Because urologists deal with issues of the male reproductive tract, including erectile dysfunction (ED), benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and vasectomy, you may think that women never need this specialty. However, urologists specialize in disorders of the urinary tract, and those can affect anyone.
Many men, women, and even some kids can benefit by a consultation with a urologist. In fact, depending on your symptoms, your primary care physician may refer you to a urologist. In fact, about one in every two people will need to see a urologist in their lifetime.
Expert urologist, Alex Lesani, MD, treats anyone who has urinary tract issues at our Las Vegas, Nevada, office. He also specializes in male-specific issues.
Do you need a urologist? Here’s when and why you might.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are painful and afflict both sexes. Women, though, are more susceptible to UTIs. Up to 60% of women in the United States will have at least one UTI.
Men can also have UTIs. However, in most cases these are associated with some sort of blockage, often due to an enlarged prostate. Most UTIs can be cured with a course of antibiotics. However, some people — especially women — may have recurrent, chronic UTIs that need continued care to resolve.
Whether because of hormonal changes, an enlarged prostate, or other problems, urinary incontinence can be embarrassing. You may have to vary your social schedule to ensure you’re always near a restroom. Incontinence can take several forms:
Incontinence can also lead to a condition called nocturia, in which you must disrupt your sleep many times during the night to urinate. Dr. Lesani first determines what’s causing your incontinence and then custom-designs a solution, so you can get the rest your body needs.
He may recommend bladder training or biofeedback to help your bladder retain urine. He may also recommend medication, procedures, or surgery, depending on your case.
Pelvic pain could be a sign of a UTI, kidney stones, or other urological issues, including prostate cancer. Men may have an enlarged prostate. Women may have pelvic floor prolapse. You may need to see a urologist if:
Don’t dismiss or try to put up with changes in your urination or chronic pain. Find out what’s causing your distress, and get a customized treatment plan from a urologist.
Kidney stones are collections of hardened minerals that your body wasn’t able to excrete. Sometimes they're small enough for you to pass on your own by drinking lots of water. But they can become quite large and painful.
Dr. Lesani determines what’s causing your kidney stones. You may need to change your diet and increase your fluid intake to reduce your chances of a recurrence. You may also need therapies to help break up the stones so you can pass them.
Whether you have ED or haven’t been able to get your partner pregnant, Dr. Lesani helps find the root of the problem and then designs a remedy. About 50% of infertility is due to issues in the male reproductive tract, which may be compounded by the female’s issues, too.
If you’re a man and suspect you have a sexually transmitted infection (STI), your urologist can diagnose and treat it. If you have ED or other sexual problems, such as premature ejaculation, you should see a urologist. A urologist can also perform a vasectomy if you’ve decided not to have any or any more children.
Sometimes men and women are born with external genitalia that aren’t considered normal. Men or boys may have a micropenis. Women or girls may have labia that are either overly large or overly small.
Dr. Lesani can correct these with surgery when necessary. He also uses surgery to correct defects inside the urinary and reproductive tracts. Whenever possible, he uses minimally invasive robotic surgery for repairs or reconstructions.
Is it time for you to see a urologist? Schedule a consultation today by phoning us at 702-470-2579. You can also book your appointment online.
