All About Kidney Stones – Types, Causes, Symptoms, and More [Infographic]

Urinary tract stones, commonly known as kidney stones, affect more than 500,000 people annually. They consist of minerals and salts that crystallize and stick together. When this happens, a person may experience severe abdomen, flank, and/or groin pain.

Kidney stone identification and prevention is key. Now, let’s take a look at everything you need to know about kidney stones.

 

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Types of Kidney Stones

Common types of kidney stones are:

• Calcium Oxalate: Form when calcium combines with the chemical compound oxalate in the urine. About half of all stones are calcium oxalate.
• Uric Acid: Occur due to a high concentration of uric acid and acidic urine pH. Uric acid is made from purines (natural chemical compound found in organ meats and shellfish) in the body.
• Struvite: Occur mostly due to upper urinary tract infections. Can become very large and be silent.
• Cystine: Result of cystinuria, a rare disorder that causes cysteine (amino acid found in most proteins) to leak into the urine.

Causes of Kidney Stones

• Dehydration
• Chemical compound imbalance in the urine
• Chronic diseases such as diabetes or high blood pressure
• Hypercalciuria (high calcium concentration in the urine)
• Medications such as diuretics or calcium-containing antacids
• Metabolic disorders
• Obstruction to the flow of urine
• Urinary tract infections

Kidney Stone Symptoms

Kidney stones vary in size. Contrary to the popular belief, stones that are sitting in the kidney and not blocking the flow of urine actually do not cause pain. Once stones move into the ureter (tube that connects the kidney to the bladder and allows urine to flow) they can cause obstruction and that usually leads to significant pain and discomfort. The symptoms associated with a large stone generally are more noticeable than those associated with a small stone.

Common kidney stone symptoms include:

• Blood in the urine
• Flank pain and discomfort
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Severe pain on one or both sides of the lower back or sometimes radiating to the genitals in the front

Kidney Stone Diagnosis

An individual who experiences kidney stone symptoms should go to an emergency room for immediate diagnosis and treatment. A kidney stone diagnosis may involve the following tests:

• Abdominal X-rays
• Non-contrast CT scan
• Ultrasound imaging
• Urine and blood tests

Kidney Stone Treatment

Kidney stone treatments include:

• Observation (Trial of passage): May require a patient to drink lots of fluids, take medications, and/or exercise while waiting to pass the stone. Observation techniques vary based on a patient’s symptoms, the size and location of a kidney stone, and other factors.
• Dissolution Therapy: Involves the use of medications to change urine acidity and dissolve a uric acid stone.
• Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy: Leverages shockwaves generated outside the body to pulverize and break a stone into sand-like particles.
• Ureteroscopy: Requires the insertion of a small scope into the ureter to identify and break/remove a stone. Laser energy is commonly used to fragment larger stones and small baskets are used to retrieve the fragments or small stones.
• Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: Involves entering the kidney through a small hole (tract) made in the back to find and remove large kidney stones.
• Pyelolithotomy (rarely performed nowadays): Requires a urologist to open the kidney’s collecting system to remove a stone.

Kidney Stone Prevention

Preventative measures for most common kidney stones include:

• Drinking plenty of water
• Avoiding oxalate-rich foods like beets, chocolate, nuts, and spinach
• Managing animal protein (poultry, eggs, etc.) consumption (6-8 Oz/day)
• Reducing sodium intake (low salt diet)
• Increasing citric acid (citrate) intake: lime and lemon juice
• Do NOT to limit calcium intake as normal calcium intake is very important

Contact the Urologists at Comprehensive Urology in Los Angeles

If you or someone you care about is suffering from kidney stones, get in touch with the kidney stone specialists at Comprehensive Urology in Los Angeles. Call 310-341-2557 today to schedule an appointment or contact us online.

 

Sources:

https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/kidneystones_ureteroscopy

https://comprehensive-urology.com/five-signs-may-kidney-stones/

https://www.livestrong.com/article/282321-how-to-cure-high-uric-acid/

https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/L-cysteine

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/kidney-stones/symptoms-causes/syc-20355755

https://www.uwhealth.org/urology/how-common-are-kidney-stones/11208

https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/kidneystones_PNN

https://www.uwhealth.org/urology/kidney-stone-treatments-observation/11231

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/5-steps-for-preventing-kidney-stones-201310046721

https://kidneystones.uchicago.edu/the-five-steps-to-stone-prevention/

The post All About Kidney Stones – Types, Causes, Symptoms, and More [Infographic] appeared first on Comprehensive Urology.

Does Prostate Cancer Treatment Cause Impotence?

Impotence, also known as erectile dysfunction (ED), refers to the inability to have an erection for sexual intercourse. Several prostate cancer treatments have been shown to cause ED. These include:

• Radical Prostatectomy (RP): This surgery involves the removal of the prostate gland and tissues that surround it. A retropubic approach is the most common way to perform radical prostatectomy; it involves the removal of the prostate gland and lymph nodes through an abdominal incision above the pubis. Other radical prostatectomy approaches include a “nerve-sparing” radical prostatectomy in which a surgeon removes the prostate gland but tries to save the nerves/tissues that closely surround the prostate gland and are responsible for erections. RP is also commonly done through a robotic (laparoscopic) approach that involves the use of small cuts and a long, thin video camera and small instruments that enables a surgeon to see with greater detail and magnification and use delicate instruments to operate inside the body. Learn more about robotic-assisted surgery, including the da Vinci surgical system, here.
• Radiation Therapy: This treatment requires no anesthesia and is commonly administered to older men or men who are dealing with heart problems or other health issues. Two types of radiation therapy treatments are used to address prostate cancer: external beam radiation, or brachytherapy (internal radiation). External beam radiation therapy (EBRT) involves the use of a machine to emit radiation beams on the prostate gland; it generally is utilized to cure early-stage prostate cancer. Brachytherapy involves small radioactive pellets, or “seeds,” that are placed directly into the prostate; like EBRT, brachytherapy is used to treat early-stage prostate cancer.
• Hormone Therapy: Commonly referred to as androgen suppression therapy, hormone therapy for prostate cancer blocks the production and use of androgens, hormones that are responsible for the development and maintenance of male characteristics. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and testosterone are two of the most abundant androgens in men, and both promote prostate cancer growth. Suppressing their production can result in sexual dysfunction and potentially ED.

The above prostate cancer treatment options have been shown to help cure the disease or prolong the life of individuals affected by it. However, if an individual experiences erectile dysfunction after undergoing one of these prostate cancer treatments, options are available to resolve this problem.

What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?

To find the right treatment for erectile dysfunction, an individual must first identify the root cause of the issue. In many instances, ED is linked to physical causes, and these include:

• Obesity: Obese men have lower levels of testosterone than others; a lack of testosterone makes it difficult to produce nitric oxide, a blood vessel dilator in penile tissue that is essential to have an erection during sex.
• Diabetes: ED is common in men who are dealing with type 2 diabetes, as this condition causes damage to nerves and blood vessels due to poor long-term blood sugar management.
• Atherosclerosis: Atherosclerosis refers to the formation of fatty deposits that clog arteries. It increases a person’s risk of obesity and may eventually lead to ED.
• High Blood Pressure: High blood pressure causes the arteries to become thicker than ever before or burst. It may also restrict blood flow to the penis, resulting in ED.
• High Cholesterol: High cholesterol often causes reduced blood flow that leads to ED and other sexual disorders.
• Smoking Cigarettes: Smoking cigarettes damages the blood vessels, including those in the penis that are critical to have an erection during sex.
• Heart Disease: ED frequently precludes heart problems and occurs due to plaque build-up in the arteries that limits blood flow to the penis.
• Thyroid Issues: Studies indicate there is a strong connection between ED and hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and other thyroid problems.
• Alcoholism: Alcohol is a depressant that reduces a man’s sexual desire and hinders his ability to have an erection or achieve orgasm during sex.
• Parkinson’s Disease: ED is one of the most common sexual problems for Parkinson’s disease patients, and anxiety, sleep problems, and other non-motor issues sometimes make it tough for these patients to achieve or maintain an erection.
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS): ED is one of many sexual problems that may affect MS patients; in fact, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society notes a recent study indicated 63% of MS patients reported a decline in sexual activity following their diagnosis.
• Peyronie’s Disease: Men with Peyronie’s disease experience hardened scar tissue around the penis. Peyronie’s disease makes the penis less flexible and causes it to bend, and in some instances, may lead to ED.
• Pelvic Trauma: Research shows ED and other types of sexual dysfunction are more common in men who experience pelvic trauma.
• Long-Distance Cycling: Sitting on a bicycle for an extended period of time puts pressure on the perineum, an area that runs between the penis and anus. Long-distance cycling may cause numbness of the perineum that makes it difficult for men to have an erection.

A urologist possesses the skills and expertise to help ED patients address any of the following physical problems. Together, a urologist and patient can determine the best way to treat ED.

Erectile Dysfunction Treatments: Here’s What You Need to Know

Erectile dysfunction treatment varies based on the patient. Fortunately, a urologist allocates time and resources to learn about a patient prior to administering treatment. A urologist takes a comprehensive approach to ED diagnosis to ensure each patient receives a personalized treatment designed to help this individual achieve the optimal results.

To treat ED, a urologist first meets with a patient. The urologist then performs a physical examination and requests information about a patient’s medical history. Furthermore, a urologist may order non-invasive and invasive medical tests for proper ED diagnosis. These tests include:

• Blood and Urine Tests: Used to identify diabetes, heart disease, low testosterone, and other physical conditions.
• Ultrasound or MRI: Used to determine if vascular or blood flow issues are causing ED; an ultrasound or MRI may be used in combination with an injection of medicine that stimulates blood flow and make the penis erect.
• Nocturnal Erection Monitoring: Requires the use of a device that is placed around the penis while a patient sleeps; the device tracks the strength or number of erections that a patient experiences overnight.
• Psychological Tests: Involves screening a patient for anxiety, depression, and other psychological conditions.

In some cases, patients can treat ED through a series of dietary and lifestyle changes, such as:

• Losing weight
• Maintaining a balanced, healthy diet
• Quitting smoking
• Staying physically active
• Limiting alcohol consumption
• Reducing stress
• Getting at least seven hours of sleep each night

If dietary and lifestyle changes are insufficient, oral and injectable medications are available to treat erectile dysfunction. Oral medication is administered as a pill, but it does not automatically trigger an erection. Instead, oral medication helps a patient gradually improve the nerve signals and chemical reactions that are involved in the process of achieving an erection. Comparatively, injectable medications may be used that are administered into the side of the penis via a small needle. These medications may trigger an erection that lasts between 30 and 60 minutes; conversely, the injections have been linked to bleeding, pain, and other unwanted side effects in some cases.

A penis pump is another option to treat erectile dysfunction. This vacuum pump pulls blood into the penis, and a tension ring is placed around the base of the penis to stop blood from leaving the penis. Or, penile implants may be surgically placed on either side of the penis. These devices are typically a final resort to treat ED after all other methods have failed and help control when and how long a man can have an erection.

Visiting a counselor to address emotional or psychological factors that cause ED may prove helpful, too. Men can often work through emotional or psychological issues with a counselor. Then, they can alleviate the emotional or psychological tension that otherwise causes ED.

Lastly, a penile prosthesis (mechanical pump) placement surgery may be used to give men back their potency, providing erection on demand. This surgery is commonly performed and involves the use of mechanical devices that replace the erectile mechanism of the penis and are implanted inside the penis with them pump inside the scrotum, nothing being visible from outside.

Contact Comprehensive Urology in Los Angeles to Address Erectile Dysfunction After Prostate Cancer Treatment

Erectile dysfunction is a problem that can affect men of all ages, but the issue frequently goes unaddressed. Sometimes, men are embarrassed about ED and choose to ignore the condition. In other instances, men receive improper ED diagnosis and treatment, both of which may do more harm than good.

At Comprehensive Urology in Los Angeles, our team of expert urologists is committed to helping men address the underlying causes of ED. We provide in-depth ED consultations and treatments to help men achieve long-term ED relief. To find out more, please contact us today at (310) 499-2756 to schedule an initial treatment consultation.

 

Sources:

http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Cholesterol/AboutCholesterol/Atherosclerosis_UCM_305564_Article.jsp

http://www.bloodpressureuk.org/BloodPressureandyou/Yourbody/Erectiledysfunction

https://www.pcf.org/c/erectile-dysfunction/

https://www.healthline.com/health/erectile-dysfunction/impotence-and-smoking

https://www.webmd.com/prostate-cancer/guide/impotence-prostate-cancer#1

https://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/treating/surgery.html

https://www.cancer.gov/types/prostate/prostate-hormone-therapy-fact-sheet

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/test_procedures/urology/radical_prostatectomy_92,P09111

https://www.everydayhealth.com/erectile-dysfunction/gain-weight-lose-your-sex-life.aspx

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/erectile-dysfunction/in-depth/erectile-dysfunction/art-20045141

https://www.michaeljfox.org/understanding-parkinsons/living-with-pd/topic.php?sexual-health

http://www.issm.info/sexual-health-qa/how-might-peyronies-disease-cause-erectile-dysfunction/

http://bjj.boneandjoint.org.uk/content/87-B/3/281

https://www.healthline.com/health/erectile-dysfunction/can-cycling-cause-ed

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/11/erectile-dysfunction-young-men-age-40-younger_n_3405085.html

https://www.pcf.org/c/treatment-for-prostate-cancer-external-beam-radiation-therapy/

https://www.mskcc.org/blog/what-every-man-should-know-about-radiation-therapy-prostate-cancer

The post Does Prostate Cancer Treatment Cause Impotence? appeared first on Comprehensive Urology.

How to Get Rid of Nighttime Urination (Nocturia)

Nocturia (waking up at night to urinate) affects individuals across all age groups and genders.

This issue, referred to as “nocturia,” can affect individuals of all ages but becomes more common in people past age 60. It also has been associated with a variety of diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.

It should be noted that all of us, even healthy adults, have increased urine production at night due to various factors including return of fluid trapped in legs to the blood circulation and decreased production of a brain hormone called ADH which normally suppresses urine production during the daytime. Patients with diabetes, heart failure, lower extremity swelling, etc. have even more urine production at night.

It is considered normal to have 0-1 night time awakening to urinate. More than 2-3 times can very bothersome and a sign of an underlying issue such as overactive bladder or enlarged prostate gland not allowing easy bladder emptying. This has to be differentiated from other issues such as poor sleep quality (age, depression, etc) that result in frequent sleep interruptions or awakenings during the night, which are not due to the sensation of a full bladder with the urge to urinate per se.

Can You Address Nocturia on Your Own?

Nocturia is a chronic condition and usually associated with other problems, but there are many ways to control this problem on your own, such as:

• Manage your caffeine consumption. Coffee, tea, and other caffeinated drinks stimulate the bladder and also increase your urine volume. The first step in decreasing nocturia and even urinary incontinence (leakage of urine) is to decrease fluid intake before bedtime also avoiding caffeinated beverages (including decaf, which still has a small amount of caffeine).
• Avoid fluid intake few hours before bedtime. By minimizing the fluid intake in the hours prior to your sleep, you can slow down the production of urine at night (which is already more than daytime as mentioned above) and minimize the risk of incontinence.
• Keep your legs elevated during the day. Oftentimes, keeping the legs elevated throughout the day is a great way to stimulate the flow of fluid throughout the body, so it will accumulate in the legs and produce more urine at night when this fluid goes back into the circulation. You also may want to pick up a pair of compression stockings. They have been shown to help improve blood flow and reduce the risk of circulation problems.
• Avoid smoking cigarettes and consuming alcohol. Smoking cigarettes increases the risk of bladder cancer that may present with urgency and sometimes incontinence, while alcohol consumption is a known bladder irritant and diuretic (i.e. increases urine production). If you can stop smoking and consuming alcohol, you could lower your risk of incontinence.
• Address related medical issues. Optimizing the treatment for any medical condition such as diabetes or congestive heart failure can help control your nocturia and other urinary symptoms in many cases.

Of course, there may be urinary incontinence cases where urologic assistance is necessary. With the help of the right urologist, a patient can identify the underlying causes of urinary incontinence and develop a personalized treatment plan to address a particular problem.

How Does a Urologist Treat Urinary Incontinence?

The causes of nocturia and nighttime urinary incontinence may vary. Some of the common causes associated with incontinence include:

• Infection
• Inflammation
• Anatomic variations that occur due to childbirth or surgery
• Neuromuscular dysfunction due to diabetes, stroke, spinal cord injury, or other underlying diseases
• Enlarged prostate

A urologist understands that every patient is different, and as such, takes a comprehensive approach to diagnose urinary issues. First, a urologist evaluates a patient’s medical history and conducts a medical examination. He or she also will learn about a patient’s urinary symptoms. In many instances, a urologist will request a “voiding diary” from a patient as well; this diary is simply a log of intake/output of fluids and helps a urologist evaluate the extent of urinary symptoms, volumes, and context in which they take place.

Next, a urologist conducts diagnostic studies to assess the underlying causes of urinary problems. These studies may include:

• Pelvic Ultrasound: Provides images used to analyze organs and structures within the pelvis including bladder and prostate (males) or uterus (females).
• Post Void Residual (PVR) Exam: Measures the amount of urine left in the bladder after a patient uses the restroom to “empty” the bladder via a quick scan by a hand-held device.
• Cystoscopy: Enables a urologist to visualize and examine the lining of the bladder and urethra (tube that carries urine out of the body) by passing a small endoscopic camera inside the urinary tract.
• Urodynamic Evaluations: Test the ability of the bladder, sphincters, and urethra in terms of urine storage and release, including sensations, contractions, urine flow and pressures, etc.

The aforementioned studies enable a urologist to understand the relationships between the urinary bladder and surrounding tissues. Perhaps most important, they help the urologist provide proper urinary incontinence diagnosis and treatment.

Common Nocturia Treatment Options

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to address nighttime urination and other voiding issues, and treatment depends on the underlying cause, degree of bother to patient, and severity of symptoms. Sometimes, a urologist will prescribe medications to help a patient manage urinary symptoms. A urologist weighs the benefits of a medication versus the potential risks or side effects associated with it before prescribing any medication to a patient. After careful consideration, a urologist may prescribe a medication to a patient and schedule a follow-up appointment with him or her to ensure optimal results.

Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation Therapy

For some patients, pelvic floor rehabilitation therapy may prove to be an ideal way to address urinary urgency and incontinence. Pelvic floor rehabilitation therapy involves regular sessions with doctors and therapists, and to date, has delivered proven results to many urinary incontinence patients. Generally, patients are taught floor rehabilitation exercises that can be performed at home, and a urologist will monitor a patient’s progress over time. A patient also may use floor rehabilitation therapy in combination with various dietary and lifestyle changes.

Peripheral Nerve Stimulation

Moreover, Peripheral Nerve Stimulation is a specialized third-line treatment option for overactive bladder. It helps patients manage irritative urinary symptoms (e.g. frequency, urgency, nocturia) and often provides relief to patients who have struggled to achieve their desired results with other incontinence therapies. Very good success rates and virtually no serious side effects make this a great choice for many patients.

Minimally Invasive Surgery

Minimally invasive surgical options are available to treat urinary issues too, obviously depending on the underlying issue. These include pelvic and urethral support procedures can be customized to a patient’s needs (usually females with incontinence or males who have had their prostate removed for cancer and leak urine as a result). For example, transvaginal and trans-obturator slings may be implanted into women, or male sling options or an artificial urinary sphincter may be implanted into men. Endoscopic injections also help curb urinary leakage. And in some cases, sacral neuromodulation or nerve stimulator implants are used to electrically stimulate the bladder nerve roots and improve voiding or stop leakage. Also one of the most common issues is benign prostate enlargement or BPH, which is managed with many procedures including transurethral resection (TURP, shaving out the obstructing prostate tissue inside the urinary channel with electrical cautery), and REZUM (injecting water vapor into the obstructing prostate tissue in the urethra to make it shrink thus opening the channel better) are prime examples among many other available options.

Choose Comprehensive Urology for Urinary Incontinence Treatment

At Comprehensive Urology Medical Group, our team works with each patient to create a custom urinary incontinence treatment plan. To find out more about how our team can help you address your urinary incontinence symptoms, give us a call today at (310) 499-2756, and you can set up an appointment with one of our friendly doctors.

Sources:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cystoscopy/about/pac-20393694

https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diagnostic-tests/urodynamic-testing

http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/HealthyHealing/PVR.pdf

http://kidshealth.org/en/teens/enuresis.html

https://comprehensive-urology.com/

https://www.webmd.com

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/test_procedures/gynecology/pelvic_ultrasound_92,P07784

https://www.everydayhealth.com/incontinence/can-smoking-cause-embarrassing-bladder-problems.aspx

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-incontinence/symptoms-causes/syc-20352808

https://www.everydayhealth.com/incontinence/urinary-incontinence-at-bedtime.aspx

https://www.sleepassociation.org/sleep/sleep-statistics/

http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20426271,00.html#sugar

http://www.laparoscopic.md/bariatric/health/incontinence

https://www.aafp.org/afp/2003/0401/p1499.html

The post How to Get Rid of Nighttime Urination (Nocturia) appeared first on Comprehensive Urology.

Three Home Remedies for Vaginal Dryness Relief

Vaginal dryness occurs when the vagina is not properly lubricated and healthy. This problem affects 58% of post-menopausal women, according to Women’s Health Concern. Fortunately, there are many effective home remedies to help women quickly address vaginal dryness, and these include:

1. Lubricants

Vaginal lubricants act quickly and provide temporary vaginal dryness relief. Lubricants limit the friction commonly associated with thin, dry genital tissue. They are sold in liquid or gel form and may be applied to the vagina and vulva prior to sex. In most instances, lubricants help midlife women who are dealing with vaginal dryness during sex.

2. Moisturizers

Vaginal moisturizers are applied regularly and deliver vaginal dryness relief that generally lasts about three to four days. Moisturizers cling to the vaginal lining and are absorbed by the skin. They help reduce friction during sex, and in some cases, are sold with applicators for fast, seamless application into the vagina.

3. Herbal Supplements

Herbal supplements sometimes are used to treat vaginal dryness, and these supplements include black cohosh, soy isoflavones, and hormone-regulated supplements. Black cohosh, a perennial plant native to North America, is a phytoestrogenic herb that adds plant-based estrogen to the body. Soy isoflavones are present in soybeans, tofu, and other soy-based products and have been shown to help reduce vaginal dryness. Hormone-regulating supplements support the hormonal glands and help them produce natural estrogen, the primary female sex hormone.

The aforementioned remedies may or may not help women fully address vaginal dryness. If these remedies fail to deliver vaginal dryness relief, an individual should consult with a urologist to learn more about vaginal dryness and find the right vaginal cosmetic treatment.

What is Vaginal Dryness?

Vaginal dryness is a symptom of menopause, a natural decline in the reproductive organs that takes place in a woman’s 40s or 50s. It becomes more common after a woman experiences menopause but can occur at any age.

Typically, the walls of the vagina are lubricated with a thin layer of clear fluid. Estrogen helps the body maintain this fluid and keep the lining of the vagina healthy and elastic. When a woman goes through menopause, however, her estrogen levels fall. This reduces vaginal moisture and makes the vagina thinner and less elastic than ever before.

Menopause is one of the most common causes of estrogen loss, but it is important to note that there are other reasons why a woman’s estrogen levels may decline. These reasons include:

• Childbirth and breastfeeding
• Use of anti-estrogen medications to treat uterine fibroids (noncancerous growths in the uterus) or endometriosis (disorder that causes tissue that grows naturally inside the uterus to grow outside the uterus)
• Removal of the ovaries via surgery
• Chemotherapy or radiation therapy to treat cancer

Furthermore, there are many reasons why a woman ultimately may experience vaginal dryness, such as:

• Allergy and cold medications
• Antidepressants
• Douching
• Sjögren’s syndrome (autoimmune disorder that attacks cells in the body that produce moisture)

The topic of vaginal dryness may be difficult to discuss with a urologist. Yet doing so can be beneficial for all parties involved. If a woman shares her vaginal dryness concerns with a urologist, she can work with this medical professional to identify and alleviate the problem.

How to Treat Vaginal Dryness

If vaginal dryness impacts a woman’s lifestyle, it may be time to schedule a consultation with a urologist. In many cases, a urologist will recommend vaginal cosmetic surgery for a woman who feels uncomfortable, embarrassed, or unhappy with the appearance or feel of her genitals. The benefits of vaginal cosmetic surgery can be significant. Additionally, many vaginal cosmetic surgeries are available to help women address vaginal dryness and other genital issues.

Vaginal rejuvenation treatments are designed to tighten or reduce the size of specific areas of the genitals. Depending on the vaginal area that a woman wants to treat, a urologist may recommend one or more of the following vaginal cosmetic treatments:

• Labiaplasty: Labiaplasty involves the removal of excess labial tissue. It reduces the size or adjusts the symmetry of the labia (inner and outer folds of the vulva). That way, labiaplasty helps women create a more aesthetically pleasing vaginal shape and size, as well as helps ensure women can walk or sit comfortably. A labiaplasty also may help women feel more comfortable when they wear bathing suits and other form-fitting outfits. Labiaplasty often is performed as an outpatient procedure. On average, a labiaplasty takes between 15 minutes to 1 hour to complete, and patients usually can return home the same day as treatment. Moreover, labiaplasty recovery usually requires no more than two to three days. Most labiaplasty patients can return to work within days of surgery, and full treatment results become transparent within a few weeks.
• ThermiVa: This procedure involves the use of thermistor-regulated radiofrequency (RF) energy waves to gently heat the skin and helps vaginal tissues become tighter and firmer. During a ThermiVa procedure, a surgeon uses RF waves to stimulate the body’s natural collagen production. This helps reduce loose, stretched, or excess skin. ThermiVa treatments are performed at outpatient surgery centers. The procedure involves the use of a smooth, “S” shaped hand piece to target inner and outer labia, the vaginal canal, and other internal and external vaginal areas. A typical ThermiVa treatment requires only about 15 to 30 minutes to complete. Oftentimes, a surgeon asks a patient to undergo at least three ThermiVa treatments over the course of four months to ensure optimal results. Then, within about nine to 12 months of a full ThermiVa treatment, a patient can reap the benefits of full treatment results, including improved vaginal nerve function and muscle tone.
• Minimally Invasive Surgery: There is no shortage of minimally invasive surgery options available to repair the vagina. These options include:
  • Sling Procedures: A pubovaginal sling is frequently used to treat stress urinary incontinence, a problem that affects between 15% and 60% of all women. This procedure involves the placement of a band of sling material directly under the bladder neck or mid-urethra. Other sling procedures used to treat stress urinary incontinence include the use of a vaginal wall suburethral sling to help restore urethral resistance and the use of tension-free vaginal tape at the mid-urethra.
  • Robotic Surgery: With robotic surgery, the da Vinci Surgical System is used to administer minimally invasive vaginal cosmetic surgery. The da Vinci system includes an ergonomic surgeon’s console, a patient-side cart with four interactive robotic arms, a high-performance 3D HD vision system, and proprietary EndoWrist® instruments. It is designed to scale, filter, and translate a surgeon’s hand movements and often helps surgeons ensure better clinical outcomes than those possible with conventional surgical technologies.
  • Bladder Augmentation: Bladder augmentation is intended for individuals with a bladder that is not large enough to hold urine produced by the kidneys, a problem that otherwise causes bladder leakage. The procedure helps reduce bladder pressure and improve bladder elasticity.
  • Prolapse Repair: Pelvic organ prolapse causes one or more of the pelvic organs to move from its original position. The disorder may affect the uterus, top of the vagina, and other pelvic organs. Obliterative or reconstructive surgery may be used to address pelvic organ prolapse. Obliterative surgery enables a patient to narrow or close off the vagina, while reconstructive surgery allows a patient to reconstruct the pelvic floor in the hopes of restoring the affected organs to their original positions.

The right vaginal cosmetic treatment varies from patient to patient, but a consultation with a urologist ensures a patient can learn about all of the aforementioned treatment options. The consultation enables a urologist to perform a complete patient evaluation to determine an individual’s candidacy for a variety of vaginal cosmetic treatments, along with respond to a patient’s surgery concerns and questions.

Schedule a Vaginal Cosmetic Treatment Consultation with Comprehensive Urology Today

The Comprehensive Urology Medical Group in Beverly Hills helps patients address vaginal dryness and other genital issues. Our friendly, knowledgeable urologists offer advanced vaginal cosmetic treatments that deliver proven results. To find out more our vaginal cosmetic treatment options, please contact us today at (310) 499-2756 to schedule a consultation.

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