Vaginal atrophy, also referred to as atrophic vaginitis, is a sexual health problem that occurs in response to changing hormone levels. This condition is characterized by the thinning and drying out of the vaginal walls. These vaginal walls also become inflamed. If you suspect you may be suffering from this type of sexual dysfunction, consider requesting a referral to a urologist.

Symptoms

Women with vaginal atrophy typically experience symptoms such as painful sexual intercourse, reduced vaginal lubrication, and light bleeding following sexual intercourse. Some women may also notice genital itching, unusual vaginal discharge, vaginal dryness and burning, and more frequent urinary tract infections. Urinary symptoms of vaginal atrophy can include frequent and urgent urination, burning with urination, and urinary incontinence.

Causes

The vaginal tissues need a steady supply of estrogen, a hormone, to keep the vaginal walls elastic and robust. Vaginal atrophy occurs when the body no longer produces enough estrogen. This change is associated with menopause, although women may also suffer from vaginal atrophy because of breastfeeding. Other possible causes include pelvic radiation therapy, chemotherapy, surgical menopause, and hormonal treatment for breast cancer. Some factors may increase the risk that a woman will develop vaginal atrophy. These include the lack of sexual activity, since sexual activity increases blood flow to the area and encourages elasticity of the vaginal tissues. Smoking can also increase the risk, as can never having given birth vaginally.

Treatments

Women with mild vaginal atrophy may benefit from the application of certain products designed to restore vaginal lubrication. Other women might consider hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Some urology centers may offer advanced technology to treat vaginal atrophy, such as the MonaLisa Touch laser therapy system. Many women undergoing laser therapy enjoy significant improvements in their symptoms in just three short sessions.

The Women’s Institute for Sexual Health (WISH) at Urology Associates, P.C. provides confidential, sensitive care to women with sexual dysfunction in Tennessee. Our providers rely on the latest research and medical technology to diagnose and treat sexual health issues for women. Call us at (855) 901-1338 to request a confidential consultation.

Men who suffer from bloody or dark urine, bloody semen, loss of bladder control, and swelling of the penis might visit a urologist to confirm a diagnosis of urethral strictures. A urethral stricture occurs when the urethra becomes abnormally narrowed. This is the tube that transports urine from the bladder out of the body. The primary underlying causes of urethral strictures are the inflammation or accumulation of scar tissue in the area.

A urethra may be subjected to scar tissue build-up or inflammation because of a traumatic injury or surgical procedure performed in the area. This problem might also be the result of a disease. It is rare, though possible, to have congenital urethral strictures. Some factors can increase the risk of urethral strictures, including benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), recurrent urethritis, pelvic injuries, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

For compassionate urology care in Tennessee, men and women can turn to Urology Associates, P.C. Call (855) 901-1338 or visit us online to view a list of conditions our urology team can treat , including sexual dysfunction and testicular cancer.

Often, patients who experience incontinence are hesitant to speak up about their concerns. This is typically because incontinence can be an embarrassing problem to discuss, and because patients might secretly hope that the problem simply goes away by itself. But it’s important to understand that there’s nothing shameful about urinary incontinence; it’s actually quite common among both men and women. A urologist can determine the cause of your incontinence and explain your treatment options. You may even feel a sense of relief as soon as you visit a urologist simply from knowing that your problem will be managed properly.

You Have Developed Acute Incontinence

Acute urinary incontinence is when urine leakage begins suddenly. Acute incontinence can be caused by a bladder infection or urinary retention caused by fecal impaction. Acute incontinence could also be a side effect of medications. Acute incontinence is typically easily correctible.

Your Symptoms Interfere with Your Daily Life

If you experience persistent urinary incontinence, then there’s a good chance that you’ve had to restructure your daily routine to accommodate your urine leakage. You might find yourself bringing several changes of clothes with you wherever you go, perhaps along with special underwear or sanitary pads. You might even find yourself limiting or eliminating your social activities for fear of leaking while out of the house. When your symptoms interfere with your daily life, it’s time to talk to a doctor .

You Avoid Sexual Intercourse

Sexual intercourse is a healthy component of intimate relationships, yet people with urinary incontinence often avoid it. This can even cause relationship problems, particularly when the partner with urinary incontinence is hesitant to disclose the real reason for sexual avoidance. A chat with a urologist can help clear the air.

Here at Urology Associates, P.C., it’s our mission to improve our patients’ quality of life. Our urology team throughout Tennessee treats all types of conditions pertaining to urologic and sexual health, including urinary incontinence. Take the first step toward reclaiming your quality of life by calling us at (855) 901-1338 and requesting an appointment.

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.

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.