Understanding STDs

Understanding STDs

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)

 

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are a common concern for sexually active individuals. These infections can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or sexual orientation. While prevention is crucial, knowing when to consult a urologist for STD-related concerns is equally important. In this blog, we will discuss STDs, their symptoms, and when it’s time to seek professional help from a urologist.

Understanding STDs:

STDs, also known as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), are infections that spread through sexual contact. They can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Some of the most common STDs include:
1. Chlamydia
2. Gonorrhea
3. Syphilis
4. HIV/AIDS
5. Herpes
6. HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
7. Trichomoniasis

STDs can vary in terms of their symptoms and severity. Some infections may cause noticeable symptoms, while others can remain asymptomatic for extended periods. This is why regular testing and safe sexual practices are essential.

When to Consult Your Urologist:

1. Symptoms: If you experience any symptoms associated with STDs, such as genital itching, pain, sores, discharge, burning during urination, or any unusual changes in your genital area, it’s important to consult a urologist. Early detection and treatment can prevent complications and the spread of the infection to others.

2. Positive Test Results: If you’ve undergone STD testing, and the results come back positive for an STD, your next step should be to consult a urologist. They can provide guidance on treatment options, potential side effects, and help you understand the best course of action to manage and treat the infection.

3. High-Risk Behavior: If you engage in high-risk sexual behavior, such as having multiple sexual partners without protection or engaging in sex with individuals whose sexual history is unknown, it’s advisable to consult a urologist regularly for STD screenings. Prevention is key, and your urologist can provide valuable advice on safe sex practices and the use of protective measures like condoms.

4. Partner Diagnosis: If your sexual partner has been diagnosed with an STD, it’s crucial to consult a urologist for testing and guidance. Even if you don’t exhibit symptoms, you could still be carrying the infection and need treatment.

5. Pregnancy Planning: If you’re planning to become pregnant or are already pregnant, consulting a urologist is essential. Some STDs can impact fertility and pose risks to the unborn child. A urologist can help ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy.

6. Routine Check-ups: Regular check-ups with a urologist can help monitor your sexual health and detect any potential issues early. They can provide advice on vaccinations (such as the HPV vaccine) and recommend appropriate screenings based on your sexual history and risk factors.

Remember that early detection and treatment of STDs can prevent long-term health complications and protect your sexual partners from infection. It’s important to be open and honest with your healthcare provider about your sexual history and any concerns you may have.

In conclusion, STDs are a common concern, but they are manageable and treatable with the right medical care. Knowing when to consult a urologist is essential for maintaining your sexual health and preventing the spread of infections. Regular screenings and safe sexual practices are your best tools in the fight against STDs. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a urologist if you have any concerns or questions about your sexual health.

 

Amazing Facts about PRP Treatment For Erectile Dysfunction!

Amazing Facts about PRP Treatment For Erectile Dysfunction!

PRP treatment for erectile dysfunction

 

What is PRP?

A blood component known as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is supposed to encourage tissue growth and healing. PRP therapy is used to repair muscle or tendon injuries, promote hair growth, and hasten surgical recuperation.
Additionally, it is employed as an experimental or different form of treatment for:
Erectile dysfunction (ED)
Peyronie’s disease
– Penis enlargement
– Sexual performance

How does it work?

White blood cells, platelets, plasma, and red blood cells are the four different parts of your blood.
Your blood’s plasma, which makes up around half of its volume, is its liquid component. Your blood needs platelets to clot properly after an injury. They also include growth factor-containing proteins, which hasten recovery.
The theoretical benefit of PRP for ED is to make the tissue and blood vessels in the penis healthier.
A small sample of your blood is drawn by a medical specialist, who spins it in a centrifuge to create PRP. The plasma and platelets are separated from the other components of your blood using a centrifuge.
In comparison to conventional blood, the PRP combination has a significantly higher percentage of platelets. PRP is created and then injected into your penis. This is called the Priapus Shot, or P-Shot.
You should be able to leave the clinic about an hour after the P-Shot because it is a brief treatment. Additionally, there is nothing you need to do to get ready for the treatment.

What does the research say?

A 2020 review Trusted Source looked at all the research available to date on PRP therapy for male sexual dysfunction. The review looked at three animal studies and two human studies for ED. The studies didn’t report any major adverse reactions to PRP therapy. The researchers concluded that PRP has the potential to be a useful treatment option for ED. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the studies had small sample sizes, and there weren’t adequate comparison groups.

Advantages

  • one centrifuge
  • high performance
  • less pain
  • less inflammation because of RBC control
  • low price
  • PRP can be used in combination with many other substances to improve medical prognosis and outcome of many medical conditions.

 

How soon does the P-Shot start working?

Although everyone responds to the P-Shot at a different rate, there are undoubtedly early and normal responders who can benefit from the treatment’s effects before others. For instance, in certain early responders, the effects of this P Shot treatment might be felt as soon as 24 hours after administration. On the other hand, those who respond normally will start to see benefits after a few weeks, often 4 to 8 weeks following the initial therapy.
The nice thing about the Priapus shot is the fact that the results gradually improve over time. Even early responders who can benefit from quick results will notice the results continue to improve over the next few weeks as the injectable solution corrects the causes of ED and other sexual health concerns. Those who are younger or who have milder conditions may be able to enjoy results more quickly than others.

When do You See your best results?

After three to four months from the start of your initial therapy, your treatment’s effects will often reach their peak. Your best performance indicates that the Priapus injection is working as well as it can. Your outcomes will peak in part because by this time, all tissue regrowth and correction from the shot will be finished. Some men may not see their best results for at least six months if they had more severe issues or needed more treatments.

How long do results last?

One of the most exciting things about this treatment is that the results can last for 12 to 18 months at a time.
If they maintain a healthy lifestyle and respond favorably to the treatment, many men can benefit from the effects of this procedure for more than 18 months. This treatment is ultimately more economical for many guys because of how long it lasts.

How many sessions will you need?

Depending on how severe your disease is, you may need more P-shots to get the outcomes you want. Most men need three to six sessions on average to see the desired benefits, while some men may need more. These sessions are often spaced a few weeks apart so that your development can be tracked throughout the duration of your treatment plan and customized to meet your needs.

How Frequently Should You Have the Priapus Shot?

Many guys prefer to undergo annual treatments to preserve their results because the effects of this procedure linger for more than a year. In order for your results to remain consistent and for you to avoid having to deal with the signs of male sexual dysfunction for an extended period of time, your maintenance appointments should ideally be scheduled once every 12 to 18 months as needed.

 

Hurry up to treat varicoceles!

Hurry up to treat varicoceles!

Varicoceles 

What are varicoceles?

 Varicoceles are  when veins called pampiniform plexus become enlarged inside your scrotum (the sac that protects and holds the testicles). About ten to fifteen males out of one hundred have varicocele; it is like getting a varicose vein in your leg.
This condition is most common in young men; and affects the left side of the scrotum more than the right side, because the male anatomy is not the same on both sides.
Varicoceles can be on both sides at the same time, but this is rare.

Causes

Your spermatic cord (each testicle is holding up by a spermatic cord) transfers blood to and from your testicles.
It’s not certain what causes varicoceles; but the principal cause could be a problem with blood flow in the spermatic cord.
Many experts believe a varicocele forms when the valves inside the veins in the cord prevent your blood from flowing properly; which leads the veins to dilate. This might cause damage to the testicle and lead to infertility.
When varicocele occurs in puberty, it’s often because of the immediate growth they undergo during puberty. The testicles need more blood than normal as they develop, and any problem in the veins can keep the blood from getting where it needs to go.

What are the symptoms of varicoceles?

Varicoceles often don’t present symptoms; but sometimes you may notice:
• Dull testicular pain or scrotal aching; which often gets better when you lie down, and get worse while doing certain activities.
• Inflamed testicle or scrotum.
Male infertility.
• Sensation of a mass above the affected testicle.
• Enlarged veins that are quite noticeable.

Complications

Testicular atrophy: The majority of the testicle comprises sperm-producing tubules. When damaged, as from varicocele, the testicle contracts and softens. We can’t explain why the testicle shrinks, but the malfunctioning valves allow blood to pool in the veins, which can result in increased pressure in the veins and exposure to toxins in the blood that may cause testicular damage.
Infertility: Temperature changes inside the scrotum due to blood accumulation in veins; this higher temperature may affect sperm formation, movement (motility), and function.

Diagnosis

In the physical exam, the doctor can feel above your enlarged testicle a mass that does not trigger discomfort upon palpation.
If you have a large varicocele, your doctor might ask you to stand, take a deep breath and hold it while you bear down (Valsalva maneuver); this helps your doctor detect abnormal amplification of the veins.
Sometimes the physical exam is inconvincing, so your doctor might order a scrotal ultrasound (a test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create precise images of the male’s testicles and surrounding tissues). In certain cases, other imaging might be recommended to rule out other causes for the varicocele, such as a tumor compressing the spermatic vein.
The size of the mass in your testicle helps your doctor classify your varicocele on a grading scale of 0-3.
A Grade 0 is the smallest, and can be diagnosed only with the help of an ultrasound.
Grade 3 is the largest, and means your varicocele is big enough that it changes the shape of your scrotum and can be diagnosed with the physical exam.

Treatment

Varicoceles require treatment only if:
• You have pain
• You have problems with your fertility
• Your right testicle is growing more than the left

There are no medicines to prevent or treat varicoceles.
If you do need treatment, the goal will be to remove the veins that supply blood to your spermatic cord. You might have:

Varicocelectomy: This surgery is performed to remove enlarged veins in your scrotum; and to restore proper blood flow to your reproductive organs, under local or general anesthesia through a small cut into your scrotum.
Laparoscopic surgery: The doctor makes a small incision in your abdomen and passes a tiny instrument through the incision to see and repair the varicocele; this procedure requires general anesthesia.

After those two surgical treatments, you may notice:
•  Varicoceles don’t go away, or come back
• Hydrocele
• Your testicular artery gets injured

Percutaneous embolization: A radiologist inserts a tube into a vein in your groin or neck through which instruments can be passed; the radiologist inserts a coil by using X-rays, to deflect blood away from the enlarged vein in your scrotum, under general anesthesia.

Risks that can follow this procedure include:

• Varicoceles don’t go away, or comes back
• The coil moves
• An infection

Recovery

After embolization, you can return to work after two days, and begin exercising after seven to 10 days.
If you have the procedure to help with fertility, the doctor will test you in 3-4 months; that’s how long it takes for new sperm to grow. You’ll probably see improvements in 6 months, but it could take a year.
A little more than half of the infertile men who have the procedure benefit from it. Surgery is also successful for most teens who have it to fix slow testicular growth.

Low libido in men

Low libido in men

Physical and psychological issues can cause low libido in men; so don’t hesitate to book your appointment at Modern Care Clinic with dr. Fouad Khoury, to continue a normal sexual life and to avoid problems in your relationship.

What is low libido in men?

Low libido in men describes a decreased interest in sexual activity; it means that the man is losing interest in sex from time to time.

Why does libido decrease in men?

-Low testosterone

Testosterone is an important male hormone, produced in the testicles.
Testosterone is important for:
-building muscles and bone mass,
-sperm production,
-your sex drive.
A young man with a low testosterone level will have a low libido; but with age, it’s normal to have a diminution of the testosterone hormone, and if it will be an issue for the older man; he will be able to consult his doctor to take supplements to increase his testosterone levels.

-Medications

Taking certain medications can cause low libido in males by reducing testosterone hormone level:
-blood pressure medications,
-chemotherapy or radiation treatments for cancer,
-hormones used to treat prostate cancer,
-corticosteroids,
-certain antidepressants.

-Restless legs syndrome (RLS)

Restless legs syndrome is the uncontrollable urge to move your legs.
Men with RLS are at higher risk for developing erectile dysfunction (ED) than those without RLS, which will cause a low sex drive.

-Depression

Depression may be the main cause of decreased sexual desire in men; low libido is also a side effect of some antidepressants, including:
-serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
-selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

-Chronic illness

Several chronic illnesses can reduce your sex drive:
-Type 2 diabetes.
-Obesity.
-High blood pressure.
-High cholesterol.
-Chronic lung, heart, kidney, and liver failure.

-Sleep problems

-Aging

With age, the testosterone level and the man’s sexual capacity are reduced, which leads to a decrease in SEXUAL PLEASURE AND DESIRE.

-Stress

-Low self-esteem

Low self-esteem may also cause anxiety about sexual performance; which can lead to issues with the erection, and reduced sexual desire.

-Alcohol

Alcohol abuse decreases the production of testosterone.

-Drug use

Side effects of low libido

A decreased sex drive is a very big issue for a man, it leads to several psychological problems like:
-Depression.
-Loss of self-confidence.
Erectile dysfunction.
-Relationship conflict.
-Low self-esteem.

How to treat low libido in men?

The treatment of low libido in men depends on the cause; treatments include:
-Live a healthier lifestyle: eating a healthier diet, sleep enough, reduce stress, reduce alcohol consumption.
-Switch medication, if the one you’re on is affecting your libido.
-Testosterone replacement therapy.
– If your low libido has psychological causes, you may need to visit a therapist for relationship counseling.

You should know your body and tell your doctor what you’re feeling; that’s the only way to know if the problem is physical, psychological, or both.
You should know that the medications that help you get and keep erections don’t boost libido.

 

Penile Prosthesis the  BEST surgical treatment for ED in Lebanon

Penile Prosthesis the BEST surgical treatment for ED in Lebanon

Penile prosthesis

Definition

A penile prosthesis or Penile Implant is the best surgery that helps men with erectile dysfunctions when other treatments failed.

This procedure involves placing a prosthetic device or penile implant inside the penis and scrotum; so the patient can get a sufficient erection for sexual activities. And it lasts for 45 minutes to 1 hour under general or spinal anesthesia.

Penile implants are required when the medications are not efficient, and in some severe cases like Peyronie’s disease (fibrous scar tissue that develops on the penis and causes curved painful erections).

Follow the link for more information about Erectile Dysfunction.

 

Types of penile implants:

The patient should speak with his urologist to determine which implant is the best for him.

 

Type of penile implant

Advantages

Disadvantages

Three-piece inflatable

 -Natural and rigid erection.

-Provides flaccidity when deflated.

 

 -The implant may sometimes not be effective (because of the large number of its parts).

 -Requires the presence of a reservoir in the abdomen.

 

 

Two-piece inflatable

 -Provides flaccidity when deflated.

 -The fluid reservoir is part of the pump.

 -The erection is not firm enough.

Semirigid rod

 -Low chance of malfunction. ( due   to   the absence of the reservoir   and the   pump)

 – Easy to use.

 -Can be difficult to conceal under clothing.

 -a penis that is always slightly rigid.

 -possible difficulty with urination.

 

The inflatable implants required a pump inside the scrotum; so the patient should squeeze the pump to achieve an erection; the pump is located under the loose skin of the scrotal sac, between the testicles.

The device contains two chambers, and when the chambers are inflated by the pump; the patient then has an erection; when the patient is finished, he can deflate the device.

Follow the link for more details about the types of penile implants.

 

Which type of implant does the doctor choose?

There are several factors that the doctor put into consideration before deciding which implant will be the most suitable, including:

-The age of the man.

-Size of the penis, glans, and scrotum.

-Any history of previous abdominal or pelvic surgery.

-The presence of colostomy.

-A history of a kidney transplant.

-Whether or not the penis is circumcised.

-Health and well-being.

 Penile implants don’t increase sexual desire or sensation.

 

Who should not get an implant?

-patient with uncontrolled diabetes.

-presence of a pulmonary or urinary infection.

-bladder obstruction

-when the erectile dysfunction is the result of a relationship conflict (the cause should be medical).

 

Penile implant = LOW RISK

– Low risk of infection (1-3%).

-low risk of mechanical failure (95% working at 5 years).

 

Some TIPS before and after the surgery

Before the surgery you should:

– stop taking aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs before 7 to 10 days.

– Stop eating or drinking after midnight before your surgery.

– Shave the surgery site.

After the surgery:

– Physical and sexual activities can be resumed after 4 or 6 weeks.

-the patient should take an antibiotic to prevent infection; and medications to ease the pain.

You should call your doctor if:

fresh and ongoing bleeding, significant discoloration of the penis, high fever, unable to urinate, cannot control pain, spreading redness, continuous drainage from the wound, progressive swelling of the penis, scrotum, or incision site.

 

Is the Prosthesis noticeable?

Men who have undergone the prosthesis surgery can notice the small surgical scar where the bottom of the penis meets the scrotal sac, or in the lower abdomen just above the penis, other people probably will be unable to know that a penile implant exists.

 

Finally, we believe that the penile implant is effective in its ability to restore the patient’s capacity to engage in sexual activities and regain what was lost due to a medical issue.

And the patient should not forget that ejaculation is not affected by this procedure.

TOGETHER towards a better prognosis with Rezum water vapor!

TOGETHER towards a better prognosis with Rezum water vapor!

Rezum Water Vapor

Rezum water vapor is the best therapy for prostatic hyperplasia.

We have a better prognosis with Rezum water vapor.

What is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)?

BPH is the most common prostate problem in men especially at the age of 50 and over. It is a condition in which the prostate, a gland of normal volume 18 to 20g and which has the role of secreting a liquid that accompanies the sperm to nourish it, grows in size in the transitional zone.

BPH is also called benign prostatic enlargement and affects the urinary system; on the other hand, the congestion of the prostate does not cause urinary problems because it is located in the peripheral zone.

Having BPH does not seem to increase the risk of developing prostate cancer, but a man who has BPH may have undetected cancer at the same time.

To help detect prostate cancer in its early stages, a prostate screening is recommended every year for men from the age of 50. If the man has a family history of prostate cancer, the screening should be done at age 40. Screening tests for prostate cancer must be accompanied by a blood test for a substance called prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and the digital rectal exam (DRE).

Follow the link for more information about Prostatic hyperplasia.

Symptoms:

In BPH, the prostate gland surrounds the urethra or the enlargement of the prostate can lead to the blockage of the urethra so you can develop urinary problems: difficulty urinating, low stream of urine, frequent urination at night, constant need to urinate, dark reddish urine, weak lower limbs, back pain…

Diagnosis:

-digital rectal exam: the doctor inserts a finger into the rectum to check the volume of your prostate.

-urine test: to cancel the diagnosis of a urine infection that has similar symptoms.

-blood test to cancel a kidney problem.

-Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test: PSA is a substance produced in your prostate; there is an increase in the rate of PSA in the case of BPH.

And a cystoscopy is recommended to look into the bladder.

Treatment:

Medication:

The first step and decision are to take a drug.

The options include:

-Alpha-blockers: These medications relax bladder neck muscles and muscle fibers in the prostate, so the patient can urinate without any problem. But the alpha-blockers can cause a delayed ejaculation (the seminal fluid goes back into the bladder).

-Medications that reduce the volume of the prostate but cause erectile dysfunction.

-Medications for erectile dysfunction (Cialis): these drugs given every day can also cause relaxation of the muscles of the bladder.

Medication may not have a good prognosis for life, sometimes it may last for 6 months.

Surgical treatment:

-Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP): This operation is usually performed under general anesthesia, a surgeon passes an instrument called a resectoscope through the opening of the penis and into the urethra and rises towards the prostate to remove the excess prostate tissue. But the disadvantage is that the patient who takes anticoagulants must stop them before the operation, and this surgery causes a problem in ejaculation.

– Rezum water vapor: recently approved by the FDA in 2015, makes it possible to perform a prostate surgery in 5 minutes while preserving ejaculation and sexual function. 

This operation consists of throwing steam through an instrument into the enlarged area of ​​the prostate; the vapor carries energy that will be diffused into the molecules which will be killed and discarded by the immune system.

It lasts 5 to 10 minutes under local anesthesia and the number of vapor ejection depends on the volume of the prostate.

Follow the link for more information about the treatment of BPH.

Benefits of water vapor therapy :

– The procedure doesn’t cause complications, you do not have to stay in the hospital.

-return to daily activities in a few days.

-relatively painless.

-improvement of symptoms after 2 weeks.

-symptoms continue to improve for up to 3 months.

-a good prognosis of up to 15 years.

-this procedure doesn’t cause sexual dysfunctions.

After this operation, the doctor can give an antibiotic for a few days to prevent infection.

Follow the link for a descriptive interview about Rezum water vapor.