It may be tempting to ignore problems related to men’s health or the urinary tract and hope they’ll go away on their own. The reality, is there is nothing embarrassing about talking to a professional about them, and health conditions rarely go away without treatment and/or lifestyle changes. Early detection is crucial when it comes to treating health issues. Urologic surgeons treat kidney and urinary problems, as well as men’s health issues.
Let’s take a closer look at why people visit urological surgeons.
Erectile Dysfunction
Having occasional trouble with erections usually isn’t a cause for concern. However, frequent episodes can cause psychological stress or indicate an underlying health issue, such as heart disease or diabetes. While it might be difficult to talk about erectile dysfunction, consulting with a urologic surgeon can help get to the root of the problem and lay out options to resolve it.
Among the possible treatments for erectile dysfunction that a urologic surgeon can perform is a penile implant. It involves surgically placing an implant made up of either inflatable or malleable rods into both sides of the penis. An inflatable device allows you to control when and how long you have an erection, while malleable rods keep your penis firm but bendable.
You might think erectile dysfunction is embarrassing, know that it’s a valid health concern affecting millions of men. Consult a urological surgeon if you struggle with erections, or premature or delayed ejaculation. In regards to sexual health, urological surgeons can offer many services, including vasectomy, vasectomy reversal, and male infertility treatments.
Testicular Pain or Changes
Most men probably don’t examine their testicles regularly, but it usually isn’t needed to realize that something isn’t right. If you feel pain or an odd feeling, don’t wait until it becomes unbearable before getting medical attention. Noticing a change in the way your penis or testicles feel is actually an urgent reason to see a urological surgeon, because it could be a symptom of penile cancer or testicular cancer.
Enlarged Prostate
An enlarged prostate could block the normal flow of urine. It might also be indicative of prostate cancer, which is highly treatable if caught early. Other symptoms of prostate cancer include pain in the lower back, pelvis, and thighs, as well as frequent urination. Aside from lifestyle changes or medications, you might also choose to undergo surgery to treat it.
Unexpected Leakage
Having a leaky bladder can be embarrassing, but many people suffer from stress incontinence, which leads to random leakage when coughing, laughing, sneezing, or exercising. It’s most common in women due to the unique demands their pelvic floor muscles must bear. If you have this problem, a urological surgeon can help with exercises or surgical methods.
Undescended Testicle
An undescended testicle is a testicle that hasn’t moved into its proper position. Usually, only one testicle is affected, but in some cases, both testicles might be undescended. It’s quite common among premature babies, but if it still hasn’t corrected itself within 4 months, surgery could diagnose and treat the problem.
Treating an undescended testicle while still a baby potentially lowers the risk of complications later in life, such as infertility and testicular cancer. A urological surgeon can perform either of the following procedures:
- Open surgery. The groin or abdomen is explored through a larger cut.
- Laparoscopy. A tiny tube with a visual recorder is inserted through a small incision in the abdomen to locate an intra-abdominal testicle. Additional surgery might be required to fix the issue. In some cases, laparoscopy might also show there is no testicle or a small piece of non-functioning testicular tissue that must be removed.
Urological Surgeon In Phoenix & Gilbert, AZ
If you need care for urinary or men’s health issues, a urological surgeon is more than qualified to help you. They’re capable of making clear and proper diagnoses that will point the way to the appropriate treatment. Some people might feel embarrassed, but that temporary embarrassment will be nothing compared to the long-lasting relief and comfort that comes from being successfully treated.
If you would like to consult with a skilled and reliable urological surgeon to ensure your health, choose Ironwood Urology. Our compassionate and experienced urologist, Dr. Desi Avila, offers comprehensive urology care, including the latest advancement in male sterilization surgery.
Call us today at (480) 961-2323 to find out more about our comprehensive urology services or request an appointment online.