One of the conditions that a urologist can diagnose and treat is bladder cancer. There are three types of bladder cancer. Transitional cell cancer is the most common type. It develops in the transitional cells that comprise the innermost layer of tissue on the bladder wall. Squamous cell cancer begins in the tissue that lines the surface of the bladder and adenocarcinoma begins in the glandular or secretory cells of the bladder.

When you watch this animation, you’ll learn more about the three types of bladder cancer and you’ll discover the typical symptoms of bladder cancer. These can include bloody urine, frequent urination, and painful urination.

Cancer treatment is one of the many advanced medical services you’ll find at Urology Associates, P.C. To discuss our cancer treatments that are available in Tennessee, call (855) 901-1338.

Sexual health problems can refer to any issue that disrupts one of the four phases of the sexual response cycle. These phases are excitement or arousal, plateau, orgasm, and resolution. It isn’t uncommon for a woman of any age to occasionally experience problems getting “in the mood.” When sexual health issues persist, it might be time to think about scheduling an appointment with an urologist to explore the possible underlying causes.

Sexual Arousal Disorder

Female sexual arousal disorder is often referred to as low libido. When a woman becomes sexually aroused, blood flow to the genitals is increased. This results in swelling of the labia and vaginal wall, and lubrication of the vagina. Sexual arousal involves both psychological and physical issues, which means that sexual arousal disorder is a particularly complex health problem. A urologist can look for underlying causes of sexual arousal disorder , which could include physical causes such as the hormonal changes of menopause, cancer treatments with chemotherapy, and other medical conditions. Psychological issues can also play a role, including a past history of sexual abuse or other trauma, a strict upbringing that influenced views on sexuality, mental illnesses, and unfavorable body image.

Orgasmic Disorder

As the term suggests, orgasmic disorder is diagnosed when a woman has trouble reaching an orgasm or has unsatisfying orgasms. The physical problems that may contribute to orgasmic disorder include endometriosis, multiple sclerosis, diabetic neuropathy, and spinal cord injuries. Orgasmic disorder can also be the result of psychological issues, including fatigue, stress, boredom with sexual activity, and embarrassment about directing sexual stimulation.

Sexual Pain Disorder

Painful intercourse is known as dyspareunia. In some cases, sexual pain disorder is the result of childbirth. Childbirth causes a reduction in estrogen levels, which contributes to insufficient vaginal lubrication. Childbirth might also require an episiotomy, which traumatizes the area. Other possible causes of sexual pain disorder include endometriosis, uterine fibroids, stress, depression, and a history of sexual abuse.

Visit the Women’s Institute for Sexual Health at Urology Associates, P.C. to find out what has been causing your sexual dysfunction. Our Nashville team understands the complexities of female sexual dysfunction and can offer effective treatment recommendations. You can reach us at (855) 901-1338 or visit us on the Web to find out more about sexual health issues.

The epididymis is the small tube that transfers sperm from the testicles to the vas deferens. This structure can become inflamed, which is a condition known as epididymitis. Men with acute or sudden onset epididymitis generally suffer from symptoms that are more severe than those associated with chronic epididymitis. If you suspect you may have this sexual health problem, be sure to tell your urologist about all of your symptoms and when they first began.

Your list of symptoms may include pain in your abdominal region, urethra, and testicles. The scrotum may be tender and swollen. It may also look reddened and feel warm to the touch. Men with acute epididymitis often experience frequent or urgent urination. They may even have a painful, burning sensation during urination, and some men can develop a fever.

Epididymitis is just one of the conditions we can treat at Urology Associates, P.C. If you’ve been referred for possible epididymitis, impotence, or other sexual health problems, you can call our offices at (855) 901-1338.

Vaginal atrophy, sometimes referred to as atrophic vaginitis, is characterized by the inflammation of the vaginal walls. The tissues become drier and thinner than usual, which can lead to painful sexual intercourse. In turn, this complication can lead to loss of libido. Like other forms of sexual dysfunction , this condition is treatable by a urologist.

Life Stages

Vaginal atrophy is associated with declining levels of estrogen in the female body . At certain stages of life, estrogen production naturally declines. When a woman reaches menopause, estrogen production is quite minimal. In the years leading up to menopause, known as perimenopause, estrogen production generally declines. However, it usually does so in an irregular and sporadic fashion. The result is that the vaginal walls are no longer as elastic.

Reproductive Choices

While the evidence is not necessarily conclusive, it is thought that women who have never given birth vaginally may be more likely to develop vaginal atrophy compared to women who have experienced vaginal births. It is also possible to develop vaginal atrophy due to breastfeeding. Lactation-induced vaginal atrophy is typically accompanied by reduced libido and painful intercourse. Unfortunately, it’s commonly misdiagnosed or left untreated because it’s easy to mistake lactation-induced vaginal atrophy for the other typical changes that are characteristic of the postpartum period, such as sleeplessness and stress.

Medical Interventions

Sometimes, medical interventions are to blame for vaginal atrophy. Although cancer treatment can save lives, it may also sometimes cause vaginal atrophy. Women with cancerous tumors that are sensitive to hormone levels may experience a decline in estrogen due to cancer treatments. Estrogen levels may also decline because of radiation therapy directed at the pelvic area, surgical removal of the ovaries, and chemotherapy.

Urology Associates, P.C. is your source for sexual dysfunction solutions in Tennessee. We treat every patient with the sensitivity, compassion, and confidentiality she deserves. If you have concerns about your sexual health, give us a call today at (855) 901-1338 to speak with a friendly staff member.