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… Continue Reading
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5 Signs That You Need to See a Urologist
A primary care doctor may treat various health problems. But for specific disorders or syndromes, you will need to go to a specialist in the respective field. Problems associated with urination such as urinary tract infection shouldn’t be taken lightly and once occurred, it is suggested to opt for a thorough medical checkup.
A urologist is a specialist who is dedicated to treating urinary tract disorders, male and female reproductive system. Moreover, you can also consult with a urologist concerning various problems associated with urinary tract, bladder, kidneys, prostate, sexual dysfunction, fertility, and particular cancers.
In light of this, here are five signs that indicate you need to visit a urologist.
Painful Urination
Infections are utterly irritating and can occur in any part of your urinary tract – which causes painful, burning sensation when you urinate. It is evident that certain infectious bacteria contribute to the painful condition. Therefore, consult with a urologist to get it treated adequately and on time.
Blood during Urination
Blood in your urine indicates a severe problem. This condition is also known as hematuria. However, this disease could be a symptom of urinary tract infection (UTI), kidney stones, or worse – a sign of first level bladder or kidney cancer. Moreover, urologists are specialized in specific cancer diagnoses as well. Hence, consulting with one would be helpful.
Bladder Control Problems
Urinary incontinence is a condition where you struggle with bladder control. It can affect women more as compared to men. However, bladder control problems include leaking, trouble to urinate, urge to urinate frequently, pain during urination, etc. This condition also involves a syndrome called interstitial cystitis – where your bladder always feels full. Moreover, bladder control problems may vary, making it difficult for your primary physician to diagnose, which is why you should consult with a urologist is a wise idea.
In Case of Erectile Dysfunction
Being unable to maintain or achieve an erection is a troubling matter. And it is always advised to directly consult with a urologist instead of waiting for a general care physician to refer you. Erectile dysfunction is one of the most serious health problems that need to be treated as soon as possible. Moreover, other physical or psychological conditions can contribute to the erectile dysfunction that only your urologist can determine with the help of thorough examinations.
Male Infertility Problems
Infertility is a serious health problem in men and women. A urologist can help and suggest treatment in this regard. There are factors like sperm abnormalities, minimum sperm count, improper sperm delivery, erectile dysfunction, etc. that widely contribute to infertility in men. Moreover, in this case, various other aspects such as lifestyle and mental health play an important role as well. However, your urologist will opt for several tests to identify the real reason that causes infertility and to prescribe a reliable solution.
Bottom Line
Visiting a urologist cannot only treat UTI, but it can identify some problems in this regard. So don’t wait and schedule an appointment with the best urologist doctor in New York right now.
Call our offices today at 646-205-3039 to discuss the concern and to learn what solutions may be available to you.
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.
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- 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
What is Urinary Retention?
Urinary retention is a condition where the bladder does not complete empty. This means that someone either cannot start the urination process or that they are unable to completely empty their bladder. There are several different types of urinary retention, obstructive and non-obstructive, and acute and chronic. Acute is much more serious than chronic, and requires immediate medical treatment.
Causes Of Urinary Retention
Urinary retention can be one of two types, obstructive and non-obstructive. Obstructive urinary retention results from blockage of some kind, like kidney stones. This can be caused by cancer, blockage, and an enlarged prostate. Non-obstructive urinary retention can be caused by things like nerve issues and weak muscles in the bladder. Sometimes, it’s just a missed signal between the bladder and the brain, which is usually due to damaged muscles, nerves, brain muscles, or the spinal cord. Other times, this can be the result of pelvic trauma, a stroke, or traditional childbirth.
Signs and Symptoms
If you are suffering from chronic urinary retention, there are several symptoms. These can include pressure on the stomach, waking up for frequent urination, difficulty urinating, and trouble telling if your bladder is full or not. It can also result in some small amounts of bladder leakage during the day. This can be a long-term condition. Occasionally, someone won’t even notice that they are suffering from chronic urinary retention until another health problem becomes visible. Acute urinary retention is much more serious. These symptoms include the inability to urinate, urgent urination, or pain or bloating in the abdomen. If you experience any of these symptoms, talk to your health care provider as soon as possible.
Treatment
Depending on the type of urinary retention and how long you have suffered from it, there are several different treatments available. These treatments can include bladder draining, surgery, prostate medication, urethral dilation, and urethral stents. Bladder drainage is performed by using a catheter to help drain the excess fluid from the bladder, while stents and dilation both involve widening the urethra to help improve flow. Surgery can also help fix some issues that can lead to urinary retention.
If you are experiencing pain or discomfort in your abdomen and/or your urinary tract, or you are entirely unable to urinate, seek medical help immediately. If you have any questions or think you might be experiencing urinary retention, contact us today to schedule an appointment with the best urologist in New York City.
Call our offices today at 646-205-3039 to discuss the concern and to learn what solutions may be available to you.
Can a Urologist Help with Male Fertility?
A urologist is focused on the areas of the man’s body that deals with the reproductive organs and other matters. Because of this, he or she is perfectly placed to assist with problems that are stemming from the man’s body (rather than the woman’s).
Given the area of specialization that a urologist has, they’re able to conduct useful questioning of the patient and testing to ascertain what the difficulty is, where it is happening, why it is occurring, and what can be done about it.
Are There Any Treatments for Me?
Treatment is largely dependent on what is causing the infertility issues in the first place. There are many different courses of treatment available to a urologist, including multiple types of mediation and different surgical approaches to rectify a wide variety of issues, some of which directly affect fertility success rates.
Drug treatments to address infertility
Surgical procedures to fix problems that medicine alone cannot resolve
Different treatments for other causes of infertility in men
Non-Surgical Options
There are several options for fertility problems that don’t involve going under the knife.
Broad spectrum antibiotics can treat bacterial infections that are preventing the proper functioning of the reproductive organs. The system relies on the urethra and the bladder and this can be interrupted when bacteria build up in the urethra preventing the normal flow of sperm.
There are several other methods to assist in the reproductive effort. Several approaches are available to collect sperm and help in creating a successful pregnancy when the reproductive system isn’t currently functioning as it might be. This includes IVF and other treatments that are often effective when applied with persistence.
Surgical Options
There are many types of surgical options available to the patient, depending on the exact cause of their infertility problems.
One example is a varicocelectomy where veins are dilated along the scrotum area and need to be rectified because they are causing fertility issues. Such a procedure isn’t overly involved and is accomplished as an outpatient, usually with the patient able to return home later the same day or early the next day.
There are also several surgical procedures that remove blockages in various parts of the reproductive systems to allow normal intercourse and pregnancy to happen naturally post-operation.
It can be a little daunting at first to consider going to a specialist, but you’re likely to get a far more accurate diagnosis and medical solution that way. Contact our office today to make an appointment for your first checkup with the best urologist doctor in New York City.
Call our offices today at 646-205-3039 to discuss the concern and to learn what solutions may be available to you.
What is Prostate Cancer?
This is a type of cancer that only impacts genetically born males. The prostate is an organ that tends to become problematic in men as they age, but prostate cancer can develop as early as adolescence. Here is a look at what prostate cancer is, how it affects patients, and efforts that men can take to detect it early so they can be treated as soon as possible.
When Do Men Become at Risk for Prostate Cancer?
Although doctors do general health exams on male patients of all ages that may include a prostate check, more precise screenings don’t really begin until around the age of 40. As male testosterone levels drop with age, the risk of prostate cancer rises. Males can expect to have their prostates checked annually, or at least every time they have a wellness check-up, from age 40 and above with increasing scrutiny.
The Signs of Prostate Cancer
In the beginning, there aren’t that many signs of prostate cancer that cannot also be attributed to something else. Prostate cancer usually results in an enlarged prostate, which isn’t abnormal for men as they get older. An enlarged prostate will make it difficult for a man to pass urine and it can lead to other issues related to intimacy. Prostate cancer signs and symptoms become more apparent as the disease gets into the later stages. If you begin passing urine or feel pain during intimacy, you may have an advanced form of prostate cancer.
How to Have Prostate Cancer Treated
The first step involved in having prostate cancer treated is having it diagnosed. A simple blood test will detect markers for prostate cancer. Doctors can order scans or biopsies of the prostate to see if it contains cancerous cells or if it is enlarged due to older age. Sometimes, chemotherapy or radiotherapy is effective in eradicating prostate cancer and other times the prostate needs to be at least partially removed. One reassuring thing about prostate cancer is that it is not usually a fatal disorder. The majority of men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer eventually go on to become prostate cancer survivors.
Doctors know that males who eat unhealthy diets and do not get annual health screenings are more at risk of having prostate cancer and being diagnosed in the later stages. On the other hand, not very much else is known about prostate cancer risk factors or what males can do to avoid it. Visit the best NYC urologists by contacting us about scheduling an appointment today.
Call our offices today at 646-205-3039 to discuss the concern and to learn what solutions may be available to you.
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.
The Most Common Urological Problems in Children
Adults aren’t the only ones who need to see a urologist for disorders that can’t be treated effectively by primary care physicians. The difference in treating and diagnosing a child with a urological problem is that they aren’t as adapted to articulating what their physical symptoms are. If you’re a parent who is wondering if your child needs to see a urologist, here are three of the most common urological issues that adolescents have.
1. Nocturnal Enuresis
Also known as bedwetting, nocturnal enuresis is often hard to diagnose at first because it is very common for small children to have accidents at night. It is only when bedwetting becomes persistent and goes beyond the age of pre-school that a parent and doctor can decide that going to the urologist is in order. Bedwetting can also be related to psychological issues, such as stress or fear. With that said, nocturnal enuresis is still one of the most common childhood urological problems that experts see.
2. Urinary Tract Infection
Urinary tract infections are common in adulthood but they’re even more prevalent in kids. Most urologists seeing adolescent urinary tract infection patients will have female children come into their practice as opposed to boys. Female children are also more prone to develop recurrent urinary tract infections that require antibiotics and follow up appointments for positive resolution.
3. Hernia
Hernias can develop before birth but they can also be seen in small children after severe strain or minor injury. Umbilical hernias are rarely reason for concern and generally will heal all the way on their own by the time a child is two years old. Hernias that happen after birth, however, may lead to difficulties urinating and require the assistance of a urologist.
Children can have problems going to the bathroom and need to see a urologist for many different reasons, it’s just that some are more common than others. If your child has been going to elementary school for a few years and is still wetting the bed it might be time to see a urologist. Hernias can be concerning in children especially if they were not pointed out at birth. Lastly, it is natural for children to sometimes have urinary tract infections but they also should clear up within a week on their own and they’re not expected to persist.
Call us today at 646.205.3039 to schedule an appointment to meet with the best NYC urologist.
A Look at the 3 Most Common Prostate Problems
The prostate is one of the male sex organs. It’s shaped like a walnut and is located under the bladder, just ahead of the rectum. It’s a key part of male functionality because it is used both during sexual procreation and urination. Sometimes problems occur with the prostate which are common for men and fairly easy to determine.
Let’s look at what these three problems in detail.
Big Three Prostate Problems
The three issues that come up with the prostate are:
- Prostatitis
- Prostate cancer
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia
Prostatitis
Prostatitis is an inflammation around the prostate area or the prostate itself. It is medical condition that causes considerable pain.
There are four distinct types:
- Acute bacterial prostatitis
- Chronic bacterial prostatitis
- Chronic pelvic pain syndrome/chronic prostatitis
- Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis
- With asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis, there are zero observable symptoms, it causes no major health issues and doesn’t need medical treatment.
Prostatitis is most often seen in men under the age of 50. For those over 50, it’s the third most common prostate problem. About two million Americans seek health care services for prostatitis every year.
Prostate Cancer
For U.S. men, prostate cancer is the second most likely cancer to get. It is also unfortunately the second most likely cancer to lead to early death. The condition affects black men somewhat more than it does white men; it’s also more dangerous to the black population.
There are no symptoms to determine the onset of prostate cancer. When reaching a more advanced stage, urination will sometimes become either weaker or more frequent. However, these same symptoms are evident with men who have benign prostate problems too.
The growth rate of prostate cancer is slow. The onset is most often in the above 65 age group and in this age group few men die from it. It is still unclear whether early detection helps resolve the issue or lengthens lifespan. There are screening tests available for prostate cancer.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (otherwise known as BPH) is an enlargement of the gland itself. It is not cancerous, but the enlargement causes medical issues. The prostate grows twice; once at the onset of puberty and secondly starting at around 25 years old. Growth is then progressive over a man’s life.
Unfortunately, the larger the prostate gets, the more likely it is to come into contact with the urethra. The contact causes related issues such as the bladder not being able to fully empty which in turns causes other health problems and discomfort.
If you have any doubts about your prostate health, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with the best urologist specialist in NYC to get checked out.
Call us today at 646.205.3039 to schedule an appointment to meet with the best NYC urologist.
What are the Symptoms of a Urinary Tract Infection?
A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is a miserable experience. UTIs are very common and around 80% of women will experience a UTI at least once in their life. Women are more susceptible to UTIs because they have a short urethra and it’s fairly easy for bacteria to travel the short distance into the bladder, but men are not immune to UTIs. So, what are the symptoms of a UTI and when should you call the doctor?
Painful Urination
The most obvious sign you have a UTI is when it hurts to pee. Does it feel like are peeing broken glass splinters when you visit the restroom? UTIs can be immensely painful. You will probably find you barely pass any urine and the short respite you enjoy after peeing is short-lived.
Increased Urination
eeding to urinate more often than is normal for you is usually the first warning that something is not quite right. As the infection worsens, you may find you are visiting the toilet every few minutes, even though your bladder is empty.
Blood in Your Urine
Blood in your pee is a sign you have an infection. It can be rather alarming to pass blood in your urine but try not to be too concerned. Once the infection clears up, so will the blood. However, always have blood in your pee checked out. Firstly, you will probably need medication to clear the infection, and secondly, blood in urine can be a sign of other, more serious, conditions.
Cloudy, Smelly Urine
Urine looks cloudy when you have a UTI. Normal urine is pale and straw-colored. Infected urine is dark and smells unpleasant because it’s full of bacteria.
Pelvic Pain
A UTI is painful, so you may experience pain in your lower abdomen. Pain caused by a UTI can also indicate a kidney infection, so if you are in a lot of discomfort, speak to your doctor.
Feeling Unwell
Expect to feel unwell when you have a UTI. Your body is fighting an infection, so it’s working overtime and you will not be in good health. Get plenty of rest and take some over-the-counter painkillers if necessary.
In many cases, a UTI will clear up without medical intervention in a few days, but if you are passing blood or you are a man, old, or a child is showing signs of a UTI, consult a doctor immediately. You should also seek medical help if your symptoms don’t clear up in 3-4 days or they return.
Make an appointment with the best urologist in NYC if you are suffering with UTI problems. We can help!
Call us today at 646.205.3039 to schedule an appointment to meet with the best NYC urologist.
Urologic Problems in Men BPH and other urinary issues Incontinence Kidney Stones Sexuality & Hormones Prostatitis Prostate cancer treatment complications Urethral stricture Urological cancers Continue Reading
Urologic Problems in Women Incontinence Mesh Complications Vesico-vaginal fistula Prolapse (dropped bladder) Nocturia Urological cancers Urinary infections Kidney stones Neurogenic bladder Continue Reading