The physicians at Urologic Specialists are committed to quality and the use of the latest diagnostic tools to provide the most comprehensive treatment to meet the needs of our patients. Many of our doctors have subspecialty training to give our patients the most advanced care and treatment available.
General Urology covers a wide variety spectrum of urologic diseases in men and women of all age groups. Our physicians are qualified and skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of urologic disorders and conditions.
Epididymitis and orchitis are common inflammatory conditions of the scrotum. Specifically, epididymitis is an inflammation of the epididymis. This is often caused by bacteria in the urinary tract, a urinary tract infection, or bacteria passed between partners during sex. It can occur in one or both tubes, and can be acute or chronic. When the inflammation spreads to a testicle it is called orchitis.
With acute inflammation the symptoms come on quickly and include: pain and swelling in the scrotum, fever, an urge to urinate often, a discharge from the penis, and pain during ejaculation.
With chronic inflammation, the symptoms may include: a dull ache or pain in the scrotum or groin and a heavy feeling in the scrotum.
Your doctor diagnoses epididymitis through a physical exam and possibly some simple laboratory tests. During the exam, the testicles are checked for swelling. The urethra may be checked for any discharge, and a urine sample is taken. If your doctor finds a mass on a testicle, an ultrasound may be ordered. This test uses sound waves to create a picture of the inside of your scrotum.
Treatment may include:
Interstitial cystitis is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the bladder characterized by the findings of bladder pain or discomfort associated with urinary urgency and frequency. Interstitial cyctitis is also characterized by the absence of a demonstrative infection.
Most commonly in female patients, a long history of recurrent bladder infections can be obtained. This is not always the case but is probably the most common risk factor for ultimately developing interstitial cystitis. In men, the cause of interstitial cystitis is not as clearly noted by history. However, interstitial cystitis in men is underdiagnosed.
The most common method of diagnosing interstitial cystitis is looking in the bladder under anesthesia and gently overdistending the bladder. In 60-80% of cases, small red spots representing ruptured blood vessels just under the lining of the bladder will appear, which are called glomerulations. However, these are not always present. About 5-10% of patients also demonstrate ulcers in the bladder, which represents a more painful presentation of interstitial cystitis. Interstitial cystitis in its early phases may be suspected or diagnosed clinically without proceeding with cystoscopy or looking into the bladder.
The treatments progress in a logical course beginning with dietary modifications, stress modification, and in some cases pelvic physical therapy. Following these measures, the use of medications such as Elmiron, Hydroxyzine, and Amitriptyline are frequently helpful. Bladder analgesics may also be employed. Additionally, the use of intra-bladder medications may be helpful. However, in some patients, these treatments actually will flare the pain. As mentioned earlier, pelvic physical therapy can be of great benefit for patients who demonstrate pelvic floor spasm in response to their bladder discomfort. The use of medications to relax the urgency and frequency to urinate, are frequently employed. Additional treatments for this particular symptom include the use of an InterStim pacemaker or the injection of Botox into the bladder wall. More complex medical management includes use of immune modulators such as cyclosporine. In patients with severe chronic pain, chronic pain management strategies are often employed in conjunction with pain management specialists. In the most extreme cases which have been present for a long period of the time, removal of the bladder may be contemplated.
Prostate ultrasound is a procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves delivered through a rectal probe to image, measure, and examine the prostate gland. If indicated, the ultrasound probe permits biopsy of the prostate using a small needle to obtain a core of tissue. These samples can then be examined under a microscope to determine whether cancer cells are present.
An oral sedative may be offered for relaxation during the procedure if desired. Antibiotics are commonly administered either orally or by injection before a biopsy procedure. An enema is recommended 1-2 hours prior to evacuate stool from the rectum and ensure proper imaging.
The procedure is done right in the clinic setting and generally can be completed in 10-15 minutes.
During the procedure, you will be positioned either on your side or back on the exam table. The ultrasound probe, which is about the diameter of a thumb, is inserted into your rectum. Sound waves from the probe are used to generate an image of the prostate on a video monitor. Using the ultrasound as a guide, local anesthetic is injected into the nerves around the prostate to eliminate pain. A small biopsy needle is then directed through the probe and into the prostate. Several tiny samples are obtained from representative areas of the prostate. The rectal probe is then removed. The tissue samples are sent to a lab for examination by a qualified pathologist.
The presence of blood in the urine, stool, or semen is common for up to a week. Heavy bleeding, difficulties urinating, fever, chills, or back pain should be reported to the physician.
The prostate specific antigen (PSA) test is a blood test used to help in the early detection of prostate cancer. PSA, an ingredient of semen, is made by the prostate and can be detected in the blood stream. The PSA test measures the amount of PSA in the blood. As a man ages, more PSA leaks into the blood. Problems with the prostate - such as prostatitis (prostate infection), BPH (benign prostatic enlargement), or cancer - may cause extra PSA to enter the blood. A prostatic massage or prostate biopsy can also raise PSA levels. If a PSA test shows higher than normal blood levels of PSA, other tests are necessary to help determine the cause of the increase.
Your doctor may recommend a PSA test for one or more of the following reasons:
You'll be sent to have your blood drawn. Blood is taken from your arm and sent to a laboratory for evaluation.
The time it takes to get your test results varies from lab to lab. Ask your doctor when you can expect them. When the results return, you and your doctor can discuss what they mean. A normal range for your PSA depends on a number of factors. These include your age, the size of your prostate, your risk factors for cancer, your symptoms, and the results of your previous PSA tests, if any. These factors are taken into account when your PSA test numbers are interpreted and evaluated.
We are your trusted local professionals. Our highly experience physicians perform more than 1,200 vasectomies a year. If you’re ready to take risk and uncertainty out of your sex life, vasectomy is an easy, safe and effective form of birth control.
Vasectomy is a simple office procedure for male sterilization. It is considered the most effective birth control method procedure for men. Surgical reversal of a vasectomy is possible, but it is technically difficult and expensive to perform. Couples should carefully consider the decision to proceed with a vasectomy.