June is Men’s Health Month, when men are again reminded to take control of their health by committing to making healthy choices. That may include speaking to your physician about potential urological issues.
Urology for men includes everything involving the urinary tract and reproductive organs. So, if you’re having erection problems, pain below the belt, low energy and libido, trouble urinating, urinating too often or see blood in your urine, talk with your physician about scheduling an appointment to see a urologist.
Maury Regional Medical Group (MRMG) Urology provides a range of services for men, including:
Reproductive health
Urology specialists also provide care and evaluations for men’s family planning needs.
For couples struggling to conceive, urology specialists evaluate influencing factors, such as lifestyle, diet and anatomic conditions, and perform a sperm analysis to determine if an infertility issue exists. That health assessment is then used to make recommendations for treatment or a referral to a fertility specialist, if appropriate.
For couples who no longer want to conceive, vasectomy may be an option to consider and is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure.
Low-T
Testosterone levels typically decline on a gradual basis as men age, making regulating muscle strength, facial hair and sperm production more challenging. If you’ve noticed a reduced sex drive, loss of body hair or less beard growth, reduced muscle mass, fatigue, trouble focusing, weight gain or symptoms of depression, it could be due to low testosterone (Low-T).
Urology specialists are equipped to perform blood tests to determine if you’re suffering from Low-T and provide a course of safe and effective treatment to increase testosterone levels.
“While getting older can’t be stopped, you can do some things to help prevent Low-T, such as eating a healthy and balanced diet, exercising regularly and avoiding alcohol, smoking and drugs,” said Troy R. Larson, MD, a urologist with MRMG Urology.
Performance issues
Some men may find it uncomfortable to discuss, but meeting with a urologist when you’re having erectile issues or penile curvature is the first step to treating the problem. There are a variety of treatment options available, and your physician can help guide you in making the decision to best address your condition.
Prostate Health
Approximately 13% of men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime, making it the second most common cancer among men in the U.S. behind skin cancer. Those who have a family history of prostate cancer or who are over the age of 50 are at a higher risk.
“The prostate can sometimes become enlarged and press against the urethra, leading to difficulty urinating or urinating too often,” said Justin K. Kropf, MD, a urologist with MRMG Urology. “Speak with your physician if you notice a slow or weak stream while urinating, urinary leakage, see blood in your urine or experience pain or burning during urination as these may be symptoms of prostate cancer or another condition.”
Urologists can diagnose conditions related to prostate. Following a diagnosis, your physician and urologist will help determine the best course of treatment for your individual scenario.
Seeking care
MRMG Urology provides a range of services for men in addition to the services above, including care for kidney stones and chronic testicular and groin pain, often caused by infections, trauma or prior surgery.
The practice also provides care for women with health concerns related to the urological system. Among those services is a minimally invasive procedure to help women experiencing pelvic organ prolapse, which Dr. Larson was the first to perform using the robotic da Vinci Xi Surgical System at Maury Regional Medical Center in spring 2023.
MRMG Urology is located on the Maury Regional Medical Center campus in the Medical Office Building at 1222 Trotwood Ave., Suite 601, in Columbia. A physician’s referral is required.
For more information, visit MauryRegional.com/MRMGUrology or call 931.840.8547.