Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a painful inflammatory condition that affects the bladder. Patients with IC may first visit a urologist because they experience frequent, painful urination and pelvic pressure. However, a urologist may also need to treat IC patients for pelvic floor dysfunction.

As you’ll learn by watching this video, patients with IC have a higher risk of developing pelvic floor dysfunction. In these patients, the pelvic floor muscles are too tense, leading to symptoms such as muscle spasms, pain during intercourse, and constipation.

At Urology Associates, P.C., you’ll find compassionate care for interstitial cystitis , pelvic floor dysfunction, and similar health problems such as sexual dysfunction. Call (855) 901-1338 and let our urology team in Nashville know how we can help you reclaim your health.

Do you wake up several times each night to go to the bathroom? Do you struggle with daytime fatigue because of your nighttime bathroom visits? You could be suffering from nocturia , which is a condition commonly associated with advanced age. It’s important to speak with a urologist about your urinary problem because it may signal an underlying medical condition that requires treatment. Receiving urology care can also help you achieve restful sleep at night.

Evaluating the Underlying Cause

When you see a urologist to discuss your urinary issues, he or she will try to determine the underlying cause before recommending an appropriate treatment plan. Sometimes, nocturia is caused by lifestyle issues, but often it’s the result of medical conditions such as untreated diabetes, congestive heart failure, sleeping disorders, or lower extremity edema. It can also be the result of other urologic conditions such as bladder obstruction, overactive bladder, a urinary tract infection (UTI), or benign prostatic hyperplasia, also known as an enlarged prostate. If one of these conditions is to blame for your symptoms, your doctor can suggest options for treating the underlying cause to alleviate your urologic symptoms.

Considering Medications

Your treatment options may include medications . Some of the most common medications prescribed for nocturia include anticholinergic drugs like darifenacin, oxybutynin, or tolterodine. These drugs can relax the bladder to prevent bladder spasms and reduce the risk of overactive bladder. Before taking any new medications, be sure to tell your urologist about any drugs you may already be using.

Making Lifestyle Changes

In addition to medical management, your urologist may recommend making simple lifestyle changes to help you sleep through the night. Patients with nocturia should be careful to limit their fluid intake in the evening hours, especially caffeinated and alcoholic beverages. Elevation of the legs throughout the day can alleviate the accumulation of fluid. You might also need to adjust medications you may already be taking, such as diuretics. Taking diuretics earlier in the day can help prevent nighttime bathroom visits.

With help from Urology Associates, P.C., you can successfully manage nocturia and finally get a good night’s sleep. Our urology team in Tennessee also works with patients who suffer from sexual dysfunction, incontinence, and urinary tract infections. Call our office today at (855) 901-1338 to request a confidential consult.

In the US, approximately 65 percent of newborns undergo elective circumcision within a day or two of birth. These procedures are performed for religious reasons or because of cultural traditions, however they are not medically necessary. In some cases, men who were not circumcised as infants decide that they want to have the procedure in adulthood. If you wish to become circumcised, the first step is to make an appointment with a urologist.

From a urology perspective, adult circumcision is usually not necessary. Some men have difficulty with foreskin retraction or experience chronic inflammation of the tip of the penis that can be relieved through circumcision, but can often also be managed with changes in hygiene habits. When these non-invasive methods are not effective, a urologist may then recommend a circumcision. In other cases, circumcision offers no medical benefits, other than a slightly lower risk of UTIs.

If you’re experiencing sexual dysfunction in Nashville , from erectile dysfunction to low libido, help is available at Urology Associates. Talk to a urologist about common sense treatments for your sexual health by scheduling a consultation at (855) 901-1338.

Peyronie’s disease is a painful condition that can have significant impacts on sexual health and relationships for men. If you are suffering from this condition, make an appointment with a urologist. Treatments are available that can improve your symptoms and provide relief from the stress that often accompanies Peyronie’s disease. Here is a closer look at the condition and what treatments are available.

What Is Peyronie’s Disease?

Peyronie’s disease is a condition in which fibrous tissue inside of the penis causes it to curve during erections. This curvature is often extremely painful and can make it impossible to have sexual intercourse. The exact causes are not known. In some cases, injuries to the penis can cause the growth of fibrous scar tissue that does not stretch during erections as healthy tissue does. For some men, the causes of Peyronie’s disease are not known. Doctors suspect that a hereditary component may be involved, but the research as yet is inconclusive.

What Are the Symptoms?

Often, men with Peyronie’s disease can feel lumps of scar tissue under the skin of the penis. During erections, there will be a noticeable bend in the penis, or it may take on a narrowing or hourglass shape. Peyronie’s disease can also cause erectile dysfunction and intense pain during erections. In response to these symptoms, it is common for men with Peyronie’s disease to experience anxiety or depression related to their sexual health.

What Treatments Are Available?

In some men, Peyronie’s disease resolves on its own with any treatment. Medications to reduce scar tissue formation and relax the curvature of the penis are available through injections, and topical or oral medications. Surgery, including penile implants and grafting, can also help to reduce Peyronie’s disease symptoms.

At Urology Associates, our urology specialists treat a range of sexual dysfunction issues in both men and women. If you are suffering from Peyronie’s disease or another condition that prevents you from having healthy sexual relationships, call us today at (855) 901-1338 to make an appointment with a urologist in Nashville.