A urologist is a specialist your primary care physician will likely refer you to if you are experiencing problems in your genitourinary tract: your kidneys, renal pelvis, ureters, bladder, urethra, and penis. A urologist is also your go-to when you decide you no longer want to have any more children, and you need an effective form of male contraception.
A urologist has advanced training and skills to perform a vast variety of procedures for diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive purposes. Below is an outline of a few of the procedures that urologists commonly perform in the office.
Vasectomy
This minimally invasive procedure is a popular form of male birth control, with approximately 500,000 American men receiving it each year. The procedure involves blocking or cutting the vas deferens, aimed at preventing sperm from being released during ejaculation.
There are urologists like Dr. Avila here at Ironwood Urology who are trained in the no-scalpel, no-suture technique. The service takes about 30 minutes and uses local anesthesia.
Digital Rectal Exam
A digital rectal exam (DRE) is a test in which your urologist will insert their gloved, lubricated finger into your rectum to examine your lower rectum, pelvis, and lower abdomen for signs of prostate enlargement (benign prostatic hypertrophy) or cancer (abnormal mass).
Prostate Cancer Screening
Urologists routinely perform biopsies and ultrasounds in the office, including MRI fusion-guided prostate biopsies, which can effectively detect prostate cancer. This technology combines the images from a 3D ultrasound and 3D MRI, thereby allowing urologists to find tumors and do a targeted biopsy within the same setting.
Erectile Dysfunction Treatment
Urologists offer a number of options to reverse erectile dysfunction (a man’s inability to achieve and maintain a viable erection).
Since ED has many potential causes, your urologist will perform a thorough assessment before devising a treatment plan. Assessment may include penile Doppler studies, to examine your blood flow and pinpoint the underlying condition.
In-office treatment modalities include administering medications testosterone injections to counter low testosterone levels (Low-T) and training on how to use vacuum constriction devices (VCD).
Peyronie’s Disease Treatment
Peyronie’s disease (PD) is a benign condition that develops when there is a buildup of scar tissue within the penile shaft.
There are a number of in-office procedures urologists perform to treat Peyronie’s disease. These include Xiaflex injections, vacuum pump therapy, and penile traction therapy.
Urological Health Care in Phoenix and Gilbert, AZ
At Ironwood Urology, Dr. Desiderio Avila, Jr.— our board-certified urologist specializing in men’s health— offers an extensive range of in-office urology procedures, living up to his commitment to providing the residents of Gilbert, Phoenix, and their neighboring areas with comprehensive care.
To set up an appointment with Dr. Avila, call our location near you: (480) 664-0261 (our Gilbert office), or (480) 961-2323 (our Phoenix office). Alternatively, you may use this appointment request form.
