Blog Archive
Are you happy with your sex life? It’s a personal question, but it’s an important one. A healthy, satisfying sex life is a fundamental aspect of overall well-being — yet sexual dysfunction is incredibly common. Advanced Urology specializes in men’s sexual wellness in Culver City, Los Angeles, Redondo Beach, and...
If you’ve had a vasectomy, you’ve undergone a surgical procedure that cutting or blocked the vas deferens, the tubes that carry sperm from your testicles to your urethra. It prevents your body from ejaculating sperm, making it an effective form of permanent birth control. That being said, life circumstances and...
The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered dramatic changes throughout everyday life — and in the medical community as well. Not only are providers across the country postponing elective procedures, but many are also encouraging people to avoid in-office appointments to reduce their risk of exposure to this highly contagious coronavirus.But what...
Kidney stones are small, hard deposits that form in your kidneys and pass through your urinary tract. They’re notorious for causing excruciating lower belly pain that’s often described as one of the most intense experiences one can endure. There’s no denying that severe pain is a hallmark symptom of kidney...
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most common urologic conditions among men — and it gets increasingly common with age. In fact, about half of men between ages 51 and 60 have BPH, and that number just climbs with each decade of life. BPH isn’t cancerous, but it...
Next time you’re out with a group of your male friends, look around and realize that more than half of them likely have dealt with erectile dysfunction (ED) at some point in their lives. And, if your group of friends skews older, that percentage goes up considerably. Our point here...
Are you tired of struggling with erectile dysfunction (ED)? It’s a common problem, but that doesn’t mean you have to accept a lackluster sex life as a result. Treatment is out there, and ViaSure™ by Cynosure® could be the solution you’re seeking. It’s a fast, non-invasive treatment that addresses vascular-related...
Everyone deserves to have a fulfilling sex life — but sexual dysfunction is a prevalent issue that can seriously impact your relationships, self-esteem, and overall quality of life. About 31% of men struggle with sexual dysfunction at some point in their lifetimes. The good news is that you don’t have...
Pregnancy is an exciting journey. And along with that joy and anticipation comes a plethora of physical changes, too. It’s important to prioritize your health during pregnancy, and during pregnancy, urinary tract infections (UTIs) often are underestimated. While UTIs are common, they can pose serious risks for pregnant women and...
Are you thinking about getting a vasectomy? It can be a great option if you don’t plan to have children in the future, but considering a vasectomy can raise a lot of questions — and concerns. Vasectomy is a minimally invasive surgery to cut or block your vas deferens, the...
Sexual health is a crucial aspect of your overall well-being and quality of life, no matter your age. Unfortunately, various factors can get in the way of your health and your happiness, and one of those is erectile dysfunction (ED). ED affects an estimated 30 million American men. It’s treatable, but the most...
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or enlarged prostate, is a common condition that affects men as they age. About 50% of men over age 51 have BPH, and by age 70, 80% of men have it. BPH isn’t prostate cancer, but it can cause bothersome urinary symptoms that have a significant impact on your quality...
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein that your prostate gland makes. PSA testing is one of the most common prostate cancer screenings, and most men should get regular PSA tests beginning around age 50. High PSA levels could be a sign of prostate cancer — but higher-than-normal levels don’t automatically mean you have...
About 1 in 100 American men are living with Peyronie’s disease, a condition that makes your penis curve or bend abnormally when erect. It can be painful, often affecting your ability to engage in (and enjoy) sexual intercourse. While there’s no known cure for Peyronie's disease, you do have treatment options. Our team...
Your pelvic floor is a network of muscles and tissues that holds all the organs in your pelvis, including your bladder, vagina, uterus, and rectum. A healthy pelvic floor supports and stabilizes your pelvic organs, but, unfortunately, pelvic floor dysfunction is very common. In fact, 1 in 3 women experiences...
Your urinary tract runs from your kidneys to your urethra. It’s an essential system that processes and eliminates liquid waste, but it’s also susceptible to some common — and painful — health issues. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) and kidney stones are two conditions that affect the urinary system. They can...
Vasectomy is one of the only forms of male birth control available today. It’s a safe, simple procedure that involves cutting the tubes that carry sperm from your testicles to your penis — and it’s nearly 100% effective to prevent pregnancy. At Advanced Urology, our surgeons perform no-scalpel vasectomies for...
The prostate is a small gland that’s part of the male reproductive system. The gland wraps around your urethra just below your bladder and secretes fluid that goes into semen. Most of the time, you probably don’t give much thought to your prostate. But as you get older, your prostate...
Your body eliminates waste through urine. The process starts in your kidneys, which filter excess water and waste products from your blood to make urine. The urine travels through your ureters into your bladder, then exits your body via your urethra when you urinate. Most of the time, you probably...
Your prostate is a small gland that’s part of the male reproductive system. It makes a fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. Prostate diseases are a common issue — especially as you get older. Prostate diseases include three common conditions: prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and prostate cancer. About half of all...
About 1 in 8 men receives a prostate cancer diagnosis in his lifetime. Prostate cancer is common — and it can be life-threatening. The good news is that you can do a lot to protect your reproductive health. And since September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, we’re taking this opportunity...
Are you thinking about getting a vasectomy? It’s a simple procedure that cuts your vas deferens tubes to prevent sperm from mixing with semen, and it’s one of the most reliable methods of permanent birth control available. No-scalpel vasectomies at Advanced Urology are safe and effective — but our team understands that getting...
Vasectomy is a simple outpatient procedure that cuts your vas deferens tubes. The vas deferens transport sperm to your semen, and cutting them means you’re no longer fertile. Vasectomy is the only method of permanent male birth control, and about 50 million American men have had the procedure. It’s also...
Did you know that nearly 15% of all surgeries use robotics? It’s true! Robotic surgery is quickly becoming the preferred technique for a wide range of procedures — including urologic surgery. At Advanced Urology, our surgeons are highly trained in robotic procedures. Compared with traditional open surgery techniques, robotic surgery’s benefits simply can’t be matched,...
The sudden, unavoidable urge to urinate. The hesitation when you feel a leak as you laugh. The fear that you won’t make it to the toilet in time. If these symptoms sound familiar, you know that loss of control can be very embarrassing — but you’re hardly alone. In fact,...
Testosterone is a hormone that regulates male characteristics and sexual function. Just like other hormones in your body, testosterone naturally fluctuates from day to day and over the course of your life. Your testosterone levels start increasing when you enter puberty, and peak in your late teens. Around age 30,...
Vasectomy is a method of male birth control. The procedure prevents sperm from mixing with semen, and after getting a vasectomy, you won’t be able to father a child anymore. Getting a vasectomy is a quick outpatient procedure that takes around 30 minutes. There’s no surgery, no scalpels, and no...
Do you have kidney stones? About 1 in 10 adults do. Kidney stones are hard mineral deposits that form inside kidneys, and anyone can get them. Kidney stones can be extremely painful when they move from your kidneys through your urinary system and out of your body. But not all...
Prostate cancer is the second most common type of cancer affecting men (the most common type is skin cancer). In fact, nearly 1 in 8 American men will receive a prostate cancer diagnosis in his lifetime. Although cancer can be life-threatening, the survival rates of prostate cancer are very high...
Many people get nervous thinking about robotic surgery. Robotic arms performing a medical procedure might sound straight out of a science fiction novel, and it’s normal to have questions about this cutting-edge technique. But these days, robotic surgery is quickly becoming the preferred method of surgery in many operating rooms....
Vasectomy is a permanent form of male birth control. It’s a simple procedure that is done in the doctor’s office and is nearly 100% effective in preventing pregnancy. Getting a vasectomy involves cutting the vas deferens — the tubes that transport sperm to your semen — to reduce your fertility....
Your kidneys are specialized organs that filter your blood. They remove toxins and excessive minerals from your blood, turning this waste into urine. While kidneys usually filter and eliminate mineral buildup effectively, sometimes too much of a certain mineral accumulates, and kidney stones develop. Kidney stones are hard mineral deposits,...
Hormones are chemicals that your body makes to control a range of essential functions, from sleep cycles and mood to sex drive and fertility. Humans have more than 50 different hormones; testosterone is the primary hormone responsible for male characteristics. Testosterone levels naturally fluctuate over your lifetime. But when testosterone...
You’ve noticed lines and wrinkles appearing across your face and thinning skin developing on your hands and décolletage. These are some of the most obvious natural changes that happen over the years, but did you know your sexual health changes, too? About 43% of women experience sexual dysfunction at some...
Have you been screened for prostate cancer? If you’re male, prostate cancer screenings should become part of your routine health care as you get older. Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer affecting men, and about 1 in 8 men receives a diagnosis in his lifetime. ...
“Spotting” is a term that’s often used to describe vaginal bleeding between menstrual periods. If you have spotting, you might notice a small amount of bright red blood in your underwear or when you use the bathroom. Spotting is common among women between the ages of 15 and 45. But...
Everyone deserves to have a healthy, fulfilling sex life. It’s an important part of your self-identity and your relationship with your significant other — but all too often, health issues can get in the way. Millions of American men have medical conditions that affect their ability to achieve and sustain...
Kidney stones are hard mineral deposits that form in your kidneys. They’re a common urologic problem and in the United States, with 11% of men and 6% of women experiencing kidney stones at least once in their lives. Kidney stones vary in shape, size, and makeup, but they often have...
Your urinary system consists of your kidneys, adrenal glands, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Urology care is focused on urinary system health, and if you’re a man, this includes your prostate, testicles, and other reproductive organs. Urologic cancer is a general term used to describe cancer affecting any of the organs...
Robot-assisted surgery is quickly growing in popularity among elite surgeons in all fields, from orthopedics to urology. Why? Because it brings unparalleled precision to the operating room and offers better outcomes for patients. Robotic technology gives surgeons enhanced control during even the most complex procedures. With smaller incisions, lower risk...
Reluctance to laugh too hard when a friend tells a joke. Saying no to certain activities because you know there won’t be a restroom nearby. Sound familiar? You shouldn’t have to plan your life around urinary incontinence. It can be an embarrassing medical problem, but it’s hardly rare. Up to...
Vasectomy is an extremely effective method of birth control. Around 500,000 of these male sterilization procedures are performed each year in the United States, but many men are hesitant about signing up for a surgical procedure involving their genitals. Getting a vasectomy is safe, and most procedures take less than...
Hormones are chemicals created by your body to regulate essential functions, from metabolism to reproduction. Every major function relies on a balance of hormones, but hormone levels naturally fluctuate throughout life. Testosterone is the male hormone that’s responsible for fertility and male characteristics like muscle mass and hair growth. Low...
Up to 30 million American men have erectile dysfunction (ED) — but it affects every man differently. Some occasionally struggle to get and maintain erections firm enough for sex, while others may be unable to get an erection at all. Some may not be bothered by their symptoms, while others...
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are bacterial infections that develop in your urinary tract — somewhere in your urethra, bladder, ureters, or kidneys. UTIs are pretty common, but they can be very painful. Anyone can get a UTI, but women are more likely than men to suffer recurring UTIs. In fact,...
Do you suffer from urinary incontinence? If the answer is yes, you’re not alone. An estimated 50% of women experience incontinence, or involuntary urine leakage, during their lives. It’s a common medical problem, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t embarrassing. Worrying about involuntary leakage can make you put your life...
About one-third of men are living with erectile dysfunction (ED), a condition that makes it difficult or impossible to get an erection that’s strong enough for sexual intercourse. It’s a very common condition — but one that can be embarrassing to discuss with your doctor. ED can severely impact your...
Most people have two kidneys located behind their abdominal organs along the middle of their back. The purpose of your kidneys is to filter blood and send any waste that’s collected into your urine. Sometimes, these waste products (usually salts or minerals) build up and form small, hard deposits called...
About 500,000 American men opt to have a vasectomy every year. It’s a safe and effective procedure that permanently separates sperm from semen, essentially eliminating the chances that you’ll father a child. During a vasectomy, the tubes that transport sperm to your scrotum are cut. That means your semen won’t...
Have you ever had a kidney stone? If the answer is yes, chances are high that you’ll develop more. In fact, about 50% of people with kidney stones get another within seven years — unless they start taking preventive measures. Kidney stones are mineral deposits that develop in your kidneys....
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a medical condition that can affect your confidence, your sex life, and your relationship. It can happen to any man, but it gets more common with age. When you have ED, it’s difficult to achieve or sustain an erection that’s strong enough for sexual intercourse. Chronic...
One in nine men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime, and it’s the second most common type of cancer in men. A cancer diagnosis can be intimidating, but today’s advancements in medical technology mean that it’s treatable. Your prostate is a small gland located in your pelvic area. It’s...
Even a little issue with your urinary tract can create a big problem for your quality of life. When you’re living with urinary incontinence — or unplanned urine leakage — it can turn your day upside down in an instant. A sneeze, a cough, or even a laugh can cause...
Did you have a vasectomy because you thought you didn’t want to have any more children, or maybe none at all? Then change your mind? You’re not alone. While a vasectomy is considered a permanent sterilization procedure, it can, in fact, be reversed. Between 6-10% of men who’ve had vasectomies...
Low testosterone levels, or Low-T, can decrease your enjoyment of many activities, sex included. If you think your level may be low, it’s time to see a qualified urologist who can test it and help you make adjustments to get your energy and enthusiasm for life back. At Advanced Urology...
Did you know that men with eczema may be exposed to a greater risk of erectile dysfunction (ED)? A new study involving 4,000 Taiwanese men with ED problems suggests the connection between impotence and this allergic skin condition. Researchers advocate that doctors pay special attention to sexual complaints. Dr. Donald...
An Atkins-type diet is a high-protein nutrition regimen. In the past, there were concerns regarding its damaging effects on the kidneys. But in a new study, researchers found no noticeable harm in healthy patients’ kidneys. “There has been concern for decades about possible damaging effects of high-protein diets on the...
Did you know that drinking cranberry juice regularly can help prevent urinary tract infection (UTI)? A review of past studies confirms this. In addition, cranberry products seem to be especially beneficial for women with recurrent UTIs. Researchers, however, are not sure how cranberry juice and capsules work or whether they...
According to researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles, kidney stone cases among Americans has doubled since 1994 and it is most likely due to the obesity epidemic. Approximately one in 11 Americans now have kidney stone problems compared to 1994’s ratio of one in every 20. Lead researcher...
Did you know that people who drink iced tea may be at a greater risk of developing kidney stones? A new study from Loyola University Medical Center researchers revealed that high levels of oxalate, a chemical found in the popular drink during summertime, could trigger the formation of small mineral-and-salt...
Contrary to recent studies, a new research finds no evidence linking painkillers to enlarged prostate. Studies in the past linked benign prostatic hyperplasia (the medical term for enlarged prostate) with the regular use of NSAIDs—non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that include painkillers like naproxen, ibuprofen and aspirin. These findings were published in...
Did you know that men with prostate cancer now have four treatment options? According to Simeon Margolis, MD, PhD, of Yahoo! Health, there’s “watchful waiting, radical prostatectomy, external beam radiation and implantation of radioactive seeds” to the prostate. Of the four treatment options, which among them is the best? Watchful...
One may call it an “accident” in adults. Stress incontinence is an inconvenient event when urine leaks uncontrollably, resulting from extra pressure put on the bladder. This usually happens when performing strenuous physical activity, forceful coughing or passionate laughing. According to Amy S. D. Lee, MS, WHCRNP, in her article...
According to researchers from Taiwan, men who are suffering from erectile dysfunction (ED) are more likely to also have migraines. Compared to men with no sexual disorder, males with ED are 63 percent more prone to severe headaches. Dr. Chao-Yuan Huang of National Taiwan University’s College of Medicine made the...
Did you know that people suffering from type 2 diabetes tend to put themselves at a higher risk for bladder cancer if they take pioglitazone—a drug used to control blood sugar? According to a Canadian study, taking this anti-diabetes med may put people at double the risk. “We believe physicians,...
Vasectomy is a surgical procedure that involves closing the male’s vas deferens so that semen will no longer be released. Virtually at a 100 percent effective birth control rate, vasectomy is much like tubal ligation in women, wherein her tubes are “tied” so that her eggs can no longer travel...
There are only two birth control options available to men: condoms and vasectomy. While condoms are barrier devices that prevent the sperm from going into the woman’s body, vasectomy is a surgical procedure aimed at closing the vas deferens – a narrow tube that transports sperm from the male’s testes,...
Prostatitis is a condition described as an inflammation and infection of the prostate glands. Around 5 percent to 10 percent of prostatitis cases are caused by bacteria. However, this condition is not a risk factor for developing prostate cancer. A man’s disease, prostatitis affects virtually all ages. The US National...
Did you know that over 4 million people in the US are suffering from a condition known as interstitial cystitis? Also known as painful bladder syndrome, interstitial cystitis is a painful disorder described as a long-term inflammation of the bladder wall. This condition is usually misdiagnosed as UTI (urinary tract...
Did you know that urinary incontinence is a frustrating problem that affects over 13 million people in the US? This condition, described as having an overactive bladder or simply the loss of bladder control, equally affects both men and women. However, urinary incontinence is twice as common in women. In...
Did you know that children suffering from recurrent UTIs (urinary tract infections) aren’t faced with a higher risk of developing chronic kidney problems in the future? As long as there are no structural abnormalities found in the child’s kidney after his first UTI, there’s nothing to be worried about, says...