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Tuesday, June 14, 2011

What Is Urology And How Can An Urologist Help You?

Ideally, you should consult an urologist whenever you face problems while urinating. The problem can be of varied types. For instance, you may be experiencing a burning sensation while you urinate or the frequency of urinating may be irregular. In some cases, you may experience a pain in your lower abdomen as well.
Under no circumstances should you ignore the symptoms as the conditions can worsen. There can be chances of bladder or prostrate cancer which may prove fatal if neglected. You should immediately schedule an appointment with an urologist so that the cause of the trouble can be located and treated easily. Erectile dysfunction can also be treated by an urologist by means of surgery.
Urology can roughly be categorized into 8 different categories or sub-specialties:
* Pediatric urology - This branch concerns children who have been affected with infections in the urinary tract.
* Urinary tract stone - Calcium deposits accumulating in the urinary tract eventually lead to the formation of stones that block the urethra. This prevents the urine from coming out and the person experiences intense pain in their lower abdomen.
* Urologic oncology - Deals with tumors.
* Renal transplantation - Your kidney may be infected due to which its functions maybe hampered.
* Neurourology - It deals with the problems concerned with nerves. Nerves are an integral part of the body as they control the functions to a great extent. If anything goes wrong with them, the issue needs to be taken care of immediately.
* Male infertility - This condition occurs when the man's sperm fails to fertilize the egg in the ovary, resulting in repeated failure when a couple wants to start a family.
* Female urology - As is evident from the name, this branch deals with urology problems experienced by females.
* Erectile dysfunction - This happens when the male is unable to maintain an erect penis during sexual intercourse. Don't ignore this problem as it can be easily fixed by taking proper treatment from an urologist.
Are you experiencing a burning sensation or pain while urinating? Careful, because there may be some infection! Consult an urologist without delay.
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For great information on urologic symptoms, please visit http://www.murdockurology.com, a popular site for urologist Bowie to assist you in all urological problems.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kathleen_Chester

Common Pediatric Urology Problems in Children

Pediatric Male Urology
Many common pediatric urology problems are unique to boys. Urologic problems that are unique to males include hypospadias, undescended testicles, and structural problems with the penis.
The goal during treatment should be to give your child a functional penis that also looks normal. Surgery may often be able to be done as an outpatient, which can minimize your child's trauma and confusion.
Hypospadias is a congenital condition where the opening to the urethra is in the wrong place in your son's penis. This is a very common birth defect and happens in one out of every 150 males born.
Undescended testicles happen when a male's testicles are not exposed outside the body as expected. This can happen most often if the baby is born premature. About 3 to 4 percent of newborn males have undescended testicles.
Pediatric Clinical Urology
Many problems can be treated in a clinical setting and don't require surgery. These problems can include wetting the bed, frequent urinary track infections, and problems staying "dry" during the day. The treatment available depends on your child's disorder and the severity of the problem.
Pediatric Operative Urology
A newer method appropriate for many disorders and procedures is pediatric laparoscopic surgery. This type of operative procedure is minimally invasive. The surgery utilizes small telescopes, special tools, and very small incisions. There are many benefits to using laparoscopic surgery where appropriate instead of conventional surgery. These advantages include having less pain for your child and less scar tissue.
Laparoscopic surgery can be a good option for:
" Nephrectomy - Involves removing one or both of your child's kidneys. In this procedure, the surgeon will go in through one or two small incisions and remove the kidneys.
" Pyeloplasty - Procedure that reconstructs part of the renal pelvis to correct a blockage. The surgery usually takes a few hours, and the length of time in the hospital depends on the age of the child.
Surgical options can help treat hypospadias and other problems that are unique to males.
As previously mentioned, hypospadias is a birth defect involving the penis. If an initial surgery did not help your child, you may wish to consider getting a second opinion and having a second surgery. Some medical centers are skilled at doing additional surgeries to correct a failed previous attempt.
Orchiopexy is a treatment to help with undescended testicles. Surgery for this involves finding the undescended testicles and bringing it down into the scrotum.
Operative pediatric urology services also are options for children who have bladder and urinary disorders that do not get better through clinical services alone. Your child may have a bladder disorder because of an injury or a congenital defect. Spina bifida, a congenital defect that affects your child's spinal cord and cover, can cause bladder problems.
Exostrophy is a condition where your child's bladder is inside out. This is a congenital problem that happened while they were still in their mothers' wombs.
Using appropriate clinical, operative, or outpatient surgical procedures can help solve common pediatric urology problems in children, help them have better control of his or her urinary system and help improve quality of life for the entire family.
Debra Donahue is a 20 year nurse and freelance medical writer who hails from Dallas, Texas. She has written for some of the top pediatric hospitals in the world. To learn more about pediatric male urology by visiting Children's Medical Center's operative and clinical pediatric urology page.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Debra_Donahue

Urology Treatments for BPH

BPH, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, is a condition wherein the prostate gland becomes enlarged, often causing uncomfortable urinary symptoms. Many men live out their lives with this condition, often not knowing they have it. However, when it starts causing urinary symptoms that interfere with everyday life, urology offers several treatment options to men struggling with this uncomfortable condition.
Medications
Sometimes medications, specifically alpha blockers, can control the urinary symptoms associated with BPH. Alpha reductase inhibitors can also stop the growth of the prostate by robbing stopping testosterone from changing into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which in some men seems to cause the prostatic growth. Sometimes alpha blockers can also shrink the prostate just a little, relieving the symptoms. This treatment needs to be monitored by a urology professional to ensure that there are no dangerous side effects and make sure it is working.
Laser Therapy
All other treatments urology offers for BPH work to remove a portion of the prostate gland to relieve the symptoms. Laser therapy is one way to do this. In laser treatment, the surgeon uses a laser to burn off a portion of the prostate gland and relive the pressure.
Microwave Therapy
Urology also offers men with BPH microwave therapy, or TUMT. Again, this works by destroying some of the gland using microwaves. The transmitter is inserted through the urethra to deliver the treatment directly to the gland.
HIFU
HIFU stands for High Intensity Focused Ultrasound. This technique removes some of the prostate through the power of ultrasound waves. This requires the use of a rectal probe to deliver the ultrasound waves directly into the prostate gland. Because the therapy also uses ultrasound to capture real time images of the prostate gland, it limits the number of complications common with other BPH treatments. The urology field is still seeking FDA approval for this treatment in the United States.
Transurethral Resection of the Prostate
If the BPH is quite severe, men may receive relief through surgery. A transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) procedure is one of the most commonly used options. The TURP procedure removes a portion of the prostatic tissue using a resectoscope inserted through the urethra. This requires around three days of hospitalization in most cases.
Holium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate
The Holium Laser Enucleation works similar to the TURP, but uses a holium laser to remove the tissue. This limits the complications associated with TURP and shortens the hospitalization time.
Porstatectomy
The most invasive procedure urology offers patients suffering from BPH is a porstatectomy, or a full surgical removal of the gland. Typically, this is only used of complications prohibit the less invasive options or if the prostate is greatly enlarged. The risks are quite high, particularly of incontinence and impotence, so patients need to weigh the risks over the benefits of treating their BPH through surgery.
As always, talk to your urologist about the benefits and risks before signing up for any treatment for your condition. Sometimes, the best course of action for BPH is to do nothing, since the conditions causes no damage and does not threaten life or health.
Whether you have BPH or another condition needing a visit to the department of urology, Dallas doctors and specialists are ready to bring you to health. Find one today at http://www.angieslist.com/.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrea_Avery

Urology - 3 Reasons to See a Specialist in This Field

Whether you're having issues with your urinary tract or problems with the prostate, a specialist in urology can help assist you with your issues. Sadly, because of the nature of the problem, many people hesitate or fail to act at all when it comes to the urogenital area. As a result, they go through unnecessary pain, when all they need to do is talk with a professional. Explore a few of the common reasons why people should see an expert in this particular field.
Repeat Bladder Infections
For some people the thought of having a bladder infection is unimaginable. Yet, if you've had one, you know of the pain and frustration associated with such an issue. The worst part is feeling like you have to empty your bladder in the worst way, then when you do, it's only a drop or two. Oftentimes, doctors can prescribe medicine to help ease your issues. Yet, if you continue to get such infections more and more, it may be good to see an expert in urology, just to be on the safe side. That's because this type of doctor has studied particularly in this field and can help you figure out the cause of your bladder infections as well as how to prevent them.
Kidney Stones
The simple thought of a kidney stone can make the bravest person cringe. That's because if you've never had one, you probably know someone that has and the idea of it is unbearable. Kidney stones are created when your body produces minerals and they are combined with salt. They come together in your urine and then the body tries to pass them. The pain comes because these stones can be as tiny as a pebble or almost the size of half an egg or a golf ball. So, to think of something that size passing through your urinary tract is unthinkable, yet it happens to some people and can result in them getting a trip to the emergency room because the pain is so bad. A doctor that works in urology can help diagnose and treat such issues and help the patient feel better. This specialist can do everything from x-rays to ultrasounds and more. This will help figure out where exactly the stone is and what method of treatment is needed.
Incontinence
Whether you laugh too much or get excited and realize you've messed up your clothing, incontinence is no joke. Many people suffer with this issue due to various reasons such as weak muscles, vaginal infections or other disorders. A person in the urology field can help diagnose the problem and then figure how to best treat it. The doctor could provide an assortment of tests such as blood work, a physical, as well as tests on the urinary tract. In addition, your urology specialist may have you keep a diary of the different episodes you're having. As a result, some doctors will advise the patient to change their diet, exercise and take certain medication to help with incontinence.
If you are concerned about urology Dallas has you covered. To learn more, visit http://www.angieslist.com/companylist/dallas/urology.htm.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=A_Aaronson

Urology - Know the Steps to Take to Break Into This Field

If you are interested in urology, you might be wondering what kind of education is required to become a doctor in this field. This specialty is not the most popular field of study, but it is certainly an important one. Before you decide to become a urologist, you should find out what it entails so that you know what to expect when it comes to education and training before you commit to this practice.
Urology deals with urinary issues in both sexes, along with male reproductive problems. You may have a subspecialty once you enter this industry, such as pediatrics, oncology, male infertility, or erectile dysfunction, to name a few. Whether you choose to deal mostly with children, cases involving cancer, infertility, or other specialty areas, you need to have some basic schooling before you start practicing medicine.
The medical school from which you graduate must be accredited and approved, just as if you were going into any other field. You will also need to take a five-year residency program before becoming a doctor. You will need to spend one year in surgery, and three years in clinical urology, with the last year spent as chief resident. Clearly, you need many years of classroom training and hands-on experience before you become a urologist.
Of course, you will also need to pass a few major tests before you officially become a doctor in this field. You should first apply to the American Board of Urology, and then pass two examinations. Completing this process will ensure that you have both the experience and background qualifications that most patients would expect in a good physician. Attempting to get out of any part of this process may result in you not achieving your goal of being a doctor. Additionally, completing your education, passing the required tests, and joining prestigious organizations are all things you can be proud of, and that your patients will notice right away.
If you are set on this field of study, you can begin preparing right away. Before you even apply to medical school, be sure that you are highly interested in and proficient in science, since this makes up a large part of the medical practice. The next step is to make sure that you apply only to accredited schools that are known for their excellent medical program. Beginning the process this way can ensure that you can open a practice soon after school, and become a doctor worthy of any patient's trust.
If the practicing urology in Chicago has grabbed your attention as a possible career, you should learn more about the profession. For more information, visit http://www.angieslist.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=A_Aaronson


Urology for Children

Pediatric urology is the diagnosis and treatment of urological conditions in kids. Typically, children have different problems than adults when it comes to their urinary systems. Often, these are congenital problems, which are problems present at birth, rather than problems due to injury.
Congenital Problems
Congenital problems treated by pediatric urology typically include birth defects surrounding the bladder, the male reproductive organs, or the urethra. Examples include undescended testicles, deformities of the kidneys, urethra, or ureters, or ureteropelvic junction obstruction. Ureteropelvic junction obstruction occurs when something obstructs the connection between the kidneys and the ureter, making it difficult to fully remove urine from the body. Each of these conditions requires intervention, and some can be life threatening, which means intervention with a specialist is vital.
These conditions often require surgery to correct so the child can live a normal, healthy life. Often, surgeries are scheduled in the early years, even during infancy. This allows the child to grow and develop normally without the stigma associated with urinary disorders.
Non-Congenital Conditions
Some conditions are not congenital. They may occur as the child develops if he or she does not grow properly. They may be behavioral, like chronic bed-wetting. They may develop because of infections. These are some of the common conditions treated in pediatric urology.
Sometimes children develop chronic urinary tract infections. This can occur in up to six percent of girls and two percent of boys. Because urinary tract infections are more likely to cause kidney damage and infections in children, it is crucial to treat them quickly, and also find out what is causing them if the infections become chronic.
Children may also struggle with bladder fistula. This occurs when the bladder connects to another organ or the skin in a way that it should not. This can cause frequent urinary tract infections, and is treated through a fairly routine surgery.
Pediatric urologists also treat pediatric kidney problems, such as cysts or kidney failure. Urinary tract cancers also fall into the realm of pediatric urology.
Choosing a Doctor
When dealing with the urinary and reproductive systems, children often feel uncomfortable with a doctor. For this reason, you need to find a urologist who is not only experienced with working with children, but if possible specializes in working with kids. This ensures that they know how to help children overcome their discomfort and embarrassment, and also gives you confidence that they relate well to the fears and expectations of the youngest patients.
If you have friends who have seen a pediatric urologist, ask them about the doctor they used. If you do not, use review websites to find a doctor in your area that has a good reputation. You also may be able to get a referral through your pediatrician, who can recommend a pediatric urology specialist that he or she respects. With these resources, you can find the best doctor to get the help you need for your child.
If your child needs to visit a department of urology, Chicago doctors are skilled and ready to help him reach full health. Find one today at http://www.angieslist.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrea_Avery