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What Are Treatment Options for Erectile Dysfunction When Pills Don’t Work?

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Erectile dysfunction is defined as the inability to get or maintain an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse.With regard to sexual health, erectile dysfunction is the most reported problem by men to their doctor. It is estimated that as many as 100 million men worldwide have ED, however as many as 85% do not report it. Many men believe aging is the only cause, but that’s not exactly true. In most cases, men are prescribed the “little blue pill,” but what are treatment options for erectile dysfunction when pills don’t work?

Diagnosis of Erectile Dysfunction

If you are wondering about ED, see an experienced urologist who diagnoses and treats ED like our board certified urologists.

One test is a Penile Doppler Ultrasound which will diagnose the root cause of erectile dysfunction: blood flow in the penis. This is done accompanied by a physical exam, urine and blood tests, and maybe an overnight test.

Once other medical issues are eliminated, our urology clinic in Jacksonville, can make a definitive diagnosis.

Pill Problems

Sometimes the pills for ED don’t work. In addition, certain men cannot take this prescription due to side effects and other health issues including: severe heart disease or heart failure, low blood pressure, and those who take nitrate meds for chest pains. There must be some other alternatives.

You can try lifestyle changes like stopping smoking, exercise, pelvic floor exercises, stress management, and diet.

If you are among the men who do not respond to pills for ED, cannot take them due to other health problems, and if lifestyle changes don’t help, there are other options.

What Are Treatment Options For ED Aside From Medication?

Medical science and technology always have an answer. If you have ED, maybe one or more of these alternatives will help.

Vacuum Erection Device (VED)

A vacuum erection device, or VED, is sometimes known as a penile pump. Using suction it manually pulls blood into the penis. A tension ring is slipped onto the base of the penis to maintain the erection. Side effects include some restriction of the ejaculation, a cold penis to the touch, and mild bruising.

Drug Pellets

Drug pellets inserted into the tip of the penis are like suppositories. They take about 10 minutes to work, and can last 30 to 60 minutes. Side effects include a burning sensation and minor bleeding from the penis.

Penile Injections

Penile injections are another option. These meds improve blood flow even better than pills. Side effects can include some bleeding and minor pain at the site of the injection, longer erections than you desire, and scar tissue within the penis.

Penile Implants

Penile implants involve a 30 to 45 minute procedure to place a device inside the penis which you control. You then have the ability to create erections and decide how long they last. This option has high satisfaction results.

Shock Wave Treatment

Another option is a high frequency and low intensity shock wave treatment directed at the penis with a handheld device. It works to increase blood flow by eliminating plaque in existing blood vessels and increases the growth of new blood vessels. It is painless and after a series of treatments, it can last up to 3 years with some minimal maintenance.

Erectile Dysfunction Specialist in Jacksonville, FL

Contact McIver Clinic at (904) 355-6583 if you would like to discuss any of these treatment options for erectile dysfunction and find out if they could be right for you.

Kidney Cancer Prevention: Lifestyle Changes That Can Reduce Your Risk

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Kidney cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, affecting thousands of people every year. While some risk factors, like age and genetics, are beyond our control, there are many lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your risk. Prevention starts with understanding how daily habits impact kidney health and taking proactive steps toward a healthier lifestyle.

Why Kidney Cancer Prevention Matters

The kidneys play a vital role in filtering toxins and waste from your blood, controlling blood pressure, and balancing essential nutrients. When kidney health is compromised, it can lead to severe complications, including kidney cancer.

Adopting preventive measures is not only an investment in your kidney health but also in your overall well-being.

What Are Modifiable Risk Factors?

Several lifestyle-related factors increase the risk of kidney cancer. By addressing these, you can significantly lower your chances of developing the disease:

  • Smoking: Tobacco use is a leading cause of kidney cancer. Chemicals in cigarettes damage kidney cells, leading to mutations that increase cancer risk.
  • Obesity: Excess body weight places additional strain on the kidneys and promotes the production of hormones that can lead to cancer development.
  • High Blood Pressure: Hypertension damages kidney tissue over time, increasing susceptibility to cancer.
  • Poor Diet: A diet high in processed foods, red meats, and sugary beverages contributes to obesity and high blood pressure, further elevating cancer risk.

Lifestyle Tips to Reduce Kidney Cancer Risk

You can make the following lifestyle changes to decrease your risk of kidney cancer:

Quit Smoking

Kicking the habit is one of the most effective ways to protect your kidneys. There are numerous resources available, including counseling and nicotine replacement therapies, to help you quit for good.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight through balanced eating and regular exercise reduces strain on your kidneys. Aim for a combination of aerobic activities like walking or swimming and strength-building exercises for overall health.

Manage Blood Pressure

Monitor your blood pressure regularly and take steps to keep it in a healthy range. This may include limiting salt intake, engaging in regular physical activity, and managing stress. If prescribed, take blood pressure medications as directed by your healthcare provider.

Eat a Kidney-Friendly Diet

Focus on a diet rich in vegetables, whole grains, fruits, and lean proteins. Reduce consumption of red and processed meats, as well as foods high in sodium and sugar. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water is also critical for kidney health.

Avoid Excessive Alcohol and Medications

Limit alcohol intake, as excessive drinking can harm the kidneys. Similarly, avoid overusing over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen, which can strain kidney function over time.

Stay Active

Exercise not only helps maintain a healthy weight but also improves blood flow and reduces inflammation, both of which support kidney health. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days of the week.

Take Charge of Your Kidney Health

Prevention is within your control. By making these lifestyle changes, you can significantly reduce your risk of kidney cancer and enhance your overall quality of life.

If you have questions or need guidance tailored to your unique health needs, our board-certified urologists in Jacksonville are here to help. Call (904) 355-6583 to schedule a consultation in Jacksonville, FL today.

The Role of Diet and Exercise in Overcoming ED

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It is estimated that 30 million men in the United States are affected by ED.Your chance of developing it increases as you get older and if you take certain drugs like antidepressants and blood pressure drugs. Type 2 diabetes and heart disease can also contribute to erectile issues. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the main cause of ED is poor vascular function.

With all these strikes against you, it might be wise to consider the role of diet and exercise in overcoming ED.

Can Exercise Improve Erectile Dysfunction?

You may be surprised that moving can help you enjoy sex more. Experts suggest some daily exercise is key. It doesn’t have to be strenuous, but get into some walking, biking, swimming, yoga, and Kegel exercises. According to a Harvard study, walking for just 30 minutes a day can reduce your risk of ED by 41%.

The more you move, you reap other benefits which can help with erectile dysfunction issues. Primarily, if you consistently do some moderate exercise, you should lose weight. Reducing your waistline is beneficial. In fact, a man with a 42 inch waistline is 50% more likely to have ED versus a man with a 32 inch waistline.

In addition, obesity raises the risk for diabetes and vascular disease, two major causes of ED.

Can Diet and Lifestyle Improve Erectile Dysfunction?

You may never have thought that what you eat can affect ED. Think again. Processed and fatty foods interfere with circulation which definitely affects your ability to get and keep an erection.

Eating fatty foods also increases estrogen while reducing testosterone. Talk with McIver Clinic about your levels of estrogen and testosterone.

What Foods to Incorporate in Your Diet

  • Eliminate sugar and trans fats
  • Choose healthy fats like olive oil and fatty fish like salmon
  • Include beans and nuts, legumes, and veggies of all colors
  • Low glycemic fruits like berries
  • Pastured meats and poultry
  • Less red and processed meats

Additional Lifestyle Changes

Reduce alcohol intake and stop smoking (if you do). However, you can drink moderate amounts of red wine and sneak some dark chocolate into your diet.

Of course, there are many other causes of ED like anxiety and stress, so do whatever you can to control and reduce these emotional issues.

Erectile Dysfunction Specialist in Jacksonville, FL

If you are having issues maintaining an erection, getting erections sporadically, or not able to get them at all, contact board certified urologists at (904) 355-6583. During a discreet appointment, you’ll receive a review of your diet, lifestyle, and exercise habits, along with helpful treatments that can make a difference.

The Benefits of Aquablation for Treating Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

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It seems every type of treatment for every kind of medical issue comes with side effects. Simple things like taking aspirin have side effects, with some being positive and others negative. Certain treatments and procedures have their own set of side effects. Typically your doctor will help you weigh the risks vs the benefits of your decision. Any type of prostate procedure can cause side effects, most of which are not desirable. Maybe things are changing. Let’s learn about the benefits of Aquablation for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

What Is an Enlarged Prostate?

Known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, it is the term reserved for an enlarged prostate. Benign signifies it is not cancerous, but it creates many issues mostly for men over the age of 50.

They are frequently called lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) including:

  • Frequent urination
  • Difficulty starting to urinate
  • Weak stream
  • Feeling of an incomplete bladder emptying

McIver Clinic may suggest a PSA blood test which tells what level of a protein antigen is in your bloodstream.

Some physicians take a “watch and wait” approach with medications to reduce the symptoms.

Exploring Treatment Options and Potential Side Effects

How long you watch and wait and continue to take medications is not set in stone.

There are several treatments and surgeries to relieve the symptoms of BPH as described above. Unfortunately, they can end up causing another set of symptoms including erectile dysfunction, bleeding, incontinence, frequent urinary tract infections, and semen flowing backwards into the bladder.

What Are the Benefits of Aquablation Therapy for BPH?

Aquablation therapy is a newer treatment for the symptoms of BPH. It answers the dilemma of waiting too long vs dealing with the symptoms.

If you are living with the LUTS of BPH, Aquablation therapy may be the answer for you. It is a one-of-a-kind treatment using high-definition imaging in real time, ultrasound guided and a robotic-assisted waterjet without heat. It is non-invasive since no incision is necessary as the water moves through the urethra.

The water ablates the problematic tissue in the prostate and protects other tissue in order to preserve your sexual functionality and continence.

Many clinical publications and studies have shown that:

  • 100% of patients had no effect on their sexual functionality, satisfaction, sexual desire, or orgasms.
  • Over 99% of men did not have incontinence after the therapy.
  • 89% of men retained their ability to ejaculate normally.
  • 94% did not need any further treatments or surgeries 5 years after Aquablation.

There is no need to compromise sexual performance for reduced symptoms. Aquablation has fewer side effects than all the other surgical procedures.

Aquablation Therapy in Jacksonville

If you are living with the symptoms of BPH, but want to sleep through the night again, take fewer breaks during your workday, and sit through an entire show or movie without having to “hit the head,” maybe Aquablation is your answer.

Contact our board-certified urologists in Jacksonville at (904) 355-6583 to schedule an evaluation and discussion of whether Aquablation is right for you.

How Low Testosterone Affects Your Health and Quality of Life

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Testosterone plays a vital role in the body, impacting everything from bone density and muscle mass to mood and energy levels. While it’s commonly associated with men’s health, testosterone is essential for both males and females.

When testosterone levels drop—a condition often referred to as Low T—it can have significant physical, emotional, and social impacts, affecting overall life quality. Let’s explore how low testosterone affects your health, the symptoms to watch for, and available treatment options.

The Role of Testosterone in the Body

Testosterone is a hormone produced primarily in the testes in men and the ovaries and adrenal glands in women. It regulates key functions, including:

  • Development of muscle mass and strength
  • Maintenance of bone density
  • Red blood cell production
  • Fat distribution
  • Libido and sexual function
  • Mood and cognitive performance

Optimal testosterone levels help maintain a healthy, active lifestyle. When levels decline, either due to aging or medical conditions, the effects can be profound.

Common Symptoms of Low Testosterone

Low testosterone can manifest in various ways, including:

Physical Symptoms:

Fatigue, reduced muscle mass, increased body fat, and decreased bone density.

Emotional Symptoms:

Irritability, depression, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating.

Sexual Symptoms:

Reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, and decreased sexual satisfaction.

These symptoms can lead to a diminished sense of well-being, affecting confidence, motivation, and social relationships.

How Low Testosterone Impacts Health

Muscle Mass and Strength

Testosterone plays a key role in maintaining muscle mass. Low T can lead to muscle loss and reduced strength, making physical activity and daily tasks more challenging.

Bone Density

Low testosterone contributes to reduced bone density, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures, particularly in older adults.

Cardiovascular Health

Studies suggest that low testosterone levels may be linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Maintaining healthy testosterone levels can support heart health and circulation.

Mood and Cognitive Function

Low T can lead to feelings of depression, anxiety, and brain fog, significantly impacting mental health and daily functioning.

Treatment Options for Low Testosterone

Fortunately, Low T can be managed effectively with the right treatment plan. Options include:

Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)

TRT involves administering testosterone via injections, gels, patches, or pellets to restore hormone levels. This treatment can improve energy, mood, libido, and muscle mass while reducing symptoms like fatigue and depression.

Lifestyle Changes

Adopting a healthy lifestyle can naturally boost testosterone levels. Key strategies include:

  • Regular exercise, particularly strength training
  • A balanced diet rich in healthy fats, protein, and essential nutrients
  • Stress management and adequate sleep

Regular Monitoring

It’s important to monitor testosterone levels regularly, especially if you experience symptoms of Low T. Regular check-ups can help tailor treatments to your individual needs and ensure long-term health.

Low Testosterone Treatment in Jacksonville, FL

Low testosterone can significantly impact your health and quality of life, but with early detection and proper management, you can regain vitality and well-being.

If you suspect you may have Low T, contact board-certified urologists in Jacksonville at (904) 355-6583 to explore treatment options and take steps toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.

Choosing the Right Time for a Vasectomy

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A vasectomy is a common and highly effective form of male contraception. It involves a surgical procedure where the vas deferens, which are the tubes that transport sperm from the testicles to the urethra, are cut, sealed, or blocked to prevent sperm from mixing with semen. This makes a vasectomy a permanent form of birth control for men who are sure they don’t want any more children.

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Recognizing the Early Signs of Prostate Cancer

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Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men, but when detected early, it is often treatable, with many patients going on to live long, healthy lives. Understanding the early signs of prostate cancer, recognizing the risk factors, and knowing when to seek medical advice are essential steps in improving the chances of successful treatment. 

Below, we take a look at the key symptoms of prostate cancer, the risk factors involved, and the diagnostic tests that can help detect the condition early.

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Most Common Vasectomy Misconceptions

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Mention the “V” word around some men, and all you will see after that is the back of their heads. There are so many myths and misconceptions about vasectomies, many men don’t even want to hear the word, let alone any explanations or additional information. That’s disappointing, since it is the most effective type of birth control. Stay seated, stay calm, and let us clear up the common vasectomy misconceptions.

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How Often Should Men Be Screened For Prostate Cancer?

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Prostate cancer is a highly treatable cancer if it is detected early, and discovering prostate cancer in its early stages provides more treatment options. How often should men be screened for prostate cancer? This is a complicated question, so let’s find out the criteria, risk factors, and  consensus.

Continue reading “How Often Should Men Be Screened For Prostate Cancer?” →