Blog Archive
Understanding a new medical diagnosis can be challenging. If you’ve recently found out you have an enlarged prostate — officially called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) — you probably have many questions. At Urological Associates in Charlottesville, Virginia, our board-certified providers want you to have all the answers so you can...
There are several types of urinary incontinence. If you struggle with any of them, you know it’s embarrassing. The good news is that you can get the help you need by talking to our team. Almost a third of American adults deal with urinary incontinence. While it impacts people of...
Urinating is a normal part of life, helping filter out waste fluids and toxins. There’s no right or wrong number of times each day you should pee, but if you’re worried about the number of times you’re running to the bathroom, you could have frequent urination. Our board-certified providers at...
Popular media and advertising make it seem like erectile dysfunction (ED) is an issue that only affects older men. While it’s true that your risk of ED increases as you age, it can strike at any age. For American men in their 30s and 40s — even as young as...
It’s December, which means the holiday season's busyness is in full swing. If an overactive bladder (OAB) is making you anxious about shopping, gatherings with family and friends, or travel, we understand! OAB causes embarrassing symptoms like urgent trips to the restroom, getting up at night to pee, leaks, and...
Urine can vary in color depending on hydration levels, but what does it mean when it’s pink? If you’ve noticed a pink shade in your urine, you may be concerned about what it means. If so, you’ve come to the right place because pink urine is a sign of hematuria,...
The prostate and urinary health can be confusing. For many men, understanding the nuances between benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer is a source of that confusion. At Urological Associates in Charlottesville, Virginia, our board-certified urology providers are dedicated to helping you learn about urinary health. If you’ve ever...
Erectile dysfunction (ED) can be distressing, but what if it happens suddenly and without warning? Whether it's a new issue or something that has only recently become a concern, sudden ED can be a sign of underlying health problems. If you've found yourself wondering, "Is this normal?" or "Should I...
A routine prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is essential to maintaining your reproductive health as a man. Prostate glands secrete PSA, a protein used by both normal and abnormal (cancerous) cells. The test measures the levels of PSA in your blood to understand your risk of prostate cancer and other prostatic...
Did you know that when it comes to preventing pregnancy, a vasectomy is almost as effective as abstinence? That’s great news — until you change your mind and decide you want to father children. Fortunately, the experienced board-certified providers at Urological Associates in Charlottesville, Virginia, can help with a vasectomy reversal for qualified patients. Success rates range depending...
Around 10% of Americans get kidney stones — hard mineral deposits that develop from crystal-forming minerals. These stones range in size from as small as a grain of sand to as large as a ping-pong ball. They can trigger unpleasant symptoms when passing through your urinary system, including: Severe flank or abdominal...
Kidney cancer ranks as the tenth-most-common form of cancer in the United States, with almost 80,000 men and women diagnosed with one form of the disease every year. Early detection changes your prognosis significantly, but since people know less about this disease, you might not know what to look for. ...
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common disorder affecting millions of men. Because the prevalence of ED increases with age, many men wonder if the condition is normal after 60. The truth is that while age can be a factor, ED is not an inevitable side effect of growing older. At Urological Associates in...
If you’re sick of dealing with frustrating and often embarrassing symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), the board-certified providers at Urological Associates in Charlottesville, Virginia, have good news: The minimally invasive UroLift® System offers lasting relief. Sometimes referred to as an enlarged prostate, BPH doesn’t increase your risk of prostate cancer. But that doesn’t mean BPH can’t disrupt...
Many things, like drinking too much caffeine or overloading on liquids, can trigger frequent urges to urinate. Having a strong and frequent urge to urinate can disrupt your life—but when you get to the bathroom and nothing comes out, the disruption becomes a frustration. At Urological Associates in Charlottesville, Virginia, our board-certified providers understand...
Kidney stones are hard mineral deposits that develop for different reasons, including eating too much protein, not drinking enough water, or genetic causes. These little stones can trigger big pain, bringing over half a million adults in the United States to the ER every year. When your urinary system doesn’t have sufficient amounts...
Regular prostate screenings play an important role in men’s ongoing health. This is especially true since at least 1 in 8 American men are diagnosed with prostate cancer and about 50% of men between the ages of 51 and 60 have an enlarged prostate. At Urological Associates in Charlottesville, Virginia,...
Struggling with sudden and desperate urges to urinate? You might be one of the more than 33 million Americans with overactive bladder (OAB), which affects as many as 40% of women and 30% of men. Besides strong urges to empty your bladder, OAB can trigger embarrassing leaks, adding to your...
If you’re like most men, you don’t spend too much time thinking about your prostate—until it gives you trouble. This walnut-shaped gland produces seminal fluid when you ejaculate, but issues with it can affect more than your sex life. One of the most common issues affecting this gland is benign prostatic...
Many people believe urinary incontinence is simply part of getting older. But while it’s true that more than half of older (over 65) men and women have some type of incontinence, you don’t have to live with this frustrating condition. At Urological Associates, our board-certified providers specialize in diagnosing and treating men and women in the Charlottesville,...
Have you recently gone to the bathroom only to see blood in your urine? This condition, called hematuria, is always disconcerting. The good news is that many causes of hematuria aren’t serious and can easily be treated. But for some people, hematuria can signal a concerning underlying condition. That’s why the...
Your kidneys are tucked below your ribs against the back of your abdominal wall. These bean-shaped organs work hard to filter toxins from your blood, turn liquid waste into urine, and do other important jobs, like making red blood cells, managing your vitamin D levels, and regulating electrolytes. As the 10th most...
Did you know 33 million American adults have a condition called overactive bladder (OAB), a type of urinary incontinence? This disorder causes you to feel out of control over your bladder, leading to leaks and urgent trips to the bathroom. OAB can detract from your quality of life, making it difficult to get through...
If you have benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or an enlarged prostate, you understand the frustration this condition causes. While BPH isn’t cancer, that doesn’t mean it’s symptom-free. BPH can trigger troublesome symptoms, including: Difficulty urinating Dribbling urine or a slow urine stream Frequent urges to urinate Getting up multiple times...
Over 80,000 adults in America are diagnosed with bladder cancer every year. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for successful treatment, but the cancer doesn’t always have symptoms until later stages. This makes understanding your risk factors a must. The board-certified providers at Urological Associates are committed to helping men and women in the Charlottesville, Virginia, area maintain...
Unless you have an issue, chances are you don’t spend too much time thinking about your bladder. But keeping your bladder healthy helps you avoid bladder cancer and other urinary tract-related problems. This amazing organ can stretch in size, going from only about two inches big to over six inches...
If you’re a man and want to maintain the best reproductive health possible, a routine prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test should be part of your health care routine. But do all men need this preventive screening and how often should this screening be done? At Urological Associates in Charlottesville, Virginia, our...
There’s no doubt that as we age, our bodies change in many ways. And for women, this includes our vaginal health and a condition called vaginal atrophy, which can trigger a variety of unpleasant symptoms. Although most women experience vaginal atrophy during or after menopause, less than 25% talk to...
If you’re struggling with erectile dysfunction (ED), you’re not alone. More than half of all American men will experience ED in their lifetime. Not only can this condition pump the brakes on your sex life, but it can also be a source of frustration and embarrassment. Because so many men...
If you’ve been diagnosed with an enlarged prostate, you’re not alone. By 55, about one-quarter of men have benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), the official name for an enlarged prostate. And the numbers keep rising: By age 60, 50% of men have BPH, and by age 85, at least 90% of...
Are you leaving the restroom only to find spots of urine on your underwear or pants? You’re not alone. Many men have this condition, called post-micturition dribble. But knowing you’re in good company doesn’t solve the problem. At Urological Associates in Charlottesville, Virginia, our team of board-certified urologists helps diagnose...
When you hear the word Botox®, chances are you think about eliminating wrinkles and achieving younger-looking skin. But at Urological Associates in Charlottesville, Virginia, we think about Botox as a key part of helping to control overactive bladder. Our team of board-certified urologists understands better than most the embarrassment and...
If you’ve looked in the toilet and found red or pink blood-stained urine, it’s natural to feel worried. But this condition, called hematuria, is relatively common, and it doesn’t always mean you have a serious underlying condition. In fact, most causes of hematuria aren’t serious and are highly treatable. But...
Did you know that polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is one of the most common genetic disorders in the United States? At least 600,000 Americans have this progressive condition, and researchers believe more adults are living with undiagnosed PKD. Our board-certified urologists at Urological Associates in Charlottesville, Virginia, are committed to...
About 1 in 10 Americans develop kidney stones, and the pain from these small mineral deposits can be so intense that it causes more than one million people to take a trip to the emergency room every year. At Urological Associates in Charlottesville, Virginia, our board-certified urologists diagnose and treat...
Being diagnosed with cancer is always scary, but if you have prostate cancer, there’s good news. Over 3 million prostate cancer survivors live in the US today, and the 5-year survival rate is nearly 100% in non-metastasized cases. Although nearly 200,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year,...
If you’re one of the millions of Americans struggling with urinary incontinence, you’re not alone. Over 50% of men and women in America over age 65 deal with incontinence in one form or another. This condition can cause embarrassment, frustration, and fear since it can be difficult to predict when...
Did you know 1 in 8 men in America are diagnosed with prostate cancer, and every year almost 250,000 new cases of the disease are diagnosed? At Urological Associates in Charlottesville, Virginia, our highly qualified team of board-certified urologists specialize in diagnosing and treating prostate cancer. If you’re one of...
Have you had a vasectomy because you thought you didn’t want more children, or any at all, but then regretted it? You’re in good company. While vasectomies are typically considered permanent sterilization, between 6-10% of men who chose a vasectomy change their minds. If you’re among the many men who’ve...
When you don’t have to “go” frequently, the need to urinate probably isn’t something you give much thought to. But when frequent urination interrupts your daily life, it stays on your mind. You may wonder if you have to urinate more than “normal.” Ultimately, everyone’s body is unique and so...
Did you know that over half a million Americans head to the emergency room each year because of kidney stones? These hard mineral deposits form when you don’t drink enough water, eat a diet high in protein, or have a family history of the condition. While some small kidney stones...
Hematuria, or blood in your urine, can usually be explained by something that isn’t too alarming. But sometimes hematuria indicates a more serious underlying condition. That’s why it’s always a good idea to talk to your provider if you see blood in your urine. At Urological Associates in Charlottesville, Virginia,...
It may be hard to believe, but smoking is the root cause of about 50% of all bladder cancer cases in American adults. While smokers are three times more likely to get bladder cancer than non-smokers, however, many people without any known risk factors develop the disease. Bladder cancer starts...
Did you know that 50% or more of American men and women over age 65 have some form of urinary incontinence? This is a condition where you’re unable to hold your urine until you’re ready to use the restroom. It can cause leaks and sometimes lead to a full loss...
Did you know that over 33 million Americans struggle with the symptoms related to overactive bladder (OAB), a condition in which the bladder muscle contracts too frequently or without warning? If you’re one of the 30% of men and 40% of women living with overactive bladder, a cutting-edge treatment could...
There’s no doubt: Seeing blood in your urine can be scary! This condition, called hematuria, is fairly common and has many possible causes. If medical intervention is required, the treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the condition. Gross hematuria describes blood in the urine you can see with...
If you’re a man over 40, you may be worried about developing prostate cancer — and with good reason. Millions of American men have already been diagnosed, and experts expect nearly 200,000 more cases to be diagnosed this year. Prostate cancer develops in a man’s prostate, the walnut-sized gland responsible...
Did you know that when it comes to preventing pregnancy, a vasectomy is almost as effective as abstinence? Yet, you might decide you want to father children after having a vasectomy. That’s where a vasectomy reversal can help. The success rate for vasectomy reversals ranges from 30%-90% and depends on...
Over one million people in the U.S., many of them women, choose to get Botox® every year. Yet, there are still many misconceptions about this game-changing procedure. To separate fact from fiction, our team at Urological Associates has compiled this helpful guide to everything that you need to know about...
Are you no longer interested in having children? A vasectomy could be the solution for you. At Urological Associates, our doctors are experienced in reproductive counselling and performing vasectomies. We want to make sure you're educated on the topic so you can make an informed decision about your reproductive health. ...
Do you have an overactive bladder? Then you know just how frustrating it is to have your day interrupted with trips to the bathroom. You may even find that your constant urge to go is accompanied by pain and irritation that makes the condition even more difficult to manage. An...
Women going through menopause and perimenopause often talk about uncomfortable symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and weight gain. There are a lot of symptoms women don’t talk about, though. These include vaginal dryness, itching, and sexual discomfort and pain. You’re not alone if you experience these embarrassing and...
Around half a million men in the U.S. receive a vasectomy every year. It’s the fourth most common form of birth control. In fact, vasectomies have more benefits than female-centric birth control options. Even still, many men have reservations due to misconceptions. Is the procedure safe? Will there be any...
Though it’s hard to pin down accurate numbers when it comes to overactive bladders because of a lack of reporting, the Urology Care Foundation estimates that as many as 30% of men and 40% of women deal with the condition. An overactive bladder, or OAB, can be an incredibly frustrating...
Have hot flashes and mood swings as a result of menopause made it difficult to enjoy life? Have hormonal changes made sex particularly uncomfortable or even painful? Menopause is a life change for a variety of reasons, but those changes don’t have to leave you feeling miserable. The staff at...
Erectile dysfunction can be a challenging problem for the men who experience it as well as the people in their lives. This condition, commonly called ED, causes men to have trouble getting or maintaining erections compatible with sexual intercourse. ED can strike at any age, and many men tend to...
A vasectomy is a surgery that prevents sperm from entering the semen, which makes it a highly effective form of male birth control. Over 500,000 men in the United States have the procedure performed every year. But what happens if you decide you want to reverse it and try to...
An enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), isn’t just bothersome. When left untreated, it can lead to several complications. Not all cases of BPH require treatment, however. Sometimes having regular checkups to keep track of the progression of the disease is enough. But if you experience symptoms...
One in 11 Americans will develop kidney stones at some point in their lives. Summer is high season for onset of this painful condition because, proper hydration is critical to warding of kidney stones. If you’ve had kidney stones in the past, drinking lots of water is very important. Running...
Menopause can be a pain, literally. When estrogen levels plummet, vagina walls can become dry, thin, less elastic, and inflamed. For many women, this leads to uncomfortable symptoms of vaginal atrophy, including vaginal burning, irritation, discharge, and even bleeding, along with pain during sex. But help is on the way....
When you have blood in your urine, it’s known as hematuria. There are two types of hematuria: one you can see with the naked eye (gross hematuria), and one you can only see with a microscope (microscopic hematuria). No matter which kind you have, hematuria is your body’s way of...