Becoming a Urologist with Dr. Shaw Zhou


Specializing in urology means a lifelong commitment to serving the sick, particularly those with troubling, embarrassing and sometimes life-threatening conditions. Urologists diagnose, treat and care for people with genitourinary tract disorders, such as pelvic pain, kidney stones, male sexual dysfunction, urinary incontinence, genitourinary tract injuries, enlarged prostate, male infertility and urologic cancers. As a surgical subspecialty, urology involves operating on the kidneys, ureters, bladder, scrotum, urethra and adrenal glands, but treatment varies from patient to patient and may be in the form of surgery, medication or both.

Unique, exciting field

Urology is an amazing and fascinating field of medicine. It’s an opportunity and privilege to improve other people’s lives. As a urologist, you see patients with issues they are often reluctant to discuss. You can help them feel at ease, open up and talk about even the most awkward disorders and then provide treatment to help them overcome these issues. People come to you at their lowest and most vulnerable moments and you work with them to restore hope, meaning and happiness in their lives. For those who love surgery, urology is a delightful and satisfying career as it offers plenty of minimally invasive, laser, laparoscopic and robotic procedures using some of the latest equipment and innovative technologies. But there’s also a lot to enjoy in doing ultrasounds, reading CT scans, performing retrogrades, and much more.

Why I chose urology

I was born and grew up in Shanghai, China, where I completed my medical school education. But for me, pursuing medicine and specializing in urology is something that came quite naturally because serving people and helping those in need was always my passion. Growing up, I always felt a drive to do something to reduce the disease burden in my community, so I routinely participated in activities to help the sick and improve public health. When I went to college, I became convinced that medicine was the right career for me.

I moved to the United States in 1991 and settled in Florida. To advance my medical career, I joined the University of Miami School of Medicine Research, Department of Physiology and Molecular Biology for a research program. During my time in the program, I encountered a lot of urological issues and interacted with quite a number of patients with genitourinary problems. That got me interested in urology. So I went to the University of Pennsylvania for my surgical training, then moved to the University of Nebraska for my urological training.

Areas of expertise

I routinely resolve problems of the male and female urinary tracts, as well as male reproductive health issues. I frequently see men with recurrent urinary tract infections, erectile dysfunction, enlarged prostate and urinary incontinence. But I also perform a lot of surgical procedures and manage issues around the testicles beyond just doing vasectomies. For example, I offer treatment to eliminate testicular pain, laser therapy for urinary stones, sling procedure to relieve incontinence, urethral dilation to relieve urethral strictures and robotic surgery to treat urological cancers. I work closely with my patients on the type of care to give them to ensure the best possible outcomes.

Long-term relationships

As urologists, we have a unique ownership of our patients. For instance, as men’s health doctors, we conduct annual exams, treat erectile dysfunction, and follow those with benign prostatic enlargement and voiding issues. That means we are always helping patients on long-term care, even for more than 10 years. And as we see these patients for that long, operating on them, providing medical management and actually getting to know them so well, we enjoy a wonderful bond and lasting relationship with them. It’s also unique that patients tell us more about themselves than they’ve ever shared with anyone else.

As a urologist, you have to be open and welcoming, and prepared to find a quick common ground with your patients — maybe tell a joke or two to lighten the mood — before they feel comfortable and able to discuss their issues freely with you. Practicing urology means you are always in a position where you can influence the way people talk about and care for their health. For example, many men don’t realize that they may need to have their prostate checked, but talking to them about it ensures they are able to begin annual prostate checks as early as possible. Likewise, for guys worried about their penis size, you have the chance to inform them and make them finally understand that they are fine.

Job satisfaction

Like any other career, urology has challenges. From intense schooling, hectic work schedules and continuous medical education to the desperation and futility of finding your patients with advanced disease, urology is a high-pressure specialty with unique difficulties. But if you love your job and are committed to working through these hardships, you’ll always find it a pleasure going to work every day. I love urology because of the honor it gives me to make other people’s lives better. It’s a unique position to have people trust you with their problems and I can’t stop feeling lucky for it. That makes me even more committed to giving my best for every patient. Urology is also a career that’s intellectually and emotionally
fulfilling. A lot of the procedures and techniques involved in treating urological conditions are innovative and exciting. So despite many years of experience, you continue to learn new things and enjoy new experiences.

Why Advanced Urology Institute?

I joined Advanced Urology Institute in 2002 and soon realized that it was the best thing that ever could have happened to my career. At AUI’s Pinellas Urology where I have worked ever since, I found an already very progressive urology practice with wonderful people and top-notch systems. In fact, soon after joining the center, I was able to start performing laparoscopic and neurostimulation procedures and then to quickly specialize in InterStim therapy for urinary control. The fact that all administrative work has been centralized also means we have all the time to think through and provide the best possible care to our patients.

At AUI, there is a sense that what we do is sacred and that we have to collaborate with other professionals and do it well. So we are always working together with other knowledgeable, experienced and certified specialists to improve our skills and proficiency, grow in our areas of specialization and advance our careers. AUI is a wonderful place to practice urology. For more information on urology, urological conditions and the world-class services provided by AUI, visit the “Advanced Urology Institute” site.

How is Prostate Cancer Diagnosed

About 70 percent of men diagnosed with prostate cancer through PSA screening have low-risk, low-grade disease. Unfortunately, over 90 percent of these men are placed under aggressive treatment soon after diagnosis when in real sense up to 60 percent of them may not need treatment, even in the long-term. Why does this happen? The common screening tests are not able to distinguish between men with prostate cancer that requires treatment and those with clinically insignificant disease. In fact, the PSA test, which is the most frequently used screening test, gives up to 12.5 percent false positive results.

Tackling overdiagnosis and overtreatment

There have been growing concerns over the increased number of prostate cancer cases diagnosed and treated following PSA testing. For instance, overdiagnosis through PSA tests has resulted in more men undergoing biopsy, which comes with adverse effects such as pain, acute urinary retention and urosepsis. Likewise, for men placed immediately under aggressive treatment, there are concerns over psychological distress and adverse effects to treatment such as urinary incontinence, bowel dysfunction and erectile dysfunction, among others, which are typically longstanding and life-altering. So because of the quality-of-life issues and financial costs, attention is shifting to ways of minimizing the harm caused by PSA screening, particularly ways of mitigating the conversion of overdiagnosis to overtreatment.

Risk-based screening

At Advanced Urology Institute, we have designed our screening, diagnosis and treatment processes for prostate cancer to respond to these growing concerns and minimize both overdiagnosis and overtreatment. For instance, we have included a candid patient-urologist discussion of both the PSA and digital rectal exam to make sure our patients are properly informed of their pros and cons. We also perform these screening tests in an individualized manner, based on each patient’s risk factors. As a baseline, we allow men to take their first PSA screening only when in their 40s. This enables us to develop the right screening protocol for each patient.

If a man’s PSA is low during the first test, we generally consider him to have a low lifetime risk of the disease and may not recommend frequent PSA measurements for him. And if we find PSA < 2 for a man in his 60s, we consider him to have a negligible chance of dying from the cancer and recommend that he not undergo any further PSA screening. It’s only for men with higher risk, such as those who have had a first-degree relative with the cancer — which doubles their risk of developing prostate cancer — that we may recommend more frequent screening.

Taking advantage of newer diagnostic tools

Previously, any man with a PSA result that was worrisome, such as one showing a rise over time or has an absolute high value, would automatically be a candidate for biopsy. At Advanced Urology Institute, we have changed this and now may perform other tests before we can recommend a biopsy. For instance, we can use a second test called PCA3 to define a man’s risk level and assess whether or not a biopsy is necessary for him. The PCA3 is a more specific marker for prostate cancer than the PSA and it can be measured in urine, usually after a DRE. Similarly, we can assess the aggressiveness of a tumor through genomic testing and use the results to determine whether immediate treatment or active surveillance is appropriate. So we use such tests to reduce the harm that our patients may suffer from biopsies done due to PSA-based overdiagnosis.

Individualized approach to treatment

To further reduce the chances of treating indolent prostate cancer, we use a combination of PSA and biopsy to assess and classify patients according to degree of aggressiveness of their disease. At AUI, we are committed to minimizing unnecessary, worthless or even harmful treatment after cancer diagnosis. Our most preferred management strategy, particularly for men diagnosed with localized, low-risk prostate cancer, is active surveillance as opposed to immediate treatment. It involves following men with low-grade, low-risk cancer closely and only providing treatment for tumors that exhibit aggressive behavior or are spreading to other areas of the body. Through careful observation, we have realized that a majority of men do not need treatment and therefore are spared the unnecessary aggressive interventions.

During active surveillance, we usually recommend serial PSA testing and biopsy to help monitor the behavior of the tumor. Before we put patients on active surveillance, we inform them that there is a possibility that the cancer may spread to keep them psychologically prepared just in case we detect progress. We also make them aware of the cancer-specific mortality with and without treatment, which is usually less than 10 percent without treatment and reduced by about 50 percent with radiation or surgery. We also inform them of the pros and cons of active surveillance and provide them with all the information they need to make personal treatment decisions.

Our approach is quite different for patients with high-risk prostate cancer. For them, we usually begin curative treatment as soon as possible, using the tools available to deliver safe, timely and effective treatment. The most common treatments for high-grade, high-risk prostate cancer are radiotherapy, high-intensity frequency ultrasound and robotic prostatectomy. Want to know more about prostate cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment? Visit the “Advanced Urology Institute” site.

Dr Yaser Bassel – Becoming a Urologist

Are you a frank, compassionate and approachable person who likes to help others? If so, then urology may just be the right medical specialty for you. Committed to a lifetime occupation of resolving troubling, embarrassing and depressing conditions of the genitourinary tract, urologists have a wonderful opportunity and privilege of making people’s lives better. They are skilled in tackling issues that most people are shy to speak about, helping patients open up and talk about the most awkward conditions and having the ability to restore a sense of hope and contentment in their lives.

What does a urologist do?

As a urologist, you provide diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care to people with urinary tract disorders, including kidney stones, pelvic pain, urinary incontinence, male sexual dysfunction, urologic cancers, genitourinary tract injuries, Peyronie’s disease, priapism, enlarged prostate and male infertility. You also do urinary tract reconstruction and perform procedures to treat disorders of the urethra, bladder, adrenal glands, ureters and kidneys. While the kind of treatment varies from one patient to another, a typical treatment may include surgery or medication, or both.

Why urology?

Curing people with various medical problems is something I always wanted to do from a very young age. I developed a passion for medicine and yearned for a future where I would be there to help people. But it is the striking prevalence of urological disorders I often encountered, together with my medical school mentors, that sparked my interest in urology. Urology also struck me as the area of medicine where I would thrive and would be needed most — caring for people, developing lasting relationships with patients and making a tangible difference in their lives.

Path to urology

I was born in Egypt but moved with my family to the United States when I was just 3 years old. In the U.S. my family moved around quite a bit and we lived in the Midwest for a period of time before eventually settling in Florida. I went to King High School in the Tampa Bay area, then attended the University of Florida for my undergraduate degree in Microbiology (with a minor in Chemistry). I graduated with honors and achieved a National Merit Scholar, enabling me to go to the University of South Carolina in 2007 for medical school. After getting my medical degree, I joined the Emory University Hospital, Atlanta, for my urology residency.

Going through medical school, I started to explore areas where I could specialize. I wanted to pursue a surgical subspecialty that could help me make the most impact on people’s lives. I also wanted a specialty that would enable me to be directly involved with the patients, establishing lasting relationships with them and seeing their lives improve. And because I was fascinated by the wide range of techniques and procedures in urology and its exciting blend of the best of both worlds of surgery and medicine, I chose urology.

Areas of expertise

As a urologist, I perform both routine and specialized procedures to help patients with urological conditions. I administer antibiotics to patients with recurrent urinary tract infections, hormone therapy for prostate cancer, chemotherapy for urological cancers, and phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors such as tadalafil or Cialis for men with erectile dysfunction. I also use various surgical techniques like minimally invasive surgery, laparoscopic surgery, robotic surgery, or laser therapy for kidney stones, BPH, cancer, among others. I am frequently involved in surgery to repair the urinary tract after traumatic injury, remove a tumor, remove or break up kidney stones, transplant or remove a kidney, relieve incontinence (like the sling procedure) and relieve urethral strictures caused by scar tissue (a procedure called urethral dilation).

With my skill and experience in minimally invasive surgery, using both laparoscopic techniques and the da Vinci robotic system, I am often called upon to perform complex surgical procedures to treat various genitourinary disorders. Single incision da Vinci robotic surgery provides enhanced 3D, high-definition cameras and complete control robotic arms, ensuring high-precision surgery for removal of a cancerous prostate and treatment of conditions such as prostatitis, enlarged prostate, kidney obstructions, bladder disease and urinary incontinence whenever prescription drugs and other medical therapies fail to help.

Job satisfaction

Like most other medical specialties, urology is a highly demanding field that requires extreme commitment and dedication. Right from intense schooling, continuous medical training, chaotic work schedule, to the hopelessness felt when patients are diagnosed with advanced disease, urology comes with its fair share of frustrations and stresses. But working through these challenges and being able to consistently deliver timely, safe and effective solutions to those in severe need is remarkably satisfying.

Besides, practicing urology is never dull. From the amazing technologies used and the different kinds of people you see each day to the various issues you resolve daily, you are sure to encounter something fun and exciting. You also have the opportunity to interact with your patients, win their trust, and establish enduring relationships. For me, to be able help people overcome devastating and awkward conditions and see their lives improve is what I really find gratifying in urology.

Why Advanced Urology Institute?

I joined Advanced Urology Institute soon after my urology residency and ten years later I still love this place. It’s wonderful with the people you work with at AUI and the systems, technologies and equipment available to use. And with all our administrative work managed through a centralized system, we have all the time to concentrate on delivering the very best care to our patients.

You are not just surrounded by knowledgeable, experienced and certified professionals, you are encouraged to collaborate with them through AUI’s multidisciplinary patient-centered approach to care. This allows you to develop your skills and proficiency, grow quickly in your area of specialization and achieve your career dreams. I couldn’t have found a better place to practice urology than AUI.

Looking for more information on how to become a urologist? Or are you or your loved one in need of urological services? Get more information on urologists and the diagnosis, treatment and care for urological disorders by visiting the “Advanced Urology Institute” site.

How to Properly Treat Kidney Stones

Kidney stone treatment varies from one case to another, depending on stone size, cause and type. While most kidney stones can pass in urine spontaneously, some do not. Medical intervention is usually necessary to remove difficult stones or break them down into smaller pieces that can pass freely. Treatment also may be necessary for relieving the pain and discomfort.

Small, less-bothersome stones

Invasive treatment is not necessary for small kidney stones with minimal symptoms. In fact, by simply drinking plenty of fluid, as much as 2-3 liters a day, these stones are flushed from the urinary system. So unless your urologist says otherwise, you need to drink lots of fluid — mostly water — until your urine is clear or nearly clear.

Since passing even the smallest stones can be accompanied by some discomfort, your doctor may recommend that you use pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), naproxen sodium (Aleve) or ibuprofen (Motrin IB, Advil, others). Your doctor may prescribe a medication to help you pass the stone faster and with minimal discomfort. For example, an alpha blocker can be given to relax ureter muscles and ensure that kidney stones pass quickly and painlessly.

Large or troublesome kidney stones

Larger stones may too big to pass spontaneously, can cause serious pain and discomfort or obstruction and are likely to lead to kidney damage, urinary tract infections or bleeding. Treatment options for such stones include:

1. Extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL)

This procedure utilizes sound waves to generate strong vibrations (shock waves), which help break up larger kidney stones into smaller pieces that can more readily pass through the ureters and be removed in urine. ESWL takes 45-60 minutes, but because it can cause mild-to-moderate pain, it’s performed under light anesthesia to minimize discomfort.

2. Ureteroscopy

For stones located in the ureter or kidney, a thin lighted tube (scope) equipped with a camera is passed through the urethra and bladder into the ureter. After the stone is found, special tools are used to snare or break it up into tiny pieces that can pass in urine. The procedure is undertaken under local or general anesthesia, but the urologist also places a stent (small tube) in the ureter to minimize swelling and promote healing.

3. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (tunnel surgery)

Very large kidney stones can be removed using a small incision made in the back of the patient — a procedure called percutaneous nephrolithotomy. This surgery is ideal for stones that have grown too big to pass, are causing uncontrollable pain, obstruction, infection or damaging the kidneys. The procedure also is recommended in cases where ESWL is unsuccessful. The kidney stone is surgically removed using a small telescope and instruments inserted via the tiny incision in the patient’s back. It’s done under general anesthesia and the patient stays in hospital for 1-2 days to recover.

At Advanced Urology Institute, we see hundreds of patients with kidney stones every year and use some of the best approaches in stone treatment, including advanced imaging technology, dietary recommendations, robotic surgical procedures and medications, to diagnose, treat and prevent the condition. We have the latest shock-wave lithotripsy equipment onsite, which uses state-of-the-art 3D ultrasound technology to reduce radiation exposure. Our urologists and urologic surgeons collaborate with specialists in radiology, nephrology and nutrition to deliver the most comprehensive care possible to our patients. For more information on our services, visit the “Advanced-Urology-Institute” site.

Becoming a Urologist with Dr. Martin Richman

Affable, available and able. That pretty much sums up what we are as urologists. Affable to break down barriers and discuss sensitive, sometimes awkward topics; available to help our patients and colleagues faced with unforeseen situations involving genitourinary organs; and able to deliver outstanding, standard-of-care treatments that guarantee excellent outcomes for our patients. We love our job as it offers an opportunity to provide life-saving treatments to patients. We also recognize that we are in a unique position where we can diagnose life-threatening conditions early, provide timely treatment and give patients a longer life span.

Who is a urologist?

A urologist is a specialist who treats disorders of the urinary tract and the male reproductive organs. As urologists, we look after organs such as the prostate, kidney, bladder, penis, testes, urethra and associated glands. When patients come to us with issues in any of these areas, we discuss the problems, examine the patients, investigate and make accurate diagnoses. We then can recommend medications, plan and undertake surgery, or use various techniques and methodologies to treat the problems. There is a misconception that we treat only men, but in reality we see men, women and children.

What conditions do we treat?

Urologists are experts in the surgical and medical management of urological conditions such as kidney stones, urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, sexual dysfunction, enlarged prostate, recurrent urinary tract infections and urologic cancers. Likewise, we deal with issues like interstitial cystitis, neurogenic bladder, pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic floor problems, Peyronie’s disease, hydrocele, varicocele, vesicoureteral reflux, traumatic injury of the urinary tract, priapism, recurrent urinary tract infections and urologic cancers. In children, we treat conditions like undescended testes, phimosis, hypospadias, epispadias and bladder exstrophy. We also perform kidney transplants and vasectomies.

Why urology?

From a young age, the sciences intrigued me. When I went to college, I was looking for a profession that would fulfill my compassion for people with sensitive and depressing medical conditions while also enabling me to tap into my passion for science to improve people’s quality of life. So after deep soul-searching and self-assessment, I realized that medicine was the right career for me — the profession that was very interesting to me and where I believed it would allow me to live my passion instead of just enduring a routine job.

I completed my undergraduate studies at Indian University in 1994, then joined the University of Toledo, Medical School of Ohio, for my medical degree. Upon graduation, I went to the University Hospitals of Cleveland, Case Medical Center for my urology residency training, which included stints at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, MetroHealth Medical Center and Cleveland V.A. Hospital. Over this period, I gained in-depth knowledge and skills in urology, learned several technologies and methodologies and attained broad general mastery of medicine. After I was licensed by the Florida Board of Medicine and certified by the American Board of Urology, I soon became a fellow of American College of Surgeons (ACS).

Areas of expertise

As a urologist, I treat a wide range of urological physical ailments, together with emotional problems that accompany them. Each of my patients has unique needs and I make every effort to appreciate that before commencing treatment, taking into account all presenting factors, needs and concerns of the patient. For me, every consultation, treatment and follow-up must be tailored to meet the needs of the individual.

I have a special interest in minimally invasive procedures, including laparoscopic surgery, robotic surgery and laser therapies. That’s why I am frequently involved in procedures such as Holmium laser enucleation for enlarged prostate, Holmium laser vaporization for prostatic problems, Prostiva RF prostate ablation and steam ablation (Rezum) of the prostate. I have performed these procedures since 2012 and was among the first surgeons to offer them in the Southeast. I also am experienced in HIFU (high intensity focused ultrasound) for prostate cancer and the da Vinci robotic surgery for the kidney and prostate, having offered these treatments to patients since 2007.

Job satisfaction

Caring for people with urologic disorders comes with its fair share of challenges. For instance, a sizeable number of patients come to you with later stage and more aggressive disease, whose treatment options are quite limited. This can sometimes make your work seem hopeless. The long work hours and the often stressful situations also may test your patience and tenacity. But the ability to make interventions that improve people’s quality of life will always keep you grounded in your work as a urologist. For there is nothing more satisfying than helping a man who doesn’t sleep every night because of unending urges to visit the bathroom, a child suffering the pain and humiliation of undescended testes, a woman frightened of laughing or sneezing because of urine leakage, or a patient struggling with a symptomatic urologic cancer.

Urology gives me the opportunity to live my dream of assisting those with urologic disorders enjoy their lives a little more. As a urologist, I am able to offer short-term and long-term fixes for various conditions, see the fruits of my work as patients get better, and establish lasting relationships with patients. I absolutely love the wide range of technology applied in urology procedures, such as lasers, scopes and robots used to perform complex surgeries. The use of minimally invasive techniques performed through small incisions is also something that is really exciting. For me, urology offers a great blend of surgical, medical and a variety of minor procedures that I enjoy performing.

Why Advanced Urology Institute?

When still in medical school, I wanted to excel as a doctor. I always looked forward to a practice that would bring out the best of my knowledge, skills and experiences and enable me to succeed. Many years later, I can say with a smile on my face that Advanced Urology Institute is exactly the kind of practice I wanted. AUI brings together a massive pool of skilled, passionate, creative and hard-working medical professionals who are committed to a collaborative, patient-centered approach to care. As a urologist, you can only get better when you are part of such a team. All the administrative work has been centralized and urologists are not burdened by loads of paperwork and tedious tasks as happens in many other practices. As a urologist you only concentrate on delivering the best possible care to your patients. For more information on the urological services provided at AUI, visit the “Advanced-Urology-Institute” site.

Cryotherapy An Alternative Treatment to Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer

Cryotherapy means using extremely cold temperatures to freeze and destroy cancer cells. Also called cryoablation or cryosurgery — though not actually a form of surgery — cryotherapy relies on the principle that cancer cells are typically more sensitive to freezing than normal cells. So when an area affected by cancer is exposed to the very low temperatures, cancer cells die while normal cells survive the treatment. While cryotherapy can be used to treat earlier-stage prostate cancer, it isn’t used as the first treatment. It is also a great option for treating prostate tumor that’s resistant or recurs after radiation therapy. However, like brachytherapy, this treatment is not ideal for men with enlarged prostate glands.

How is it performed?

During cryotherapy, the doctor uses a trans-rectal ultrasound (TRUS) to direct several hollow needles (probes) through an incision made on the skin between the scrotum and anus and into the prostate. A very cold (freezing) fluid, such as argon gas or nitrogen liquid, is infused into the prostate via the probes (needles) and used to freeze and kill cancerous prostate cells. To prevent damage to healthy, nearby tissues, the doctor uses the ultrasound to carefully monitor the process and target the tumor with more precision.

Also, to prevent urethral damage, a warm saline solution is circulated via a catheter in the urethra to stop it from freezing. The catheter may be left in place for many weeks afterward to enable the bladder to empty during recovery. Cryotherapy requires epidural (spinal) or general anesthesia. After the procedure, patients may remain in the hospital overnight, although many usually leave on the same day.

How cryotherapy works

Living cells — normal or abnormal — cannot endure extreme cold. That’s why when the prostate gland is infused with liquid nitrogen or argon gas it quickly loses heat, the ice balls or ice crystals swell instantaneously, and the cell membranes rupture, followed by tissue damage and then cell death. After cancer is destroyed, the dead cells and tissues are cleaned up from the body by white blood cells. Also, the body’s immune system is triggered to strike out, attack and destroy any remaining cancer cells.

Cryotherapy provides several advantages over radiation and surgery, particularly in early-stage prostate cancer. It’s a less invasive procedure that can be performed using spinal or epidural anesthesia instead of general anesthesia. This is especially important when treating prostate cancer in older men. It is also beneficial for men with prostate cancer occurring simultaneously with conditions such as lung disease, heart disease or diabetes. Cryotherapy causes less blood loss, pain and swelling, requires shorter hospital stay (1-2 nights) and involves a shorter recovery period. Also, when necessary, cryotherapy can be followed by surgery or radiation therapy.

Effective alternative to radiation therapy

Even with early intervention and prompt radiotherapy, about 30-40 percent of men still experience a return of prostate cancer. Hence, further treatment is almost always necessary after radiation therapy. Cryotherapy is a great option for preventing cancer recurrence or treating recurrent prostate cancer in cases where the initial radiation therapy fails to kill enough cells. The need to use cryotherapy is determined by conducting follow-up PSA tests after radiotherapy. High PSA levels after radiotherapy implies either radio-resistance or incomplete eradication of cancer cells and cryoprobes can then be used to prevent a recurrence, particularly when the tumor is still localized. When used this way, cryotherapy is very effective — freezing the area and killing cancer cells while sparing normal cells. For more information on safe, effective treatment of prostate cancer, visit the “Advanced Urology Institute” site.

Becoming A Urologist with Dr David DiPiazza

Intriguing, inspiring and interesting, urology is a great profession for a person in love with solving problems, tackling embarrassing situations, saving lives and relating to the stories of humanity. As a urologist, you see people with awkward urine leaks, inability to get an erection, devastating genitourinary cancer and many other depressing and humiliating conditions every day. Fixing these issues and restoring sparkle, enthusiasm and joy to their lives is tremendously rewarding. It’s a unique position that also provides you with the opportunity of continuous learning and satisfaction. It’s an occupation I dreamed of as a child and which I now cherish as a doctor.

Path to Urology

When I completed my undergraduate studies at Cornell University’s prestigious Ivy College, achieving honors of cum laude, I opted to pursue a urology residency to specialize in a field with so many issues to be tackled but so few medical students turning to it.

For a six-year training span that took me to Princeton Medical Center, The Cancer Institute, New Jersey, and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, I honed my skills in all aspects of male and female urology, urologic oncology and robotic surgery. With this extensive training and experience I was able to achieve a double certification in 2006 by Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Urology. It took me just 5 years of practice to be honored by my peers for excellent work, being elected the Chief of Surgery at the Medical Center of Trinity, originally the Community Hospital.

Areas of Expertise

I routinely tackle the most common urological problems, such as kidney stones, urologic cancers, UTIs, urinary incontinence, enlarged prostate and overactive bladder. As an expert in no-needle, no-scalpel vasectomy, I also perform quite a number of vasectomies in my office. Likewise, because of my skill and experience in advanced laparoscopic technologies and da Vinci robotic I handle several cases of urogynecology and urologic oncology in Florida.

Some of the procedures I perform routinely include sacrocolpopexy (minimally invasive repair of vaginal prolapse), hysterectomy and sling procedures for urinary incontinence, cystectomy (bladder removal) in those with significant bladder cancer, nerve-sparing prostatectomy (prostate removal) for prostate cancer, nephrectomy (kidney removal) to treat kidney cancer, ureter repair and reconstruction in case of obstruction or injury, adrenalectomy (adrenal gland removal) and pyeloplasty (reconstruction of renal pelvis). I am also a robotic surgery instructor and an expert reviewer with C-SATS certification.

Job Satisfaction

As a urologist, the work hours are often long and I usually find myself in situations that are stressful. But to persevere through them and consistently provide safe, timely and effective remedies to those in great need is incredibly satisfying and keeps me going. The challenges just help bring out the best in me and make my job even more fulfilling. Urology is deeply fascinating as I am not just able to tackle embarrassing problems, but also to examine the urinary system and administer treatment with some of the most advanced and innovative technology.

There’s never a dull moment for a urologist as you see different kinds of people and sort out different issues every day, a guarantee that each day will bring some kind of excitement. You also get the opportunity to know these people, earn their trust and build very close, long-term relationships. I find it quite gratifying to care for patients with often devastating and humiliating issues and to see their situations improve.

Why Advanced Urology Institute

During my training years, I looked forward to an ideal workplace — one that would bring out the best of my talents, skills and experiences and empower me to provide the best possible care. And I found it in Advanced Urology Institute. At AUI, I have no administrative work to trouble me, so I spend most of my time caring for my patients and collaborating, innovating and researching for safe and effective solutions to my patients’ problems. And because AUI brings together a huge pool of skilled, creative, passionate and hard-working medical professionals, it makes it easier for me to perform at my best and to take my career to the heights I desire. I couldn’t have found a better workplace than AUI. For more information on the urological services at AUI, visit the “Advanced Urology Institute”site.

What Does the Prostate Gland Do?

The prostate, found only in men, is a tiny, walnut-sized muscular gland in front of the rectum and just below the bladder. It surrounds the urethra, which transports urine to the penis from the bladder, and is essential for the normal functioning of the male genitourinary system. The prostate makes prostatic fluid, which forms a substantial portion of semen. During ejaculation the prostate contracts and closes off the opening between the urethra and bladder, ensuring that prostatic fluid squirts into the urethra and semen is pushed out at speed.

So what does the prostate do?

The prostate is not an essential organ for life, but it’s quite crucial for reproduction. It plays an active part in reproduction by secreting the prostatic fluid, which forms part of healthy semen — the perfect environment for the transit and survival of sperm. Healthy semen includes the enzyme PSA (often measured during screening for prostate cancer), together with other substances secreted in the prostate and seminal vesicles, such as citrate, zinc and fructose, which supply sperm with the energy to travel to the egg. There are also various antibodies in semen to protect sperm and the urinary tract from bacteria and different pathogens.

What are the constituents of prostatic fluid?

The prostate secretes a milky fluid, the prostatic fluid, which makes up about 30 percent of the total fluid that’s ejaculated. The prostatic fluid contains various ingredients, such as enzymes, citric acid and zinc, which keeps sperm alive and protects them and the genetic codes they carry. PSA (prostate-specific antigen) is one of the enzymes in the fluid that, after ejaculation, makes semen runnier and helps sperm travel through semen more easily, which increases the likelihood of successful fertilization of an egg. While prostatic fluid is weakly acidic, the other constituents of semen turn it alkaline overall, which helps to counteract vaginal acidity and prevent damage of sperm.

Growth of the prostate

The prostate grows bigger as men age. Typically the prostate undergoes growth during adolescence driven by the male hormone, testosterone, and the hormone’s byproduct, dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Testosterone hormone is primarily produced in the testes, but smaller quantities also can be secreted in the adrenal glands found just above the kidneys. By the age of 40 the prostate might have grown from a walnut-sized to apricot-sized gland. And by the age of 60 it might have reached the size of a lemon.

Benign prostatic enlargement (BPH)

While the prostate is strategically located to deliver the prostatic fluid and squeeze things along during ejaculation, its position around the urethra makes it a liability when it grows or gets bigger. A swollen prostate will compress the urethra and irritate the walls of the bladder, resulting in interference with normal urine flow. In fact, over 50 percent of all men in their 60s have symptoms of prostate enlargement, a condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). And by the age of 70 to 80, a man’s risk of BPH increases to 90 percent, with symptoms such as leaking or dribbling urine, frequent urination, weak or stuttered urine stream.

While the size of your prostate will not always influence how severe the obstruction or symptoms are, BPH can cause serious complications over time, such as urinary tract infections, bladder damage, kidney damage, incontinence and bladder stones, due to bladder strain and urinary retention. So it’s important to see a urologist as soon as you have urinary issues so BPH can be detected early and treated.

Prostate cancer

Another health problem associated with the prostate is prostate cancer, which is the most frequent cancer in men. It occurs in 1 out of 7 men over their lifetime, and more than 200,000 men are diagnosed with the cancer annually. Prostate cancer is frequent in men age 50 and older, but the largest number of cases is found in men 70 to 80 years old. About 3.8 percent of men diagnosed with the cancer die of the disease, while 7 in 10 newly diagnosed patients currently survive past 5 years. As doctors, our role is to screen for the cancer, detect aggressive forms early and prevent any problems that may occur due to obstruction.

So what’s your role?

Tell your doctor about your urinary problems as soon as possible. The symptoms may not only suggest BPH, but also may indicate a more serious condition. With a prompt visit to the doctor, a more serious condition such as prostate cancer can be ruled out.

Want to know more about BPH, prostate cancer and other urological problems? Visit the “Advanced Urology Institute” site.

4 Effective Ways to Treat Kidney Stones

Dreading the agony and pain of kidney stones? You don’t have to because the condition is treatable. And the pain and discomfort disappears as soon as the stones are removed.

The treatment you get depends on the type, size and cause of the stones and on the severity of your symptoms. For instance, if you are having very severe pain, your urologist will give you an injection to relieve the pain. A second injection may be given after 30 minutes if you are still in deep pain. You also may be injected with anti-emetic medication to relieve vomiting and nausea.

Apart from dealing with the symptoms of the kidney stone, your doctor will administer treatment to remove the stone. The 4 effective ways to remove kidney stones include:

1. Spontaneous Passage

If your kidney stones are small (less than 4 mm diameter) and you have minimal symptoms, you won’t require invasive treatment. In fact, once your urologist assesses that you can tolerate the stone, you will be given time so the stone can pass out on its own. In such a case, the urologist will only make the following recommendations:

  • Drrink a lot of water, as much as 1.9-2.3 liters a day, to help you flush out the stone from your urinary tract. In this case, you have to drink enough fluid — until your urine is colorless. So if your urine is still brown or yellow after drinking water, then you know that you aren’t drinking enough fluid.
  • Use pain relievers as you wait for the stone to pass out spontaneously. Since even a very small kidney stone can be really painful, your urologist may recommend pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol or others), naproxen sodium (Aleve), or ibuprofen (Motrin IB, Advil or others) to relieve the pain. The pain will only last a few days and often disappears soon after the stone is passed.
  • Take medication to help you pass the stone. Such medication, often alpha blockers, help to relax ureter muscles and allow the stone to be flushed out of your urinary system faster and with less pain.

With these recommendations you are expected to wait until the stone passes out and then to collect the stone for analysis by your urologist in order to help determine if there is need for further treatment. To collect the stone, you simply filter your urine through a stocking or gauze as you urinate.

2. Extracorporeal Shock-Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL)

What if your kidney stone is too large to pass out in urine? In that case, your doctor may recommend a procedure called extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy. The ESWL procedure uses sound waves to generate strong vibrations (called shock waves), which break the stone into tinier pieces that can easily and less painfully pass through urine.

The high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) are directed at the stone from a machine for 45-60 minutes. Because this can be a bit uncomfortable, you will undergo the procedure under light anesthesia or sedation to reduce the discomfort. The ESWL procedure is 99 percent effective for kidney stones that are up to 20 mm (0.8inch) in diameter. But you may require one or more ESWL sessions for the kidney stones to be effectively removed.

3. Ureteroscopy

What if the stone is stuck somewhere in your urinary tract, such as the ureter? In that case, your urologist may recommend ureteroscopy, a procedure that’s also called RIRS (retrograde intrarenal surgery). During ureteroscopy your doctor passes a long thin telescope, a ureteroscope, through your urethra, into the bladder and into the ureter, or wherever the stone is stuck.

After locating the stone the urologist uses a special instrument or laser energy to break the stone into tiny pieces that can pass out naturally in urine. The doctor then may place a small plastic tube (stent) temporarily in the ureter to help drain the stone fragments into your bladder, relieve swelling and hasten healing. Ureteroscopy is conducted under general anesthesia, so you shouldn’t operate machinery or drive for up to 48 hours after treatment. It is 50-80 percent effective for kidney stones that are 15 mm (0.6inch) in diameter.

4. Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)

In circumstances where ESWL isn’t appropriate, such as when you are obese, larger stones may require an alternative procedure called percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). It is a surgical procedure for removing kidney stones using a small thin telescopic instrument known as a nephroscope. The instrument is inserted through a small incision made in your back and guided carefully to your kidney or ureter. Once the stone is located it is either broken into smaller pieces (with pneumatic energy or laser) or pulled out. PCNL has 86 percent efficacy for kidney stones of 21-30 mm in diameter and is performed under general anesthesia.

When should you seek treatment for kidney stones? You need urgent treatment if:

  1. Your pain is sudden, severe or gets worse.
  2. You have a fever of 100.4 F or higher.
  3. You have one or more episodes of shaking or shivering.

At Advanced Urology Institute we have assembled a team of skilled and experienced urologists to help diagnose and treat kidney stones and other urological problems safely and effectively. We offer all 4 effective treatments for kidney stones and have the latest equipment and technology to make the treatment process as painless and comfortable as possible. So don’t try to endure the pain even a day longer before you see us and let us fix it. For more information on kidney stones and other urological disorders, visit the “Advanced Urology Institute’” site.

What Does Dr. Nicole Szell Say About Women’s Urinary Incontinence?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Urinary incontinence in women can be classified into different types, such as stress or urge incontinence, which require different treatment approaches.
  • Treatment for urinary incontinence can involve lifestyle changes, pelvic floor exercises, medications, and in some cases, surgery.
  • It’s essential to consult a urologist for appropriate diagnosis and treatment for urinary incontinence to improve symptoms and quality of life.

When you complain to us about urinary incontinence, we will take quick vital steps to help you. For instance, if you are able to immediately provide a clean-catch urine sample, we will do a urinalysis to rule out urinary tract infection. We also will ask you to keep a three-day voiding diary to enable us to classify and identify the cause and severity of your incontinence. Then we will schedule a follow-up visit before we begin treatment to review the timing, quantity, severity and circumstances of your typical episodes of urine leakage, particularly those that you find most troubling.

Types of Urinary Incontinence

The treatment approach we adopt for each case depends on the type of incontinence and severity of symptoms. In women, the most common types are stress or urge incontinence, but some women may have mixed incontinence, where urge and stress incontinence occur simultaneously. When episodes of urine leakage occur following a physical act like sneezing, coughing, heavy lifting or bending over, that is stress incontinence. On the other hand, urine loss associated with a strong uncontrollable need to void is urge incontinence. So we will use the three-day voiding diary, medical history, physical exam and any necessary tests to determine what type of incontinence you have in order to administer the right treatment.

Lifestyle Changes

Once the type of incontinence is determined, we will embark on appropriate treatment for your condition. For example, if we find that you have early-stage incontinence with rare or less troubling symptoms, we will reassure you that your condition is not that bad and recommend a number of lifestyle changes to improve your situation. We are good at building close and abiding relationships with our patients, so we will explain the diagnosis caringly and instruct you compassionately on what lifestyle changes we want you to make. For instance, since timed voiding is quite helpful with nocturnal urge incontinence, we may instruct that you set an alarm every night an hour before the usual time you wake up with a deep sense of urgency and empty your bladder before it gets full to the point of leakage. We also may advise that you reduce your overall fluid intake, avoid caffeine, spicy foods or carbonated drinks.

Pelvic Floor Exercises

We often recommend Kegel (pelvic floor) exercises for women with stress incontinence. Well-timed, regular Kegel and bladder retraining exercises help to relieve symptoms and treat the condition. We will instruct you on the right technique for these exercises and work with you on a plan to help you practice them until they become second nature. We recommend that you begin by exercising the pelvic floor muscles 4 times a day and gradually increase this to 8 times a day, making sure also to use bladder retraining exercises to increase the interval of time you take between your bathroom visits. We will guide you all the way, checking on you to find out if there is any relief from the symptoms as you implement the exercise regimen.

Anticholinergic Medications

In case of a severe, debilitating urinary incontinence with very bothersome and embarrassing symptoms, we may give anticholinergic (anti-muscarinic) medications to eliminate bladder spasms and relieve the symptoms of incontinence. Some common medications we may recommend include Detrol, Vesicare, Ditropan XL, Enablex, Urispas and Oxytrol, with Oxytrol being available even without prescription. Apart from medications, we may advise you to use absorbent pads, panty liners or similar products, to prevent urine leakage or possible embarrassment from a potential leakage. A good example is the pessary, a plastic insert into the vagina, which we may recommend for supporting your bladder’s neck and preventing urine leakage associated with stress incontinence.

Surgery

If these treatments fail to give enough relief, we may opt for surgery. For instance, we may surgically implant small nerve stimulators just beneath your skin to stimulate the nerves controlling the pelvic floor area and manipulate the contraction of the muscles within your pelvic floor. Or we may opt for the sling procedure, a surgical intervention in which a strap of natural tissue or synthetic mesh is added to support the urethra. We also may conduct procedures to restore your bladder to its original position.

Are you worried about urine loss when you sneeze or cough? Do you always have to stop what you are doing and rush to the bathroom whenever your bladder is full? Or do you fear going out with your friends because of a possible urine leakage? Do not suffer in silence. At Advanced Urology Institute, we have been treating urinary incontinence in women for many years and have the tools and personnel to solve your problem. Whether you just started having urine leaks recently or have had the problem for so long that you have decided to avoid the social activities you used to love, we will give you the right treatment to help you recover. For more information on treating urinary incontinence in women, visit the “Advanced Urology Institute” site.

TRANSCRIPTION: 

Hi, I’m Dr. Nicole Szell, I’m a board certified urologist with Advanced Urology Institute.

I think the first thing that’s really important to understand when a patient comes in with these issues is how debilitating is it for them?

Are they in the early stages, it doesn’t bother them that much, they just need to be reassured that it’s something that happens to a lot of women, it could get worse, or it could remain the same, or is it become so debilitating to them that they are willing to have surgery or other invasive maneuvers in order to help prevent it.

REFERENCES: 

The Effectiveness of Erectile Dysfunction Treatments

Worried about your inability to get or maintain an erection? Stop worrying and visit your doctor for an open and honest chat. A urologist can help you find safe and effective treatment of erectile dysfunction that will enable you to approach any future dates with your partner with confidence. Urologists are experts in treating erectile dysfunction and other genitourinary issues, so do not be anxious about such a visit. In fact, you will be surprised to find that your doctor is probably seeing up to a half dozen men with ED every week.

Oral ED Medications

The first choice of treatment for ED is usually oral medications called phosphodiesterase inhibitors type 5 (PDEi-5). These drugs include the first-generation agents such as sildenafil (Viagra), vardenafil (Levitra) and tadalafil (Cialis), together with second-generation agents like mirodenafil (Mvix), iodenafil (Helleva), udenafil (Zydena) and avanafil (Stendra). With the drugs providing a normal, natural erection in 80-95 percent of men as long as there is sexual stimulation, they are the best option for many men with ED. They also deliver high efficacy rates and favorable safety levels.

Transurethral and Intracavernosal Injections

If you are unresponsive to oral drugs, your doctor will review your treatment and consider other options. The urologist may consider a transurethral injection with a drug called alprostadil. The doctor may go for this option if your penile nerves have been compromised and you need to bypass the neurological pathways responsible for an erection. Another option may be an intracavernous injection of papaverine, phentolamine, PGE1 or vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). The injections are a good treatment choice with 91-96 percent success rates and proven safety. These drugs may be combined for better efficacy.

Vacuum Constriction Devices

Vacuum erection devices also may be considered. But these are commonly offered to elderly patients who may only want occasional sexual intercourse. Younger men do not like these devices because of the unnatural feeling of the erections and the mechanical procedure necessary to produce the erections. You should discuss this option with your doctor and find out if the devices are ideal for you.

Surgical Therapies

When medical therapies fail, your urologist may recommend surgery. Surgical procedures are often the last option because of the cost, non-reversibility and invasiveness involved. There are two kinds of surgery for men with ED: penile prosthesis and penile revascularization. In penile prosthesis, the urologist inserts an inflatable or semi-rigid implant into the penis tissue. The success rate of penile prosthesis is 97 percent, but the implant must be replaced every 8-15 years. Penile revascularization is a surgical procedure to repair either venous ligation or arterial stenosis. Explore surgery with your doctor if the other options fail to work for you, but be sure to understand what is involved before you make a decision.

Non-Specific Interventions

Erectile dysfunction treatments may be accompanied by other interventions. For instance, psychotherapy is a noninvasive and highly effective intervention that is often combined with other therapies for a better success rate. Likewise, your urologist may recommend lifestyle modifications, such as increased physical activity, dietary changes, moderate alcohol consumption or a decision to stop smoking in order to improve your ED symptoms and minimize cardiovascular risk. If tests show that you have low testosterone, your doctor may recommend testosterone replacement therapy before you use ED-specific medications. If you are a younger, healthier man, testosterone therapy may just be what you need for enhanced sexual desire and harder erections.

At Advanced Urology Institute, we have established a multidisciplinary, compassionate and patient-centered approach to the treatment of erectile dysfunction. We prioritize the needs and expectations of our patients during treatment, educating them and providing a supportive environment that ensures shared decision-making. We also conduct meticulous follow-ups to identify any changes in the relationships, health and emotional status of our patients to optimize the efficacy of our treatments. If you are experiencing bothersome and embarrassing ED, visit one of our urologists for help. Get more information on the treatment of erectile dysfunction at the “Advanced Urology Institute” site.

Benefits of Testosterone Therapy

Secreted primarily in the testicles, testosterone is a critical hormone responsible for male growth and masculine characteristics. The levels of testosterone increase exponentially in childhood and hit a peak during adolescence, then begin to decline by about 1 percent every year between the ages of 30 and 40 years and older. The gradual decline can be due to either normal aging processes or a condition called hypogonadism. Hypogonadism is a disorder in which the body fails to produce normal quantities of testosterone. It often occurs when there is a problem with the pituitary gland (which controls the testicles) or with the testicles themselves. For men with testosterone levels below the normal range, testosterone replacement therapy can relieve symptoms of low-T and provide many benefits.

Normal Testosterone Levels

For men, the normal range of total testosterone is 300-1,200 ng/dL (nanograms per deciliter). Men with testosterone levels within this range rarely have any problems associated with low testosterone. However, since total testosterone does not usually provide the full picture, doctors often measure and use the levels of free testosterone to assess a man’s vulnerability to low-T symptoms. Free testosterone means the amount of testosterone hormone that is active in the body at any given time. Men with total testosterone levels within the normal range can still suffer from the classic low-T symptoms if their free testosterone levels fall short.

Implications of Low Free Testosterone

The free testosterone level is a clearer indicator of a man’s true testosterone status. In fact, low free-T is almost exclusively associated with sex difficulties. Low testosterone diminishes sex drive in men and results in loss of energy and motivation and poor performance in bed. Men with low testosterone also may suffer from fewer spontaneous erections, slightly lower sperm count, increased body fat, decreased muscle strength and mass, fragile bones, tenderness or swelling of breast tissue, hot flashes, increased fatigue, feelings of depression and sadness, trouble with concentration and memory, lowered self-confidence and motivation, and a degraded overall sense of well-being. These symptoms can be relieved through testosterone replacement therapy.

Benefits of Testosterone Replacement Therapy

There is no doubt that testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can quickly revive a man’s interest in sex, boost his ability to maintain an erection and recreate the “wow” factor of his orgasms. Treating sexual symptoms is a good enough reason for men to start testosterone therapy. But because testosterone therapy also can improve a man’s health beyond the bedroom, bringing testosterone levels back to normal is a good decision for every man who wants to feel better. Replacement therapy improves bone mineral density, boosts overall bone strength, increases muscle mass and strength, boosts red blood cell production, enhances hemoglobin levels and corrects both iron deficiency anemia and unexplained anemia. Testosterone therapy also improves mood, alleviates depression, irritability and fatigue, relieves disorders linked to testosterone deficiency such as osteoporosis and boosts insulin sensitivity, which can benefit men with diabetes or minimize the risk of diabetes in men with functioning pancreas.

Should You Opt For Testosterone Therapy?

Testosterone replacement therapy is ideal for men with testosterone levels below 300 ng/dL or those experiencing symptoms of low testosterone. Undergoing replacement therapy can help you restore your testosterone levels to normal and improve your libido, cognition, mood, bone density, muscle mass and red blood cell production. However, you should remember that the therapy is only necessary if you have low T. If you are not sure whether the therapy is right for you, speak with your doctor. The doctor will conduct the requisite tests for low-T and guide you accordingly.

At Advanced Urology Institute, we help men recover from their old, tired and depressed selves through safe and effective testosterone replacement therapy. We deliver this therapy after accurate measurements of testosterone levels to ensure that we give testosterone only to the right people. If you have symptoms of low-T or suspect that your levels could be low, speak to one of our urologists. We will ensure to get you back to a more energetic, motivated and happy self. For more information on the diagnosis and treatment for low testosterone, visit the “Advanced Urology Institute” site.

2 Common Types of Incontinence

Urinary incontinence, defined as involuntary and accidental leakage or loss of urine because of defective bladder control, is a common problem in the United States that affects an estimated 25-33 percent of the population. While both men and women can have the condition, more women are at risk of having urinary incontinence because of several factors unique to women. For instance, due to pregnancy, childbirth, different anatomical characteristics in the pelvic region, atrophy (shrinking) of sphincter muscles and menopause, women suffer from urinary incontinence much earlier and more frequently than men do. Urinary incontinence is not a normal consequence of aging, though its prevalence increases with age.

Repercussions beyond Health

Urinary incontinence is not only a health problem, but also poses a variety of psychological, social and emotional difficulties. For instance, women with urinary incontinence may want to avoid certain situations or places for fear of an embarrassing accidental leak. A strong and sudden urge to urinate may cause embarrassment and discomfort, particularly when you are not near a bathroom or toilet. Women also may withdraw from activities they love doing due to the risk of an accidental leak. As a result, urinary incontinence can limit a woman’s activities, diminish her self-confidence and reduce her joy in life. But urinary incontinence is a treatable condition as long as the underlying cause can be identified and addressed.

Two Major Types of Urinary Incontinence

There are two main types of urinary incontinence: stress incontinence and urge incontinence.

1. Stress Incontinence

Stress incontinence is the accidental loss of urine from the bladder due to weak pelvic muscles. Urine loss occurs during physical activity such as when sneezing, laughing, coughing, exercising or doing an activity that exerts pressure on the pelvic muscles. When you are active, you put pressure on the bladder, which in turn allows urine to escape because the pelvic muscles are weak. Stress incontinence often occurs after pregnancy or childbirth because the pelvic muscles have been stretched and weakened and nerves to the bladder may have been damaged. Obesity or excess weight also can put pressure on the weak pelvic muscles and cause stress incontinence.

2. Urge incontinence

Urge incontinence (known as overactive bladder or OAB) is the sudden, intense and uncontrollable urge to urinate, which occurs when the coordination between the brain and bladder is out of sync. For instance, the brain may send voiding signals to the bladder without warning, or pelvic muscles may become too active and contract frequently even before the bladder is full, resulting in feelings of extreme frequency and urgency. Overactive bladder is the term used to describe any incontinence characterized by uncontrollable urgency, frequency, nocturia and dysuria. Urge incontinence is common in women with an inability to control detrusor contractions, but also may occur in women in menopause (due to inadequate estrogen) or with chronic or acute urinary tract infections, bladder stones, bladder cancer, stroke and multiple sclerosis (due to interference with nerve signals responsible for bladder control).

Sign of Something More Serious

There are many reasons why women may leak urine, from serious neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and stroke, traumatic injury of the spinal cord, cardiovascular conditions affecting associated nerves, diuretic medicines, diabetes and obesity, alcohol consumption or recurrent urinary tract infections to inflammation that damages bladder nerves or irritates the bladder. It is therefore advisable to seek medical help as soon as you experience any sign of incontinence. Prompt and timely diagnosis and treatment may uncover a serious underlying problem early. At Advanced Urology Institute, we obtain a full history, conduct a comprehensive physical examination, perform specialized testing and treat urinary incontinence as safely and successfully as possible, making sure to deal effectively with all underlying issues.

A Wide Range of Treatment Options

Treatment of urinary incontinence at AUI depends on the type of incontinence and severity of symptoms. Options may include rehabilitation of pelvic muscles using weighted vaginal cones, electrical stimulation or Kegel’s exercises, sacral nerve neuromodulation, biofeedback and bladder retraining, extracorporeal magnetic innervation, occlusive devices (such as vaginal pessaries or urethral plugs), medications (such as Extended-Release Oxybutynin Chloride like Ditropan XL, tolterodine like Detrol, alpha-adrenergic drugs and estrogens), periurethral injection, and minimally invasive surgery. If you have any symptoms, you should see a urologist as quickly as possible to undergo testing, determine the underlying cause and detect any serious problem you may have.

At Advanced Urology Institute, your health is our foremost priority. We provide the right diagnosis and treatment of urinary incontinence that can quickly restore your confidence and enable you to get out there and do the things you love without worrying about accidental leakages. Do not suffer in silence. For more information on urinary incontinence, visit the “Advanced Urology Institute” site.

Webb McCanse Becoming a Urologist

Are you blessed with a great sense of humor? Do you have the courage to openly talk about sensitive and awkward issues? Or are you just interested in helping very sick people get better? If so, you are just like me and an ideal person to serve as a urologist. People feel uneasy about seeing urologists because the issues we tackle are in an uncomfortable area of the body. But as a urologist, you are always called upon to make patients open up and speak about their problems honestly. It is a challenging task, but one that is very satisfying. Who would not feel gratified and fulfilled after smashing the barriers that make people suffer silently from genitourinary disorders and help them to find relief from embarrassing symptoms?

Becoming a Urologist

The opportunity to work in the Navy was very attractive to me. So I pursued medicine as a path to serving my country. With the United States
Navy taking care of my fees, I completed my medical school training at the University of Kansas and joined the University of Nebraska’s Medical Center for a six-year urology residency. Upon completion, I served in the United States Naval Hospitals of Pensacola and Guam, with sporadic assignments in Cuba and Okinawa, Japan. Following a satisfying naval service, I moved to Advanced Urology Institute.

Areas of Expertise

My extensive training exposed me to a number of advanced technologies and medical procedures. I am an expert in minimally invasive surgical procedures, particularly laparoscopic surgery and robot-assisted surgery for a wide range of genitourinary disorders. At AUI, I see patients with urologic cancers (bladder, penile, urethral and prostate), kidney stones, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), overactive bladder and urinary incontinence, among other conditions. I no longer serve in the Navy, but I am still proud to serve my country by helping its citizens overcome some of the most painful and embarrassing conditions.

Job Satisfaction

Urology is a very interesting profession, with each day presenting new challenges. We educate patients on living healthy lives, achieving their goals and making informed decisions. The level of engagement with patients is just amazing. We get to know our patients, gain their trust and build enduring relationships with them. It is greatly satisfying to just be there for a person who is suffering but feeling embarrassed to discuss his condition. Then to be able to help him open up, discuss the symptoms freely and find relief just brings incredible joy. As a urologist, I am proud of my specialized role and am deeply contented, satisfied and fulfilled as a person.

Why Advanced Urology Institute

Advanced Urology Institute is a pool of like-minded and experienced professionals working through a collaborative, multidisciplinary, patient-centered approach to deliver the best possible care to patients. Our job is not merely to diagnose and treat, but also to help people be proactive and take control of their lives. We consider the different patient needs, offer tailored consultations and treatments, and are always there for our patients. I love working at AUI because it offers the best opportunity for me to serve my country through timely, safe and effective urological care to its citizens. For more information on urological services offered at AUI, visit the “Advanced Urology Institute” site.

How Did Nicole Szell Become a Urologist?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Dr. Nicole Szell’s journey to becoming a urologist was driven by her passion for women’s health and her educational background in biology, chemistry, and osteopathic medicine.
  • Urology as a profession is intellectually challenging and rewarding, allowing practitioners to build trust-based relationships with patients and improve their quality of life.
  • Advanced Urology Institute is an ideal place for urologists like Dr. Szell to practice, as it offers a supportive environment with skilled professionals and a patient-centered approach to care.

To be able to dedicate your life to preventing, detecting and intervening in painful and embarrassing situations is an attractive and gratifying undertaking. It may not be for everyone, but for those of us in this profession it just brings incredible joy. As a urologist, you are able to direct your energy and enthusiasm to helping people. You are allowed into the lives of people facing painful conditions and are trusted to inject hope and bring back the joy to living. And as you are diagnosing, treating and educating patients, you make long-term connections and enjoy the thrill of being able to make other people well and happy again. It is a wonderful experience.

My Journey to Urology

Women’s health interested me from a very young age, driving me into many years of service as a volunteer and researcher in various women’s health programs and organizations. So when I went to college, my mind was already made up. I just wanted to pursue female urology and pelvic floor medicine. Being a native of the Midwest and Cleveland, Ohio, I went to Radford University in Radford for my bachelor of science in biology and chemistry. Upon graduation, I joined the College of Osteopathic Medicine, East Lansing, MI, for my medical school degree. Then I went to St. John’s Providence Health System, Detroit, for my urology residency program. I specialized in voiding dysfunction, pelvic floor disorders, sexual dysfunction, urologic reconstruction and pelvic organ prolapse, though I also handle general urology disorders such as kidney stones and bladder cancer.

Job Satisfaction

Urology is a field that challenges the intellect daily. It also inculcates the capacity to develop relationships based on trust. But most importantly, it offers the opportunity to solve women’s health problems, something I have been committed to since I was a young girl. As a urologist, I am able to engage with women in different situations and suffering from various conditions. It is a great privilege to listen to them, help them relax and find hope even in the face of a devastating diagnosis. I love my job because each day offers the chance to relieve discomfort, solve embarrassing conditions and improve the quality of life.

Why Advanced Urology Institute

Advanced Urology Institute is a great place to practice. I call it the urologist’s paradise. You are surrounded by passionate, skilled and talented professionals who are dedicated to a greater purpose. Each member of the pool has an unwavering drive to deliver the best possible care. As a team, we collaborate a lot when handling our patients. Since all administrative work has been centralized, we are left to focus on how to address the issues of our patients. So when patients come, they find us energetic and enthusiastic to serve them. And with our multidisciplinary, compassionate and patient-friendly approach, every patient can be sure of the best possible care. Want to know more about our services? Visit the “Advanced Urology Institute” site.

TRANSCRIPTION: 

Hi, I’m Dr. Nicole Szell. I’m a board certified urologist with Advanced Urology Institute.

I grew up in Cleveland. I am an only child. I moved to Michigan. I did my training at Michigan State for medical school. I did my residency in Detroit, Michigan, and then I went down to Miami for my fellowship in female pelvic medicine and urethral reconstruction. I also did specialized training in chronic pelvic pain, which was in Detroit, and I also did specialized training in female sexual function and dysfunction in San Diego, California, before coming here.

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