Often, men are afraid to get a vasectomy for many different reasons. One of the most common concerns has to do with sex after the operation. Some men worry about their performance or whether they will still be able to get an erection after a vasectomy.

Sexual concerns, after a vasectomy, are very common and for good reason. Sex is very enjoyable and you certainly want to be able to perform the way you can without a vasectomy. Here’s a look at a few facts about vasectomies.

Does a Vasectomy Affect Your Sex Drive?

Immediately after the operation, you may not have much of a sex drive, but that is normal. It will return and for most guys this period only lasts a few days or weeks. Usually, once you have fully healed, your sex drive will return.

If you struggle with your sex drive after you have healed, it’s usually a psychological issue, not a physical issue. Sometimes, men have a fear of sex after the operation, especially if it was done recently.

Will You Actually “Shoot Blanks”?

Men often think they will shoot blanks after a vasectomy, but this isn’t true. The amount of a man’s ejaculate won’t change very much at all since only about 3% of it is sperm, originally.

How will Sex Feel After a Vasectomy?

Another thing men worry about after a vasectomy is how sex will feel. For most men, it won’t be much different at all. However, some men will actually see an increase in their sex drive due to not worrying about an unwanted pregnancy. This can cause sex to be less intense because it may become more frequent.

Will You Still be able to get an Erection?

Men suffering from erectile dysfunction after a vasectomy should seek a sex therapist. This is a psychological issue, not a physical one. Most men will have no issue getting an erection after a vasectomy, unless they suffered from ED before the operation.

When it comes to a vasectomy and sex, men have very little to worry about. Once you’ve healed from the operation, you’re sex life can return to normal and there shouldn’t be much change. For most men, if there is a change, it’s caused by a psychological problem, not a physical one.

If you have other questions about how your sex life will be after the vasectomy, contact urologist Michael S Kaplan, a doctor specializing in vasectomies in Las Vegas.

Both men and women have a need for a good urologist, but they may not realize how important this doctor is to their sex life. An overactive bladder, incontinence and other issues addressed by a urologist can lead to a less satisfying sex life. However, this doesn’t have to be your reality, if you have a good urologist in Las Vegas to help you through this difficult time.

How can Overactive Bladder or OAB Affect Your Sex Life?

Women that suffer from OAB may worry about urine coming out during sex, especially during an orgasm. This can make sex less enjoyable and make them embarrassed during the act.

OAB is known to cause fear, shame and anxiety in both men and women during intimacy. Many women will actually avoid sex altogether and they don’t always tell their partner why.

However, it’s good to know that unless you have a prolapsed bladder, there is no harm or danger in having sex if you suffer from OAB. It’s perfectly safe and won’t cause any additional bladder issues or discomfort.

An open line of communication can help women and men both feel more comfortable if one or both partners suffer from OAB. When you and your partner are on the same page, it can help make you both feel more comfortable with intimacy and make it more enjoyable.

Natural Treatments for OAB

Doctors cannot just prescribe a pill that will completely take care of OAB. However, there are a few things you can do to help make it less of an issue in your life. Of course, you should always consult your urologist before trying any type of remedy.

For those suffering from OAB, the following may help:

• Pelvic Exercises – Some pelvic floor exercises can help strengthen the muscles that control urination. The most common exercise for these muscles is called the Kegel. You can perform a Kegel exercise by tightening and holding the muscles used to stop urination. Hold it for a few seconds and repeat.
• Bladder Training – Another thing you can do to help with OAB is bladder training. Instead of just going to the bathroom when you have to go, you set a daily schedule and learn to wait until the time of the day you’ve scheduled.

Along with these two remedies, you will also want to avoid caffeine and fluids before bedtime. This can help to ensure your bladder doesn’t need voided during the most common time for sexual intimacy.

If you or your partner suffers from OAB and it’s causing issues in your sex life, it might be time to see a Las Vegas urologist. This type of doctor can give you more information about OAB and how to treat it.

Erectile Dysfunction, or ED, is a condition that affects a man’s ability to maintain an erection. While it is more prevalent in men over the age of forty, erectile dysfunction in younger men is more common than many people think. In fact, one study conducted by the University Vita-Salute San Raffaele in Milan, Italy found that around one quarter of patients seeking treatment for ED were under the age of 40.

Erectile Dysfunction In Young Men

While the majority of ED sufferers are over the age of forty, younger patients seeking treatment report a higher level of “severe” ED. This means that they either cannot reach orgasm or experience difficulties ejaculating. While the Milan study found that younger men had a lower body mass index and higher levels of testosterone, younger men are also much more likely to smoke or use recreational drugs, which may explain the increased prevalence of severe ED.

Cardiovascular Problems Impacting Younger Men

Though many younger patients experiencing ED can blame psychological factors for their condition, the Milan study points to a higher prevalence of cardiovascular issues in young men than previously thought. In these cases, ED may simply be a symptom of underlying health problems. A study conducted by the Australian National University found that ED is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, and can lead to early death. If you are experiencing moderate to severe erectile dysfunction, you should have a thorough physical examination to evaluate your cardiovascular health.

Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction

For young men with erectile dysfunction, there is hope. There are now a wide-range of prescription treatments for ED, like Viagra, Cialis and Levitra. These drugs effectively regulate cardiovascular function and show great results for many sufferers. Unfortunately, most ED sufferers do not seek treatment and may be missing crucial indicators of their cardiovascular health.

Erectile dysfunction does not just affect older men. While those over forty are more likely to suffer form ED, young men experiencing difficulties maintaining an erection or reaching orgasm should see a doctor as soon as possible.

Featured image by hotblack

If you enjoyed this post, you might also enjoy:
Study Finds One Strip of Bacon Per Day Can Lower Fertility
Honey: Nature’s Aphrodisiac
6 Causes of Testicle Pain

Love bacon? Unfortunately, we have some bad news: according to a new study, as little as one strip of bacon per day could be damaging your fertility.

In a recent study conducted by Harvard University, the dietary habits of 156 couples who were having trouble conceiving were analyzed. Researchers found that men who regularly ate processed meats such as bacon, hamburgers, and sausages had sperm counts that were up to 30% lower than men who did not consume these foods frequently. In addition, the sperm quality of the men who consumed more processed meats was lower than that of the men who did not.

Since very few studies have examined the link between processed foods and fertility, it’s not yet clear why they have a negative effect on men’s sperm count and sperm quality. However, we already know that high processed food consumption is linked to a wide range of other health problems like high blood pressure and kidney stones, so the possible link between processed foods and male fertility is perhaps not too surprising.

So if you can’t eat bacon, what other alternatives are there? Eating white fish such as cod at least 2-3 times per week may help boost your fertility. In addition, oily fish such as salmon are known to be extremely beneficial for your overall health, which could also translated to increased fertility. Adequate servings of fruits and vegetables can also help increase sperm count as well.

The takehome message? Try to limit your processed meat intake and maintain a balanced diet. Indulging once in a while is ok, but moderation is key. To learn more about male urological health, contact Dr. Michael S. Kaplan at (702) 454-6226 today.

If you enjoyed this post, you might also enjoy:
Honey: Nature’s Aphrodisiac
6 Causes of Testicle Pain
Will a Vasectomy Affect My Sex Drive?

For reasons unknown, men are far less likely to see a doctor than women. In fact, men are 70 percent less likely to seek professional medical care. Many men would say that they are even less likely to see a urologist when a urological problem arises. However, there are some issues that absolutely require the attention of an experienced urologist. These are the top 6 reasons you should see a urologist – not a primary care physician, a urologist.

1. Testicular pain or lumps

Any pain or masses, nodules, or firmness in the testicles warrant a visit to a urologist ASAP. While it’s possible that they could be harmless, they are also the major symptoms of testicular cancer. If it’s caught early, treatment of testicular cancer has one of the highest success rates compared to other cancers, and your urologist is the most likely person to catch the diagnoses early on.

2. Blood in your urine

Blood in your urine can be a sign of bladder or kidney cancer, or a bladder or urinary tract infection. Whatever the cause, it’s not one of those things that will “go away on its own,” so call your urologist right away.

3. An abnormal prostate exam

Prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of death in men over the age of 50, and it’s most frequently diagnosed after an abnormal prostate exam. The success rate for treatments is high if the cancer is caught early though, so be sure to check in with your urologist.

4. Infertility

In most cases, infertility is not caused by anything life-threatening, but in a small number of cases it can be caused by testicular cancer. Most primary care doctors don’t look for this as a possible cause, and it’s rare for it to be detected at fertility clinics, so it’s best to get checked out by a urologist just in case.

5. Elevated PSA

Elevated PSA levels can be a red flag for prostate cancer. Even if your PSA levels are still within the normal range, if your numbers are getting higher, you should get it checked out.

6. Any kidney abnormality

Kidney abnormalities found on an x-ray should be evaluated immediately by a urologist. Primary care doctors often biopsy any abnormalities, but kidneys require special attention because sometimes a biopsy can do more harm than good. Urologists have more experience dealing with kidney problems, so it’s especially important that you seek advice from a urologist.

While men may be reluctant to seek medical attention, it’s important that you see a urologist as soon as possible if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms. To learn more about men’s health, or to find Las Vegas urology care, contact the office of Dr. Michael S. Kaplan at (702) 454-6226 to schedule a consultation today.

Bladder infections can be a touchy subject, but it’s important to know how to recognize one as soon as possible in order to get effective treatment from your urologist. A bladder infection occurs when bacteria from the digestive tract cling to the urethra and begin multiplying and spreading up the urethra and into the bladder. Symptoms of a bladder infection include:

• Frequent and urgent need to urinate
• Only passing small amounts of urine
• Burning or tingling sensation during urination
• Cloudy, strong-smelling urine
• Fever
• Blood in the urine

Bladder Infections in Men

Statistically speaking, most bladder infections occur in women because they have a shorter urethra than men, so it’s easier for the bacteria to get into the bladder. However, men can also suffer from bladder infections, and its important to seek professional urological treatment to prevent serious damage.

A common cause of bladder infections in men is incomplete emptying of the bladder, often caused by an enlarged prostate. Normally, urine is sterile; it contains some of our body’s waste products, but not bacteria, viruses, or fungi. However, when it remains in the bladder instead of being completely emptied from the bladder, it provides an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. Because this becomes more common as men age, bladder infections are most common in men over 50.

Other common causes of bladder infections in men include:

• Diabetes
• Having a medical condition that affects the immune system
• Other conditions involving the urinary system such as kidney stones, bladder stones, prostate cancer, or neurogenic bladder
• Recently having a catheter inserted during surgery or an illness

If you suspect you might have a bladder infection, it’s very important to see a urology professional right away. When left untreated, a bladder infection could spread to the kidneys and affect their ability to filter out your body’s waste products from your blood, possibly resulting in serious illness or even death. The most common course of treatment is antibiotics. Most people feel better within a few days, but it’s important to take the full prescribed dose to make sure there are no bacteria left in your bladder.

Taking care of your bladder and urinary system is vital for good health, and an experienced urologist is your best source of information and treatment options to keep your urinary system healthy. To learn more about bladder infection symptoms and treatment, contact Dr. Michael S. Kaplan, one of the top urologists in Las Vegas at (702) 454-6226 today.

Testicular pain is not a pleasant topic, and many men are reluctant to see their urologist in hopes that the pain will resolve itself. However, testicular pain can be an indication of a bigger problem, and it’s important to speak to a urology expert as soon as possible. Here are six of the most common causes of testicle pain.

1. Inguinal Hernia

Hernias are relatively common and can occur in many different parts of your body. One of the most common places it can occur is near the spot where your thigh connects with your body. A small piece of fatty tissue (or intestine in abdominal hernias) pushes through the tissue that surrounds it, causing pain. Inguinal hernias often cause pain in the testicles because they follow the same route your testicles took when they first descended into your scrotum.

2. Epididymitis

Epididymitis is an infection of the epididymis, the coiled tube behind each testicle that serves as a storage and delivery system for sperm. An infected epididymis will make your testicles swollen and red, and may cause pain during urination or ejaculation accompanied by a frequent need to visit the bathroom. Most cases can be treated with antibiotics, although in serious cases surgery is needed to remove part or all of the epididymis.

3. Varicocele

A varicocele is similar to varicose veins. It happens when the valves in the major vein that deliver blood back to the heart aren’t working properly, causing blood to build up in the area. Symptoms include pain in one or both testicles, and you can usually feel a tangled mass of veins through the skin. Treatment involves either anti-inflammatory medication or possibly surgery to remove the affected veins.

4. Spermatocele

Remember the epididymis? Well, here’s something else that can affect them. A spermatocele is a benign cyst in the epididymis that starts out as accumulated sperm cells. Most of the time they’re small and don’t cause any problems, but sometimes they can grow large enough to cause pain or a feeling of heaviness. They usually don’t need treatment, but you could be prescribed antibiotics if you’re in a lot of pain, or you could opt to have it surgically removed (although this option could possibly affect your fertility).

5. Orchitis

Orchitis is a swelling of the testicles. It can be caused by epididymitis, as well as other bacterial or viral infections. Symptoms include fever, blood in your semen, a swollen or red scrotum, and pain. Since it can be caused by a wide variety of culprits, it’s important to see your urologist right away so you can get started on antibiotics and possibly anti-inflammatory medication.

6. Kidney Stones

Although kidney stones aren’t found in the testicles, testicular pain is a common symptom because the pain can radiate into the testicles. The good news is that you can usually pass kidney stones without any treatment other than pain medication and drinking lots of water, but it isn’t a pleasant process.

Testicular pain should not be ignored. Most causes can be treated easily and painlessly if treatment is sought sooner rather than later. To learn more about causes of testicle pain or urology in Las Vegas,  contact Dr. Michael S. Kaplan at (702) 454-6226 today.

We all know getting enough sleep is crucial for good health, and it turns out it may be just as important for avoiding prostate cancer.

A recent study found that men who have trouble falling asleep have a 70% higher chance of getting prostate cancer, and those who have trouble staying asleep have twice the risk. The correlation was even stronger between sleep difficulties and advanced prostate cancer.

A correlation between disturbed sleep and breast cancer is already well-established, and a lack of sleep has also been linked to many other medical issues, including heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Therefore, the link between poor sleep and prostate cancer doesn’t come as much of a surprise. Sleep is crucial for the health of your entire body, and the prostate is no exception.

For more information on how to prevent prostate cancer or to discuss treatment options, contact the best urology doctor in Las Vegas at (702) 454-6226 to schedule a consultation.

Main photo by Tony Alter

In the United States, as many as 18 million men suffer from erectile dysfunction (ED) and there is a nearly endless list of contributing factors. Men struggling with prostate cancer, kidney disease, diabetes, and certain neurological diseases, are susceptible to ED, but other circumstances such as recent surgery, injury, hormonal imbalances, and prostate enlargement may lead to the condition as well. Smokers, and those who regularly use alcohol or other drugs are much more likely to suffer from ED than men who do not.

Research has shown that men who smoke a pack or more a day have a significantly higher risk of ED than non-smokers. But a team of researchers recently determined the potential protective effect of honey against the toxins in cigarette smoke, with respect to sexual behavior in male rats.

The team used four groups of eight rats: A Control Group; a Honey Group where each rat was given 1.2g of honey per kg of body weight each day; a Cigarette Smoke Group that was exposed to cigarette smoke comparable to 20 cigarettes for a human; and a Cigarette Smoke Plus Honey Group that was exposed to the same amount of honey and cigarette smoke as the previous two groups.

After 10 weeks, the male rats were paired with female rats and observed on various fertility and mating indexes. After three weeks, only 25% the Cigarette Smoke Group had sex and 25% ejaculated, while among the Control and Honey Groups there was a 100% occurrence of both sex and ejaculation.

But this is where it gets interesting. For the Cigarette Smoke Plus Honey Group, 75% of the rats had sex, significantly higher than the Cigarette Smoke Group. Honey seems to provide real protection from the effects of cigarette toxins on sexual behavior and fertility.

The research team has not concluded why honey works this way, but two possible reasons have been outlined. First, previous research has shown that honey significantly increases testosterone production in rats exposed to cigarette smoke. Secondly, honey is a potent source of antioxidants, which may offset the physiological stress of the toxins in cigarette smoke.

If you suffer from erectile dysfunction, make an appointment with a urology doctor in Las Vegas today.

Main photo by Joel Kramer

Many men take up cycling as a way to improve their cardiovascular health. If you’re one of them, you may be noticing an unintended side effect: erectile dysfunction.

Problems can arise because of the pressure traditional bike saddles put on your groin. 25-40% of your body’s weight is placed on the nerves and blood vessels in this area, potentially leading to issues with blood flow and sensation.

A study on the effects of bike riding found that within minutes, the blood oxygen levels in the groin and genitals decreased by up to 80%. It’s not just men having these issues, either.

Another study on female cyclists found that more than 60% of women using traditional bike seats experienced genital pain and were found to have lower levels of sensation than a control group.

So what’s a man to do? If you don’t want to give up cycling, you could try switching over to a new, no-nose bike seat so that your weight is carried on your sit bones instead of your genitals. And of course, if you’d like additional help with your ED, call the best Las Vegas urology clinic today at (702) 454-6226 to schedule a consultation.

Main photo by knehcsg