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Kidney stones are extremely common during the holiday season. The reason that this problem is so common during the holiday season is because people usually eat a lot of animal protein. Animal protein gets converted to acid before it is filtered by the kidneys. That is what encourages the growth of a kidney stone. Fortunately, there are a number of things that you can do prevent this problem.

Drinking plenty of water is one of the most important things that you can do. You also need to make sure that you limit your consumption of salt. Furthermore, you should opt to eat home cooked meals because they usually contain less salt.

Dr. Michael S. Kaplan is a respected Las Vegas authority in the field of urology. Consult him to learn about the symptoms of kidney stones and how to avoid them.

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For some men, virility and ability to be fruitful are key component in feeling masculine. There are several foods that will boost the quality of a man’s sperm. This means that a man’s diet can provide a considerable change in not only the density of sperm, but also the mobility.

1. Foods rich in Vitamin A are essential for improving male virility. This includes foods like carrots, red peppers and dried apricots. Oatmeal, dark green lettuce, broccoli and dairy may also include a healthy dose of the vitamin.

2. Men should be taking in a high dosage of Vitamin C. Vitamin C influences sperm movement and speed. These foods include sweet potatoes, yellow vegetables and fruits.

3. Zinc can boost testosterone levels and increase sperm production. Men can find high quantities of zinc in turkey meat, beef, eggs, yogurt, corn, seafood and oatmeal.

4. While folic acid is often seen as something only women need, men can benefit as well. Folic acid helps to create strong, healthy sperm. You can find folic acid in avocados, beans and whole grain foods.

5. Omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon, sardines and walnuts can increase a man’s sexual functioning. These acids improve the flow of blood to the penis and lowers cholesterol. Overall, it is just a healthy supplement for your body.

6. This one works for both men and women. Certain foods are considered aphrodisiacs that can boost the libido. Oysters are well-known aphrodisiacs as a result of the amino acids they contain. Chocolate is another aphrodisiac. Some people choose to use maca plant extract to give themselves a boost, while others might incorporate more bananas into their diets.

7. Asparagus is a great food for men to eat because it helps to rid your body of harmful substances. Asparagus contains Vitamin C and works as an oxidative.

For more information on urology and men’s health issues, contact Dr. Michael S. Kaplan at (702) 454-6226.

By now you might have already heard of the newly discovered link between iced tea and kidney stones, but how exactly does this relationship work, and what other factors influence it? Recent articles have been sounding the alarm on iced tea due to its high oxalate content, but don’t toss out your tea set just yet; in this article we are going to take a closer, in-depth look at the ups and downs of dunking those tea leaves.

If lovin’ you is wrong, I don’t wanna be right.

What’s So Bad About Iced Tea?
Here’s the bad news: tea (all tea, not just iced tea) does contain higher amounts of oxalate than most other drinks, and there is a link between high oxalate consumption and increased risk of kidney stones.  What is oxalate? Oxalate is a negatively charged chemical compound that is produced as a by-product of photosynthesis in certain plants.  While oxalate is not that dangerous by itself, it combines with positively charged ions in the human body like iron and calcium and forms the crystals we know as kidney stones.

Can Anything Counteract the Effect of Oxalate?
Yes, citrates can also bond to calcium in the body, thus preventing the formation of crystals caused from oxalate bonding.  As the name implies, citrates can be found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons and limes.  In addition, multiple studies have suggested that cranberry juice can be effective in preventing the formation of crystals in the kidneys.  Lastly, the large intestines contain a bacteria called Oxalobacter formigenes that breaks down oxalate in the human body.

What About the Benefits of Tea?
The health benefits of tea have been studied for many years.  There is extensive research and documentation on the benefits tea has on blood pressure, immune function, diabetes, heart disease and cancer prevention. Of course there are many other benefits as well, but that’s a different article.  If you think you are at a higher risk for kidney stones, it is extremely quick and easy to get screened.  For example in Las Vegas a urologist can give you a same day appointment for a non invasive screening

Tea consumption has been dated as far back as the 10^th century BC, and is the second most consumed beverage in the world, outranked only by water.  Since kidney stones have not been a widespread pandemic throughout human history, it is safe to say that there are many other factors at play in the increased prevalence of kidney stones today.  As with anything in life, even a good thing can be overdone. Just remember to enjoy in moderation; a well balanced diet is far better than any supplement.

If You Have Migraines

Sure, we have all seen and read the commercials on the repercussions of taking birth control.  We increase our risk for heart attack, stroke, blood clots and more.  Still, we decide to take the pill.  What you may not know is how much more at risk you become if you suffer from minor health issues.  For example, if you get migraine headaches and take birth control with estrogen in it (all birth control oral contraceptives) you increase your risk of having a stroke by nine times.  Some women fail to listen to these statistics and become very ill.  Do not think you are invincible simply due to your age because women in their twenties are having strokes when they take the pill and are paying for it in the future. As a result, they are at a higher risk for having another stroke as they age.

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Hormonal Imbalances

Everyone’s body acts differently to birth control.  The birth control shot that is administered once every three months doe not contain estrogen so it is better for the body and will not increase your risk for stroke like previously stated.  The issue with the birth control shot it is has an all too common risk of weight gain.  Many people who choose this method gain a drastic amount of weight like upwards of 50 pounds.

Wanting to Get Pregnant in the Future

When it comes to birth control of any type you could be jeopardizing your chance of getting pregnant when the time comes that you actually want a baby.  This especially goes for long-term birth control options like IUDs such as Mirena. IUDs are great since they prevent pregnancy for about five to eight years, but they severely thin the walls of your uterus over time thus making it very hard not to miscarriage.

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Consult a Las Vegas urologist for other alternative birth control methods.  You and your spouse can consider temporary or permanent precautions when it comes to family planning.  Thousands of Americans take birth control, but instead of just jumping on the bandwagon, research what other healthier options are right at your fingertips.

The vasectomy is a medical procedure that has been around since the 1800′s.  Yet, the female equivalent (tubal ligation) consistently outranks the vasectomy in terms of the number of procedures performed, despite its lower cost, reversibility, faster recovery time and lower risk of complications.  However, the vasectomy has a long, documented history, and much has changed since the days of the early vasectomy programs.  Today’s vasectomy offers a faster, smarter and easier procedure than ever before.

The very first attempt at a vasectomy ever recorded was performed on a dog in 1822.  A doctor by the name of Sir Ashley Cooper completed the procedure, and observed the dog for six years before dissecting it.  Cooper concluded that closing off the ducts in the testicles did not stop the actual production of sperm, and had no ill effects on the dog’s sex life.  Shortly after this, a London doctor named R. Harrison performed the first vasectomy on a human, in an attempt to shrink the prostate of a patient.  Though it did not provide the desired cure, it brought the vasectomy one step closer to its current usage.

It was not until World War II that the vasectomy was used specifically for the purpose of sterilization.  During this time, vasectomies were performed on a mass scale, mostly without consent.  After the war, in the 1970′s, the procedure gained popularity as a preferred form of birth control, and countries with overpopulation encouraged citizens to get vasectomies. For example, in 1976 India launched a massive campaign offering cash rewards to men undergoing a vasectomy procedure.  In more recent times, doctors specializing in the reversal of vasectomy procedures have gained prevalence, especially in the United States.

Today, a vasectomy is a personal choice that offers numerous benefits to those seeking a long-term birth control solution.  Though the procedure is reversible, that is not to say that it does not come with a degree of commitment. For this reason, your Las Vegas urologist would usually recommend getting a stock of sperm cryogenically frozen, as life is unpredictable.  Using modern methods, an ED doctor Las Vegas  can perform a vasectomy with no needles, no scalpel and no stitches in a matter of 15 minutes for a virtually stress free experience.

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Thankfully being in a first world country, America is fortunate enough to be able to plan a family if they choose to.  Although some things just happen, we are lucky to have options.

Many second and third world countries find themselves struggling from famine and homes that are too small for their family size.  Due to the lack of birth control options they are unable to provide their children with a decent way of life.  This is a sad fact, but we see it all over the media and donation websites day in and day out.  America is quite opposite in fact.

Even though we have been in a down economy for years now, people are still having children. The cost right now to raise a child from birth to the age of 17 is up to $226,920. This does not include the steadily rising cost of a college education either. This may seem like a large number, but it has been attributed to the rising cost of fuel, food, education and more. This is why America has to be so careful and planned when it comes to raising a family. Even though overpopulation plagues second and third world places, they do not have the options Americans do. Americans too often let themselves splurging and rely too heavily on credit, which gets them into these expensive situations.

Could you have a child for less than the projected average cost? Of course you could, but you need to realize that only so much of this cost can be minimized; that is unless you live off the grid, which does not happen all too often. This is why it is so important to plan your children. In this economy it is so important to make sure you are not a single parent. And on top of that you want to make sure in a two-parent household they you both minimally have a trade. There needs to be a fall back plan just in case anyone loses their job. The way your children are raised is so important and what parent does not want to be able to give the world to their child in order to see their smiling face?

If you are worried about having a child when you are unprepared then a popular Las Vegas vasectomy doctor can guide you into the right direction. Family planning is invaluable nowadays and could carry you and your loved ones on the road to success.

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Erectile dysfunction may be one of the most frightening ailments a man can face. By its very nature, ED can shatter a man’s self-esteem, self-confidence, and self image, even his very sense of “being a man.” Many men don’t know that ED is treatable and more common than a lot of people think, so they suffer in silence where relatively simple solutions may exist. Consulting with your urologist Las Vegas men count on can help you understand what ED is and how it works.

Erectile dysfunction means that there’s insufficient blood flow to the penis to create or sustain an erection. This can be caused by a number of factors, including stress, lifestyle, and emotional and physiological factors. Some of the most common physical causes of ED are smoking, diet, drug intake (legal or otherwise), and alcohol use. These physical factors are usually exacerbated by stress and trouble at home, with money, or at work.

A satisfying sex life has been shown to be beneficial to health and longevity in both genders. When a man suddenly finds himself unable to perform, this can be devastating, triggering concerns about masculinity, virility, or just plain “manliness.” Because of this, a lot of men don’t seek attention or help to solve the problem. The trouble with ED is, the longer the underlying problems or causes go untreated, the worse the anxiety and stress it can cause become.

It’s an old joke that a man’s sex life is directly linked to their mind. After all, all guys only think about one thing, right? In reality, ED is no laughing matter. While most of the causes are easily treatable if caught early, the psychological damage ED can do continues to escalate until the problem is solved. This can lead to more strain on your health, in your marriage, or in your interactions with others, with a plethora of unfortunate consequences.

ED is nothing to be ashamed of, and it does happen more often than you might think. If you’re suffering from ED, you’re not alone. While it’s not as common in younger men, it can occur at any age. The key is to get to your clinic for urology Las Vegas men trust as your first step to figuring out what you need to do in your specific case. ED never happens without a cause, and ruling out potentially life-threatening maladies which can cause ED is an important first step to getting your performance in the bedroom back to what you expect it to be.
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One of the first known methods of contraception was discovered in Egypt and Mesopotamia, when it was noted that acacia gum has spermicidal properties. Interestingly, acacia gum is still used in many contraceptives today.

Several plants, including Silphium, were found to have contraceptive capabilities. However, because Silphium was difficult to grow outside a narrow native territory, these properties led to Silphium’s extinction around the second or third century BCE.

In China in the 7^th century BCE, a physician, Sun Ssu-mo, advocated the use of a mixture of quicksilver (mercury) and oil, heated for a day and then given to the woman orally. The problems with this method are readily apparent to modern science, however. But the methods detailed above remained the standard for contraception until the beginning of the Dark Ages.

During this time, much of the stockpiled lore concerning herbal contraception and abortifacient agents was lost to the Western world, in no small part because of the efforts of Europeans to repopulate after a series of devastating plagues swept the region. At the same time, the combined efforts of the Church and the Crown resulted in all but obliterating this knowledge, making it all but unavailable to the average man or woman of the time. This state of affairs persisted until the late nineteenth century, when serious medical study of the human reproductive system began anew.

Today, there are many commonly available methods for contraception. Condoms, spermicidal gels, intravaginal contraceptives, and similar methods are more popular than ever. However, a vasectomy is still the gold standard for a man who wants to enjoy a full and active sex life without reliance on contraceptives.

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Your Las Vegas vasectomy doctor can tell you that for almost as long as humans have had civilization, they have searched for ways to halt conception while still enjoying sexual activity. Learn how Las Vegas vasectomies can help you achieve permanent birth control safely and effectively.

There are a lot of good reasons to see a urologist, and many situations in which a urologist can help a man. Sadly, a lot of men are determined to prove how “manly” they are by ignoring key symptoms that could be a tip-off to any number of physiological problems, some of them potentially life-threatening. The old saying “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” applies just as much with regard to mens’ health as anything else. Knowing when to see a urologist is important to staying healthy.

One early warning symptom that many men shrug off or ignore is erectile dysfunction, or ED. The inability to get or sustain an erection may not be serious in and of itself, and there are a number of factors that may cause ED: Stress or worry about common day-to-day problems, smoking, and a host of other “typical factors can cause this condition. But your Las Vegas urologist can determine if ED is being caused by something relatively benign, or by something like prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of death in men in the US. Regular screenings and checkups can help catch this disease early, resulting in a greatly improved prognosis and a longer, healthier lifespan. These are services which urologists perform on a routine basis, and their entire point is to ensure that early warning signs of prostate cancer are dealt with as quickly as possible, before the disease has a chance to spread.

Other signs and symptoms which may indicate a problem that should be looked into are pain in the groin area, especially pain that cannot be traced to a root cause, difficulty in urinating or a change in urine flow, force, or frequency that lasts for more than a day or two. Your Las Vegas urology doctor can run simple tests and an examination which will help determine the root cause of these symptoms, as well as treatment to get you feeling like your old self again.

Your health is nothing to shrug off. “It happens to everyone” or “Guess I’m not as young as I used to be” are common excuses for men not to get these symptoms checked out. And, in all fairness, you may be right. But it’s always better to be safe than sorry. At the first sign of anything that seems out of place or doesn’t work like it should, seeing a urologist should be your first step. Even if your symptoms are simple and easily treatable, you’ll have the peace of mind that comes from being sure there’s not a more serious problem underlying what at first blush appears to be a perfectly commonplace male malady.

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Erectile dysfunction, or ED, is probably one of the most worrisome and stressful things any man can experience. Your sense of virility, of attractiveness, of health, and even your very sense of being male can all be affected, and that doesn’t take into account your partner’s feelings on the subject. ED is defined as the inability to develop or maintain an erection during sexual activity. ED can be a very scary thing to be confronted with, so you need to know all the facts concerning ED.

First, ED is more common than you think. Most men experience at least a mild form of ED during their lifetime. It doesn’t make you any less a man; it just means you’re human. But there are a lot of underlying potential causes that have to be looked at. Smoking, drug and alcohol use, and psychological stressors and concerns are perhaps the most common reasons for ED, but medications and various diseases can all include ED as a symptom of an underlying problem. So medical history and lifestyle have to be taken into account when seeking out the root causes of any individual erectile dysfunction case, and your Las Vegas urology specialist will need to know about them.

In most cases, ED goes away on its own. When you can relax and simply enjoy sex, rather than worrying about the kids, the bills, the car, the job, and the rest of the things that add tension and stress to your life, it takes the “pressure to perform” off you. But since ED can also be an early warning symptom of much more serious physical ailments such as prostate cancer, it is never a good idea to assume that your ED will go away on its own. While prostate cancer is a worst-case scenario, this is definitely one time where it is better to be safe than sorry and consult a professional urologist.

In some cases, such as when blood flow to the penis is inhibited, drugs like Levitra, Cialis, and Viagra can help you achieve and maintain a satisfactory erection. Drugs are not always the answer, but millions of men (and their partners) have reported excellent results.

ED can be a frightening blow to a man, attacking your most basic feelings of manhood. But if you find yourself confronted with erectile dysfunction, the first thing to remember is to keep calm; it’s not your fault, it’s just one more part of being a man. Urologists can and do treat ED and other male-specific problems and perform procedures such as vasectomies. So the first thing to do is consult with your urologist Las Vegas men trust to make sure that there’s not an underlying physical cause. This will help assure you a long and healthy life, in and out of the bedroom.