You may already know Phoenix urologist Dr. Desiderio Avila, Jr. as a well-known physician in the area of reproductive and sexual health for men. However, you must know that his urology services are not limited to only men, but he is also well-versed in treating urological problems or conditions affecting women.
If you’re a woman and planning to visit the best urologist in Phoenix for your urinary problem, you might want to know the common conditions in women Dr. Avila treat. Let’s discuss the common conditions.
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
As its name implies, UTI is an infection in any part of the urinary tract, such as the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Women are at greater risk of developing UTIs due to their anatomy, i.e., women have a shorter urethra than men, making it easier for bacteria to travel and reach the bladder. Additionally, a decline in estrogen after menopause also increases the risk of developing UTIs in women.
Usually, Phoenix urologist uses oral antibiotics as a first-line treatment for UTIs. The choice of antibiotics and duration of their therapy depends on the type of bacteria found in the urine. If you’ve got an uncomplicated UTI, your course of treatment will be short, limiting to oral antibiotics. However, antibiotics are injected directly into your bloodstream for a severe infection.
Pain medications may also be prescribed to relieve the burning sensation while urinating.
Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence is the loss of bladder control, which is much more common in women compared to men. Many physiological problems or changes, such as pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause, can lead to bladder control issues in women.
Pregnancy results in short-term urinary incontinence, which often gets better after delivery. Childbirth weakens the pelvic floor muscles, and women experience leakage issues post-partum.
Phoenix urologist can treat urinary incontinence with both surgical and nonsurgical treatment methods. Nonsurgical treatment involves the use of alpha-blockers, anticholinergic drugs, estrogen, Botox injections, urethral insertion, and electrical stimulation, among others. In contrast, surgical treatments include sling operation (sling is used to keep the urethra closed and prevent leakage), placement of an artificial sphincter, and suspension of the bladder neck (an area where the bladder connects to the urethra).
Kidney Stones
These are hard deposits made of salts and minerals that form inside your kidneys. These often result when your urine becomes concentrated and cause minerals in the urine to crystalize and stick together. Kidney stones may be calcium, uric acid, cystine, or struvite stones.
Phoenix urologist uses nonsurgical methods to pass small stones. Typically, your urologist Dr. Avila recommends drinking plenty of fluids, taking pain relievers as well as ingesting medications, such as alpha-blockers, that help pass your kidney stone.
For kidney stones that are too large to pass on their own, Dr. Avila uses sound waves to break the stones or performs surgery to remove large stones.
Bladder Cancer
This condition is characterized by uncontrolled and abnormal growth of the cells of an organ, i.e., the bladder. Even though men are likely to develop bladder cancer, women may also develop it.
Chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or radiation therapy are the common treatment measures for bladder cancer.
Best Urologist in Phoenix, AZ
If you are suffering from a urinary tract condition and seek care, don’t hesitate to contact the best urologist in Phoenix, Arizona. Our board-certified urologist Dr. Desiderio Avila has years of experience in providing comprehensive, evidence-based, and customized care for women’s urological problems. His sharp clinical acumen and skills help him offer unmatchable outcomes for women’s urinary tract problems.
To know more, call us today at (480) 961-2323, or fill out this convenient and secure appointment form.