Author: Cleveland Urology

How Is Erectile Dysfunction Diagnosed?

How is erectile dysfunction diagnosed? It is typically done through the process of elimination. There are so many factors involved in getting and maintaining an erection firm enough to have sexual relations, your doctor will test one possibility at a time to finally reach the real cause. Only then can proper treatment be provided.

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What Is Bladder Training for Urinary Incontinence?

Regardless of the reason, having urinary incontinence is embarrassing and let’s face it, you feel like you have lost control of your body. It’s humiliating, but things don’t have to stay this way. Take advantage of all the positive treatments and lifestyle changes you can pursue. You can regain control. What is bladder training for urinary incontinence? Let’s start here.

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5 Common Symptoms of Kidney Cancer in Men

Kidney cancer, also referred to as renal cell carcinoma (RCC), is among the top 10 cancers found in men. About 40,000 new cases are reported each year, with a majority of them being in men over 40, who fall into the high-risk category. The good news is that there’s a very high survival rate, so it’s important to look for the warning signs to diagnose the disease early.

What are the most common signs of kidney cancer?

The most common symptoms tend to show up in the lower back area, or are evident in urine.

1. Blood in your urine

This is the most common symptom and typically the earliest sign of kidney cancer. Even the slightest amount of blood will affect the color of your urine, giving it either a brown or pink discoloration. You may also experience difficult or painful urination.Doctor pointing at a kidney.

2. Pain or discomfort in your side or back of the abdomen

This is a persistent, strong pain in your side that may be accompanied by a lump as well.

3. A loss of appetite

Kidney cancer may cause a loss of appetite and in turn a sudden weight loss not caused by conscious dieting.

4. An unexplained fever lasting longer than normal

This fever is different than others as it typically lasts for weeks and there isn’t a specific cause to associate it with such as a cold or other infection.

5. Extreme fatigue and weakness

People with kidney cancer experience constant and extreme tiredness and a feeling of weakness throughout the body.

 

Who is at high risk for kidney cancer?

Doctors are still unable to pinpoint the exact cause of kidney cancer, however they have picked up on a few common factors that may increase one’s risk. The number one factor is age. Kidney cancer is more prevalent in people over the age of 40 and continues to increase with each passing year. Other risk factors that may increase your chance of getting kidney cancer include:

  • Smoking
  • High blood pressure
  • Being male
  • Being obese or having diabetes
  • Genetic conditions/ family history of kidney cancer
  • Race (rates are higher in African-American and Hispanic individuals)

If you’ve been experiencing symptoms similar to those of kidney cancer or you feel you are at high risk due to the common risk factors, it’s a good idea to get tested. Testing is rather quick and painless. Doctors will just need a simple blood and urine test from you. If further testing is needed, your doctor will most likely refer you to a radiologist to get a CT scan, PET scan, MRI or ultrasound.

What Happens If Pelvic Organ Prolapse Is Untreated?

Pelvic organ prolapse is not a hot topic among the ladies that lunch, or among those that don’t, but maybe it should be. It is a condition that affects almost 40% of women, so why do we keep silent about it? Many women don’t even want to discuss it with their physician. Let’s shine some light on this topic and find out what happens if pelvic organ prolapse is untreated?

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Male Sexual Problems Over 65: What to Know

Anyone over 65 can relate to you in excruciating detail all their aches, pains, and health problems that come with aging. What they won’t admit is that their sex drive may have decreased a bit over the years. It’s not surprising that they wouldn’t want to admit that, but it’s a topic that should be addressed. There are many, many reasons this occurs. Male sexual problems over 65: what to know.

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How Long Do Penile Implants Last?

When a man discovers that he has erectile dysfunction, there are several treatments. Many times medications will work for a time, but it is estimated that 40% of men discontinue their use within one year due to a number of issues. Injections are the next line of treatment, but if these do not prove to be satisfactory, most men decide on a penile implant. We will discuss implants here including the two types, their benefits, plus the question: how long do penile implants last?

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What Could Be Causing Recurring Kidney Stones?

There are few things in life as painful as passing a kidney stone. If you have had one, you know. The problem is that once you have a kidney stone, you are likely to get another one. In fact, you have a 35 to 50% chance of having another within 5 years. Nature can be cruel. Why is this the case, and what could be causing recurring kidney stones?

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