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Male Urinary Tract Infection: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

Urinary tract infections, also known as UTIs, are among the most common ailments that affect the urinary system. While many women experience this type of infection, men are not immune to this condition. Male urinary tract infection and bladder infection occur mainly during adulthood. It can bring potentially dangerous and troublesome effects to the person having it.

Although UTIs are rare in men, confirmed cases are often severe and complicated. The bacteria can spread through the upper urinary tract and reach the kidneys. Following a series of preventive actions can come a long way in reducing the risk of acquiring the infection. Simple practices such as keeping your prostate healthy, emptying the bladder frequently, and practising safe sex can prevent the bacteria’s development.

Keep on reading to find out all you need to know about male urinary tract infections.

  Why Is Male Urinary Tract Infection Rare?

There is a lower risk of urinary tract infections in men, all thanks to the male anatomy. A man’s urethra is relatively longer as compared to that of a woman. This feature helps keep the bacteria at bay. The more extended passageway makes it difficult for the bacteria to travel inside and infect the bladder. It allows the immune system to take action immediately and wash out the bacteria.

  What are the Factors that Cause UTIs in Men?

Older men, specifically those above the age of forty, have a higher risk of acquiring urinary tract infections. Most UTIs develop when the bacterium passes through the urinary tract and multiplies until it becomes a bladder infection.

Other risk factors that can lead to the development of UTIs include the following:

  Enlargement of the prostate gland

Benign prostatic hyperplasia, also known as BPH, is a condition wherein there is overgrowth on a man’s prostate gland. An enlarged prostate gland can lead to the development of urine blockages which can cause infections in the lower urinary tract.

  Kidney stones

Men with kidney stones are at risk of having UTIs. This condition causes an obstruction along the urinary tract, which is often associated with the development of the infection.

  Diabetes

People with diabetes have a higher chance of getting UTIs as their condition interferes with their immune response. Diabetes also causes nerve damages that weakens the body’s signals which keeps them from emptying their bladder. It encourages the invasion of bacteria and poses a greater risk of infection.

  Insertion of instruments

Several procedures that include the insertion of tools such as catheters, drain tubes, and cameras can increase UTI odds. The bacteria can use the foreign material as a reservoir to reach into your system leading to urinary or bladder infection.

  Unprotected sexual intercourse

Men can get UTIs through sex. Having unprotected intercourse with someone with the infection, regardless of whether it is vaginal or anal, makes it likely for transmission to occur.

  How Do I Recognize Symptoms of Male UTI?

Men with urinary tract infection do not usually see visible indications, but when they do, some of these symptoms can occur:

Painful urination

Frequent and strong urge to urinate

Inability to begin urinating

Releasing a slow stream of urine

Blood in urine

Cloudy urine

Strong odor in urine

Abdominal pain

Burning sensation when urinating

Severe cases of urinary tract infection can also happen. If you experience fever, nausea, chills, vomiting, or back pain that accompanies the above symptoms, it could indicate a kidney infection. Immediate attention and prompt treatment should be necessary.

  How are UTIs in Men Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of male UTIs is similar to it is for women. Preliminary diagnosis requires a laboratory examination using the person’s urine culture. But because doctors consider urinary tract infection in men as a complicated condition, additional testing is necessary.

After confirming the diagnosis, your doctor may proceed with a special evaluation to study the cause of your UTI. It also involves several tests to determine the amount of urine you can excrete after a single cycle. You will also need to undergo imaging scans to identify signs of bladder infection or other abnormalities in your kidney.

  What Are the Treatment Procedures for Male UTI?

As a first-line treatment for UTI, your doctor will prescribe you a course of antibiotics to kill the bacteria and ward off other symptoms. If there are no signs of complications, the treatment process may take from three to seven days.

However, you may require more intensive treatment if your doctor suspects serious complications. This treatment aims to reduce the risk of spreading the infection from your kidneys or your upper urinary tract. Each treatment depends on the result of the diagnosis regarding the cause of your condition. The treatment duration can also vary from a minimum of seven days and can last for up to six months.

If there are positive signs of kidney or bladder infection, surgical procedures will take place. It involves either draining or complete removal of the inflamed tissues on the affected areas.

  Are There Any At-Home Remedies for Male UTIs?

In addition to medical treatment, several home remedies can help treat urinary tract infections. These remedies are helpful for both men and women.

Drink plenty of water and fluids. Regular hydration is essential to stimulate urination and flush out any bacteria that lingers inside your urinary tract.

Cranberry juice drinks. Although cranberry juice is not a straightforward treatment against urinary tract infections, it contains substances that are effective against bacteria. Taking cranberry juice drinks will help clear out the urinary tract.

  How Can I Prevent Male Urinary Tract Infection?

You cannot prevent all UTIs, but it is possible to make its development less likely. Please take note of the following preventive measures to avoid the risk of acquiring the infection.

Do not hold your urine. It is necessary to urinate as soon as you feel the need to go to the bathroom. Holding your urine can initiate the growth of bacteria and multiply as long as you keep your urine.

Keep your genitals clean. Carefully washing your genitals is necessary to avoid bacterial growth. If not circumcised, it is crucial to clean the area beneath the foreskin.

Wash before and after sex. Cleaning your genitals before and after having intercourse can help remove any bacteria that is present. If possible, urinating after sex also helps to flush out any bacteria you might have acquired during the intercourse.

Practice safe sex. Wearing condoms is also necessary to protect you against the transmission of bacteria.

Treat prostate problems and bladder infections. These are only some of the underlying issues that may lead to the formation of UTIs. It is essential to talk to your doctor about it to prevent complications.

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What Are Pediatric Urology Associates? How Can They Help?

What is pediatric urology? Associates in this medical field work to ensure that the health of the genitals and urinary tract of children remains healthy. This article will delve more into what these doctors do. If you are looking to gain more knowledge about pediatric urology, click on this link.

What is pediatric urology?

A pediatric urologist has four extra years of medical school under their belt. They use these four years to go deeper into the study of urology and become urology associates. Specialists who work under the pediatric urology field are qualified to treat the medical conditions of children who have diseases relating to the urinary tract or genitalia.

The urology associates that are employed under this field are in charge of the diagnosis, treatment, and management of children’s urology diseases and problems with their genitalia. These urology associates can be found in all hospitals, and they may also have some private practices that are convenient for you. 

Treatments that pediatric urology associates provide

Evaluation and management of diseases

Pediatric urology associates evaluate children and specialize in the detection and management of diseases relating to the infection of the urinary tract and genitals. They can assess and diagnose any anomalies that may exist even before the child is born. 

Surgical procedures in pediatric urology

Surgery is another part of the job of urology associates. They do surgical procedures that are related to groin problems, surgical reconstruction of the urinary tract, and the removal of any tumor growths that are in the kidney bladder and other associated organs.

Kidney stone disease

Pediatric urology associates also specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of kidney stones that are found in children. Kidney stones can worsen over time if they are left untreated. Urology associates can also teach parents about different preventive methods relating to kidney stones.

Proper development

It is also within the scope of a urology associate to make sure that a child has adequate development of the reproductive organs and urinary tract. If they have any findings that are contrary to this, they are qualified to administer treatment as needed by the patient.

Why approach a specialist in pediatric urology?

Many people wonder which type of doctor will be the best specialist to treat children, their regular pediatrician, or if a specialist in pediatric urology would do better. When it comes to regular check-ups and the diagnosis of medical conditions that are unrelated to the urinary tract and genitals, their regular pediatrician will suffice.

However, if they are having problems that are specifically related to the genitals, a pediatric urology specialist will be able to be of more help. Keep in mind that children are not always able to express themselves clearly when it comes to any pain or discomfort they may be feeling, especially in connection with their private parts. They may be apprehensive about sharing if they feel pain in these areas. Pediatric urology associates are trained and can help a child express themselves when it comes to diagnosing urology disorders.

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Urinary yeast infections: Are they different from UTI?

We all know that not only does urinary infections might interrupt your night sleep, it can also keep us struggling with pain and discomfort even during the day. But if a doctor tells you that you have urinary yeast infections, is it the same thing as UTI? What can be the symptoms and treatments needed to fight urinary yeast infections?

  Urinary yeast infections vs. UTI

If you are experiencing pain when urinating, the first culprit you can think of is a kind of urinary tract infection or UTI. But do you know that you can also have urinary yeast infections together with a UTI? The main difference is the location affected by the infection. UTIs happen in the urethra, ureter, bladder, or kidneys. The symptoms and level of infection may be mild if it only targets the external portion of the urinary tract, but as it gets near the kidneys, complications get worse and treatment may be more difficult and complex. Urinary yeast infections, on the other hand, target mostly women’s vaginal area. While this infection affects women mostly, some men can also develop what we call jock itch or balanitis (penile inflammation) which is also caused by fungal overgrowth. For female urinary yeast infection, also called candidiasis or vaginal thrush, it is an overgrowth of fungal yeast that may be caused by wearing tight, ill-fitting, and uncomfortable underwear, hormonal imbalance, weak immune system, and effects of other medical conditions like diabetes.

Symptoms of urinary yeast infections

Aside from painful urination, there are other symptoms that women feel that can alert them in considering they have a vaginal yeast infection. Here are some of them:

Vaginal pain felt when having sex

Itching and burning sensation in the vaginal or vulvar area

Thick, whitish, and odorless vaginal discharge

  Treatment for urinary yeast infections

Treatment of UTI and urinary yeast infections are also very different. Prescribed antibiotics depending on the location and severity of the UTI is was doctors recommend to fight this infection. With urinary yeast infections, on the other hand, topical or oral antifungals, such as butoconazole, clotrimazole or fluconazole are recommended. Using these antifungal medications can quickly resolve most of the symptoms, although some women would need to take the medication for up to two weeks for it to completely fight off the infection. Some immune-compromised women also complain that after a successful round of treatment, relapse or return of the yeast infection happens regularly.

  On the healthier side of things, here are some more ways to fight off vaginal yeast infections.

  Diet. Eating natural, unsweetened yogurt that contains Lactobacillus acidophilus may help prevent yeast infections.

Hydration. The risk of yeast infections may also be lessened by staying hydrated and urinating when the need arises, not holding it in.

Feminine hygiene. Women should wipe from front to back after a bowel movement, urinate before and after sex, and avoiding using douches, vaginal sprays, and scented feminine hygiene products.

Clothing. They should avoid wearing restrictive, synthetic clothing, or change out of such clothing as soon as possible after exercising or swimming.

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Adult and Pediatric Urology – The Transition

Adult and pediatric urology is quite a broad discussion as this is a transitional care as the child grows up to be an adult. Regardless, it’s important for the transition to be smooth and proper care should be maintained, even when the doctor is switched from child to adult urologist. You can visit this website for more info. Otherwise, read on.

One day, a child will grow up and time will come when he will be referred to an adult urologist. The change of urologist is crucial since urology also covers one’s fertility issues, sexual function and problems related to urology.

If the child suffered from any urologic health problems whether it’s congenital or acquired, this has to be endorsed and monitored to the adult urologist. Such issues include, prune belly, bladder exstrophy, and kidney problems. Any change in the medical team is a big deal as it involves careful planning on the treatment process of the patient.

Transition of Adult and Pediatric Urology

There is an age limit with regards to hospitals and doctors caring for kids and young adults. Time will come when teenagers have to change their doctor and be referred to specialists suitable to care for them at their age. The key point here is proper referral.

It’s normal for one to feel anxious when talking to a new health care provider and sharing medical issues. That’s why it’s highly recommended to talk first to your current doctor and let him or her assure you that you’re in good hands with the referred specialist.

When Should the Transition Take Place?

Perhaps the right time to start considering transition is when the young adult is around 11 or 12. However, there are those who think about it later, like age 15. The transition usually takes place from 18 to 21 years of age.

Always remember that the transition process takes time. You may need to have frequent visits with your current medical team before moving to the new team.

Important Reminders during the Transition

It’s important for the pediatric urologist to still work with the patient even if the transition has taken place. Find a specialist who is convenient for you to share your health issues. Financially speaking, one who accepts payments covered by insurance is also highly recommended.

Communication is very important as you move to your new medical team. Give enough information regarding your health and know the necessary questions you should ask. As for the new urologist, he or she should have information about your previous health history and your medical records when you were still young.

If you’re a parent whose child will be undergoing transition, teach him or her to be independent in terms of self-care. Provide instructions on how to set appointments with the urologist, taking the prescribed medications as instructed and how to do research on insurance policies.

As your teen continues to grow up, privacy becomes an issue. Your teen may no longer feel comfortable sharing about sexuality while you’re inside the clinic so learn to respect that.

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Nose job before and after for male patients

It may be a misconception that only women value cosmetic surgery as an effective tool to maintain and improve their looks. The truth is, men also regard cosmetic surgery as an option for them to surely achieve the facial profile they are aiming for. Maybe it is not as obvious as to how women will be the usual patients you see in clinics or even hospitals. That is because men tend to avoid visiting doctors and would rather show up when it’s really time to perform the procedure. Whether it is a medical or cosmetic treatment men are after, they will always have expectations before, during, and after a procedure. So since cosmetic surgery is in the topic, let us discover rhinoplasty as one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures for men and what are the expectations for getting a nose job before and after for male patients.

  Nose job before and after for male patients: The difference

  Nose job before and after: Male procedure

In reality, rhinoplasty is the same for both genders. This cosmetic surgery procedure follows the same steps and has the same goals which are to look natural in improving and enhancing a patient’s nasal profile in symmetry to his or her face, as well as improving the functional aspect of their nose.

  Nose job before and after: Male results

This is where rhinoplasty differs for men and women. It is the final shape of the nose that really makes this procedure different for both sexes. Male rhinoplasty tends to give subtle changes to the bridge and tip of the nose so that the profile will still look strong and manly. Women, on the other hand, want their noses to be a bit smaller and straighter to get that symmetry and feminine touch.

  Nose job before and after for male patients: The expectations

  The preparation

Making sure that you are a perfect candidate for rhinoplasty is important before diving into this physical transformation. A male patient preparing to undergo rhinoplasty should maintain a healthy lifestyle. Those who smoke should stop because the chemicals on cigarettes and tobacco affect the blood flow and healing ability of the body which may affect the patient’s overall recovery. One should have a comprehensive consultation with his cosmetic surgeon so that he is informed of the dos and don’ts before and after the procedure, the whole surgery procedure, the realistic expectations for the surgery, the cost, work restrictions and activity limitations after the procedure, risks and complications, and when to expect seeing the results.

  The considerations

The expertise and specialization of your surgeon, the cost, the reputation of the hospital or clinic where your surgery will take place, and your overall general health are important ingredients of a successful surgery. Make sure you decide on getting the best without sacrificing your financial stability or personal safety.

  The recovery

Like any other rhinoplasty procedure, men and women will undergo the same recovery process. The only difference they will encounter is their own tolerance to pain and discomfort. Because you underwent a major operation, you will really have surgical wounds that may swell, ache, slightly bleed and become bruised and tender.  Men have naturally high pain threshold so they are able to go back to their usual routines faster than women. They are also a bit more outgoing so the blood circulation all over their body is better, making the swelling, bruising, and healing of the surgical wounds faster. However, that would not exempt them from following restrictions and activity limitations for the first few weeks, since exerting pressure and force to the nose may lead to bleeding and other serious complications.

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Most Common Urology Problems Men Experience

The field of urology in medicine talks about various conditions that affect the urinary tract system for both men and women. It also involves how to address these problems especially the men’s reproductive organs. Ignoring these urology problems men experience can trigger other diseases and may even cause death.

Most Common Urology Problems Men Encounter

The field of urology is composed of a lot of urological problems that affect men today. These conditions either target the urinary tract system, reproductive organs or even both. Here are some of them:

Erectile Dysfunction

This is a condition where a man couldn’t attain erection even during sexual intercourse.

Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH)

Common among men over 50 years of age, BPH is a non-cancerous condition manifested by enlargement or swelling of the prostate. Some of its signs and symptoms include frequent urination and difficulty in urinating.

Infertility

Men are usually recommended to visit a urologist if for some reason they are unable to conceive a child to their partner even with unprotected intercourse, and the woman is confirmed to have a healthy reproductive system. That’s because there’s a possibility that the man is having infertility.

Prostatitis

If a man is experiencing difficulty in urinating accompanied by pain, discomfort and chills, he may be suffering from prostatitis. This is a non-cancerous inflammation affecting the prostate gland.

Prostate Cancer

This is cancer affecting the prostate gland or the gland in-charge of producing fluid that protects the sperm.

Testosterone Deficiency

Men who do not produce sufficient amount of testosterone are experiencing testosterone deficiency. This can be due to various reasons such as depression or loss of libido.

If you’re suffering from one or more of these conditions, it’s very important to consult a urologist right away.

Common Urology Diagnostic Procedures

Due to the wide range of conditions encompassed by the branch of urology, a lot of examinations are also needed depending on the possible case.

Abdominal or Renal Ultrasound

Though it’s non-invasive, a urologist would advise this test to assess various organs in the abdomen such as the urinary bladder and kidneys. An abdominal ultrasound involves the application of a special gel and the health care provider uses a transducer to assess the abdomen.

BPH Symptom Score

BPH Symptom Score is an examination where a questionnaire is handed over to the patient to measure the severity of his symptoms. However, this does not indicate the prostate’s size.

CT Scan

CT Scan is one of the most commonly used diagnostic machines today since it creates images of anything that’s inside the body. This includes determining masses or lesions found in the kidney.

Cytology

Cytology examines the urine of the patient. It detects cancer cells and other microorganisms found in the urine.

Cystoscopy

Cystoscopy is an invasive diagnostic procedure that examines the lining of the urinary bladder and the urethra. This is usually advised in cases of bloody urination, recurring urinary tract infections and when other diagnostic procedures have detected the presence of tumors.

Urologists highly recommended that men should start getting prostate examinations once they reach the age of 50, regardless if they feel that something is wrong or if they’re feeling okay.

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Debunking the myth of needing antibiotics before dental work

There are many who wonder if they need to take antibiotics before dental work. This article will focus on the use of antibiotics for dental procedures and if there are any side-effects.

Antibiotics before dental work

Studies have supported that taking antibiotics before dental work may cause more harm than good to a patient. It would not be medically needed for antibiotics to be administered before treatment for most people anyway, so it would not be a good precautionary procedure to perform. 

These preventive antibiotics were thought to be an effective way to prevent any infections that may develop during the procedure, so they were originally part of standard operating procedures when dental operations were done in the part.

Preventive measures

Evidence has come to light that it would be much better to follow preventive protocols in place of antibiotics before dental procedures. Instead of taking precautionary antibiotics, medical professionals would encourage the use of preventive measures before a dental procedure to be used. There would be a list of food that you should not consume, or maybe oral health habits that you need to follow before the procedure. You must follow these measures so that you will be ready for the procedure. 

Antibiotics would be used to prevent any infections from developing during the procedure. However, many experts say that this is not needed, and this step would cause more harm by potentially putting the patient’s body at risk to become immune to certain antibiotics.

The risks of using preventive antibiotics would be much heavier than their benefits. The primary reason why it was originally thought to benefit patients was to stop any bacterial infections from forming in the mouth during the procedure, however, there is little evidence that would support that kind of incident happens in the first place, so it would be a step that has no reasonable basis.

Conditions that would still need antibiotics

There would be some conditions that would still need the use of antibiotics before dental procedures. Certain heart conditions would still warrant the need for antibiotics because people with any issues with the heart have the risk of developing an infection in their heart if preventive antibiotics are not administered. However, even if you do have a heart condition, you cannot go on with the procedure and have antibiotics administered without first consulting your cardiologist.

What if I have a heart condition?

If you suffer from a heart condition, it would be a good idea to consult with your cardiologist before undergoing any treatment and before any antibiotics are given to you. These medicines might not react well with any current medications you are taking for your heart condition. It would be wise to have yourself cleared by your heart specialist before visiting your dentist. You should also make sure to ask your dentist about which specific antibiotics will be used for the treatment and verify with your heart specialist if these medicines would be safe for you to use.

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Advanced Medical Supplies For Home Healthcare

An increasing number of elderly or old patients are seen globally due to various reasons. More families are now opting to choose to stay at home instead of being admitted to a hospital. These reasons come from the lack of financial capabilities as well as the time and efforts of the family going back and forth from the hospital. In addition, medical professionals are setting up their own names by creating a private clinic or hospital for their potential patients. With the increase of cases such as these, demand for advance medical supplies is also needed as well. Medical companies are now finding ways to ensure anyone who can view the catalogue of their websites are able to check the things that they need in their medical clinics or offices.

What It Does For Patients And Their Families

Since families are now switching to home care, most clinics are also willing to set up privately or to the extent of going mobile. Wholesale advance medical supplies are useful for refillable or recurring products such as tongue depressors, gauzes, and other medical products. There is also a sense of learning medical technology since medical supplies do not consist of just products but also machinery and tools. A continuous acceptance for both the families and the patient involved in a change of lifestyle happens. People with disabilities are also able to get the medical attention that they need instantly through these available supplies at their homes. Lastly, families are able to improve their patient’s way of living by reporting errors, doing follow-ups, or even just by sending a review to their suppliers regarding their products.

What It Means For Medical Professionals

Medical professionals are now faced with the challenge of coping up with different times and changes in medical technology. Patients are now demanding home care and medical professionals need to be trained in this aspect. The usage of advanced medical supplies at their clinic or a patient’s home can effectively be utilized, monitored, and developed through a series of medical tests, check-ups and live procedures. With constant follow-ups from the physicians themselves, they are now able to check the sustainability of these medical supplies as well as their maintenance costs. In addition, medical practitioners who are instantly available for the emergency check-up builds a good relationship between their patients and themselves. These positive factors are key to a patient’s coping strategy and successful recovery.

Development of Advance Medical Supplies 

The development of advanced medical supplies has called out for millions of government officials and sectors to improve their way of making policies about healthcare. Studies on home health care focus mostly on the advantages and disadvantages of the practice. Safety risks are not excluded in such technology as it still needs to be improved. Furthermore, the behavior, acceptance, and responsibility of a person opting for the ease of medical advancement in their house should be properly checked. Most people still blame devices for not being accurate or annoying in their lifestyle. At the same time, a lot of people are reluctant to use these supplies at all. Some treatments are also exclusive to physical clinics or hospitals due to the bulkiness of the machinery or availability of medical staff. A lot of changes, adjustments, and recalibration is needed to ensure that advance medical supplies will be able to change the medical industry as we know it.

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When to visit doctor to confirm pregnancy and other FAQs

Planning a family and bearing a child maybe two of the most exciting and emotional journeys a couple could have, so it is important that we know all about it. If you are in the process of adding a member to your family, how can you know when to visit doctor to confirm pregnancy? And when you need to visit a doctor, what should be your expectations and questions before your first OB doctor’s appointment?

  How to prepare for pregnancy

Before knowing when to visit doctor to confirm pregnancy and doing the deed (the easiest and most satisfying part of pregnancy), there are some tips that a woman or a couple should know so their planning will effectively push through.

  Know your reproductive cycle. If a woman or a couple is actively planning to have a child, knowing your reproductive or menstrual cycle is of utmost importance. A grown woman’s body regulates her reproductive function and should be calendared and noted so it is easy for the aspiring parent to know when will she be fertile and when pregnancy is likely attainable.

  Calculate your period. Your menstrual period starts from the first day of your monthly period to your next cycle. It differs and depends on a woman’s body, some may have a 28-day or 35-day cycle. Ovulation typically happens 14 days before your next cycle or period. This means that, for example, you have a 35-day cycle, you ovulate at around day 21 of your cycle, so it is best to take advantage of your most fertile days which as days 19, 20, and 21.

  Undergo tests. If you and your partner have been trying for some time and are not getting lucky in conceiving, you can consider doing fertility tests. This test investigates you and your partner’s reproductive health, as well as your egg and his sperm count. On a woman’s part, the maturity, development, quality of the egg are tested, as well as the health of your reproductive system. The male fertility test gets information about the quality, quantity, and motility of the sperm in a semen sample submitted by the aspiring father. This determines what needs to be done and what adjustments should be made to make your pregnancy feasible.

  When to visit doctor to confirm pregnancy

To know when to visit doctor to confirm pregnancy, you must first perform a pregnancy test. If you missed your period for at least 2 weeks, that is the best time to perform a home pregnancy test. Some pregnancy test sticks claim that they can detect a positive pregnancy anytime you missed your period, so if you are late for a day or two, they claim that they can easily know if you are indeed pregnant or not. Either way, if the pregnancy test turns out positive, this is the best time to go to your OB and confirm the pregnancy.

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Pancreatic cyst surgery: All you need to know

Pancreatic cysts differ in size and the location where they are pinpointed. Some cysts can be left alone while some would need to be surgically removed through cyst surgery. Let us identify the different types of pancreatic cysts, what doctors do to diagnose pancreatic problems, and how do they perform pancreatic cyst surgery.

  Types of pancreatic cysts and tumors

There are different types of cysts that can be found in the pancreas, some more serious than the others.

Serous cystadenoma is the most common and benign pancreatic neoplasm or tissue growth. It technically is small but can be enlarged that it can push aside other organs near the pancreas. Women older than 60 often develop this type of pancreatic cyst.

Mucinous cystadenoma is typically positioned in the body or tail end of the pancreas. It is often seen in middle-aged women. This type of cystadenoma is precancerous, which means it might develop into cancer if left untreated.

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm is an abnormal tissue growth in the pancreatic duct or its side branches. IPMN can also be precancerous, or even cancerous once detected. Patients 50 years and above often are the chosen population who may develop this type of pancreatic cyst.

Papillary cyst or tumor is a rare but cancerous pancreatic growth that is typically seen in female patients 35 years and younger. It is often detected in the body or tail of the pancreas just like the mucinous cystadenoma.

Cystic islet cell tumor can appear to be a firm tissue growth, but sometimes these tumors also appear to have cystic characteristics.  They are rare, so their existence may be confused with other pancreatic cysts, but once found, they can already be cancerous.

  Pancreatic cyst diagnosis

In the past, pancreatic cysts are rarely diagnosed because they do not elicit any signs and symptoms of their existence. More often than not, a patient can be found to have pancreatic cysts because he or she came to the hospital for a different reason, and abdominal scans detected the growths. However, as time passes and technology took over the world by storm, pancreatic cysts became easier to detect now. With the use of several state-of-the-art scanners, diagnosis and treatment can be made easy.

Once a patient visits the doctor for complaints of abdominal pain, the doctor will get a medical history of previous injury or abdominal conditions that may suggest pancreatitis. Imaging like MRI, CT scan, and endoscopic ultrasound can easily detect the presence of pancreatic cysts as well as other abdominal issues. The size and structure of the cysts can already be detected so it is easier for the doctor to start planning a treatment program for you. But to make sure that the cyst is cancerous, biopsy of a tissue sample is indicated.

  Pancreatic cyst surgery

The main and most organic treatment of pancreatic cysts is watchful monitoring. Some cysts are benign and would not require surgery unless they show symptoms that would harm the patient. However, if the biopsy of the tissue sample comes back positive for cancer, the doctor now has no choice but to perform pancreatic cyst surgery and depending on the cyst, radiation therapy or chemotherapy may follow.

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Urologist vs Nephrologist: Which one do you need?

Urologist vs nephrologist. What is the difference between these two specialized doctors? Which one should you go to for a specific disease or illness?

They are similar, yet quite different. Both a urologist and nephrologist are doctors that specialize in kidney disorders. Because they have a similarity in specialization, it can be easy to be confused about the two. However, where does the difference lie?

  What they have in common

Both these types of doctors would treat diseases and disorders related to the kidney. Since both types of doctors would deal with the treatment of kidney disorders, there are some instances where a urologist and nephrologist can work together in the treatment of one patient.

  What makes them different from each other

Although they are astonishingly similar, there are a few distinct differences between a urologist and nephrologist. Here are some of the distinctions between the two specializations.

  How they treat kidney diseases 

A nephrologist treats kidney disorders by finding non-surgical medical treatments. They specialize in the way disorders affect how the kidneys would function normally.

To contrast, a urologist would be specially trained to perform certain outpatient medical procedures and surgeries to remedy these disorders.

  Which diseases they can treat

Since thy approach the treatment of kidney diseases in their unique ways, the specific diseases that they treat are also different. A nephrologist would specialize in treating diseases that affect the kidney’s ability to function. Examples of these would be diabetes or kidney failure. On the other hand, a urologist would treat kidney obstructions, kidney stones and diseases that affect the urinary tract and its related organs. If there would be an overlapping condition, such as a kidney with stones in a patient with diabetes, both doctors work together to treat the patient. In other scenarios, one doctor can refer you to the other if their training and scope do not cover the symptoms you are experiencing.

Urologist vs nephrologist, not so similar now that you think of it, right?

  In summary, both doctors specialize in the treatment of kidney disorders but differ in many ways.

The lines that separate Nephrology and Urology may sometimes be blurred. Their specialties of medicine may sometimes overlap, and it is not uncommon for a patient to see both types of doctors for the treatment of one disorder.

If you suspect that you have a kidney disorder, you will most likely need to see either one of these doctors to get diagnosed and treated. If you have any questions about your symptoms and which doctor you should approach for them, consult your primary care provider. Never ignore your symptoms. As soon as you discover them, it is a good idea to see a doctor about them right away. Early detection always provides a better chance for the control and maintenance of any disease. When in doubt, approach your doctor. If they are a general practitioner, they can be able to advise and refer you to the correct specialist to go to for treatment of your symptoms.

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Over the counter medication for bladder infection

Feeling pain when urinating? foul-smelling urine? cramps in the lower abdomen or lower back? Well, sounds like you might have a bladder infection. This is the most common type of urinary tract infection (UTI). The infection is caused by bacteria and is more prone to women since their urethra is short and the bacteria can easily move in it. That is also why more women have bladder infection during pregnancy.

Bladder infections can be caused by having sex, using tampons, wiping from back to front in the bathroom, estrogen reduction is menopause, etc.

Once you suspect about having a bladder infection, you have to take a urinalysis to confirm it. After you get diagnosed, the doctor will prescribe you antibiotics to kill the bacteria. If you haven’t gone to the doctor and would like to decrease the symptoms. This is some over the counter bladder infection medication that will help you feel better:

Phenazopyridine (Pyridium)

This one is the most recommended over the counter bladder infection medication from pharmacists and doctors. It is a local anesthetic that relieves the burning/pain that is so common in the urinary tract infections, it also helps with the urgency to urine. Keep in mind that it can turn your urine in red or orange color.

Methenamine (Hiprex)

If you suffer from recurring bladder infections, this one is for you. It prevents the infection from coming back. It also helps the urine to become more acid (bacteria hates acid urine). Avoid taking it if you have kidney disease, liver disease or if you are pregnant. It is recommended to be taken with cranberry juice since this fruit prevents the bacteria from attaching to the urinary tract.

Acetaminophen

This one helps to relieve the cramps of the lower abdomen and the lower back. Avoid overusing it since it can cause liver damage.

Sodium Salicylate

It is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that relieves pain and inflammation. It is typically formulated with Methenamine.

Ibuprofen

A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that also helps to relieve the pain. Avoid overusing it since it can increase the risk of stroke. It can cause kidney damage and cause stomach ulcers.

Here are some natural remedies that will also help you feel better and prevent bladder infection from coming back.

Urinate before and after sex.

Drink lots of water.

Drink cranberry juice.

Take probiotics.

Wipe your genitals from front to back.

Don’t use vaginal douches.

When you start feeling the first symptoms, that’s when you have to start taking the medication, the sooner you start the faster the infection will go away. Take care well of yourself and your body will thank you for it.

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Endogenous infection: What is it all about?

All infections are caused by microorganisms that cause diseases and harm to our health. What we, normal people, do not know and realize until now that these bacteria may come from inside or outside the body. Yes! Even our bodies can be breeding ground of bacteria that can cause endogenous infection. What is this type of infection and how are we going to treat it if it comes from inside our bodies? Let’s find out here or you can click on this link to find out more about this topic.

Exogenous vs. endogenous infection: How do they differ?

When we say exogenous infection, it is caused by bad bacteria that enter the body from a filthy environment. These are the typical bacteria and viruses that we get from hospitals and from other infected persons in our community. Pneumonia, measles, herpes, and chickenpox maybe some of the things we can consider as exogenous infections.

Endogenous infection, on the other hand, is a type where the culprit has been nesting or lying dormant inside our bodies with or without our knowledge. These microorganisms begin to invade our bodies and present symptoms of their existence once a breakage of the bodies defenses has been made. For example, a cut or wound in the skin, bleeding gums, a perforated anus, etc. it can also happen if a person’s immune system suddenly dropped and the bacteria succeed in harming the body.

Treatment for endogenous infection

Treatment for infection is following the same process whether it is exogenous or endogenous in origin. Doctors must determine the root cause of the disease and find antibiotics to counter their attack. They will also address the alleviation of your symptoms. For viral infections which are mostly exogenous in nature, alleviating your symptoms may be the only treatment you need since these are self-limiting and will go away on their own without any need for antibiotic drugs.

Apart from drug administration, patients would be recommended to increase the immunity by adding vitamins and nutritional supplements into their regular routine so that they have the capacity to ward off external allergens or microorganisms, as well as normalize the normal flora of the body so as not to disturb dormant and once harmless microorganisms in the body.

How to prevent endogenous infection

Pregnant women, cancer patients, and people prone to accidents and injuries are prone to have endogenous infections. The first two are victimized by their own body because their health is being compromised and their body’s environment is changing. The latter enables bacteria like staphylococcus to enter the body if they frequently have wounds or cuts in the skin which will serve as the passageway of S. aureus to enter the body.

Make your body feel strong and maintain your normal healthy lifestyle. If you need to take antibiotics, make sure that your doctor prescribed them. Do not self-medicate, and do not stop until you finish the whole prescription. Taking unnecessary antibiotics can further harm the body, and not taking the full dosage of an antibiotic will make you immune to this drug and your body will not respond to it anymore.

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Signs that you developed an infection after surgery

Infection is one of the most dreaded adverse reaction or risk in undergoing any surgical procedure. Because you are opening a part of your body and invasive steps are to be taken, the possibility of your surgical wound to be infected is understandably high. Let us find out the signs and symptoms that show you may have developed an infection after surgery and find out ways on how to treat them. Do you need antibiotics to avoid infection after surgery?

  Signs and symptoms of infection

There are four sure signs of infection: inflammation, redness, pus or discharge, and fever. When these four or at least two are present, an infection may be considered. The patient may also complain of pain and tenderness around the incision wound, and this is brought about by the swelling and pressure on the area.

  What to do when an infection develops after surgery

Consult your doctor. Inform your doctor about the signs and symptoms you have observed, when it started, and if there are other things you observed after the procedure.

Follow his advice. Proper diet, rest, hygiene, and intake of medications if any should be strictly followed, as well as your doctor’s dos and don’ts during your recovery period.

  What to do to prevent post-surgery infection

Maintain a healthy lifestyle before and after surgery.

Proper wound care.

Intake of antibiotics as prophylactic medication.

Proper hygiene

  Developing an infection is a common risk when planning to undergo any surgery. What is important is you and your doctor discussed the steps you need to take in order to prevent it from happening and trust the recommendations your doctor may give you before, during, and after the surgery.

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Cysts: Is There A Need For Surgery?

What is a cyst?

A cyst is a sac, like a bag that contains varied types of fluid. A cyst may contain liquid, semi-solid particles, or gas. They have an outer cover that is made of a tough membrane that doesn’t easily puncture. Thus, oftentimes, cysts stay in whatever part of the body they are discovered, unless collapsed, deflated, surgery for cyst to be removed.

Cysts may develop all over the body. They may form an ovoid mound under the skin which is visible to the naked eye. These types of cysts are oftentimes benign. They only cause minor cosmetic irregularities rather than real harm. However, some cysts are not visible to the naked eye and require more sophisticated equipment to detect them. X-rays, ultrasounds, CAT scans, and MRI machines are often used to detect internal cysts that may be causing symptoms of abnormality.

Is there a need for surgery?

Some of these cysts can cause impairment in organ functions. This happens when the cyst develops in the vicinity of a vital organ. One of the most common cysts plaguing women is an ovarian cyst. Oftentimes, the usual course to treat this malady is through cyst surgery.

Cyst surgery becomes necessary if the size or location of the growth obstructs the normal female reproductive cycle. If the cyst has impaired the normal function of the ovaries, its removal may be the only solution for the ovaries to restore its normal functioning. The surgical removal of a cyst is called a cystectomy.

But cyst surgery is also necessary in more serious cases like suspected malignancy or cancerous growth. In cases like these, the surgeons may opt to remove an entire ovary along with the cyst. This procedure is generally called an oophorectomy.

Cysts come in all sizes. They grow anywhere there is tissue in the body to grow in. Their underlying causes are numerous. But the thing to keep in mind is that if a cyst is causing organ impairment or if tests indicate that it is cancerous, surgery is the recommended path to take.

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Is it normal to have vaginal pain while pregnant?

It is already given that being pregnant is not easy. Although it is a gift pregnancy can bring about the famous morning sickness, change in appetite, sleeping discomfort, back pain, and a lot more, not to mention childbirth. Surely, all these can really be weighing on mothers, especially during the last trimester of pregnancy. But have you heard of having vaginal pain while pregnant in the early months? For more information, visit and read at www.restorationclinic.com.au/vaginal-rejuvenation what could help for urinary incontinence during pregnancy. Is this normal or should you be alarmed when having one?

Vaginal pain while pregnant: Is it normal or should I be alarmed?

Come to think of it, vaginal discomfort is somehow already a given when you are pregnant. Your uterus is expanding to accommodate your growing baby, so the pressure is also present in your cervix and vagina. You can also feel discomfort in urinating and pooping since your growing belly is squishing all your other internal organs down. As a result, constipation and urinary frequency and incontinence may happen.

The mentioned scenarios earlier are somehow typical for pregnant women in their 2nd or third trimester. But if you feel vaginal pain during the early weeks of your pregnancy, you cannot blame the size of your baby for that. We should know the reason why this happens because it may be dangerous for you and your baby.

Because your hormones are in a frenzy for the next couple of months, your digestion is also affected. Your doctor may also prescribe you with iron, a mineral that normally causes digestive disturbance. Make sure to add fiber into your diet to avoid getting vaginal pain while fighting constipation.

Vaginal pain together with abdominal cramps may not be a good sign for early pregnancy. Be alert and watch for signs of bleeding or vaginal spotting. Contact your OB-GYN and secure an appointment as soon as possible as this may be a sign of complication like ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage.

It is never wrong to be too vigilant while being pregnant. Knowing your body and making yourself comfortable and safe is important not only for you but also for your new bundle of joy.

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Urinary Tract Infection Pathophysiology

Urinary tract infections (UTI) are one of the most common infections. In fact, they are the most frequent bacterial infections in women. It is estimated that around 40-60% of women develop a urinary tract infection at some point in their lives. The most common cause recognized by a pathologist to identify urinary infection is a bacteria called E. coli, but other bacteria and fungi can cause it as well. The most common symptoms include pain while urinating, frequent urination and a need to urinate even when the bladder is empty.

Urinary tract infection pathophysiology

There are several ways bacteria can infect the urinary tract. The most common way is when E. coli (or other bacteria like Klebsiella), which is normally present in the large bowel makes its way to the urethra, and from there into the bladder. The proximity of the urethra to the large intestine and the shorter length of the urethra in women are the reasons why the infection is more common in women than in men. Another way bacteria can get into the bladder is through a medical procedure called urinary catheterization.

Once inside the bladder, bacteria stick to the wall of the bladder through a process known as adhesion and cause a bladder infection (cystitis). Once attached to the wall the bacteria stick to each other in layers creating something known as a biofilm. When in the form of a biofilm bacteria are more resistant to the body’s immune system and to antibiotics which is why urinary tract infections take a long time to cure.

Complications

The infection is usually limited to the bladder, but in some cases, bacteria can ascend and spread to the kidneys and cause a kidney infection (pyelonephritis). In most cases, only one of the kidneys is affected and the infection is mild, but in some cases, it can cause permanent damage, and if both kidneys are affected, chronic kidney failure.

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