The pelvic region is the lowest part of the abdomen or trunk. In men and women, chronic pelvic pain can have a number of causes, including medical conditions that stem from the reproductive, musculoskeletal, urinary, and digestive systems. Chronic pelvic pain may be sharp or dull, intermittent or constant, and mild or severe. It can also significantly reduce a patient’s quality of life. If you’ve been suffering from pelvic pain, it may be time to make an appointment with a urologist to discover the underlying cause of your symptoms.

Causes in Women

Most women are accustomed to experiencing cramps in the pelvic region every month, but some women suffer from particularly severe pain. Dysmenorrhea is the medical term for very painful menstruation. Chronic pelvic pain in women could also be the result of endometriosis. This is a condition in which endometrial tissue—which normally lines the uterus—grows outside the uterus. Endometriosis can be quite painful, although a urologist can recommend effective treatment options. Chronic bladder infections are another common cause of pelvic pain in women. Also known as chronic cystitis, this condition may increase the risk of kidney infections and even permanent kidney damage, which is why it’s particularly important to undergo treatment. Another possible cause of chronic pelvic pain in women is vaginismus, which refers to the extreme tightening of the pelvic floor muscles. This can occur during sexual intercourse.

Causes in Men

Since women are more likely to experience chronic pelvic pain than men, some men may be less likely to seek treatment for what is often perceived as an embarrassing health condition. But it’s important for men to take charge of their health and see a urologist when necessary. The urologist might determine that the male patient is suffering from prostatitis, which refers to an inflammation of the prostate gland. Another common problem is epididymitis, which is an inflammation of the epididymis. The epididymis is located at the rear of the testicle. Most often, this condition is caused by a bacterial infection .

There’s no need to live with chronic pelvic pain any longer. Contact Urology Associates, P.C. at (855) 901-1338 to schedule an appointment with a urologist in Tennessee. Our practice also provides effective treatment solutions for patients with urinary tract infections, erectile dysfunction, and incontinence.

Urology specialists refer to the presence of blood in the urine as hematuria. The urine may acquire blood at a few different points, including the kidneys, ureter, bladder, or urethra. Patients who notice visible blood in the urine should be evaluated by a urologist. The urologist will try to determine the underlying cause, which may be sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), physical trauma, viral infections, an enlarged prostate, urinary tract infections, or tumors. Other possible causes include kidney disease, stones, and certain medications.

The urologist can conduct a number of diagnostic tests, including a dipstick evaluation of the urine, cystoscopy, and medical imaging tests. Since hematuria is a symptom of an underlying condition, the patient’s treatment will depend upon the diagnosis. If the cause is not known, then the patient may be referred for follow-up appointments.

If you experience bloody urine, you can call Urology Associates, P.C. right away at (855) 901-1338 to schedule an evaluation. In Tennessee, our urology team routinely treats urinary problems and sexual dysfunction.

Do you find yourself frequently waking up during the night to go to the bathroom? You could have a problem known as nocturia, which is characterized by the disruption of the normal sleep cycle due to the need to urinate more than once during the night. This urology issue can lead to other health problems associated with chronic sleep deprivation. Fortunately, a urologist can determine the underlying causes and recommend appropriate treatment options.

Causes

Some of the potential causes of nocturia are sex-specific. Women may suffer from nocturia because of childbirth, menopause, or pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Men may develop this problem because of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or an enlarged prostate. The causes that could affect a patient of either sex include the excessive use of caffeine or alcohol, or drinking any fluids to excess before bedtime. Uncontrolled diabetes, diuretic medications, sleeping disorders, and bladder inflammation are other possible causes. Some patients may have low nocturnal bladder capacity due to interstitial cystitis, bladder obstruction, or recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Diagnostics

When you visit a urologist to discuss your symptoms, they may ask you to keep a fluid and voiding record for a few days. You’ll make notes about the time and amount of your fluid intake, medication usage, caffeine and alcohol usage, and voiding behaviors. The urologist might also request medical tests such as a urinalysis.

Treatments

Treating nocturia may involve a combination of medical interventions and lifestyle changes . Your doctor might recommend medications to help you manage your symptoms. If you have an underlying medical condition that is causing nocturia, then treating this medical condition can help relieve your symptoms. You might also consider making lifestyle changes, such as limiting your fluid intake in the evening and adjusting your schedule of diuretic medications. You might also consider taking naps in the afternoon, wearing compression stockings, and elevating your legs.

Urology Associates, P.C. connects patients with urology issues with effective treatment options to improve quality of life. Nocturia, incontinence, and sexual dysfunction are just a few of the conditions we treat. Call (855) 901-1338 to set up an appointment with our urology team in Tenenssee.

Urinary tract infections or bladder infections can cause uncomfortable symptoms like burning sensations during urination. If you suffer from recurrent urinary tract infections, it may be time to visit a urologist to discuss an effective UTI treatment plan.

Watch this animation to find out about the possible causes of UTIs. You’ll learn why women tend to get them more frequently than men. You’ll also discover that pregnancy, menopause, diabetes, certain birth defects, and bladder or kidney stones can all contribute to bladder infections. This animation offers some helpful tips for preventing future UTIs.

You’ll find compassionate providers and effective treatment options at Urology Associates, P.C. if you suffer from a UTI and you live in Tennessee, give us a call at (855) 901-1338.

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.