What is urology? Urology is a
surgical specialty that deals with diseases of the urinary
tract in both males and females as well as disorders of the
male reproductive system.
What are the training
requirements for a urologist? Most urology residencies
require at least two years of general surgical training
followed by another four years of specialty training in
urologic surgery.
Do urologists treat both males and
females? Urologists treat both males and females
of all ages.
What are some of the more common
conditions urologists treat? Although our group can manage
virtually any urologic condition, some of the more common
disorders we treat include: impotence or erectile
dysfunction, incontinence or loss of bladder control, kidney
stones, infertility and prostate diseases (both benign and
malignant).
What forms of nonsurgical therapy are
available for men with impotence? Caverject is a popular
form of treatment. This system utilizes a medication that is
injected directly into the penis to cause an erection.
Are there any oral medications that are
used for treating impotence? Viagra, Levitra and Cialis are
effective and safe oral agents in appropriate candidates. Men
with a history of cardiovascular disease and, particularly,
men who take agents in the nitroglycerine family are not
candidates for treatment with this class of drugs.
Are there any other nonsurgical
impotence treatments? Another excellent treatment option is
the so-called vacuum
constriction device. This system utilizes a
plastic cylinder which is placed over the penis. A small pump
is then utilized to create negative pressure which
"pulls" blood into the penis resulting in an
erection. A rubber band is then applied to the base of the
penis which results in blood being trapped in the erect penis
until the band is removed.
If nonsurgical impotence treatments
don't work what are my options? Penile implant
surgery is always an option for men who aren't
happy with other treatments for any reason. Most penile
implant procedures can be done on an outpatient basis with a
relatively short recovery period.
What information do I need before I
schedule a vasectomy? Our office would be happy to provide you
with a packet of information describing the procedure in
detail. You may either call us at the number listed in the
telephone directory or e-mail your request.
What is a no-scalpel vasectomy? The no-scalpel vasectomy is becoming
very popular in this country due to the decreased discomfort
that men experience with this technique. Our group does
perform the no-scalpel vasectomy and we would be happy to
provide you with more information on this procedure. Click on
the hyperlink for more details.
Is there anything new in the treatment
of kidney stones? Most stones in either the
kidney or the ureter (the tube that carries the urine from
the kidney to the bladder) are now treated with a noninvasive
shock wave technique called lithotripsy. Our group has access
to the most modern equipment for treating stones on an
outpatient basis.
What are the current screening
guidelines for prostate cancer? The American Cancer Society
recommends annual screening consisting of a digital rectal
exam and a PSA blood test for all men over the age of 50. Men
with a family history of prostate cancer should undergo
yearly screening beginning at the age of 40 - 45.
Is there anything new for the treatment
of urinary incontinence? There are several new products and
procedures available for treating incontinence including the
new tension free
vaginal tape.
Does your group participate in managed
care plans? We currently participate in
approximately 50 plans including virtually every major health
care plan in the greater Houston area as well as Medicare.
Which hospitals does your group utilize?
Our
physicians maintain staff privileges at Memorial
Hermann Hospital - Memorial City, Christus St.
Catherine Hospital, and Memorial
Hermann Katy Hospital. Procedures as well as tests
may be scheduled at any of these locations.
Please check out the library page for a listing of
more in-depth articles dealing with common urologic conditions.
Below you will find answers to commonly asked questions about
impotence, vasectomies, incontinence, stones and diseases of the
prostate.
