Common Complaints and Concerns
This section details some of the symptoms commonly associated with urologic problems and the most common causes of those symptoms. They are included here to help patients to recognize changes in their physiology and not as a diagnostic tool. If you are experiencing these or any unusual symptoms relating to your urinary or sexual health, please consult your physician or contact a DVU Urologist today.
For Men
Blood in semen
Frightening as it can be for a man to see, problems associated with this symptom are often not medically serious. Most commonly, blood in semen occurs in men who are experiencing a urinary tract infection, prostatitis, a sexually transmitted disease or the after effects of a surgical procedure or trauma to the testicles or prostate. It is also an occasional symptom of prostate cancer.
Blood in urine
Visible blood in urine can be caused by a variety of medical conditions, some of which are minor and others quite serious. Occasionally blood in urine can be caused by overexertion during exercise, but this type of bleeding generally stops after a few days.
Curvature of the penis
A common condition among men, congenital penile curvature is sometimes caused by the presence of scar tissue. An acquired curvature is usually a symptom of Peyronie’s Disease. Both types of curvature can be surgically corrected in extreme cases, however there are also medications which can help manage these symptoms in many men.
Difficulty ejaculating
When men experience trouble ejaculating the cause is sometimes psychological, sometimes neurological and sometimes a side effect of a prescription medication. To determine the source of your symptoms, your DVU Urologist may conduct a test called a biothiesimetry and recommend either counseling, variation in sexual habits or a change in medication.
Difficulty urinating
Urinary hesitancy can happen to people of all ages and genders, but it occurs most often in men over 40 and usually indicates the presence of an enlarged or inflamed prostate gland. This may be a symptom of prostatitis or simply a function of age, but occasionally it can be a psychological symptom, the side effect of a medication or surgery or a neurological disorder. Urinary irregularities can also, in some cases, be a warning sign of prostate cancer.
Erectile dysfunction / impotence
Difficulty in achieving or maintaining an erection during sexual activity is among the most common urologic complaints. Today, it’s also among those most successfully treated. The key, as with any medical problem, is successfully identifying the cause. Psychological impotence is frequently treated with counseling. Physiological impotence can usually be overcome with the help of medication. But in some cases, erectile dysfunction can indicate a more serious medical condition. In every case, this is a subject men can and should be comfortable discussing with a urologist.
Pain During or After Sex
Pain or soreness during or after sex is more common in women than in men, but when it does occur it can indicate a number of mecial concerns. Infections, such as genital herpes, can sometimes cause painful lesions on the genitals. A tightness of the foreskin called Phimosis can also be the culprit, as can a penile deformity, urinary tract stone or scar tissue. Painful erections can indicate the presence of scar tissue or be an early sign of Peyronie’s Disease. Whatever the cause, if you’re experiencing discomfort, please consult your urologist. Sexual activity should be a pleasure, not a pain.
Painful urination
Pain during urination is usually caused by an infection in the bladder or an inflamed urethra, both of which can be easily treated in most cases. Sexually transmitted diseases such as syphilis or Chlamydia can also cause burning. Less frequent causes include bladder and kidney disease and cancer.
Premature ejaculation
Among the most common sexual problems men experience, premature ejaculation is generally viewed as a behavioral syndrome and not a symptom of any medically serious problem. Solutions include counseling and variations in sexual technique. Some men are helped by the use of condoms or creams that can reduce sensation. Because this is such a pervasive problem (some studies show it afflicts up to 70% of men at some point) new treatments are being sought and more research is being done on the subject. Your urologist can describe and offer you a variety of treatment options.
Testicular pain
Pain and swelling in one or both testicles is sometimes a symptom of
epididymitis, an inflammation of the tube behind the testicle usually caused by an infection.Testicular torsion, which is when a testicle gets turned around inside the scrotum, is a painful and serious condition that requires immediate attention. Other causes of pain in the scrotum and testicles include ahernia, variocele (or varicose vein) and testicular cancer. Although these conditions are very different, all can be effectively treated by a urologist.
Urinary incontinence
Blader control problems in men can occur at any stage of life. In older men it can be the by-product of a stroke, MS or Parkinson’s Disease. It can occur because of nerve damage or a problem within the nervous system. Or, most commonly it can signal an enlarged or diseased prostate gland. For as many potential causes there are for unirnary incontinence, there are even more treatment options available, ranging from exercises and behavioral modification to medications and surgery. Depending on the cause and severity of your condition, your urologist will suggest a treatment program to suit your symptoms.