Wondering if you should visit a urologist for a check-up? At Ironwood Urology, we believe routine examinations to detect and manage health issues particular to men are essential to overall health and wellness. Let us look at the key items addressed in a men’s health check-up.
Prostate Health
Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among American men. Accordingly, prostate cancer screening with your men’s health specialist should begin at age 50 with annual digital rectal examination and a blood draw for prostate specific antigen, or PSA. These screenings are quick and easy, and they reveal the presence of malignancy early on in the course of the disease when it is most easily treated and put into remission.
Additionally, the DRE tells your urologist a lot about prostate health. Many middle aged and senior men experience urinary frequency, retention, and infection due to a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland called benign prostatic hypertrophy, or BPH.
BPH can be relieved with medication, laser surgery, transurethral reduction of prostate size or an innovative procedure called UroLift. Dr. Avila is a leading expert in UroLift, an in-office installation of a small retraction device which lifts an enlarged prostate away from the urethra.
Erectile Dysfunction
Also called ED, this men’s health issue may feel uncomfortable to discuss with your urologist, but it is important to be open and honest with them if you are experiencing symptoms. Approximately 30 million American men have at least occasional problems with getting and maintaining an erection. So, you are definitely not alone.
Your men’s health specialist will investigate your general health and also do a painless Doppler (soundwave) test to see if your penis is receiving a sufficient amount of blood flow. With a more exact diagnosis, your doctor can offer you a care plan to manage your ED successfully.
Treatments can include:
- Oral medications, such as Cialias or Viagra
- Vibrators
- Penile vacuum devices
- Penile implants
- Lifestyle modifications
- Treatment for low testosterone with oral meds, pellets, or other types of hormonal supplementation
Often, simply changing some habits can improve erectile dysfunction– things such as losing weight, stopping all tobacco usage, and limiting alcohol. Controlling blood sugar and blood pressure is important, too.
Also, your men’s health specialist may recommend you see a counselor or mental health specialist if depression, anxiety, or relationship issues seem to contribute to your erectile dysfunction symptoms.
Infertility
Male infertility is an issue which impacts thousands of couples wishing to conceive. Varicose veins in the scrotum, hormone deficiencies, trauma to the testicles and more can result in low sperm count or other issues leading to infertility.
To investigate and treat this men’s health problem, your urologist will review your medical history and that of your partner. They may also order blood testing and imaging, such as a CT scan or ultrasound.
Common, but innovative and effective male infertility treatments, include:
- Surgery to repair blockages
- Reversal of vasectomy procedures
- Extraction of sperm from the testes
Our own Dr. Avila has helped scores of men regain their fertility. Each of his treatment plans is tailored to the patient’s health and possible therapeutic outcomes.
The Best Urologist and Men’s Healthcare in Phoenix and Gilbert, AZ
At Ironwood Urology, our board-certified and fellowship-trained urologist and men’s health specialist is Dr. Desiderio Avila, Jr. He brings his wide- ranging expertise and experience to the treatment room and considers the health and well-being of each of his patients as the focus of his medical education, research, and practice.
To stay in your best possible urological health, we recommend you contact us to book a consultation with Dr. Avila. We have two locations: one in Gilbert and the other in Phoenix, AZ. Call (480) 961-2323, or request your appointment here. We will feel honored to serve you and your men’s health needs.
