Patient-Focused Philosophy

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is much more common than you may think! You are not the only one who deals with this. In fact, studies show that it affects half of men over 40 and that almost all men will suffer from ED at one time or another. ED is defined as the inability to get or maintain an erection, which can lead to stress, strain on your relationships and self-confidence issues.

The important thing for both you and your partner to remember is that it is not a reason to freak out. Being overly concerned about an ED episode will just add more anxiety and the erectile dysfunction will be more likely to continue. You need to understand that it could potentially be an isolated incident. However, if it does continue to occur you should not just ignore it and hope it will go away on its own.

There are many causes of ED, and the most common is vascular disease especially in men over 50. It can also be a side effect of medications or other chronic health issues. While ED is very rarely just all “in your head,” depression and anxiety can be an underlying contributor. Low testosterone can also affect your ability to get an erection. That is why it is so important to consult your doctor.

The treatment for ED depends on the cause. After your diagnosis, your doctor can help you navigate various ED treatment options. Up to seventy percent of men experiencing erectile dysfunction show improvement with the use of prescription drugs. Testosterone therapies are available for men with ED related to low testosterone. Sometimes lifestyle changes such as exercise and a healthier diet can improve or prevent ED. In rare cases, surgery may be a consideration.

So in the heat of the moment, what you need to know if you are having trouble achieving or maintaining an erection is: RELAX! Communicate what is happening and how you are feeling with your partner. Don’t worry that your sex life is over. However, if your ED is more than just a one-time event there are many treatment options available. Never be embarrassed or afraid to share your erectile dysfunction concerns with your doctor.

About one in six men in the United States will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. Screening for prostate cancer is an important part of taking care of your health in 2019. This is definitely not something that is only for men who are at higher risk.

Starting at age 45, men should have a baseline prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. This will measure the level of a protein produced by the prostate that circulates in a man’s blood. If your PSA level is higher, there is a reason for concern and more testing. In some cases, this can be a sign of BPH, but in other cases, this can mean there is prostate cancer. If the PSA level is normal, you should see your doctor for another PSA test at age 50.

For men who are 50 and older, you should have an annual PSA test. Screenings are so important because there are not always signs of prostate cancer. A screening is the best way to detect prostate cancer early. Thankfully, most cases of prostate cancer are caught before they spread to other areas of the body. You are definitely on the right track to want to get screened and take better care of your health. You’ll want to make an appointment with a urologist for a screening if you have never had one before.

Fact or Fiction: There are no warning signs of bladder cancer other than a UTI.

A urinary tract infection (UTI) can definitely be a symptom. Of course, not everyone who has a UTI will be diagnosed with bladder cancer, but this is why it’s so important to seek treatment if you have a UTI because it can be a sign of something more.

For men, bladder cancer is the fourth most common form of cancer.However, it is less common in women. Nearly 90 percent of the people diagnosed with bladder cancer are over the age of 55. This type of cancer can spread to the kidneys, lungs, bones and brain if left untreated.

The bladder is a balloon-shaped organ that stores urine the kidneys have produced.Most bladder cancers originate in the bladder lining, and one of the most common symptoms is blood in the urine.It can appear as spotting on your toilet tissue or as bright red clots in the urine.

UTIs that keep reoccurring, as mentioned previously, could be a symptom of bladder cancer.Women are more prone than men to have UTIs. However, anyone making multiple trips to the doctor for treatment should recognize it as a potential sign of bladder cancer.

Painful urination or blood in the urine are common symptoms because the cancer tumors irritate the nerves in the bladder lining.It is not normal to experience discomfort when voiding or to have pain in the pelvic area that gets worse with time.

Symptoms of bladder cancer are similar to those of many other urinary problems, like urinary tract infections or kidney stones. So no, UTIs are not the only symptom of bladder cancer which is why it is important to share your concerns with a urologist or other health care provider for an accurate diagnosis.

Bladder leakage is not a problem you have to live with. In fact, did you know simple exercises can help with your bladder issues!

The pelvic floor acts like a hammock that supports the bladder, bowel and uterus. After childbirth or as you get older, the pelvic floor can weaken, and you may experience bladder leakage or incontinence. When it comes to your workout routine, exercises that strengthen your pelvic muscles probably aren’t on your list, but they should be! 

When the muscles located in pelvic floor contract, the organs are lifted and the opening to the urethra is tightened. (The urethra is the small tube that allows urine to exit your body.) As you train the muscles, the weakened pelvic floor becomes stronger. The result is reduced risk of incontinence, and it can also boost your core strength.

You’ve likely heard of ‘Kegels,’ which are the exercises that work by isolating and strengthening the pelvic floor muscles. You might benefit from Kegel exercises if you leak a few drops of urine when you sneeze or cough (stress incontinence) or have a strong, sudden urge to urinate with bladder leakage (urinary incontinence).

To get started you need to identify the pelvic floor muscles. The next time you go to pee, stop your urination in midstream. If you succeed, you’ve found the right muscles. Start by tightening your pelvic floor and hold the contraction for ten seconds and then relax for 10 seconds. You should repeat for 10 repetitions at least three times a day and be careful not to flex the abdomen. You can do these exercises discreetly anytime and anywhere. If you’re having trouble doing the exercises, don’t be embarrassed to ask for help. Our urologists at Arkansas Urology can help you learn to isolate and exercise the correct muscles. Contact us today!

‘Tis the season to overindulge and let our guard down when it comes to healthy choices during the holidays. We are mindful of the extra pounds that sneak on, but what about the increased risk of compromising our urinary system? With a few simple diet tips, we can enjoy the season and avoid bladder issues.

Moderation is the key when it comes to all the holiday foods and drinks. Limit the amount of sugary, acidic and rich foods because they can directly irritate the bladder. When these foods are eaten in higher than normal quantities, it puts a strain on all our body’s systems including the urinary tract. Incorporate plenty of fruits, vegetables and fiber. This will help prevent constipation, which can put additional pressure on the bladder.

Enjoy your glass of wine or cup of holiday cheer but remember that alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it causes the urgency and frequency of urination and that can create some uncomfortable bladder issues. Coffee and tea also act as diuretics plus they contain caffeine which can irritate the bladder. Drinking plenty of water is even more essential during the holidays. Consider switching between a glass of water and your holiday drink during the festivities. Then keep your water bottle handy during shopping trips and strive to drink eight cups everyday to stay hydrated.

And those extra pounds we mentioned, any weight gain can contribute to a decrease in bladder control. It’s the most wonderful time of year and by celebrating in moderation, you will be able to enjoy the holidays without (bladder) interruptions. 

Are you a smoker or do you know one?  Smoking can make one more at risk for lung cancer, and it can also increase the risk for prostate cancer. However, the truth to that claim is a little complicated.

Results are very mixed when it comes to smoking having a direct link to causing prostate cancer. Smoking affects certain hormone levels through exposure to carcinogens, which can affect your risk for prostate cancer.

While recent studies have not conclusively said that smoking will make you more likely to develop prostate cancer, research has found a link. Studies have shown that smokers who have prostate cancer have a much higher recurrence rate than nonsmokers. In one study, current smokers were 40 percent more likely to have tumors return after treatment compared to men who never smoked. They were also more than twice as likely for the cancer to spread from the prostate and 89 percent more likely to die from cancer. The good news is that patients who quit smoking 10 years previously were not significantly different from men who never smoked, which should be extra motivation for you to permanently kick the habit.

While smoking may not directly lead to the development of prostate cancer, it can make it more aggressive or more fatal. Smoking has so many other effects on your health; for any current smokers, there’s no better time to quit than now!

Did you know diabetes and urology are actually closely related to one another? Diabetics can be more at risk for urinary tract infections (UTIs) and other urinary functions such as overactive bladder. Most people with diabetes either have hyperactive or underactive muscles that push urine out of your body, so that sets up for bladder issues.

Diabetes is the most common cause of kidney failure too and is often referred to as diabetic kidney disease. The main things to keep an eye out for when it comes to your urological health are your bladder and kidneys. If there is not enough insulin in the bloodstream it has the potential to harm your kidneys. As a result, it can be difficult to sense when to use the restroom which when not emptied can allow for bacteria to grow.

Adopting healthy choices into your everyday life can help to improve and maintain your urological health. Eating a healthy diet, exercising and getting enough rest are all positive contributing factors and are a great place to begin on improving your health.

Remember, if you are experiencing any urological issues it is best to consult with your doctor to keep your blood sugar levels in range. Also, if you are experiencing sexual dysfunction in addition to bladder control concerns, be sure to tell your doctor. They can help diagnose and prescribe treatment plans specific to your needs.

Do you ever find yourself working long hours and skip your chance for a bathroom break? Do you often end up “holding it” for an extended time? This can cause damage to your bladder.

Remember when you were young and your parents would say “you can come back and play but you need to go to the bathroom?” We tend to forget this simple rule when it comes to emptying our bladders.

Your bladder can hold about two cups of urine. Even though your bladder can hold slightly more if needed, it’s a bad idea to push it beyond its capacity. Using the restroom when needed is a major health factor that most forget about.

Don’t ignore your body telling you to go. Holding your bladder for long periods of time can have adverse effects like UTIs or other issues. Bladders that aren’t emptied when needed can lead to renal failure due to electrolyte issues since metabolic waste leaves the body when urinating.

If you have an enlarged prostate, it can lead to retaining urine involuntarily. This may make it difficult to use the bathroom.

You should not make a habit of holding your urine all the time. Find a way to take short bathroom breaks. If you know that your work schedule is hectic, take advantage of down times even when you don’t feel the need to go. Or set reminders if you get busy and distracted for short breaks. For the sake of your health, don’t just hold it!

If you are experiencing bladder issues, we can help. Contact us to schedule an appointment with one of our expert doctors. 

Contrary to popular belief, erectile dysfunction is not a normal part of aging, and age doesn't factor in as much as you might think. However, there are a few things that you can do to prevent it.

There is not one single thing that causes erectile dysfunction, rather it can be a combination of many things. While this affects men of all ages, it is more common in older men. A few factors that contribute to this are:

• Stress, depression, anxiety
• Smoking, drugs, drinking
• Lack of exercise
• Diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol
• Nerve disorders
• Certain medications
  

Often, it is not one isolated issue, rather they are combined physical and physiological issues that affect the ability to get and sustain an erection. While erectile dysfunction can have a less than positive impact on your sex life, it can be treated.

There are several options that can help whether it’s lifestyle changes, medications or remedies. Working out, eating a healthier diet, reducing stress and finding someone to talk about anxiety or depression are all good things that can help prevent erectile dysfunction.

The good news is that you don’t have to live with ED. There are treatments available to help maintain your sex life. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from a trusted physician. Since erectile dysfunction can have several underlying causes, such as heart disease, it is best to consult with a doctor who can help.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers. Yet, it is also one of the most treatable types of cancer today. Because of that, there are ways you can educate yourself about the disease and learn how to cope with a possible diagnosis. Here are six facts about prostate cancer:

1. More than 200,000 men are diagnosed annually with prostate cancer, and an estimated 30,000 of these will die of the disease.

2. About one in nine men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, and about one in 41 will die of it. Prostate cancer is serious, but most men diagnosed do not die from it.

3. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among American men, second only to skin cancer, and is the second leading cause of cancer death in men, behind lung cancer.

4. Not all prostate cancers are alike. More than 90 percent are found when they are confined to the prostate gland, and while some spread early and require treatment, many others are slow-growing and are unlikely to cause serious problems during a man’s lifetime.

5. The prostate-specific antigen test (PSA) measures the level of a protein produced by the prostate that circulates in a man’s blood. When there is a problem with the prostate, PSA levels are higher. For example, men who have a common condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) may have elevated PSA levels (BPH is not cancer).

6. Changing your diet and exercise regimen can help to reduce your risk of prostate cancer. Try to avoid consuming alcohol, caffeine and sodium. Be sure to check with your doctor before making any major changes to your diet.

To learn more about the widely accepted treatments available at Arkansas Urology, visit our Prostate Cancer Center. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with prostate cancer or needs to schedule a screening, give us a call today. We can help you through this journey from diagnosis to treatment, call 1-877-321-8452.