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Urinary incontinence affects twice as many women than men and is very common. It’s embarrassing but you might be surprised to know the number of women and probably your friends who struggle with the same thing. The good news is there are several solutions including bladder training. Bladder training can help manage the symptoms of urinary incontinence and overactive bladder. Many people are embarrassed to talk about urinary incontinence, even with a urologist, but it’s nothing to be ashamed of. With some help from your doctor, you can experience the noticeable differences that bladder training can make in your day-to-day life.

Bladder training can control wetting accidents, frequency (the need to urinate often) and urgency (the uncontrollable, sudden need to urinate) to a degree by helping you change your urination habits. When you begin, your doctor will likely ask you to keep a record of certain information, such as how often you need to urinate each day and night. That, along with other information, will help your doctor develop a bladder training program unique to you.

Some helpful, common bladder training techniques are listed below:

• Scheduled Restroom Visits: Some people find it helpful to control urination by scheduling their trips to the restroom. This works by planning to go to the restroom and urinate at set times, regardless of whether or not you feel the need to go. Over time, you can increase the amount of time in between bathroom breaks until you find a schedule that comfortably works for you.
• Kegel Exercises: These exercises are designed to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, which will allow you to stop the flow of urine more easily. This is especially helpful for women.
• Delayed Urination: When you feel the sudden urge to urinate, try to hold your urine for another five to ten minutes. You can gradually increase the amount of time that you hold your urine until you can hold it for a few hours in between trips to the bathroom.

Some lifestyle changes can also help you keep incontinence and OAB under control, such as limiting caffeinated beverages and alcohol, and not drinking anything a few hours before bedtime.

Remember that your doctor will be able to help you find the right mixture of bladder training techniques for your unique situation. And as May is Women’s Health Month, now is the time to take charge of your health and bladder. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your urologist and take back your quality of life!

At Arkansas Urology, we’re here for you. Do you have questions? We have answers! Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our professionals, or book an appointment online in minutes.

Most men are advised to be screened annually or every other year for prostate cancer depending on their age and family history. Screening may consist of a blood test which measures prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and digital rectal exam (DRE). At Arkansas Urology, we are closely following the CDC guidelines and performing only performing urgent and emergent cases as approved by the Arkansas Dept. of Health. These cases may include kidney stones or situations where somebody is unable to urinate or cases in which an increased risk of prostate cancer is time-sensitive. Due to the COVID-19, we are not doing all prostate cancer biopsies right now, but definitely those who are at high risk. To avoid a potential risk of Infection, we are utilizing the transperineal prostate biopsy rather than the standard transrectal biopsies.

When somebody is at high risk of cancer, there may be a need to do a biopsy procedure to find out if the patient has cancer or not. If the patient has a confirmed elevated or rising PSA or an abnormal DRE, the next step is often to proceed with a transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy. However, due to the risks right now being associated with the coronavirus, we have started doing transperineal biopsies, which goes through the skin directly into the prostate gland, which decreases the risk for infection dramatically. The last thing we want to do is cause an infection and a patient end up in a local ER.

In a transperineal biopsy, the urologist passes the biopsy needle through the perineal skin and into the prostate, rather than passing the biopsy needle through the potentially contaminated rectum which may pose a higher risk of infection. The biopsy needle is still guided by an ultrasound placed in the rectum. Transperineal biopsy is appropriate for all patients, but may specifically benefit patients with the following conditions:

• History of infection after a previous transrectal biopsy
• History of prostatitis
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Rectal bleeding complications after previous biopsy
• Previous negative transrectal biopsy with suspicion of anterior prostate tumor

The main benefit is safety, due to the lower risk of severe life-threatening infection. Also, with a transperineal approach it is much easier to access the anterior prostate, which is not well sampled with transrectal biopsy.

After COVID-19 subsides, we will all be stronger because of what we have gone through as a state, nation and world. In healthcare, I do think a silver lining in all of this will be how many physicians are learning new procedures like this one and being taught new ways to practice medicine like telehealth. I think we will do more transperineal biopsies in the future. While most biopsies will continue to be transrectal, certain patients will be better suited for a transperineal approach.

Many patients who have prostate cancer, may be referred to the Arkansas Prostate Cancer Center, which offers radiation therapy for the treatment of prostate cancer. Patients with prostate cancer also have several treatment options, including: surgery, external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), prostate brachytherapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, cryosurgery and watchful waiting.

Telemedicine Services at Arkansas Urology

Q: How is Arkansas Urology making clinical adjustments during this time of COVID-19 while still seeing patients?

A: During this state of national emergency, Arkansas Urology is proud to offer telehealth services to our patients. This means that in many cases, you now have the option to meet with your doctor through your smartphone or computer.

Q: Why is this a better option than seeing a doctor or APN in a clinic?

A: Your safety is our top priority, and we want to make sure that you stay as healthy and comfortable as possible. Thanks to telemedicine, you can also save time, money and energy without missing your appointment or having to leave your home. This is especially helpful for follow-up appointments. Arkansas Urology wants to ensure that some urgent and emergent care is diverted to our clinic and surgery center to avoid potential overloading of the hospital emergency rooms.

Q: In terms of technology, how does this work?

A: You can still keep your appointment and see your physician or provider from home via secure and interactive video equipment. All you need is a computer, iPad or smartphone with audio and video capabilities. All sessions are secure, encrypted and follow the same privacy guidelines as traditional, in-person medical appointments. They’re confidential and you never have to worry about them being recorded.

Q: Will my insurance provider cover the cost of a telemedicine visit?

A: In many cases, yes. The federal government has relaxed many regulations and so have many commercial insurance plans. We will verify for you when you set up your appointment.

Q: What are physicians still seeing patients in-person for vs. telemedicine?

A: Physicians are still seeing patients for those who have pre-existing conditions and treating urgent/ emergent situations that are life threating. In addition, we are still seeing patients in the clinic for circumstances that do not allow for telemedicine. If you do come to our clinic, we are screening all patients and our staff to ensure the safety and wellbeing of everyone.

Q: How do I schedule a telemedicine appointment? How should I prepare?

A: You can schedule telemedicine appointments the same way you would a traditional appointment — online or by phone. After your appointment is scheduled, you will receive a confirmation email with further instructions. If you are unsure that your appointment would meet telemedicine requirements, you can request it and our staff members will review and let you know well in advance of the appointment. On the day of your appointment, make sure that the room you’re in is well-lit, and it’s easy for your doctor to view, observe and speak to you. If you have any questions about telemedicine or what you need for your appointment, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

At Arkansas Urology, we’re here for you. Our patients’ health has been and will always be our top priority!

Tim Langford, M.D.

Arkansas Urology

1300 Centerview Dr.

Little Rock, AR 72211

Toll Free - 800-255-1762

Local 501-219-8900

www.arkansasurology.com

Enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a fairly common urological condition among men. In fact, enlarged prostate symptoms occur in more than half of all men between the ages of 51 and 60, and it’s even more common in men over 70. Risk factors include aging, conditions such as diabetes, and family history. 

The good news is prostate enlargement isn’t cancer and doesn’t appear to lead to cancer. However, as your prostate grows, it can squeeze down on your urethra. You may experience uncomfortable symptoms such as:

• Frequent urination
• Urinary incontinence
• Weak or slow urine flow
• Feeling that your bladder isn’t empty
• Painful or difficult urination
• Increased nighttime bathroom visits disrupting sleep

BPH can be diagnosed with the UroCuff Test, a noninvasive procedure used to evaluate urine flow, bladder function and voiding pressure. It’s simple and a comfortable option for most patients, and helps physicians empirically evaluate bladder functioning over time. Other tests that may be offered include a prostate-specific antigen test, digital rectal exam, urinalysis, ultrasound or blood creatinine test.

When it comes to an enlarged prostate, treatment options include medication, UroLift, laser treatment and surgery. Your urologist will be able to explain these options in detail and suggest the best method of treatment for your unique situation. The good news is surgical treatment is typically a last resort reserved for rare cases. Most of the time, less invasive treatments will be able to relieve your symptoms and restore your quality of life.

At Arkansas Urology, we’re here for you. Do you suffer from enlarged prostate and have questions? Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our professionals to discuss your options, or book an appointment online in minutes.

When it comes to birth control, you have a variety of options. Vasectomy is one of the most effective forms of birth control though, and it also comes with a very low risk of side effects. In fact, a vasectomy is over 99% effective!

The procedure is simple and only takes around 30 minutes to complete. Many men worry about the pain that may be involved with a vasectomy, but the pain is minimal and the procedure only requires one to two small incisions in the scrotum. On the other hand, tubal ligation requires general anesthesia and is much more invasive. Vasectomy is simply a safer procedure that comes with fewer complications.

A vasectomy has rare complications. After about a week you can have sex, but keep in mind it takes eight to 10 weeks and 12 to 20 ejaculations after your procedure to become sterile. Be safe and continue using birth control until you have taken a semen test.

Another thing to consider is the price. A vasectomy is cheaper than tubal ligation because it can be performed under local anesthesia in an office rather than under general anesthesia in a hospital or surgical center. A vasectomy also has the added advantage of post procedure testing to insure success, which tubal ligations do not. Also, other forms of birth control such as IUDs and pills are ongoing expenses that’ll affect you for years to come.

A vasectomy can also be the perfect excuse for you to take a few days off work and relax on the couch. Many men time the procedure before the college basketball tournament or other prime television watching times. Maybe something you want to consider as you think about the next steps!

The important thing to remember is that the procedure is quick and effective with little pain.

At Arkansas Urology, we’re here for you. Are you considering a vasectomy and have questions? Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our professionals to discuss your options, or book an appointment online in minutes.

Routine urological checkups are incredibly important for men, especially once you hit 50 years of age. At Arkansas Urology, we recommend a 10-point checkup to get you on the right track to better health in 2020! Your checkup should cover:

1. PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) - This test measures the level of a protein produced by the prostate that circulates in the blood. Elevated PSA levels can be seen with prostate inflammation, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or cancer.

On behalf of all doctors and staff, thanks for making this such an exciting time of growth for Arkansas Urology! 2019 was absolutely phenomenal, and we couldn’t have done it without you. As we embark on adding our 14th location in Arkansas in the new year, we would like to convey our sincere appreciation to each and every one of you. We want to assure our new and existing patients that we are working hard to be the gold standard in patient care.

As the premier urology group in Arkansas, our new year’s resolution to YOU will be that Arkansas Urology will strive to be more efficient, effective and accessible for the people who matter to us the most. We apologize that we’ve experienced a few growing pains lately due to our high patient volume and fast pace growth. As part of the AU Gold Standards, we will always strive to walk in the patients’ shoes , wow our patients, and most importantly, be relentless about making improvements.

As the patient, YOU are always our number one priority. In the new year, we look forward to working hard to earn your honor, respect and satisfaction for all of your urological healthcare needs. In 2020, we are also expanding our men’s health services. Learn more about that here.

With our growing practice, it’s more important that you know all the ways you can get in touch with us -

1.) Online: Whether you’re in the comfort of your home or on your lunch break, you can schedule your next appointment online with the click of a button! Whether you’re experiencing new symptoms, having trouble with overactive bladder, need a prostate exam or think you may be suffering from kidney stones, simply visit our website and book your appointment in minutes. You can learn more about all the conditions we see and the treatments we offer on our website to answer questions even before your appointment. To get started, find your location and view appointment availability near you.

2.) Patient Portal: If you haven’t checked out Arkansas Urology’s Patient Portal, now is the perfect time to do so! You can also review and update your information, view and pay your bills online, communicate with your physician directly and more in a confidential setting. You can also see your latest test results at your convenience at any time.

3.) By Phone: As always, you can give us a call with any concerns, appointments needs or special requests. As our call volume is often high, we appreciate your patience as we take care of all of our patients.

In closing, we thank YOU for choosing Arkansas Urology. Here’s to a happy and healthy 2020!

We all know that drinking water is important, but are there alternative drinks that will help you stay hydrated? Dr. Adam Childs in our Bentonville clinic gives advice on how to stay hydrated and which drinks to stay away from and which ones are good alternatives to water. Watch this to learn more. 

While some flu symptoms can be similar to symptoms of a bladder infection — such as a urinary tract infection or a kidney infection — the flu will not lead to one. While it is possible to experience bladder infections while you have the flu, influenza doesn’t cause them to develop.

Bladder infections occur when bacteria make their way into the urethra and bladder. Women often suffer from bladder infections more often than men, and a variety of things can cause one to develop. These include having sexual intercourse, not urinating after intercourse, wiping from back to front after using the restroom, inserting a tampon and having diabetes.

Symptoms of a bladder infection can include:

• Burning sensation while urinating
• Cloudy or blood-tinged urine
• Pain in your pelvic area or abdomen
• Fever and chills
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Frequent urination

While some of these symptoms are similar to symptoms of the flu, they are very different conditions with different causes. The flu is caused by influenza viruses that infect your throat, nose and lungs. These viruses are spread when an infected person sneezes or coughs, sending droplets into the air that people nearby can breathe in. The flu can also be spread on surfaces such as tables and doorknobs for up to 48 hours.

Bladder infections are usually caused by bacteria, while conditions such as the flu are caused by viruses. So while it may feel like the flu is leading to a bladder infection, that isn’t the case. If you feel like you may be suffering from a bladder infection alongside the flu, you should schedule an appointment with your urologist.

At Arkansas Urology, we’re here for you. If you have questions about bladder infections or bladder health, don’t hesitate to reach out for more information. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our professionals to discuss treatment options, or book an appointment online in minutes.