Webinar: Common Urologic Conditions and What to Expect When Seeing a Urologist
During Urology Awareness Month this past September, the Department of Urology hosted a series of webinars for the community. The second webinar in the series was titled "Common Urologic Conditions and What to Expect When Seeing a Urologist," featuring speakers Dr. Alfred Winkler, Dr. Jonathan Gal and nurse practitioner Lynn Motanya, DNP.
Urology is a “big tent”—one that welcomes pediatric and adult patients who have a wide variety of diseases, conditions and everyday problems. Some common urologic conditions include those that affect sexual function, the urinary tract, and the prostate, as well as urologic cancers (covered in the first urology webinar).
Treatments range from behavioral modification and lifestyle changes to oral medication, innovative procedures and devices and surgical therapies. Our urologists emphasize minimally invasive procedures, when possible.
The following issues were addressed in detail during the webinar:
What is erectile dysfunction (ED)?
ED is the inability to attain or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance. The condition affects up to 30 million men in the United States.
Treatment options include lifestyle changes, medication, penile injections, a vacuum device and a penile implant.
What is a vasectomy?
Vasectomy is a form of sterilization. It is performed under sedation or local anesthesia and takes from 30 to 60 minutes. Vasectomy does not affect sexual function or libido.
What are the causes of abnormal urinary frequency?
Urological causes
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Overactive bladder (OAB) – affects up to 27 percent of men and 43 percent of women
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
- Prostatitis
- Bladder prolapse
Non-urological causes
- Diet
- Diuretics
- Chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, sleep apnea, Parkinson’s disease, MS, stroke)
- Certain medications
- Pelvic surgery
Hematuria
Hematuria, or blood in the urine, accounts for nearly 20 percent of visits to the urologist. Its most common causes are BPH, kidney stones and UTIs. Blood in the urine may indicate that the patient is at risk for cancer of the urinary tract, so further testing is warranted to confirm or rule it out.
What are the 3 most common conditions involving the prostate?
- BPH (enlarged prostate)
- Prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate)
- Prostate cancer
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
BPH is most commonly seen in men over 50. It causes urinary frequency, often accompanied by burning, difficulty urinating and incomplete bladder emptying.
Prostate Cancer and PSA Screening
Here are the latest guidelines for prostate cancer screening:
- Men at low risk should get screened between ages 45 and 50.
- Men at high risk should get screened between ages 40 and 45.
- Men between ages 50 and 69 are urged to get screened every 2 to 4 years.
What happens during your first visit with a urologist for a general urologic condition?
Your doctor will take a thorough medical and family history. Make sure to mention whether you:
- Have a history of cardiovascular disease
- Take medications containing nitrites
- Have had pelvic surgery
- Have glaucoma
- Have a history of illicit drug use
However, please be aware that the above may not be relevant for every condition. Your first visit may look different depending on the condition you have.
Please watch below for the complete webinar.