A urologist is a physician specializing in urinary tract disorders. They may diagnose, treat, and converse with patients regarding problems related to their urinary system (kidneys, bladder, genitals) and sometimes the reproductive system (in men). They focus mainly on surgery for these conditions. Urology is a broad surgical specialty with medical and surgical aspects. Urologists perform surgeries on the urinary tract and the male genital tract (which includes performing vasectomies) and treat some diseases of the prostate gland. Additionally, they are trained to manage non-surgical conditions. This article looks at some of the most common treatments you can get by visiting Dr. Michael Rotman, a New York-based urologist.
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Vasectomy
A vasectomy is a surgical procedure for male sterilization or permanent contraception. During the process, the male vas deferens are cut and tied or sealed to prevent sperm from entering the urethra and thereby preventing fertilization of an ovum. The vas deferens (or sperm duct) is a tubular structure through which sperm passes from the testis to the urethra. A vasectomy is done to prevent conception by stopping sperm from being ejaculated. It can be considered a form of male sterilization or permanent contraception. It is a safe and simple procedure that takes about 10 minutes to perform.
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Hormone Replacement Therapy
Hormone replacement therapy (or HRT) is a form of hormone therapy that refers explicitly to treating hypogonadism with testosterone in males. Testosterone replacement can re-establish physiological levels of this hormone and reverse signs and symptoms related to low testosterone, such as low libido. Physicians may prescribe testosterone as an oral medication, gel or patch form, or pellets implanted under the skin.
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ED Shockwave Therapy
Erectile dysfunction or ED is a condition when a man cannot get an erection. It is considered a problem only when the erection causes emotional distress. ED is due to smooth muscle relaxation, arterial insufficiency, venous leakage, and neurogenic issues. Shockwave therapy is a new treatment option in which soundwaves stimulate the growth of new blood vessels in the penis. This stimulation causes a release of chemicals that signal the growth of new healthy tissue in the penis, leading to an improvement in erectile function and increased sexual satisfaction.
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Penile Shockwave Therapy
Penile shockwave therapy is a new treatment option in which soundwaves stimulate the growth of new blood vessels in the penis. This leaves you with increased sexual satisfaction. It can also help resolve erectile dysfunction.
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Prostate Cancer Treatment
Prostate cancer is the uncontrolled growth of cells in the prostate gland, spreading beyond the prostate and causing serious health problems. Standard treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and chemotherapy. However, new techniques such as brachytherapy or high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) show promising results in treating localized prostate cancer. Using a high-intensity ultrasound probe, a urologist can use this treatment to destroy prostate cancer tumors. This procedure is non-invasive and usually performed on an outpatient basis.
In summary, urology is a branch of medicine concerned with diagnosing and treating diseases affecting the male urinary tract, including the prostate gland. Urologists perform surgeries on the urinary system and treat non-surgical conditions such as sexual dysfunction.
