Did you know that sexual dysfunction affects more women than men in the United States? About 43% of women are affected by sexual dysfunction, yet most of the research in this area is dedicated to men’s sexual health. At Urology Associates P.C. we understand that sexual dysfunction is common in women which is why we work closely with patients to offer solutions for more fulfilling, satisfying intimacy at home. Below you can get a closer look at sexual dysfunction in women to learn about the solutions available for this problem.

Possible Causes

Sexual dysfunction in women may be related to a low sex drive or the inability to become aroused. For other women, the issue may be associated with an inability to orgasm during sex or pain during sexual activity. The underlying causes of these physical boundaries may be hormonal imbalances, the use of certain medications, anxiety, or past sexual traumas. Therefore, it is necessary to have a detailed discussion with your doctor about your sexual history to formulate a treatment plan that will be most beneficial for you.

Diagnosis

A diagnosis of sexual dysfunction may include a physical exam to identify any conditions that may be responsible for pain or discomfort during sexual activity. Your doctor will ask detailed questions about your sexual history to gain a better understanding of the possible physiological problems leading to a loss of sexual ability or interest.

Treatment Options

Since female sexual dysfunction is a complex problem, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to treatment. If any physical causes of sexual dysfunction are identified during your exam, your doctor may focus primarily on treating these issues. Your doctor can also offer educational resources about human anatomy, and changes in sexual function related to the aging process. Beyond these measures you may use special exercises, or arousal techniques to become more engaged with sexual activity and intimacy with your partner.

Urology Associates P.C. strives to create a comfortable care environment where you will be able to speak openly about sexual dysfunction and the treatment options available to you. You can schedule a consultation with a member of our expansive Nashville team by calling (888) 329-7700.

While a prostate cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, you will want to remember that prostate cancer is highly treatable—especially with early detection. In this video, Dr. M. Leon Seard II discusses early prostate cancer detection and the men who should consider these screenings.

African American men are at the highest risk for more aggressive, deadly prostate cancers, so they should not hesitate to ask their doctors about screening. Prostate cancer screening consists of two initial tests: Digital rectal exam and the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. If these tests produce abnormal results, a prostate biopsy will be used to create an accurate diagnosis.

If you have never had a prostate cancer screening, or you want to explore your risk for prostate cancer in more detail, call Urology Associates P.C. at (888) 329-7700 to schedule a consultation within our Nashville practice.

Kidney stones are among the most common reasons for a visit to the urologist . These small deposits form inside the kidneys and may not cause symptoms for a while. However, when they begin to move around inside the kidneys or into the ureter, patients typically suffer from very intense pain and other troublesome symptoms. If you’ve been diagnosed with kidney stones, be a proactive patient by learning as much as you can about your condition. Your best source of information is your urologist.

Will Medications Help?

If the stone is small enough to pass on its own, your urologist can prescribe pain relievers to improve your comfort level while you wait. If you only have mild pain, you might take ibuprofen or naproxen. Sometimes, an alpha blocker may be prescribed to relax the muscles in the ureter. This may reduce pain as the kidney stone passes.

Do I Need to Change My Diet?

While you’re waiting for the kidney stone to pass, it’s important to drink plenty of water. As a general rule of thumb, drink enough water so that your urine is clear. Even after you pass the kidney stone, it’s a good idea to continue drinking plenty of water to reduce your risk of future kidney stones. Additionally, some people may benefit from dietary changes . Ask your doctor if you should reduce your intake of salt, sugar, and animal protein, or increase your intake of fruits and vegetables.

Should I Have Surgery to Remove the Stone?

Many people can pass kidney stones without the need for surgery. However, some kidney stones are too large to pass. These will need to be removed surgically. Additionally, surgical intervention may be required if the kidney stones cause complications such as kidney damage, bleeding, or persistent urinary tract infections.

At Urology Associates, P.C. , we pride ourselves on our abiding commitment to superior patient education. If you’re suffering from kidney stones in Nashville, you can find the solutions you’re looking for at our facility. Should you require urology surgery for kidney stones, you can take advantage of the sophisticated medical technology in our Urology Surgery Center.

At Urology Associates, P.C., we pride ourselves on offering our patients the very latest in medical technology and techniques to improve outcomes and patient safety. In addition to our on-site diagnostic and imaging center, urology patients can rely on our state-of-the-art Urology Surgery Center—the only freestanding surgical facility in Middle Tennessee that specializes in urologic conditions. At our Urology Surgery Center, USC, you can undergo a procedure within a comfortable setting and return home the same day. Kidney stones, prostate cancer, and bladder cancer are just a few of the conditions our specialists can treat.

The Urology Surgery Center is licensed by Tennessee as an ambulatory surgical facility, accredited by AAAHC, and certified by Medicare. To serve the needs of our patients, our facility features three operating rooms, two fluoroscopy urology rooms, four procedure rooms, and a 17-bay recovery room, along with a spacious and comfortable waiting area for family and friends.

If you’re anticipating a procedure at the Urology Surgery Center of Urology Associates, P.C., please view our informative patient brochure . Should you have any questions about urology in Nashville, one of our friendly staff members will be happy to assist you.

The loss of bladder control is referred to as urinary incontinence . The severity of this problem can vary widely. However, whether you experience occasional leakage or frequent accidents, it’s a good idea to consult a urologist. Although many people find bladder leakage to be an embarrassing problem, it’s also important to realize that it’s a common health issue that should be evaluated by a specialist.

Temporary Causes

Urinary incontinence isn’t always the result of an underlying medical problem. A urologist might ask you about your lifestyle because the consumption of alcohol, carbonated drinks, and caffeinated beverages can contribute to urinary incontinence. Certain medications, including muscle relaxants and sedatives, may also be the culprit of temporary incontinence.

Persistent Causes

If you experience persistent urinary incontinence, it may be due to an underlying medical condition such as a neurological disorder or an obstruction of the urinary tract. In men, prostate cancer or an enlarged prostate may lead to incontinence. Women may experience urinary incontinence because of pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, or a hysterectomy.

Behavioral Techniques

There are noninvasive treatment options for urinary incontinence . A urologist might recommend that you try behavioral techniques, for example. These include scheduled toilet trips, double voiding, and careful management of fluids and foods. Bladder training may help those who feel the frequent need to urinate.

Medications

A urologist may prescribe medications to help you control your symptoms. Some examples of medications that may be helpful include anticholinergics and mirabegron. Men may benefit from alpha blockers, while women might try topical estrogen.

Surgical Intervention

When lifestyle changes, behavioral techniques, and medications aren’t enough to manage urinary incontinence, you might consider surgical intervention. Your urologist can explain the types of procedures that may be helpful for you, which may include sling procedures, bladder neck suspension, and prolapse surgery.

Urology Associates, P.C. provides comprehensive urinary incontinence diagnosis and treatments at our state-of-the-art center for urology in Nashville . If you’re suffering from incontinence or another urologic condition, don’t delay seeking the help you need. A urologist at our facility can offer recommendations based on your unique needs and preferences.

MonaLisa Touch, a new treatment option offered by Urology Associates, delivers immediate and long-lasting relief through laser technology.

Take a look at a few of the frequently asked questions about this life-changing procedure.

Q: What happens during treatment?

A: The procedure will seem similar to your annual exam, and will likely be even quicker. Your healthcare provider will insert the laser tip into your vagina and deliver laser energy “pulses”. The total procedure time is less than 5 minutes.

Q: Does it hurt?

A: The laser energy itself is painless. Some patients report mild discomfort with the laser tip insertion during the first procedure due to vaginal dryness.

Q: How soon can I expect results?

A: Many patients have reported that they experience relief right away. Virtually all patients have experienced relief by the second treatment, or week 6.

Q: How long does treatment last?

A: MonaLisa Touch provides long-lasting results. A once-a-year single treatment is recommended to maintain symptom relief. This can be done quickly and conveniently during your annual checkup.

For more information about MonaLisa Touch, visit our website or give us a call at (888) 329-7700.

The Women’s Institute for Sexual Health (WISH) at Urology Associates, P.C., is one of the few clinics in the country that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of female sexual dysfunction. Women who are experiencing sexual dysfunction in Nashville, and beyond, can turn to our sexual health professionals for guidance on a variety of common conditions, such as hypoactive sexual desire disorder, female sexual arousal disorder, sexual aversion disorder, and female orgasmic disorder, just to name a few.

You can hear more about sexual health in women by watching this interview with the Clinical Director of WISH. She explains some common forms of sexual dysfunction and discusses their alarming prevalence as compared to sexual dysfunction among men. She also discusses treatment guidelines implemented at WISH.

A division of Urology Associates, P.C., The Women’s Institute for Sexual Health (WISH) provides specialized care in our state-of-the-art facility. At WISH, women will find compassionate and highly trained professionals who are dedicated to promoting better sexual health and quality of life.

When estrogen levels decline after menopause, many changes occur. Millions of women experience symptoms such as vaginal dryness, itching, burning or painful intercourse as a consequence of these changes. Many women suffer silently, and those who seek treatment find their options limited: messy estrogen creams or hormone replacement therapy, which isn’t for everyone.

MonaLisa Touch laser treatment is a simple procedure that takes less than 5 minutes.

It delivers both immediate and long-lasting relief. And it’s clinically proven to really work.

• Simple, painless laser energy
• In-office, no anesthesia
• No side effects
• No downtime
• Symptom relief after just one treatment
• Thousands of women successfully treated since 2008

A new procedure that patients have called “life-changing”.

MonaLisa Touch delivers gentle laser energy to the vaginal wall that stimulates a healing response and enhances moisture levels in the vaginal canal. A typical course of treatment is three procedures over 12 weeks.

Many women report symptom relief after the very first treatment and even greater improvement after treatments 2 and 3.

For more information about MonaLisa Touch laser treatment, visit our website or give us a call at (888) 329-7700.

Traditionally, research and treatment development in the field of sexual dysfunction has been applied primarily to men. However, it has been suggested that women may suffer from sexual dysfunction at a higher rate than men. While many people are hesitant to discuss matters pertaining to sexual health , consulting a urology specialist may help women improve their quality of life and overall well-being.

Common Concerns

Sexual dysfunction is a multifaceted problem that may involve numerous concerns. It’s common for women to experience a low libido, or lack of sexual interest. Some women experience problems becoming physically aroused while others have trouble achieving an orgasm. Painful intercourse is another common concern.

Possible Causes

By consulting a urologist , women can discover the underlying causes of sexual dysfunction. For example, painful intercourse may be caused by medical problems such as endometriosis, ovarian cysts, vaginitis, or vaginismus. This last condition refers to painful muscle spasms, which can develop in women who fear penetration, typically because of previous trauma. Other physical causes of sexual dysfunction may include medications such as antidepressants or medical conditions such as diabetes, hormonal imbalance, neurological diseases, and heart disease. There may also be psychological causes of sexual dysfunction, including chronic stress and anxiety, depression, and relationship problems.

Diagnostic Tests

When a woman consults a urologist about sexual health issues, she can expect to discuss her symptoms. Then, the doctor will likely perform a physical exam, including a pelvic exam and Pap smear. Sometimes, other tests may be requested to rule out underlying medical problems.

Treatment Options

A woman’s treatment options for sexual dysfunction depend largely on the underlying causes. Treatment may be available to resolve medical problems that can cause sexual dysfunction. Or, the patient may benefit from using relaxation techniques, distraction techniques, and stimulating non-coital behaviors, such as massage.

The Women’s Institute for Sexual Health (WISH) at Urology Associates, P.C. offers sensitive care for women suffering from sexual dysfunction in Nashville and beyond. Our highly trained urology team provides diagnostic and therapeutic services. Urology Associates, P.C. also consult with some of the area’s leading professionals, including gynecologists, massage therapists, and psychologists, to provide women with a multidisciplinary approach to treatment. Learn more on our website or by calling us at (888) 329-7700.

If your physician has referred you to a urologist, you can rely on the team at Urology Associates, P.C. to provide personalized, compassionate care. Our 12 locations throughout the Nashville area and our 10 satellite clinics means that our urology patients are never very far away from getting the help they need. We are widely recognized as the leading provider of treatments for issues related to urology in Nashville and beyond.

At Urology Associates, P.C., you’ll have access to our on-site diagnostic and imaging center, which features the latest in medical technology to inform accurate diagnoses and effective treatment recommendations. At our on-site Urology Surgery Center, patients can undergo non-invasive treatments and minimally invasive surgeries. We are also pleased to offer our patients a suite of specialty services at our Advanced Therapeutics Center, Women’s Institute for Sexual Health, and our new Men’s Health Clinic.

There’s no need to suffer with kidney stones, sexual dysfunction, incontinence, or related health problems. Contact Urology Associates, P.C. today and let us know how our team can help you.