Urologists know that men with prostate cancer are also at a higher risk of osteoporosis. In part, the association is due to age. The risk of both of these conditions increases for men aged 65 years and older. However, there’s another connection, which you can hear about when you watch this video.

It features Gerald Breeden, PA-C, a certified Physician Assistant at Urology Associates, P.C. He explains that the risk of osteoporosis increases in men with low sex hormones. Hormone deprivation therapy is one of the ways our urologists can treat prostate cancer.

The Men’s Health Clinic, at Urology Associates, P.C., offers a full spectrum of specialized medical services, including care for men with osteoporosis and prostate cancer . If you’re looking for a prostate cancer specialist in Nashville, call us today at (615) 250-9200.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is common, and has many potential causes and contributing factors. Some men discover that their ED is due to physical health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease. Others have underlying psychological issues, or a combination of mental health and physical health problems. Addiction is another possibility that urologists consider when evaluating a man for erectile dysfunction. Scientific research has linked tobacco use to problems achieving and sustaining an erection.

How Smoking Affects Sexual Health

A man’s sexual health depends on vascular health. When a man becomes sexually aroused, the nerves respond by telling the blood vessels in the penis to expand and fill with more blood. This causes an erection. However, smoking substantially damages the blood vessels, which affects their ability to respond to sexual arousal. Impotence is the result. Men who smoke, especially those who are heavy smokers, are more likely to suffer from ED. However, they can reverse the effects, and achieve faster, firmer erections by kicking the habit.

How Smoking Affects Fertility

It’s extremely hazardous to the health of a pregnant woman and her child when they live with a smoker. Even if a man only smokes outdoors, the smoke can drift inside the home, and the residue clings to clothing, fingers, and household surfaces. Even if this weren’t enough motivation to quit smoking, men should be aware that tobacco negatively affects fertility. It does this by damaging the DNA in sperm .

How Men Can Finally Kick the Habit

Most smokers who quit require multiple attempts before they achieve success, and the same smoking cessation method won’t necessarily work for everyone. A multi-pronged approach may work best. In addition to talking to a doctor about smoking cessation medications and nicotine replacement products, men might consider the following:

• Support groups
• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Biofeedback
• Acupuncture
• Distraction techniques for cravings
• Hypnotherapy

At Urology Associates, P.C., smoking cessation is commonly recommended for our patients who smoke. Our urology team in Tennessee provides compassionate and discreet medical services at our Men’s Health Clinic. Call us at (615) 250-9200.

The Women’s Institute for Sexual Health (WISH) opened its newest venture the WISH MedSpa in February 2018. We are proud to offer a variety of MedSpa services including Botox®, Brow and Lash treatments, Chemical Peels, CoolSculpting®, Dermaplaning, Facials and Medical Grade Skin Care lines.

WISH provides specialized care to women facing the unique challenges of female urology and sexual and pelvic conditions. It is our mission to educate, treat and nurture each woman’s needs for sexual individuality and better pelvic health, and we are thrilled to provide our new service lines at the WISH MedSpa.

Your WISH clinicians are board certified UroGynecologists and Nurse Practitioners specializing in female sexual dysfunction. At the WISH MedSpa you will meet with Ellen Newman, Director of WISH Aesthetics, and Casey Nolen, WISH MedSpa Licensed Aesthetician, for all of your MedSpa treatments.

To schedule your appointment at the WISH MedSpa in Nashville, Tennessee, call our office at (615)250-9276 or find us on the MINDBODY phone application. Visit our website www.wishnashville.com for more details!

In discussions of sexual dysfunction, the focus is often on men. However, women complain of sexual health issues more often than men do, though they frequently go untreated. At the Women’s Institute (WISH) our specialists focus on helping women get the help they need to overcome sexual dysfunction disorders.

Watch this video to hear Brooke Faught, Clinical Director of WISH, discuss some of the conditions treated at the clinic. From low libido to persistent arousal disorders, WISH provides treatment for all forms of sexual health in women.

Take back control of your sexual health in Nashville by making an appointment with WISH today. To schedule a consultation at WISH (615) 250-9265.

Neurogenic bladder occurs when the nerves that control bladder function don’t work properly. Depending on how the nerves are affected, patients with neurogenic bladder may experience overactive or underactive bladders. Because neurogenic bladder is so complicated, it’s important for patients to receive treatment from a urologist with experience with the condition. If you have been diagnosed with a neurogenic bladder or suspect you are having symptoms that could be caused by the condition, here are the facts you need to know.

Neurogenic bladder is usually caused by other medical conditions.

There are several conditions that increase the risk of developing neurogenic bladder , including:

• Stroke
• Spinal cord injuries
• Parkinson’s disease
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Congenital birth defects that affect the spine
• Multiple sclerosis

Anything that damages the nerves that help to control the bladder or that interferes with the communication between those nerves and the brain can lead to neurogenic bladder.

Both overactive and underactive bladder symptoms are possible.

In some people with neurogenic bladders, the nerves cause the bladder to squeeze more often than normal, causing urge incontinence. In other instances, the nerves may become underactive, which causes urine to build up and eventually leak. Some people experience both overactive and underactive bladder symptoms. Neurogenic bladder also often causes an increase in urinary tract infections.

Multiple treatments are available.

Neurogenic bladder can cause anxiety and depression for sufferers, who worry about the impacts of incontinence on their everyday activities. Fortunately, there are many treatment options available. An experienced neurologist can help sufferers from the right combination of lifestyle changes and medications to get relief. Surgical treatment is also helpful for people with severe symptoms.

At Urology Associates, P.C., our urologists offer both non-invasive and surgical treatments for a range of urological conditions, including extensive treatments for incontinence throughout Tennessee. For more information or to make an appointment, call (855) 901-1338.

Premature ejaculation happens to as many as one in three men at some point in their lives. It occurs when a man ejaculates sooner than he would prefer during intercourse, and in many cases, it happens only sporadically and infrequently. For other men, however, premature ejaculation is an ongoing issue that interferes with a healthy sex life. Men who experience this sexual health issue don’t have to simply live with it. Treatments are available that can help delay ejaculation. If you see a urologist for this type of sexual dysfunction , he or she will try to determine the cause in order to settle on the right treatment approach. Here is a look at some of the common causes of—and risk factors for—premature ejaculation.

Psychological Factors

Psychological factors can play a central role in persistent premature ejaculation. In some cases, men who have experienced premature ejaculation in the past and worry about it happening again can actually increase the risk of it occurring because of their anxiety. Other psychological factors can also play a role, including:

• Relationship problems
• Poor body image
• History of sexual abuse
• History of erectile dysfunction

All of these factors can cause men to rush through sexual encounters or become anxious during them, which increases the chances that premature ejaculation will occur.

Biological Factors

Biological factors can lead to premature ejaculation on their own, or they may appear alongside psychological factors, exacerbating them. Some of the biological factors that increase the risk of premature ejaculation include:

• Abnormal hormone levels
• Abnormal neurotransmitter levels
• Inflammation of the prostate or urethra
• Infection of the prostate or urethra
• Inherited traits that cause physical abnormalities

Premature ejaculation can cause stress and self-esteem issues and may interfere with fertility. Don’t suffer in silence when it happens to you. The doctors at Urology Associates, P.C. are experienced in treating sexual health problems through our Men’s Health Clinic in Nashville. Call us today at (855) 901-1338 to make an appointment.

If you’ve made an appointment with a urologist to talk about a urinary problem, such as incontinence, it can be helpful to know how your body works. Your urinary system is made up of organs and structures, such as the bladder, kidneys, ureters, and urethra. But the brain also has an important role to play.

As your kidneys process the blood, they remove waste products and produce urine. The urine is sent to the bladder for temporary storage. As your bladder fills up, it sends a signal to your brain. This lets you feel the need to urinate. When you’re ready to urinate, your brain sends a signal via the nerves to the bladder muscles. The muscles contract the bladder, which forces the urine out into the urethra. The urethra is the small tube that allows urine to exit the body.

At Urology Associates, P.C., our urologists in Nashville are courteous, compassionate professionals who work closely with each patient to improve their health and quality of life. Call (855) 901-1338 to request a confidential consultation.

The urethra’s job is to transport urine from the bladder out of the body. Sometimes, this small tube becomes even more narrow than usual. This condition is called a urethral stricture . Urethral strictures can cause uncomfortable symptoms, and may lead to additional medical complications if left untreated. Because of this, it’s recommended that patients seek a referral to a urologist for specialized treatment.

Do women ever get urethral strictures?

It’s possible, but rare. They almost always affect men because men have a longer urethra . This means there are more opportunities for the urethra to be affected by injuries or disease.

What causes urethral strictures?

Occasionally, urologists are unable to determine the cause. Some of the most common causes include:

• Trauma to the urethra (such as from a fall)
• Infection in the area (including sexually transmitted diseases)
• Surgery to remove kidney stones
• Use of a urinary catheter
• Radiation therapy to the area
• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
• Surgery for an enlarged prostate

Any condition or injury that can cause swelling and scarring of the urethra may cause it to narrow. This is why the doctor will ask about your prior history of surgeries. If you’ve ever had an endoscope or other instrument inserted into the urethra, there’s always a possibility that it can cause scarring.

What are the symptoms of urethral strictures?

Initially, patients will primarily notice problems with urinary flow, including the following:

• Incomplete bladder emptying
• Decreased urine stream
• Spraying or sputtering of the urine stream

Some patients may also experience pain during urination. If the urethral stricture isn’t treated and it causes additional damage, such as damage to the kidneys, patients may experience bloody or dark urine, bloody semen, urethral leaking, and abdominal pain. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) may occur frequently, along with urinary incontinence and swelling of the penis.

Have you been diagnosed with urethral strictures? Find the expert care you need at Urology Associates, P.C. Call us today at (855) 901-1338 to request our next available appointment with a urologist in Tennessee.

Millions of Americans suffer from fecal incontinence . This urologic condition can be a humiliating experience for patients when it happens in public places. Remember that it’s a medical problem—not a character flaw. If you’ve ever lost bowel control, visit a urologist right away to get the medical treatment you need to regain your dignity and health. Your treatment plan will depend on the underlying cause of your condition.

Dietary Modifications

Fecal incontinence can be caused by constipation or diarrhea. If you’re experiencing diarrhea, your doctor can offer guidance on adding high-fiber foods to your diet. A fiber supplement might also be a good idea. If the problem is constipation, your doctor may recommend increasing your intake of water, as well as eating more high-fiber foods.

Medications

Medications can be another strategy for treating fecal incontinence caused by constipation or diarrhea. Patients with chronic constipation may be prescribed a bulk laxative or an injectable bulking agent. Otherwise, an anti-diarrheal drug can help.

Therapies

Before considering a surgical option, your doctor will likely recommend a therapeutic treatment to improve your control of the anal sphincter . One example is the use of biofeedback, which can help you learn how to strengthen the anal muscles and pelvic floor muscles. You’ll also increase your awareness of the urge to defecate, and work on contracting the muscles if you aren’t ready to defecate. Bowel training is another therapy that may be helpful. It involves getting on a defecation schedule to help you better control your bowel movements. If neither of those options has been helpful for you, your doctor may recommend surgery.

Surgeries

Surgery can help patients who suffer from fecal incontinence due to an underlying structural problem. In other words, if the cause is a damaged anal sphincter, the urologist can perform a sphincteroplasty to strengthen the muscle. Sometimes, a muscle from the inner thigh may be grafted to the area to improve control.

Fecal incontinence is one of the many conditions we can treat here at Urology Associates, P.C. We understand the limitations that incontinence can place on our patients in Tennessee, and we want to help you reclaim your quality of life. Call us today at (855) 901-1338.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also called an enlarged prostate, is one of the most common reasons why men over the age of 50 visit a urology specialist. Most men who develop BPH won’t develop complications from it, although they’re likely to have symptoms like frequent or urgent urination. It is possible for the enlarged prostate to cause the complete blockage of the urethra. When this happens, men are unable to urinate at all. This condition is called acute urinary retention, and it requires immediate medical attention.

Other possible complications of BPH include chronic, partial urinary retention, blood in the urine, and frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs). Some men may even develop bladder stones, bladder damage, or kidney stones. The proper treatment for BPH can help men control this condition and reduce the risk of complications.

Men with prostate problems in Tennessee can find the expert care they need for BPH at Urology Associates, P.C. Give us a call today at (855) 901-1338 to request our next available appointment.