Differentiating Kidney Stones from a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
It can be concerning to experience pain ‘down there’. Many questions of what could be causing the pain and discomfort run circles in your mind. Your first move might be calling your primary care doctor and declaring you have a UTI. Stop right there – the symptoms of UTIs and kidney stones can be similar, but treatment is very different. In this article, we will be discussing the similarities and differences between the two and when you should go see a doctor.
Staying Hydrated for Urologic Health
As summer rolls in and the temperatures rise, staying well hydrated is even more important. Beyond just quenching your thirst, staying hydrated and drinking water have overarching benefits for your entire body – including your urinary system.
Why In-office BPH Procedures Make Sense
Many men suffer from Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or enlarged prostate. It becomes more common as a man ages with approximately 50% of all men experiencing it by the age of 50 and 80% by the age of 80. And while the condition is not life-threatening and only in rare cases medically problematic, it can be very limiting. Those who suffer from BPH may have difficulty urinating or may experience urinary incontinence. They may limit activities because of the psychological impact that such problems have on one’s psyche. BPH can also cause frequent urination, especially at night and many patients report going to the bathroom up to a dozen times, which not only is terribly disruptive, but also causes fatigue and tiredness throughout the rest of the next day. Many patients visit their urologist in a panic believing that they may have prostate cancer and for the vast majority, this is not the case. It is worth remembering that early stages of prostate cancer do not present with urinary symptoms similar to BPH. However, this reassurance does not address the underlying cause of the enlargement and the resultant symptoms.
Does Peyronie’s Disease ever Resolve Itself?
To understand the progression of Peyronie’s disease, it is important to know exactly what it is. Peyronie’s disease is the buildup of scar tissue around the lining of the corpora cavernosa causing the abnormal curvature of the penis – most commonly, upwards. There are various causes of Peyronie’s, but regardless, the change is distressing for most and is a common cause of a visit to a specialized urologist.
When to See Your Urologist About Blood in Your Urine
Seeing blood in the urine can be startling and, in most cases, should be evaluated by a qualified and experienced urologist such as Dr. Engel. Blood in the urine, except after certain procedures, is not normal, and should not be ignored. However, you can rest assured that the majority of cases are not of significant concern. Some of the most common reasons for seeing blood in the urine include:
- Urinary Tract Infection or UTI
- Kidney Stones
- Kidney Disease
- Certain medications
- Strenuous exercise
- More rarely, kidney, bladder or prostate cancer
- History of pelvic radiation
- Post-prostatectomy and post-TURP
Is It BPH or Prostate Cancer?
Many men come to our office with lower urinary tract symptoms or LUTS and very concerned about the prospect of prostate cancer. While there is always a chance of prostate cancer, the likelihood of other prostate conditions is far higher. In fact, prostate cancer is most often asymptomatic except in the very worst stages of the disease. So, right off the bat, it is important to understand the “symptoms of prostate cancer” are, more likely than not, related to the common, non-cancerous condition known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or BPH.
The Lowdown on Herbal Remedies for BPH
BPH or enlarged prostate is a progressive problem. Patients do not wake up one day with severe lower urinary tract symptoms, rather they slowly get to a point where their urinary issues become bothersome and difficult to live with. As such, taking a stepwise approach toward the treatment of BPH is important.
There’s Nothing I Can Do to Prevent ED / Myths of ED
Many men come to our office deeply concerned about ED or erectile dysfunction – something we also call impotence. After all, a man’s erectile function is often psychologically linked to their virility and is physically critical to their sexual enjoyment. This is especially true if the man is dating and meeting new people.
Unfortunately, too many men believe that erectile dysfunction is simply a natural part of aging and there’s not much they can do to prevent it or slow its progression. That is simply not true. We are told that there are a host of non-modifiable factors that will lead to ED and while some of them may hold water, many can be addressed without the need for medication or further treatment. At very least, a man’s sexual function may improve with lifestyle changes.
Keeping Your Kidneys in Top Shape
We each have two kidneys, located by midway up the back. And while the kidneys can certainly take a beating, it is important to keep them healthy. In fact, it is estimated that upwards of a third of Americans may be at risk for kidney disease.
You could consider the kidneys as the water purifier of our bodies. We rely on our kidneys to filter out the bad stuff we consume and expel it as urine. Making sure that this bad stuff is removed from our bodies quickly and efficiently allows us to get through our days in better health and at our highest physical capacity.
Elevated PSA – Not All That It Seems
When introduced in the 80s, Prostate Specific Antigen or PSA measurement was a revolutionary advancement in the detection and treatment of prostate cancer. Without it, prostate cancer detection would be an even more significant concern and we would certainly miss more cases.
