there is a good chance you won’t even realize they are there and they will leave in your urine without any pain.

What Causes Bladder Stones to Form?

So what causes these hard little stones to form in your bladder? The most common reason is that you aren’t emptying your bladder completely, therefore, it gives the minerals a chance to crystallize. Men who have an enlarged prostate gland tend to be more at risk of developing bladder stones since they are unable to completely empty their urine. The enlarged area blocks the flow of urine.

Those who have nerve damage to their bladder also tend to be at a higher risk of developing these stones.

What are the Common Symptoms?

It’s important to note that not all bladder stones cause symptoms. If the stone is small, then you may not know it exists. Even large ones may not present with symptoms.

Here’s a look at the common symptoms that can be associated with bladder stones.

- Increased amount of urination
- Lower abdominal pain
- A burning feeling when you urinate
- Pain in the testicles or penis
- Blood in the urine
- Dark or cloudy looking urine
- An interruption in the urine flow or difficulty urinating

What Can You Do About Bladder Stones?

As far as treatment goes, bladder stones should be removed. In most cases, this will happen on its own, but you can speed things along by drinking plenty of water. If the bladder stones were caused by the inability to empty the bladder, however, then drinking lots probably won’t help.

It’s not uncommon for the bladder stones to be removed by the doctor. This procedure is called a cystolitholapaxy. The doctor will insert a small tube with a camera into your urethra and then break the stone into small pieces.

If you suspect you may have bladder stones and they are causing discomfort, then you will want to contact us 646-205-3039

Bladder Control Problems: How are They Treated?

Bladder control problems sound trivial, but for those affected, it can cause immense psychological distress. Millions of people suffer from some form of incontinence ranging from needing to pee all the time, needing to pee within seconds of experiencing the urge to go, to stress incontinence; an inability to control bladder function.

Many people are too embarrassed to visit a urologist, but there are treatments available for bladder control problems.

Diet

The first thing to try if you suffer from an overactive bladder or urinary urgency is to cut out alcohol, caffeine and anything else that might be triggering your symptoms. For some people, this does the trick.

Medication

For those patients who suffer from an overactive bladder, medication can be effective. Anticholinergic medications block the signals between the bladder and the brain. In a normal person, the bladder only sends a signal to the brain when it’s full. In a person with an overactive bladder, something goes wrong and the brain thinks the bladder is full, even when it’s not.

Speak to your urologist about medications that might help ease the symptoms of an overactive bladder, but be aware that some medications have side-effects.

Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy can be effective if medication isn’t working. It involves re-educating the brain and teaching the sufferer to go longer between trips to the toilet. Instead of reacting to the first bladder contraction and rushing to the nearest restroom, the patient has to wait a bit longer. In time, the urge to urinate lessons and the person is able to make fewer bathroom visits.

Pelvic Floor Therapy

Women with stress incontinence, i.e. an inability to hold urine when exercising, sneezing, or laughing often find their symptoms improve if they perform pelvic floor exercises. Often, bladder control problems are caused by weakness in the pelvic floor muscles, either because of childbirth or the natural aging process. A new treatment called Biofeedback is proving especially effective in pediatric patients.

If none of these treatments are effective, there are surgical options. Botox injections in the bladder can help to reduce urinary urgency by blocking the receptors between the bladder and brain. It is also possible to insert a surgical sling to support the urethra or bladder so it returns to its normal position.

Are you are suffering from bladder control problems? Don’t suffer in silence. Speak to an experienced NYC urologist today and find the right treatment for you.

Call us today at 646.205.3039 to schedule an appointment to meet with the best NYC urologist.

What is a Cystocele?

A cystocele is a medical condition that is also referred to as dropped, prolapsed, or fallen bladder. This occurs in women when the bladder either drops or expands into the vagina. A cystocele can lead to uncomfortable urination. There are three levels of cystoceles. Grade One is mild, and means that the bladder is only partially in the vagina. In Grade Two, which is more severe, the bladder is far enough in the vagina that it has reached the outside of the vagina. The most advanced stage, Grade Three, means that the bladder has moved through the vagina, which connects the uterus to the outside of the body.

Causes

There are several causes of cystocele. One of these causes is muscle strain while giving birth. Heavy lifting, being overweight or obese, or regular difficult bowel movements can also cause strain on the muscles of the bowel, which can lead to a cystocele. A cystocele can also develop during menopause because women stop producing estrogen. Since estrogen is one of the things that keeps the muscles in the vagina strong, when the body is no longer producing estrogen the muscles may become weaker. This can lead to a cystocele, though there is some debate as to whether or not menopause causes a cystocele.

Signs and Symptoms

While mild cystoceles sometimes do not have symptoms, the symptoms tend to include one of several things. These can be either a vaginal bulge, difficulty urinating, a feeling that the pelvis is heavy, or a sense that something is falling out of the vagina. For more serious cystoceles, urinary retention may be a side effect. If you feel any of these symptoms, talk to your health care provider as soon as possible.

Treatment

The treatment for cystocele can be different, depending on the grade of the cystocele and how long it’s been there. One treatment for a cystocele is a surgery that will put the bladder and urethra back into the position that they are supposed to be in. After surgery, it is recommended that patients avoid standing for a long time or heavy lifting. Although they can gradually go back to their normal activities, too much strain can render the surgery useless. Other treatment options include avoiding straining those muscles, a series of exercises, and an implant to hold the bladder in place.

If you are feeling any of the symptoms of a cystocele, contact us today to schedule an appointment with the best urologist in New York City!

Call us today at 646.205.3039 to schedule an appointment to meet with the best NYC urologist.

What Are Kidney, Bladder, and Ureteral Stones?

The development of kidney, bladder, or ureteral stones isn’t uncommon today. There are various types of stones that can develop as a part of the urinary tract system. This is often due to the development of minerals in your system that are too high, unable to be removed properly, or otherwise building up in the body. If you are struggling with the presence of these stones or you have a high risk for developing them, it is important for you to know what they are and why they can happen to you.

What Are They?

Known as renal calculi, these are a type of supersaturated urine filled with minerals such as struvite, calcium oxalate, uric acid, and cysteine. All of this means that they are a buildup of minerals in your body’s kidneys. As much as 80 percent of stones will contain calcium in them. They will range in size in most people. Some are very small and gravel like. Others can be much larger. The larger they are, the more of a risk they present to your health and to your pain levels.

Bladder stones make up about five percent of all urinary tract stones. These often occur as a result of obstructions, infections, or foreign bodies introduced to your system. The most common reason these develop is the inability or non-function of fully emptying the bladder after urination.

You are more likely to develop these stones if you have the following risk factors:

- You have gout.
- You have a family history of renal stones.
- You have anatomical abnormalities especially in the urinary tract and kidneys.
- You have hyperparathyroidism.
- You have hypertension.
- You have some type of metabolic disorder such as chronic metabolic acidosis, hyperuricosuria, or hypercalciuria.

If you have these types of risk factors, it is important for you to take steps to get treatment for the underlying cause. With proper management, you may be able to avoid the development of future stones. And, in some cases, you do need to visit the hospital to get immediate help for these conditions. If your pain is significant, visit the ER for help.

When you come in to see one of the best urologists in the area, you’ll learn more about these types of stones, why you may be developing them, and what options you have to manage the immediate problem as well as to prevent future concerns.

To find out what your options are and to ensure you have every treatment option available to you, call our offices at 646-205-3039 and schedule a consultation with one of the best urologists in New York City. Find out what your options are.

What Can Be Done About an Overactive Bladder?

For those who suffer from an overactive bladder, the concerns can be many. You may feel you need to stay at home. You may stop engaging in activities that you liked to do. And, you may find yourself worried about knowing where the restroom is no matter where you go. You can often improve your life by finding a treatment option for your overactive bladder. By seeking out the help and support of a urologist, you may be able to reduce your symptoms and improve your quality of life significantly.

Behavior Treatment Options

The first step in most cases is behavior interventions. They are often very effective and have no negative side effects. The options for this include the following:

Maintain a healthy weight. Losing weight can reduce the symptoms many have. It may also help to reduce the occurrences of stress urinary incontinence.
The use of pelvic floor muscle exercises, called Kegal exercises, can also help. This can help to strengthen your muscle’s control over the bladder and reduce your symptoms as a result.
In many cases, double voiding can be a solution. This means waiting several minutes after you have urinated and then trying to urinate a second time. This can help to ensure your bladder is actually empty.
Reducing your fluid consumption, or controlling it, can also be helpful. You’ll want to work closely with your doctor to ensure you are still getting enough fluids to maintain your health.

Smoking

People who smoke are at a higher risk of development cancer including bladder cancer. This is because smoking, including through cigars, cigarettes, or pipes, brings toxins into the body that may increase your risk of developing bladder cancer. These harmful chemicals have been linked to cancer development including bladder cancer.

Your Physical Makeup

The most common individuals to develop bladder cancer are those who are over the age of 40. Those who are Caucasian are at a higher risk as well. Men are more likely to develop this condition than women. However, it can develop in men and women of all ages and all races.

Chemical Exposure

Some types of cancers are brought on by exposure to chemicals. That is because the kidneys play a significant role in removing chemicals from your body’s bloodstream. When the kidneys remove chemicals like this, they send those chemicals the bladder. The more chemicals that the body is exposed to, the harder it is for the bladder to move them out of the body, therefore allowing them to build up in the bladder. This level of exposure can be dangerous.

Other Cancers

If you have had other types of cancer previously, you are at a higher risk of developing cancers in other areas of the body including the bladder. If you’ve been treated with anti-cancer drugs such as cyclophosphamide, this can increase your risk of developing bladder cancer as well. In addition, some people who have had radiation treatment are at a higher risk for developing bladder cancer especially when radiation is applied to the pelvis area.

In addition to these factors, hereditary factors can also be at a higher risk. Additionally, those taking diabetes medications, struggling with chronic bladder inflammation, and those suffering from other bladder-related illnesses are at a higher risk. If you are at risk, talk to a urologist on an ongoing basis. Call our offices to meet with the best urologist in New York City to learn more.

male-urological-services-doctor-nyc Urologic Problems in Men

female-urological-services-doctor-nyc Urologic Problems in Women

Jerry G. Blaivas, MD, FACS

Insurance Information

About the Uro Center of New York

See Our Main Site www.UroCenterofNewYork.com Blog Posts are Below:

Category Archives: Bladder

What are the causes associated with neurogenic bladder?

What are the symptoms associated with neurogenic bladder?

How is this condition diagnosed?

Signs and symptoms of overactive bladder

What causes an overactive bladder?

What can help an overactive bladder?

What Is Bladder Cancer?

Symptoms of Bladder Cancer

Risk Factors of Bladder Cancer

Call us today at 646.205.3039 to schedule an appointment to meet with the best NYC urologist.

What Does a Urinary Tract Infection Mean?

What are the Signs and Symptoms?

What is the Treatment Plan?

What is a Bladder Stone?

What Causes Bladder Stones to Form?

What are the Common Symptoms?

What Can You Do About Bladder Stones?

Diet

Medication

Behavioral Therapy

Pelvic Floor Therapy

Call us today at 646.205.3039 to schedule an appointment to meet with the best NYC urologist.

What is a Cystocele?

Causes

Signs and Symptoms

Treatment

Call us today at 646.205.3039 to schedule an appointment to meet with the best NYC urologist.

What Are They?

To find out what your options are and to ensure you have every treatment option available to you, call our offices at 646-205-3039 and schedule a consultation with one of the best urologists in New York City. Find out what your options are.

Behavior Treatment Options

Other Solutions

Smoking

Your Physical Makeup

Chemical Exposure

Other Cancers

See Our Main Site www.UroCenterofNewYork.com
Blog Posts are Below: