Patient-Focused Philosophy

Kidney stones can go undetected for a while, but once one starts stirring around, there’s a big chance you’ll be in a lot of pain. Stones that remain in the kidneys may not cause any symptoms, but if a stone moves into the urinary tract, the symptoms can get intense fast. It sounds like this could certainly be a possible cause of the symptoms you’re describing.

Kidney stone pain can be felt in your side, back, lower abdomen and groin areas. It can start as a dull ache, then quickly transform into sharp, severe cramping or pain. The pain can come and go, meaning you may feel excruciating pain in one moment then fine the next.

Stones can vary in size, but some can be so large that your physician will have to break up before they pass or just remove them. However, some stones are so small you could pass them and never know it!

You may find it difficult to sit still due to being uncomfortable, and you may feel the need to urinate more often than usual. You might experience burning sensations while urinating, or notice blood in your urine. Other symptoms include fever, loss of appetite, profuse sweating, and diarrhea or constipation. Sometimes kidney stones can even cause vomiting.

Kidney stones can clearly cause a lot of pain and discomfort, and you should see your urologist as soon as possible to undergo diagnostic testing to determine the location of the stone and the best course of treatment for you. Most kidney stones will pass on their own, but some require medication or other forms of treatment. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to treating kidney stones so it’s important to consult with your physician soon. In the meantime, drink plenty of water and take pain relievers when you need them!

If you’ve experienced any of the symptoms listed above, or simply need a routine check-up, don’t hesitate to set up an appointment with one of the skilled professionals at Arkansas Urology. Visit our website to book an appointment. All it takes is the click of a button!

Overactive bladder is a common condition that over 33 million Americans of all ages face. Getting up to urinate often at night, the sudden urge to urinate, leaking urine, wetting accidents and frequent urination are not normal. These are all symptoms of overactive bladder, and contrary to popular belief, the condition has nothing to do with aging.

Many people believe that leaking, wetting accidents and problems urinating are normal things that just start happening as we get older, but that’s just a myth. Overactive bladder is never normal. The good news is overactive bladder can be treated, and you can go back to feeling like yourself again.

Most cases can be treated with medication, behavior modification and simple changes in diet. However, in the rare case that these treatments aren’t successful, overactive bladder can be treated with sacral nerve stimulation with Interstim.

If you think you may be suffering from OAB, begin keeping a voiding diary at home. Write down information such as how much you drink, when you urinate, how much you urinate and whether or not you feel an urgent need to go each day. Set up an appointment with your urologist as soon as possible for an examination and testing. Your daily log will help your doctor get a better understanding of your specific symptoms.

You don’t have to live in Poise pads or Depend guards. Don’t view overactive bladder as something you just have to deal with, because you do have options.

While testicular cancer is definitely rarer than prostate cancer, it’s very important to educate yourself on the condition. For men in their 30s, you should be all the more educated. Testicular cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow out of control in the testicles or testes. It is highly treatable and curable, especially when detected early, which is why routine exams are important. Here are a few key facts you should know:

1. One common risk factor that experts agree on is a history of an undescended testicle or a testicle that hasn’t dropped from the abdominal cavity into the scrotum by birth.

2. Common symptoms include a change in the size or shape of one or both testes; pain or tenderness in the testicles; a dull pressure or pain in the lower back, belly or groin; and a heavy feeling or painless swelling in the scrotum. It’s crucial to visit your doctor immediately if you experience a symptom to prevent possible spreading.

3. The majority of cases originate in undeveloped germ cells that produce sperm. These germ cell tumors (GCTs) are most common in men between the ages of 20 and 40.

4. While testicular cancer is rare, it is the most common form of cancer in men between the ages of 20 and 34.

5. Most men who get testicular cancer don’t have any risk factors, but a family history of testicular cancer should be noted when you talk to your urologist.

6. Most testicular tumors are discovered during self-exams or physician exams. Other diagnostic tests include CT scan, ultrasound and blood tests.

7. Most cases of testicular cancer are treated surgically, and the good news is that testicular cancer is treated successfully in more than 95 percent of cases! The condition is highly curable, even when diagnosed in a late stage.

If you’ve experienced any of the symptoms listed above, or simply need a routine check-up, don’t hesitate to set up an appointment with one of the skilled doctors at our Men’s Health Center. To book an appointment visit our website. All it takes is the click of a button!

Symptoms such as having issues with urinating, getting up a lot at night to go and just going to the bathroom frequently are grouped into a category we call lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). LUTS can certainly be caused by an enlarged prostate. Prostate enlargement is common and can affect as many as 50 percent of men over 50 years old. As the prostate grows, it squeezes down on the urethra which causes a blockage to urine flow. This can lead to the symptoms you are describing. However, other conditions do present these types of symptoms as well.

Basic testing can include a urine test, a prostate exam and a blood draw. Once prostate cancer is reasonably ruled out, the evaluation can proceed with a focus on an enlarged prostate. While there are a number of tests that can be performed, one of the initial tests that could be done is the UroCuff®. The UroCuff® is a non-invasive option offered at Arkansas Urology. (Further information about the test is available at www.srsmedical.com)

It’s important to stay properly hydrated every day for a variety of reasons. Your body literally depends on water to stay alive, and drinking fluids is crucial when it comes to maintaining the function of every system in your body, from your brain to your muscles. While drinking eight to 12 glasses day is typically what you hear, that advice may not be the best for you.

The truth is the answer is different for everyone. Older adults have a higher risk than younger adults of becoming dehydrated, especially during the hotter months of the year. If you work outside or exercise a lot, you’ll need to drink more water per day than someone who doesn’t sweat as often. If you take certain medications, such as a diuretic, you need to drink more water than the average person since you urinate more often.

If you have overactive bladder, you may be hesitant to drink a lot of water out of fear of having more accidents or excessive trips to the restroom. However, drinking plenty of water is one of the best things you can do for OAB. It’s best to take sips throughout the day instead of drinking a lot of water at once. When you’re drinking enough, your urine will be light yellow or clear. If your urine is dark, it means you aren’t getting enough fluids, and you’re at risk for developing a urinary tract infection.

Drinking too much water can also do more harm than good if you have certain health conditions, such as thyroid disease or kidney problems. It’s best to speak to your doctor and come up with a plan that works for you specifically. While you may have been taught that 8-12 glasses per day are necessary for everyone, that isn’t the standard. It’s a common myth. You may need fewer than eight glasses a day to stay healthy, or you may require more than twelve glasses a day depending on unique factors and conditions.

Would you like to discuss your specific needs with one of our medical professionals? Schedule an appointment with us today!

June is Men’s Health Month, and the perfect time for men all over Arkansas to focus on prioritizing their health. When it comes to routine check ups and exams, it’s important to stay up-to-date. Early detection is key when you’re facing prostate cancer, testicular cancer or bladder cancer. What may seem like a minor annoyance to you could actually be a sign of something serious. It’s always best to go ahead and get your symptoms checked out. The skilled professionals at Arkansas Urology are here for you every step of the way, from prevention to treatment.

Prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths among men in the United States. When it’s detected early, however, there are a variety of treatment options to choose from. We recommend getting tested once a year once you reach the age of 55, or earlier if you have certain risk factors such as prostate cancer in your family history. Common symptoms include difficulty urinating, painful urination, blood in the urine, weight loss and lower back pain, among other problems.

Testicular cancer is rare, but your risk increases if you have a family history of it. It commonly affects boys and men between the ages of 15 and 35. We recommend routine self-checks, and scheduling an appointment with your doctor should any symptoms develop. These include a lump, aching, pain or feelings of heaviness in the testicle area.

Bladder cancer symptoms can include pain in the lower back, dark urine or blood in the urine. You may be surprised to learn that experts believe that cigarette smoking causes half of the cases of bladder cancer in the United States each year! If you experience any pain, discomfort or problems with urination, it’s best to see your urologist to pinpoint the cause right away.

At Arkansas Urology, we care about our patients and their families. Getting a necessary check-up or setting up an appointment after experiencing troublesome symptoms can make all the difference. Set time aside for your health. Schedule an appointment with us today!

Kidney stones are painful, but the good news is there are ways to prevent them. The most common cause of kidney stones is simply not drinking enough water. You should strive to drink 8 eight-ounce glasses of water every day to keep your body properly hydrated. Try carrying a bottle around with you throughout the day, and schedule what times you need to refill the bottle in order to reach your daily goal. Adding lemon, cucumber, or berries to your water can add a healthy burst of flavor to the mix. Squeeze lemon juice in your water, or have a glass of lemonade sweetened with honey to prevent kidney stones as well!

Another common cause of kidney stones is too much sodium. A diet high in sodium increases the amount of calcium in your urine, which directly leads to the formation of kidney stones. Certain soups and vegetable juices are very high in sodium, so keep an eye on labels.If you drink a lot of soda, now is the perfect opportunity to cut the bad habit! Sodas that are acidified with phosphoric acid—think Coca Cola—have been linked with an increased risk for kidney stones and kidney disease. It’s best to limit yourself as much as possible when it comes to soft drinks.

If you want to prevent the formation of kidney stones, the best thing you can do is drink plenty of water to dilute the substances in urine that lead to their formation. Proper hydration is key. Avoid a high-sodium diet, sodas, and drinks that are rich in oxalate—like tea. Small habit changes can make a big difference! If you’re currently suffering from kidney stones, schedule an appointment and we will get you on the road to feeling like yourself again!

LEMON, BLUEBERRY AND MINT INFUSED WATER:

• 1/2 pint blueberries
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 7 fresh mint leaves, torn

Simply pop the fruit and mint leaves into your glass, or use an infusion water bottle to keep fruit separated. Get creative with as many combinations as you’d like!

Did you know overactive bladder affects more than 33 million Americans of all ages? While you may feel alone in your journey, you certainly aren’t. When it comes to treatment options, you aren’t alone either. The professionals at Arkansas Urology offer a variety of treatment options, from medication to sacral nerve stimulation with InterStim. Behavior modifications include bladder training, biofeedback therapy, and Kegel exercises to strengthen pelvic floor muscles. We also highly recommend reducing caffeine and alcohol intake if you suffer from OAB, as they irritate the bladder and can worsen symptoms.

Your doctor may prescribe medication in conjunction with behavior modification, or if behavior modification techniques aren’t successful. Anticholinergic drugs—such as Detrol-LA and Ditropan-XL—are commonly prescribed to treat overactive bladder, as they relax and stabilize the bladder muscle and prevent involuntary contractions.

Many people believe that all forms of prostate cancer are slow-growing, but sometimes prostate can cancer grow and spread quickly. If the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes by the time it’s discovered, it may already be located in other areas of the body as well. The potential aggressiveness of prostate cancer is measured between 1 and 5 on the Gleason scale, with grade 5 being the most aggressive.

Low-grade prostate cancers, with grades of 3 and below on the Gleason scale, tend to grow slowly and pose a smaller threat to your overall health. On the other hand, high-grade prostate cancers (grades 4 and 5 on the Gleason scale) often spread rapidly throughout the body and can lead to a variety of health issues. Once this cancer begins to spread to other parts of the body, it can become more difficult to treat. Many men who have slow-growing cancers, or limited life expectancy due to medical conditions or age, opt for a “wait and watch” approach. This involves monitoring cancer growth and attending regular checkups. However, treatment is commonly recommended if symptoms worsen. If there is an aggressive type of prostate cancer, treatment can be life saving.

Arkansas Urology utilizes two tests to help detect prostate cancer: the digital rectal exam, and the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. If cancer is suspected, our professionals will follow up with additional tests and/or a biopsy. If a test returns positive for cancer, we offer a variety of treatment options depending upon how advanced your cancer is, your health and medical conditions, the potential side effects of treatment, and your age and life expectancy.

Everyone is different, and every case of prostate cancer is different. Early detection is key, and the earlier prostate cancer is detected, the easier it is to treat. If you think you are experiencing symptoms of prostate cancer, don’t wait. Schedule an appointment with one of the skilled and experienced doctors at Arkansas Urology.

Many women experience a variety of changes as they age. While it’s common to be embarrassed when it comes to speaking to someone about these changes, it’s important to remember that they’re completely normal. If you’re experiencing symptoms of any of the following conditions, schedule an appointment with one of the skilled professionals at Arkansas Urology today to see how we can help.

Pelvic Prolapse

When an organ slips down into the body or becomes displaced, it is known as pelvic prolapse. This pelvic floor disorder affects about one-third of all women throughout their lifetime, and in most cases occur in older women. It is often discovered during a routine pelvic exam or Pap smear. The causes of pelvic prolapse vary, and a number of treatments are available depending on severity.

Urinary Incontinence

Uncontrollable urine loss is a common condition in the United States, and more than 80 percent of incontinence cases occur in women. While urinary incontinence can occur in people of all ages, it is a frequent problem in older adults. Causes include Alzheimer’s disease, lack of estrogen, a weakened pelvic floor, urinary tract infections, surgery, certain medications, and diabetes.

Menopause

The onset of menopause can affect women in a variety of ways. Symptoms include hot flashes, chills, irregular periods, loss of hair, fatigue and anxiety, and low libido among other things. Treatments typically focus on symptomatic relief. Hormone pellet therapy provides a steady stream of hormones to treat hormone imbalances often caused by menopause.

UTIs

UTIs occur in women of all ages. Symptoms include a frequent urge to urinate, a burning sensation while urinating, and cloudy urine. You can help prevent UTIs by not holding in urine when you need to use the restroom, urinating after sex, wearing cotton underwear, and drinking cranberry juice.

Several common changes take place as women age, but that doesn’t mean you should simply deal with being uncomfortable. A variety of treatment options are available, and our doctors are here to help you find the best solution for your condition—no matter your age. Schedule an appointment today!