Sometimes, you don’t want to talk about what goes on “down there.” It might make you feel a little uncomfortable, or maybe discussing genitourinary issues just isn’t for you. Despite these hesitancies, maintaining your genital and urinary tract health is necessary for your longevity and overall well-being. For this reason, it’s important to regularly see an urologist. Here, discover five warning signs that your visit to a urologist may be overdue.

Photo by Dominick

Bloody urine

Consistently seeing blood in your urine may be a sign of bladder or kidney cancer. If you see blood, you should see a urologist as soon as possible.

Testicular pain

If your testicles feel strangely firm or hurt for no particular reason, it’s possible you could have testicular cancer. Your urologist will be able to run tests that can determine whether or not you have contracted a disease.

Recurring urinary tract infections

An infection in your urethra can be irritating and inconvenient. If these occur often, there could be a larger issue at hand. A urologist can prescribe medication to treat your bladder infection or let you know if the issue is more serious.

Sexual dysfunction

If you have a hard time getting an erection, a urologist can help you find possible solutions. He or she may be able to tell you the reason for your dysfunction, as well.

Unusual prostate exam

Firmness or round lumps in your prostate might be a sign of prostate cancer. If your doctor tells you that your prostate exam was abnormal, you should follow up with a urologist to make sure there aren’t any further problems.

If you need to find a urologist in Las Vegas, contact the offices of Michael S. Kaplan. As one of Las Vegas’ top urologists, Dr. Kaplan can get your health back on the right track.

Erectile dysfunction can be an embarrassing and frustrating condition, regardless of how long you have suffered from it. When it comes to sexual problems, it’s a good idea to become familiar with the facts. The more you know about the condition, the better equipped you will be both in the doctor’s office and in your personal life. Here are five facts you should know regarding erectile dysfunction.

Photo by Alex Proimos

Erectile dysfunction is not a common problem among aging men.

Although this condition is widely seen in older men, that doesn’t mean that it’s a normal part of aging. Many men experience a decline or lack in sexual function as they age, perhaps requiring stimulation for arousal. However, this doesn’t mean that a lack in sexual function is normal.

Erectile dysfunction may indicate other health problems.

Blood flow into the penis prompts an erection, so when erectile dysfunction occurs it could be an indication that there is a problem with the body’s blood flow. Additionally, it may be a symptom of vascular disease.

Medical assistance is available. 

Whether you have erectile dysfunction or suspect that you may be suffering from it, you should know that medical help is available when you need it. Aside from medications, there are injections, implantable devices, and other types of assistance available.

Available medications don’t increase sexual desire.

The goal of pills and medications related to this disorder is to increase blood flow to the penis, which enables sexual intercourse. A man’s ability to have an erection is an indication of his physical and emotional health.

Erectile dysfunction may result from a number of conditions.

Just because you have this problem, it doesn’t mean that you’re no longer attracted to your partner. Although this factor does play a role in the bedroom, there are many other causes of the dysfunction as well. Some common causes include depression, anxiety, hormonal imbalances, neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s, diabetes, lifestyle habits such as drinking and smoking, and certain prescription medications.

When your time in the bedroom isn’t as fulfilling as normal, the problem may be due to erectile dysfunction. There are a lot of myths surrounding this disorder, which is why knowing the facts can help you set the record straight. Whether you believe you are suffering from erectile dysfunction or you want to regain your quality of life, finding the right Las Vegas erectile dysfunction doctor is key.

Men ages 40 and younger who are enlisted in the U.S. military are at an increased risk of having erectile dysfunction when compared to men of similar ages who are not enrolled in the military, according to a new study. The study notes that despite this increased risk for ED in men enlisted in the military, which is three times higher than civilian men, few report receiving treatment.

The study was one of the first to focus on problems with sexual function among male military personnel, and involved 367 enlisted men with ages ranging from 21 to 40. Study participants responded to an online sexual functioning survey over a period of eight weeks in October and November 2013.

The researchers noted that ED was common, and was present in over 30 percent of the study participants, most of whom were generally healthy young servicemen. The study’s goal was to estimate how widespread sexual problems are among men in the military, as well as how it affects their quality of life and to determine any possible barriers for seeking treatment.

Sherrie Wilcox, one of the study’s authors and research assistant professor at the University of Southern California’s School of Social Work in Los Angeles, noted that while the presence of ED is generally higher among younger men in the military in comparison to civilian men of the same age, the rate of ED in military men ages 36 to 40 is almost double the rate of civilian men over the age of 40. Wilcox found a distinctive relationship between problems with quality of life and happiness. Additionally, just 12 percent of men affected with ED reported receiving treatment.

According to Wilcox, reasons for study participants to avoid seeking treatment include social factors and concerns over what other individuals might think. Wilcox suggests that the high rate of sexual problems among men may be related to traumatic events experienced during employment as well as mental and physical health issues. Other problems included problems with relationships, including spouses and significant others. Military men with exposure to traumatic events and physical injuries are at an increased risk of developing sexual problems despite their age.

Men who suffer from ED and sexual dysfunction problems often feel embarrassed and ashamed. Many times, they are also unsure of where to go or who to turn to for help. Finding a compassionate and caring erectile dysfunction doctor is a big first step towards solving the problem.

There is a higher risk of developing kidney failure in diabetics suffering from major depression than in ones without depression, according to a new study. The observational cohort study , the first of its kind to indicate a link between major depressive symptoms and an increased risk of kidney failure in diabetics, is to be published in an upcoming issue of the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.

For the study, researchers from the University of Washington focused on 3,886 diabetic patients. Of these patients, 448, or 11.5 percent, suffered from major depressive symptoms, while 327, or 8.4 percent, experienced minor depressive symptoms. Of the patients involved, 87, or 2.2 percent, developed kidney failure after a median follow-up of 8.8 years.

Diabetics with major depression were at an 85 percent increased risk of developing kidney failure once adjustments were made for age, sex, medical history, and body mass index. There was no significant link between minor depression and kidney failure.

According to an article on diabeteshealth.com, experts point to increased levels of stress hormones linked to depression, such as cortisol, to help explain the link between the two conditions. The stress hormones are a factor in elevated blood sugar levels that commonly lead to insulin resistance and diabetes.

Margaret Yu, MD, MS, a researcher involved in the study, explained in a renalandurologynews.com article that although this breakthrough study provides valuable information on its own, “Additional studies are needed to determine whether treatment of depression can reduce the risk of kidney failure.”

Routine visits with Las Vegas urology doctor Michael S Kpalan is useful for watching out for signs and symptoms of kidney failure. The Mayo Clinic notes that common symptoms of acute kidney failure may include decreased urine output, fluid retention, drowsiness, shortness of breath, and fatigue. The same source notes that symptoms of chronic kidney failure often include loss of appetite, sleep problems, weakness and fatigue, and changes in urine output.

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.

Las Vegas urologist Michael S. Kaplan is proud to support the Las Vegas Police Department by sponsoring the 2014 Bacon Ball Tournament, taking place May 3-4 at Arroyo Grande Sports Complex in Henderson. The Bacon Ball is an annual softball tournament that is comprised of teams of police officers, with the top teams taking home prizes.

Dr. Kaplan wishes the best of luck to all officers competing in this year’s tournament. For more information on the Bacon Ball Tournament, check out Police Softball.

Michael S. Kaplan is a leader in the field of urology, performing over 10,000 vasectomies during his tenure in Las Vegas. Kaplan is an advocate for prostate cancer screenings and started a local chapter of US TOO, a prostate cancer support group. For more information on urology services, contact us today.

Featured image by kcblanchett

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?

Among its many uses, honey is often cited as a natural aphrodisiac. It makes sense, since honey is rich in boron (a substance that promotes testosterone production). It is said that honey can enhance testosterone in the bloodstream, thereby increasing libido both in men and women. Recent research has suggested that it can even help prevent erectile dysfunction!

To learn more about sexual well being, contact Las Vegas urologist Dr. Michael S. Kaplan at (702) 454-6226 today.