Prostate Cancer: Early Detection and Screening

Prostate cancer screening means conducting tests to find the cancer in people with no symptoms. Screening helps in early detection of the cancer when it is still easier to treat. To detect prostate cancer before symptoms appear, urologists recommend either measuring the amount of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in blood or doing a digital rectal exam (DRE), when the urologist inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum. If the results of a PSA or DRE are abnormal, the urologist will request further tests. Finding prostate cancer via a PSA or DRE screening means the disease is probably still at an early stage and will respond well to treatment.

PSA Screening

Prostate Cancer: Early Detection and ScreeningThe prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test measures the amount of the protein (PSA) released in blood by prostate cells. Even though both normal and cancerous (abnormal) prostate cells produce the protein, higher blood levels of PSA indicate the possibility of cancer. The PSA test is one of the best indicators of prostate cancer and is recommended by urologists because it is widely available, relatively inexpensive and is a low-risk blood test for patients.

Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)

To perform a digital rectal exam, the urologist inserts a gloved and lubricated finger into the rectum in order to feel the state of the prostate gland. Since prostate cancer often begins in the back of the prostate, DRE helps to assess the texture of this area and checks for hard areas and bumps (nodules) which might indicate cancer. DRE is also effective in detecting whether the cancer has spread to nearby tissues or has reoccurred after treatment.

Confirming Prostate Cancer

After a digital rectal exam (DRE) or PSA blood test, the urologist may request a biopsy to confirm the cancer. But before the doctor can decide whether biopsy is necessary, a number of supplementary tests and considerations must be made, including family history, ethnicity, prior biopsy findings and different forms of PSA. A biopsy means the doctor takes out a small portion of the prostate tissue to be examined under a microscope for cancerous cells. Since cancerous cells appear different from normal prostate cells, a close exam of biopsy cells will help to confirm the cancer.

When to Start Screening

The age of beginning or stopping prostate cancer screening depends on individual risk. Men with a higher risk of having prostate cancer should start screening at age 40. This includes African American men and all men with first and second degree relatives with a history of prostate cancer. Men with average risk should start screening at 50, but only after discussing it with their doctors to reduce the rate of unnecessary biopsies. Men age 75 and older or those with limited life expectancy (less than 10 years) should be discouraged from early detection testing for prostate cancer because they may not benefit much from screening. Nevertheless, a decision to go for prostate cancer screening must be made with the help of a urologist or GP and should depend on a man’s lifestyle, family history, overall health and life expectancy. For more information on screening, diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer, visit the site, Advanced Urology Institute.

2 Kinds of Incontinence

Urinary incontinence (UI) is the involuntary loss or leakage of urine because of faulty bladder control. Due to pregnancy, structure of the female urinary tract and menopause, women experience urinary incontinence twice as often as men. And according to various studies, 25-45 percent of women in the United States experience some degree of urinary incontinence. In women between 20 and 39 years old, 7-37 percent report some degree of incontinence, while 9-39 percent of women older than 60 report daily incontinence.

Two types of incontinence

Urinary incontinence may result from functional abnormalities in the lower urinary tract or may be caused by other illnesses. There are two types of incontinence, stress incontinence and urge incontinence. Stress urinary incontinence is the involuntary urine leakage from effort, exertion, sneezing or coughing. Stress incontinence occurs because of weakened pelvic floor muscles. It is the most common type of urinary incontinence in young women and the second most common one in older women. This type of incontinence will lead to urine leaks when performing any activity that increases strain on the weakened pelvic floor muscles, such as walking, jumping, exercise, bending, stretching, sneezing, coughing, lifting, and even sex. The amount of leaked urine varies from a few drops up to a tablespoon or more, depending on the severity of the condition.

Urge urinary incontinence is the involuntary urine leakage that is accompanied or immediately preceded by urgency (an abrupt or sudden compelling desire to pass urine that is very difficult to defer). Urge incontinence occurs because of overactivity of the detrusor muscle, with its hallmark being a sudden, overwhelming urge to pass urine, accompanied by leakage or loss of urine. Nighttime urination and frequent urination often occur with urge incontinence. For some women with urge incontinence, even changing a sitting position or hearing running water can trigger bladder contractions and result in urine loss. While urge incontinence may occur in anyone of any age, it is common among older women. Actually, just 9 percent of women ages 40-44 suffer from urge incontinence while at least 31 percent of women 75 and older have the condition.

Seek immediate help

Involuntary leakage of urine is more than a health concern. It affects women on a psychological, social and emotional level. Women with urinary incontinence may avoid certain situations or places for fear of having a leakage accident. In fact, for a significant number of women, the incontinence may be so serious that it calls for changing clothes and avoiding certain tasks and exercises. Some women also may experience mixed incontinence, a condition where urge incontinence and stress incontinence occur at the same time. Therefore, it is important for women experiencing urine leakage of any kind to seek help from a urologist to determine whether they are suffering from urge incontinence, stress incontinence, mixed incontinence or another issue.

At Advanced Urology Institute, we understand that there are a significant number of women living with a lot worse problems than they should. We provide top-notch facilities and experienced board-certified urologists to help such women. For more information, visit the site, Advanced Urology Institute.

What is Prostate and Prostate Cancer?

The prostate gland is a chestnut-shaped male reproductive organ located below the urinary bladder and surrounding the upper portion of the urethra, the duct that allows passage of semen and urine. It is a conglomerate of secretory ducts that emit fluids into the urethra and ejaculatory ducts. The prostate produces a thick, white fluid which mixes with sperm from the testicles to create semen, contributing 15-30 percent of the semen secreted by a man. The gland also produces a protein known as prostate-specific antigen (PSA), which turns semen into liquid. While the prostate matures into a small, walnut-sized gland at puberty, usually between 10-14 years old, it will still grow slowly with age. However, prostate enlargement after age 50 may lead to urinary problems, often occurring as a result of inflammation or malignancy.

Prostate Cancer: What is it?

Prostate cancer is a disease that occurs when changes in prostate cells make them grow uncontrollably or abnormally. The abnormal or cancerous cells then may continue to multiply non-stop and even spread outside the prostate into nearby or distant areas of the body. Prostate cancer is rare before age 50, but is common among older men and is the second most frequent cause of all cancer-related deaths in American men. The disease is typically slow growing, often showing no symptoms until it reaches advanced stage. Hence, most men with the cancer will never know it and will just die of other causes. Nevertheless, when prostate cancer starts to grow and spread quickly, it can be very lethal and requires prompt treatment.

Causes of Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer occurs mainly in older men, with more than 80 percent of cases seen in men older than 65 and less than 1 percent observed in men younger than 50. Men who eat lots of high-fat diets such as red meat have a higher risk of getting the disease. Studies have shown that the disease is more common among men who consume meat and dairy products regularly than in those who eat vegetables, rice and soybean products. Fats increase the amount of testosterone in the body and in turn speed up the growth and spread of prostate cancer. Men from families with a history of the cancer are at a higher risk, as are welders, rubber workers, battery manufacturers and men frequently exposed to metal cadmium. Failure to exercise regularly also may make the cancer more likely.

Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer tends to show no symptoms in the early stages, but will show some symptoms in the later stages. Common symptoms include sudden or frequent urge to urinate, trouble starting a urine stream or knowing when to urinate, pain or discomfort when urinating, blood in urine or semen, and pain in the upper thighs, lower back or hips. While these symptoms may not necessarily mean you have prostate cancer, you should see a urologist or GP when you have any of them.

Diagnosis and Treatment

When you visit a urologist, a medical history and physical examination will be performed followed by a digital rectal exam (DRE) and PSA test. If the doctor detects that you are at risk of prostate cancer, a biopsy will be requested to confirm it. There are several treatment options for prostate cancer including active surveillance (watchful waiting), surgery, radiation therapy, cryotherapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy and bone-directed treatment. Remember that early diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer improves your chances of survival. For more information on treatment of prostate diseases, visit the site, Advanced Urology Institute.

Most Common Forms of Prostate Diseases

Located just beneath the bladder and in front of the rectum, the prostate is a tiny gland in men that helps to make semen. It is a walnut-sized gland in young men which is wrapped around the tube carrying urine away from the bladder. The prostate grows larger with age, but when it becomes too large medical problems may arise. For men older than 50, the risk of having prostate related problems is quite high.

The most common prostate diseases are:

  • Prostatitis: Inflammation of the prostate, often caused by bacteria.
  • Enlarged prostate (BPH): Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a frequent problem in older men and is characterized by the frequent urge to urinate (especially at night) and dribbling after urination.
  • Prostate cancer: A common cancer in men which responds well to early treatment.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

This is the most common prostate disease found in men older than 50. BPH occurs when the prostate gland has enlarged to the extent of squeezing the urethra and obstructing the flow of urine from the bladder. Benign prostatic enlargement only means the prostate has enlarged, but there is no cancer. It is treated using active surveillance or watchful waiting when symptoms are not severe, but medications or surgery may be needed in severe cases. Other treatments such as microwaves, radio waves and lasers also may be used.

Prostatitis

Inflammation of the prostate (prostatitis) is frequent in men older than 50. There are three forms of prostatitis: acute bacterial prostatitis, chronic bacterial prostatitis and chronic prostatitis. Acute bacterial prostatitis has sudden onset after a bacterial infection and is characterized by chills, fever and pain in addition to other prostate symptoms. A combination of antibiotics and pain medication may relieve the problem.

Chronic bacterial prostatitis is a recurrent bacterial infection of the prostate. It can be relieved by taking certain medications for a long time, but you contact your doctor immediately when symptoms occur. Chronic prostatitis (also known as chronic pelvic pain syndrome) is a common problem which causes pain in the groin, lower back and tip of the penis. It may be treated by a combination of medication, surgery and lifestyle changes.

Prostate cancer

It is the most frequent cancer diagnosed in American men, affecting almost 50 percent of men older than 70. An estimated 200,000 men are diagnosed with the cancer in the U.S. every year, but many men can live with it without problems as it causes few symptoms unless it has spread to other areas of the body. The risk of getting prostate cancer depends on age (men older than 50 are at higher risk), race (African-American men are at higher risk than Native-American), family history (you are at higher risk if your father or brother had it) and diet (more common in men who eat high-fat diets). It is highly curable when detected early. Prostate cancer is diagnosed using a digital rectal exam or prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. Treatment options include watchful waiting, surgery, radiation therapy and hormone therapy.

Symptoms of prostate disease

You should visit your doctor if you have any of these symptoms:

  • Frequent urge to urinate
  • Painful or burning urination
  • Need to urinate several times at night
  • Painful ejaculation
  • Dribbling of urine
  • Blood in urine/semen
  • Frequent stiffness or pain in lower back, pelvic area, hips, upper thighs or rectal area

At Advanced Urology Institute, we have experienced physicians and state-of-the-art facilities for diagnosis and treatment of prostate diseases. If you have any of the symptoms above, visit us for help. For more information, visit the site Advanced Urology Institute.

Becoming a Urologist – Dr. David E. Burday

Individuals who have a strong interest in caring for patients suffering from urological problems and conditions can find a good career as a urologist.

“A urologist is a physician specialized in diagnosing, treating and monitoring disorders of the urinary tract and reproductive organs, such as the ureters, kidneys, bladder, urethra and prostate,” says Dr. David E. Burday, MD, a board-certified urologist at Advanced Urology Institute.

“Urologists treat men and women for injuries and disorders of the urinary tract, pelvic floor muscle problems in women and male reproductive system disorders, but do not focus on female reproductive issues as those are handled by gynecologists,” he adds.

Urologist Education

“The path to becoming a urologist is quite long,” says Dr. Burday. “You must have a four-year college degree and pass medical college admission tests before you are admitted into medical school. Then there are four years of training in subjects such as embryology, genetics, neuroscience, biochemistry and medical ethics followed by clinical rotations before you graduate from medical school.”

The next step is attending a urology residency, says Dr. Burday. “As a urology resident, you spend a minimum of five years in training, which may be divided into a two-year general surgery residency and a three-year urology residency.”

He adds, “You may spend another one or two years in a post-residency fellowship if you want to pursue a urology subspecialty like pediatric urology or urological oncology. But you must pass an exam after completing the requisite education and training requirements before you can become a board-certified urologist.”

Conditions Treated by Urologists

Urologists diagnose, treat and monitor a broad variety of medical problems, including recurrent urinary tract infections, interstitial cystitis, enlarged prostate, kidney stones, urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, prostatitis, erectile dysfunction, male and female infertility, and cancers of the urinary tract, such as prostate, testicular, kidney, penile and bladder cancers. They also handle pediatric problems such as undescended testicles and enuresis (bedwetting).

“As a urologist, you diagnose and treat many medical conditions,” says Dr. Burday. “We resolve urinary incontinence, weak pelvic floor muscles, recurrent bladder infections and prostate cancer. We also treat kidney stones, erectile dysfunction and male infertility. Some urologists may even narrow their focus into areas such as female urology, oncology urology and pediatric urology.”

In addition to medical history and physical examination, urologists may request tests such as ultrasound before they recommend any treatments. The urologist also may work with specialists such as radiation therapists, radiologists or oncologists to ensure patients get the best treatment.
“The diagnosis and treatment process depends on the condition the urologist is dealing with,” says Dr. Burday. “Typically, the urologist will do a medical history and physical exam then request a few tests before deciding on a suitable treatment. Often, the treatment will be medication, surgery, or both, but that depends on the condition.”

Necessary Skills

Urology is a challenging field that requires determination, patience, eye-hand coordination, critical thinking and good problem-solving skills. Urologists also need excellent communication skills and the ability to make their patients feel at ease and comfortable. They also must be able to work under stress and make effective decisions in emergency situations.

“If you have the right qualities and the desire to improve people’s lives by treating urological problems, then urology is a wonderful profession for you,” says Dr. Burday. “Remember there are many job opportunities for urologists and the pay is above average.”

For more information on urology, visit the site Advanced Urology Institute.

How Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy Works?

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure for removing upper ureteral stones and kidney stones larger than 2 centimeters in diameter. Historically, larger stones were removed in open surgery, which required a larger flank incision. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (nephrolithotripsy) is a more refined alternative to open surgery, using a 1-centimeter skin incision. The procedure reduces blood loss, pain and hospital stay and has an increased success rate.

During PCNL, the patient is given general anesthesia before a needle is inserted through the skin to puncture the kidney and create a channel through which a nephroscope is passed into the kidney to break the stone into fragments for easy extraction. The entire procedure takes 3-4 hours.

During percutaneous nephrolithotomy:

  • The patient receives general anesthesia to make the procedure less painful. The patient then lies face down on the abdomen.
  • The surgeon performs cystoscopy (telescopic exam of the bladder) and instills X-ray dye or carbon dioxide into the kidney using a small catheter through the ureter of the affected kidney. This helps the surgeon to locate the stone more precisely.
  • After locating the stone, the urologist makes a small incision on the back and passes a tiny needle through the skin (under X-ray guidance) into the kidney to directly access the stone.
  • The needle tract is dilated to about 1-centimeter to enable placement of a plastic sheath and telescope for visualizing the stone.
  • Using a laser or mechanical lithotripsy device, the surgeon breaks the stone into smaller fragments and extracts the pieces through the sheath.
  • At the end of the operation, temporary catheters, a nephrostomy tube for the kidney and a stent tube for the bladder, are used to drain urine. The catheters are removed before discharge from hospital, usually after 2-4 days.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy is recommended when:

  • Urine flow is blocked.
  • Kidney stones obstruct several branches of the collecting system of the kidney (also called staghorn kidney stones).
  • Kidney stones are bigger than 2 centimeters (0.8 inch) in diameter.
  • Urine leakage is occurring inside the body.
  • There is severe pain even after treatment for a kidney stone.
  • Kidney stone is causing damage to the kidney.
  • Other treatment options have failed.
  • The urologist will request several tests before the operation. Blood and urine tests check for infection and other problems, while a computerized tomography (CT) scan helps to determine the location of the stones.

Advantages of PCNL:

  • Minimally-invasive procedure, with less pain, quick recovery, shorter hospital stay (2-4 days) and quick return to work (7-10 days).
  • No surgical scar or complications associated with large incision operations.
  • Less risk of postoperative infections compared to open surgery.
  • Minimal harm to kidney function.
  • Limits residual stones, as the surgeon has the opportunity to look inside the renal calyx and ureter.
  • Percutaneous nephrolithotomy is effective for most people with stones in the ureter or kidney. Its stone free rate is greater than 90 percent and is the highest of all procedures.

For more information on treatment of kidney stones, visit Advanced Urology Institute.

Symptoms of Enlarged Prostate

An enlarged prostate, also called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is an increase in the size of the prostate. While most men have prostate growth throughout their life, not all men get bothersome symptoms. As the prostate grows it presses on the outside of the urethra and can slow down or even stop the flow of urine. BPH is common in men in their 50’s, with about 1 in 3 men above 50 years of age having urinary symptoms.

It is not clear what causes prostate enlargement. However, the following risk factors are involved:

Age – While prostate gland enlargement hardly causes symptoms in men below age 40, about a third of men in their 60’s and about half of men in their 80’s have BPH symptoms.

Hormone Levels – The balance of hormones in the body changes as men grows older, causing the prostate to grow.

Family History – Those with a blood relative, especially a father or brother, with prostate problems are more
likely to have BPH.

Ethnic Background – BPH symptoms are more common in white and black men than Asian men. Black men tend to experience BPH symptoms at a younger age than white men.

Lifestyle – Regular exercise lowers the risk of BPH while obesity increases the risk.

Diabetes and Heart Disease – The risk of BPH increases in men with diabetes, heart disease and those on beta blockers.

What are the symptoms of an enlarged prostate?

The severity of symptoms in people with BPH varies, but tends to worsen over time. Common symptoms include:

  • urgent or frequent need to urinate
  • nocturia (increased frequency to urinate at night)
  • difficulty starting urination
  • inability to completely empty the bladder
  • weak urine stream or a urine stream that stops and starts
  • straining while urinating
  • dribbling at the end of urination

The less common symptoms of BPH are:

  • inability to urinate
  • urinary tract infection
  • blood in the urine

You may never get all of these symptoms. In fact, some men with an enlarged prostate do not get any symptoms at all. In some men, the symptoms eventually stabilize and may even improve over time, while in others they may get worse. Some of these symptoms may be caused by other conditions, like anxiety, cold weather, lifestyle factors, certain medicines and other health problems. Therefore, if you have any of the above symptoms, visit your physician to find out what could be causing them.

How can a urologist help?

A urologist will take your medical history and conduct a physical exam. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, the urologist will order tests such as digital rectal exam, urine test, blood test for kidney problems, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test or a neurological exam. The doctor may also request additional tests such as urinary flow test, post-void residual volume test, and 24-hour voiding diary. If the problem is more complex, the urologist may recommend a transrectal ultrasound, prostate biopsy, cystoscopy, urodynamic and pressure flow studies, intravenous pyelogram or CT urogram. If an enlarged prostate is diagnosed, the urologist has various treatment options to offer including lifestyle modifications and medicines. In severe cases, the urologist will opt for surgery. For more information and help with BPH, visit Advanced Urology Institute.

5 Effective Treatment Options for Erectile Dysfunction

5 Effective Treatment Options for Erectile Dysfunction

There are several treatment options available for erectile dysfunction (ED), and the right one for an individual depends on the cause of the ED, age, health and lifestyle of the patient. In most cases, the use of oral medications such as Cialis, Viagra or Levitra is the recommended first option. Then, depending on the effectiveness and tolerance of the medication, other treatments may be tried. For example, microvascular surgery is recommended for patients with blood vessel leakage or blockage, while penile prosthesis is one effective alternative for those who fail to respond to non-surgical therapy or are not candidates for surgery.
Here is a look at 5 effective treatment options for erectile dysfunction:

1. Oral Medications: Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors

Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors, such as sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), vardenafil (Levitra) and avanafil (Spedra), are some of the most widely used and highly effective medications for treating erectile dysfunction. The pills work by temporarily boosting the flow of blood to the penis. Sildenafil, sold as Viagra by Pfizer, is the most commonly prescribed pharmacological medicine for ED. Though it is available in different forms, Viagra takes 30-60 minutes to show effect and has a 4-hour duration. The drug only boosts blood flow to the penis and therefore sexual arousal and stimulation are necessary in order to have and maintain an erection. Tadalafil (Cialis) has effects lasting longer (up to 36 hours depending on the dose taken) and takes effect sooner (15-30 minutes). Tadalafil is also more selective in action and does not show the side effects of sildenafil and vardenafil. Avanafil (Spedra) and vardenafil (Levitra) show similar mechanism of action as sildenafil (Viagra) and only differ in duration of onset and length of effect.

2. Urethral Suppository (MUSE)

The use of a medicated urethral system for erection (MUSE) is considered when oral pills are not effective. The treatment involves placing a small medicated suppository in the penile urethra without using needles so that the suppository is absorbed to help produce an erection. The main advantage of this treatment option is that the suppository is applied locally by the patient or his partner, and has very few side effects. After the suppository is inserted into the urethra, sexual stimulation is necessary for increased blood flow to the penis. Patients opting for MUSE should have the first suppository application done in the urologist’s office to prevent potential complications such as decreased blood pressure, urethral bleeding, and continued and prolonged erections.

3. Penile Injections

The urologist may recommend penile injections when oral medications prove ineffective. And even though the idea of injecting the penis may be quite unappealing, the effectiveness and ease of injections make this a worthwhile option to consider. Apart from Caverject and Edex that have been prescribed by urologists for a while, other commonly injected medications are papaverine, phentolamine and alprosdid. Often, urologists recommend a blend of two or three medications for use in the injections. The blend, called a Trimix, ensures a synergistic effect of three medications, keeps the dose of every drug low to prevent adverse effects, and delivers a response rate of up to 90%.

4. Vacuum Pumps

Vacuum devices are recommended for patients who have only partial erections and find other treatments ineffective or intolerable. A vacuum device is made of a plastic cylinder connected to a pump and a constriction ring. Using a battery power or manual pressure to create suction around the penis in order to bring blood into it, a vacuum pump causes an erection which is maintained by a tourniquet of sorts that is placed around the base of the penis and an elastic rind which stops additional blood from flowing out of the engorged penis. Vacuum pumps are a relatively inexpensive, safe and easy to use treatment option for erectile dysfunction with minimal side effects. Erections induced using pumps generally last for about 30 minutes.

5. Penile Prosthesis and Penile Vascular Reconstructive Surgery

Surgery is considered as the last resort when all other treatment options fail. However, it may be the best option for young men seriously injured in their pelvic area (such as in a car accident) and men with significant anatomical problems with their penis. A penile prosthesis is an effective and more invasive option in which either a semi-rigid or inflatable implant is placed on the penis through surgery. The use of penile prosthesis has been proven to offer up to 85% patient-partner satisfaction rate. Penile vascular (venous or arterial) surgery is recommended for young men who have erectile dysfunction due to congenital or traumatic leakage of the penis. Penile venous surgery is performed to boost the trapping of blood in the penis, boosting a man’s capacity to get and maintain erections. On the other hand, penile arterial surgery creates a path of blood flow to the penis by correcting/bypassing blocked arteries.

For more information on effective treatments of erectile dysfunction, visit the Advanced Urology Institute website or make an appointment with a urologist today.

3 Easy Ways to Prevent Kidney Stones

3 Easy Ways to Prevent Kidney Stones

 

Kidney stones are formed when certain chemicals present in the urine solidify and turn into hard crystals. Over time, these crystals grow in size and eventually leave the body through urine. Sometimes, the crystals get stuck in the urinary tract, blocking the flow of urine and causing enormous pain. In nearly 50% of patients with this problem, the stones reappear within 5 to 7 years if no preventive measures are taken. In most cases, these stones form when calcium reacts with phosphorus or oxalate. A physician first determines the cause of this condition and will likely suggest reducing the intake of sodium or protein, both of which cause kidney stone formation. With some determination and care, the risk of kidney stones can be significantly reduced. The following are three simple preventive methods:

1. Increase Calcium

Calcium deficiency causes an increase in the body’s oxalate levels which directly contributes to the formation of stones. Find out how much calcium you should consume for your age to ensure that your body is not deficient in this essential mineral. Generally, men older than 50 years of age need 1,000 mg of calcium every day in addition to 800 to 1,000 IU of vitamin D to help the body absorb calcium. Getting your calcium from food is preferable since studies show that calcium supplements may increase the risk of stone formation.

2. Reduce Animal Protein

Your body produces uric acid while breaking down proteins. Higher levels of this compound increase the acidity of urine, which may cause the formation of kidney stones in the long run. For this reason, keep a check on protein-rich foods, especially red meat, seafood, poultry, and eggs. Eating too much protein also reduces the content of citrate in your urine, and this may also lead to stone formation. If you are prone to kidney stones, you should also follow a low-sodium meal plan. Nutritionists suggest a daily maximum sodium intake of 2,300 mg, but people who already have kidney stones due to high sodium levels should consume less than 1,500 mg of sodium per day.

3. Drink Plenty of Fluids

Drinking plenty of water is the simplest home remedy for kidney stones because water dissolves the unwanted substances in urine. As a rule of thumb, drink at least 2 liters of water per day. You may substitute with citrus beverages such as fresh orange juice or lemonade.

In addition to the above measures, avoid stone-forming foods such as chocolate, beets, tea, nuts, rhubarb and spinach, all of which are rich in oxalate. Colas are high in phosphate, a substance to avoid if you have a history of kidney stones due to high phosphate levels. Also, our bodies turn vitamin C into oxalate, so individuals taking this vitamin in supplement form can be at a slightly higher risk. Overall, with proper treatment and some changes to your diet, kidney stones can easily be prevented.

Why I Love Urology! Treating and Curing Urological Conditions

Why I Love Urology! Treating and Curing Urological Conditions

Urology is a medical field that deals in the diagnosis, treatment, curing and management of conditions that affect the male and female urinary system and the male reproductive organs. It is a dedicated branch of medicine and the physicians who are specialists in this field are called urologists.The medical disorders treated by urologists include those that affect the kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra, prostate, epididymis, testis, seminal vesicle, scrotum and penis. Common conditions include urinary incontinence, ejaculation problems, erectile dysfunction, vasectomy, cryptorchidism (undescended testes), vesicoureteral reflux and genitourinary cancers such as prostate cancer, cancer of the kidneys, bladder, penis and testicles.

Urologists love their jobs because it gives them opportunities to provide patients with life saving treatments as well as quality of life medical care. Conditions such as cancer of the testes, if diagnosed early, can be treated to give the patient a longer life span and one free of discomfort or pain during intimacy.

It is important to note that the work of a urologist also involves educating the general public on effective prevention practices. A good example is prostate cancer, an illness which has been on the rise recently. Research has identified potential causes, prevention and treatment. This knowledge has been shared widely by urologists. Men are now encouraged to use testing for early diagnosis. If caught in the primary stages, prostate cancer can be cured before it progresses to stage IV cancer or metastasizes to other parts of the body. The same applies to other conditions such as erectile dysfunction, a topic most men prefer to avoid. Despite the reluctance to acknowledge this medical problem, in recent years the public has been receiving education from the experts on the many causes and treatments of erectile dysfunction.

Urology is a field that specializes in treating urological physical ailments and the emotional concerns that accompany them. Each patient presents with different needs and urologists who love the work they do understand that. They take into account the presenting factors of each patient, their needs and concerns, and then tailor the consultations, medical treatment and follow up to suit the unique needs of each patient. Any person with concerns about a potential urological problem should pay a visit to a qualified specialist for a check-up. The experienced and caring professionals of the Advanced Urology Institute would like to remind us that the earlier a problem is diagnosed, the more successful the treatment will be.

Life Changing Treatment At Advanced Urology Institute

What I Do as a Physician Assistant – Lisa Cunningham

 

 

Driven by an unwavering commitment to excellence in urology, Advanced Urology Institute offers a complete range of innovative, specialized and high quality medical services for male and female urological conditions. We have assembled a multidisciplinary team of specialists who work together for you, including preoperative nurses, urologists, pathologists, radiation oncologists, dedicated robotic surgeons, postoperative recovery specialists and nurse navigators who coordinate urologic cancer care. Our board certified experts will work with you to identify the most effective treatment that meets your individual needs, ensuring a minimal disruption of your lifestyle.

Better Outcomes

At Advanced Urology Institute, we recognize that the most effective treatment for urologic conditions requires close collaboration between urologists, oncologists and other medical specialists. We have therefore created an environment in which the interactions between different specialists result in better patient care and improved outcomes. Our specialists work together managing each case jointly right from the start because we have removed all artificial boundaries between specialties, thus ensuring that transitions are seamless. In fact, we can deliver comprehensive treatment from one location by combining surgical expertise, on-site pathology and clinical laboratories, imaging services such as radiation therapy and CT scan, leading-edge robotic technology and synchronized care, resulting in unmatched personalized patient experience.

Comfort and Convenience

As experts on the conditions of the female and male urinary tract and the male reproductive system, we endeavor to help patients navigate sensitive health issues with a focus on their comfort and convenience. Every urologist at our center is open, friendly and willing to listen to the unique story of each patient in order to correctly recognize the symptoms and provide proper diagnosis. This extends to the use of the most recent diagnostic tools and the development of personalized treatment programs for conditions such as kidney cancer, bladder cancer, prostate cancer, male erectile dysfunction, renal pelvic obstructions, adrenal disease and female urologic disorders.

Are you looking for the highest quality urology services? Visit our site ‘Advanced Urology Institute‘ for more information.