Varicoceles are similar to varicose veins, except they affect the scrotum instead of the legs. They occur when the blood that flows through the veins in the scrotum doesn’t move properly and instead backs up, causing bulging blood vessels. In some cases, a varicocele doesn’t cause any symptoms at all, while in other cases, they can cause significant discomfort. If you suspect you have a varicocele, see your urologist as soon as possible. Surgical treatment is usually necessary.

What are the risk factors for varicocele?

There are not any clear-cut risk factors for varicocele, though they seem to be more common in men who are tall and less common in men who are overweight. They are most common in men during puberty, though they can happen at any stage of life.

What are the symptoms?

Some men with varicoceles experience a feeling of heaviness or aching in the testicles after standing for a long period of time. There may be obvious shrinkage of the testicles and enlarged veins may also be visible. Frequently, there are no symptoms at all. Because varicoceles can cause significant problems with fertility, many men find out that they have them in the course of a fertility screening. They may also be diagnosed during a routine physical exam.

What treatments are available?

You may not need treatment for varicoceles if you are not experiencing any symptoms and your fertility is not impaired. If you do require treatment, there are multiple surgical solutions your urologist may recommend. A microsurgical varicocelectomy, during which the veins that are causing problems are closed so that blood flow redirects to other veins, is considered to have the best treatment outcomes. Laparoscopy is another option, but it is considered to have more risks. Percutaneous embolization, in which a coil is inserted into the vein to block it off, is usually only performed if other treatments have failed.

The specialists at Urology Associates, P.C. treat a wide range of men’s health issues, from erectile dysfunction to male infertility in Tennessee . Don’t let varicoceles or sexual health problems impact your life. Call (855) 901-1338 to make an appointment.

There is significant disagreement about which men should be screened for prostate cancer and when these screenings should begin. Screening all men leads to over-diagnosis and over-treatment of prostate cancer, but preventative screenings can be helpful for some men. Your urologist will help you decide what is right for you.

Watch this video to understand how your urologist may decide if prostate cancer screening is right for you. By considering your risk factors, your urologist will determine if you should be screened and when screenings should begin.

At Urology Associates, P.C. , we offer comprehensive care for everything from prostate cancer and erectile dysfunction to kidney stones in Tennessee. To make an appointment with a specialist, call (855) 901-1338.

Sexual dysfunction in men, such as erectile dysfunction, get a lot of attention, but women can suffer from sexual health issues as well. As with men, sexual dysfunction does not have to ruin relationships and destroy self-esteem in women. If you are a woman who is experiencing sexual dysfunction, have a frank conversation with your doctor to learn what your treatment options are. Here is a look at some of the questions women and their partners often have about sexual dysfunction.

What is sexual dysfunction in women?

A number of different symptoms are associated with sexual dysfunction in women. Lack of libido is a common problem for women, as is vaginal dryness and painful intercourse. In some cases, the cause of the sexual dysfunction is purely hormonal. In other cases, other factors can be at play. For instance, recurrent yeast infections that lead to painful intercourse can inadvertently lead to low libido as women become hesitant to be sexually active because of past discomfort. Stress, poor health, and unhealthy relationships can all also impact libido.

At what age do women experience sexual dysfunction?

Many people associate problems with sexual health in women with menopause. Although the risks of low libido and vaginal dryness are higher during menopause because of the significant hormone fluctuations, women of all ages are prone to problems with sexual health. No woman is too old or too young to experience sexual health problems and get help for them.

What treatments are available?

Sometimes, treating an underlying problem that is causing sexual health problems, like persistent yeast infections, can resolve symptoms. Likewise, hormone therapy can also be helpful. Other treatments, like the MonaLisa Touch laser, can reduce vaginal dryness that causes painful intercourse without medications.

Urology Associates, P.C. and our Women’s Institute for Sexual Health (WISH) helps women reverse sexual health problems regardless of age. When you need a urologist in Tennessee for UTI treatment, incontinence, sexual health problems, and more, please call (855) 901-1338.

Difficult urination is a problem that can result from several causes. While aging can affect your ability to urinate, there may be other issues to consider, as well. Difficult urination can be a symptom of some medical conditions, such as urinary incontinence, urethral strictures, and nocturia, so it’s important to be evaluated by a urologist if you’re having this problem.

If you aren’t sure if you’re experiencing difficult urination, then there are several symptoms to keep in mind. A slow or weak urine stream can indicate that you have trouble urinating properly, as can pain in your lower back or abdomen or pain when you urinate. Feeling an increased need to urinate that interferes with your sleep can also be a sign of difficult urination.

At Urology Associates, P.C., our team of skilled doctors can diagnose and treat a broad range of sexual health and urinary tract conditions . If you’re experiencing symptoms of difficult urination, please give us a call today at (855) 901-1338 to make an appointment with one of our urologists in Tennessee.

Has your partner been unable to get pregnant following a year of unprotected sex? If so, then you or she may be suffering from infertility. If you’re a man and your partner is unable to conceive, then your doctor may advise you to see a urologist for a male fertility evaluation. Here is what you can expect from this process:

Initial Examination

To begin the evaluation, your doctor will perform a physical exam. Then, he may ask you about any surgeries that you have had, if you exercise and how much, if you take any medications, and whether you take recreational drugs or smoke. Your doctor may also talk to you about your sex life and ask whether or not you’ve ever had any STDs.

Semen Analysis

During your appointment, your doctor may request a semen sample to help determine if you are dealing with male infertility. This sample will be tested by trained experts who measure sperm count and examine the sperm’s characteristics, such as their movement and shape. In simple terms, men who have high amounts of normal-shaped sperm have higher fertility. However, having low levels of sperm or abnormal sperm in your semen does not necessarily mean that you’re infertile. Your doctor may advise a second semen analysis to confirm the results of the first .

Additional Testing

Some of your body’s hormones are responsible for making sperm, so your doctor may use a hormone evaluation to test their levels. While hormone imbalances can cause infertility, they are not the primary culprit in most cases. Also, genetic testing is sometimes performed to look for reasons why you may have sperm problems.

Further Examination

There are a number of physical issues that may cause you to have fertility problems. Your doctor may examine you for a sperm blockage, retrograde ejaculation, a missing vas deferens , and anti-sperm antibodies.

If you’re a man who is concerned about his fertility, then call Urology Associates, P.C. at (855) 901-1338. Our urologists provide testing and treatment for male infertility in Tennessee.

Robotic surgery provides urologists with the ability to view the patient’s anatomy in a more detailed and dynamic way. If you’ve been diagnosed with prostate or kidney cancer and have questions about what treatment to pursue, then watch this video to learn a bit about robotic surgery.

Robotic surgery allows for nerve-sparing to be a more precise procedure and lets urologists get a better view of a patient’s nerve structure. Also, this technology helps surgeons see tumors more accurately to help ensure their complete removal in the case of kidney cancer.

If you’re interested in minimally invasive treatments for kidney or prostate cancer, then contact Urology Associates, P.C. at (855) 901-1338 to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced urologists in Tennessee.

When it comes to sexual health for women, low libido is not an uncommon problem. The sexual response cycle requires both psychological and physical stimulation, and it can be affected by many issues. The following are a few potential causes of low libido in women:

Having Certain Physical Conditions

There is a wide range of health problems that can lead a woman to experience low libido. For example, natural hormonal changes caused by being pregnant, your menstrual cycle, taking birth control, and experiencing menopause can all impact your sexual response. Also, some medical conditions, like endometriosis, diabetes, and anything that causes you to feel sexual dysfunction or discomfort during sex, can also result in low sexual responsiveness.

Drinking Alcohol

While it’s not uncommon for women to view a glass of wine as a way to feel more relaxed and willing to be intimate, it may actually have a negative impact on one’s libido. For both men and women, regularly consuming alcohol over an extended period can reduce the body’s sexual response. Some women may experience increased libido by planning to spend time with their partner without the involvement of alcohol.

Being Anxious

Many people already know that regularly experiencing anxiety can have a negative impact on their health. However, some women do not realize that being anxious can also affect their sex drive. Sexual arousal is a natural process, so when you are anxious, stressed, or distracted, then you may find it difficult to enjoy yourself physically.

Feeling Depressed

Feelings of depression are a common cause of low libido in women. When a person is depressed, this often coincides with imbalances in their hormones. Your hormones play a critical role in your sexual response cycle so if you are suffering from depression, addressing this condition may improve your libido.

Are you a woman who is struggling with symptoms of low libido in Nashville ? If so, then Urology Associates, P.C. may be able to diagnose the cause and treat your symptoms. To schedule a consultation with one of our compassionate urologists, please give us a call today at (855) 901-1338.

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein that is produced by the prostate gland. If your urologist determines that you have elevated PSA levels, you may be asked to undergo additional tests to figure out if a medical condition could be causing this. It is possible for elevated PSA levels to indicate prostate cancer, although many men who do have elevated PSA levels do not have prostate cancer. Similarly, some men with low PSA levels do have prostate cancer. This is why additional tests may be needed.

Elevated PSA levels can also be caused by conditions other than cancer, including urinary tract infections (UTIs) and prostatitis, the latter of which refers to the inflammation of the prostate gland. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or an enlarged prostate is another condition that may result in elevated PSA levels.

You’ll find comprehensive and compassionate treatment for prostate cancer at Urology Associates, P.C. To discuss cancer treatments in Tennessee, call our office at (855) 901-1338 and make an appointment with one of our knowledgeable and experienced urologists.

Renal cell carcinoma is the most common type of kidney cancer. It develops when malignant cells form in the linings of the tubules of the kidneys. One or both kidneys may be affected. Patients who have been diagnosed with kidney cancer are encouraged to speak with a urologist about their cancer treatment options.

Signs and Symptoms

In its early stages, renal cell carcinoma may not cause any noticeable symptoms. As the cancer progresses, patients may experience abdominal pain and swelling, back pain, bloody urine, and unintentional weight loss. Male patients may develop a varicocele, which refers to the swelling of the veins of a testicle. Female patients may experience excessive hair growth. Anemia, loss of appetite, pain in the side, and vision problems may also develop because of kidney cancer.

Risk Factors

Most patients who are diagnosed with kidney cancer are men between the ages of 50 and 70. Smoking is known to be a significant risk factor of kidney cancer, as is the long-term use of certain medications such as pain pills and diuretics. Other risk factors may include obesity, polycystic kidney disease, high blood pressure, history of dialysis treatment, and a family history of the disease.

Diagnostic Tests

A primary care physician may suspect kidney cancer upon performing a physical exam, which may reveal the presence of a lump in the abdomen and, in men, a varicocele. Then, patients may be referred to a urologist for further testing. These medical tests may include imaging studies, blood tests, urinalysis, liver function tests, and renal arteriography.

Treatment Options

Most often, the treatment for this particular type of cancer is surgery to remove part or all of the kidney. Sometimes, it may be necessary to remove the bladder, lymph nodes, and other surrounding tissues. Some medications may be helpful, although chemotherapy and radiation therapy are not generally effective for kidney cancer.

Urology Associates, P.C. is your partner in wellness. Our urology team provides cutting-edge cancer treatment throughout Middle Tennessee, including kidney and bladder cancer treatment. If your primary care physician suspects that you might have renal cell carcinoma, call us without delay at (855) 901-1338.

Kidney stones are a very painful medical problem. In fact, some women describe the pain as being worse than childbirth. Kidney stones form as a result of hardened mineral deposits and urologists say that people who consume high amounts of oxalates could be at an increased risk. Along with spinach and chocolate, iced tea happens to have plenty of oxalates.

You can hear more about the link between iced tea and kidney stones by watching this brief video and consulting your urologist. The health expert interviewed here recommends drinking plenty of water with a lemon wedge to counteract the effects of the oxalates in iced tea.

Urology Associates, P.C. provides sophisticated kidney stone treatment options in Tennessee. If you need to see a urologist, you can give us a call at (855) 901-1338.