A urethral stricture is a narrowing of the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. This can cause symptoms like a weak urine stream, difficulty emptying your bladder, or pain. It often results from injury, inflammation, or infection. Thankfully, it's a treatable condition to restore normal urine flow.

Urethral stricture

American Urological Association Urethral stricture guidelines

European guidelines on strictures

Urethral Stricture Disease

Optilume

Postop Handout

Pain management after surgery

How to Catheterize

Patrick Selph, MD

Kidney stones are hard deposits that form in your kidneys, often causing severe back or side pain and sometimes blood in the urine. They can be linked to dehydration or diet. While painful, many pass with increased fluids, or medical procedures may be needed for larger stones. Staying well-hydrated is crucial for prevention.

Kidney stones

A penile prosthesis, or implant, is a medical device surgically placed inside the penis to help men with severe erectile dysfunction (ED) achieve an erection. This option is typically considered when other treatments for ED haven't been successful, allowing for a return to sexual activity and improving quality of life.

Penile Prosthesis/Implant

Male incontinence is the unintentional leakage of urine, often due to weakened bladder muscles, prostate issues, or nerve damage. It's a common and treatable condition, manageable through lifestyle changes, exercises, medication, or other medical interventions. Discussing symptoms with a healthcare provider can help find effective solutions to improve quality of life.

Incontinence, male

Prostate cancer is a common cancer in men, affecting the walnut-sized prostate gland. Early stages often have no symptoms, though risk increases with age and family history. Treatment options vary, from active surveillance to surgery or radiation. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can be beneficial.

Prostate Cancer

The PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test is a blood test commonly used to screen for prostate cancer. While higher PSA levels can suggest prostate cancer, they can also be due to other prostate problems. It's vital to discuss with your doctor if screening is right for you, considering your age, health, and family history, to understand potential benefits and risks.

PSA, Prostate Cancer Screening

Peyronie's disease involves the development of fibrous scar tissue (plaque) inside the penis, leading to a noticeable bend, indentation, or shortening, often causing painful erections. It may arise from injury or genetics. Treatment options vary from watchful waiting to medications or surgery, aiming to reduce pain and improve sexual function and quality of life.

Peyronies' disease

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is when a man has difficulty getting or keeping an erection firm enough for sexual activity. This common condition can be caused by physical factors like diabetes or heart disease, psychological stress, or lifestyle choices. Effective treatments and lifestyle changes, such as healthy diet and exercise, can often help improve ED.

Erectile Dysfunction

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), or enlarged prostate, is a very common, non-cancerous condition where the prostate gland grows with age. This growth can press on the urethra, causing urinary symptoms like frequent urges, a weak stream, or waking up at night to urinate. It's often managed through lifestyle adjustments, medications, or, in some cases, minor procedures to help you feel more comfortable.

BPH, Enlarged Prostate

Localized kidney cancer means abnormal cells are found only within the kidney. Often found early, symptoms might include blood in urine or back pain, with causes linked to smoking or obesity. Treatment frequently involves surgery, emphasizing the importance of a healthy lifestyle for overall well-being.

Kidney cancer, localized

Kidney cysts are common, fluid-filled sacs that can form in the kidneys. Many are harmless, cause no symptoms, and require no treatment. Others may need monitoring or intervention if they grow large, cause pain, or affect kidney function. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle generally supports kidney health.

Kidney cysts

Vasectomy is a highly effective, permanent form of male birth control. It's a minor surgical procedure that prevents sperm from reaching the semen, thus preventing pregnancy. This procedure does not affect sex drive, hormone levels, or ejaculation volume, offering couples peace of mind about family planning.

Vasectomy

Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) is a common condition in post-menopausal women, stemming from lower estrogen, which causes symptoms like vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, and urinary changes. Effective treatments, including lubricants, moisturizers, and specific therapies, can significantly improve comfort and quality of life, with staying well-hydrated also being helpful.

Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM)

Upper tract urothelial carcinoma is cancer that develops in the lining of the kidney or ureter (the tube connecting the kidney to the bladder). Key symptoms often include blood in the urine. While smoking and certain chemical exposures are common risk factors, treatment typically involves surgery, and lifestyle changes like quitting smoking are crucial.

Urothelial Carcinoma of the Upper Tract

Testicular pain is discomfort or soreness in one or both testicles. It can range from dull to sharp and may stem from various causes like injury, infection, or inflammation. Due to potential serious underlying issues, it's crucial to seek prompt medical evaluation for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate care. Gentle support and rest may offer temporary relief.

Testicular pain

UPJ Obstruction is a blockage where your kidney connects to the ureter, the tube that carries urine to the bladder. This can cause urine to back up, leading to symptoms like side pain, nausea, or infection. It can be present from birth or develop later, and treatments are available to ensure proper kidney drainage and health.

UPJ obstruction

Recurrent UTIs mean experiencing frequent urinary tract infections. Common symptoms include burning with urination, urgency, and frequent urges to go. While often caused by bacteria, managing them typically involves working with a doctor for treatment and discussing preventive steps like good hydration and hygiene to help reduce future occurrences.

Recurrent UTIs

Penile cancer is a rare cancer affecting the skin or tissues of the penis. Symptoms can include skin changes, lumps, unhealing sores, or unusual discharge. Risk factors include HPV and certain lifestyle factors; maintaining good hygiene can help. Treatment often involves surgery or radiation, and early detection is key for better outcomes.

Penile cancer

Testicular cancer is a treatable cancer that begins in the testicles, often appearing as a painless lump, swelling, or heaviness in the scrotum. While its exact causes are unclear (an undescended testicle is a known risk factor), it's highly curable, especially when caught early. Treatment typically involves surgery, sometimes with chemotherapy or radiation, making self-awareness and regular self-exams important for timely detection.

Testicular cancer

Overactive Bladder (OAB) is a common condition causing a sudden, strong urge to urinate, often leading to frequent bathroom trips day and night, and sometimes accidental leakage. This occurs when the bladder muscles contract involuntarily. Lifestyle adjustments like managing fluid intake and diet, along with bladder training and various medications, can effectively help manage symptoms and improve daily life.

Overactive bladder

Low testosterone (low T) occurs when your body doesn't produce enough of this key male hormone. Symptoms often include fatigue, reduced sex drive, mood changes, and decreased muscle/bone mass. Causes range from aging and health conditions to lifestyle factors; management may involve lifestyle adjustments (like diet and exercise) and, if appropriate, hormone therapy, all discussed with your doctor.

Low testosterone

Neurogenic bladder occurs when nerve damage (e.g., from spinal cord injury, MS, or stroke) prevents the brain and bladder from communicating properly. This can lead to issues like frequent urination, incontinence, or difficulty emptying the bladder. Management focuses on symptom control and protecting kidney health through approaches like medication, catheterization, or lifestyle adjustments.

Neurogenic Bladder

Lichen Sclerosus (BXO) is a chronic, non-contagious skin condition, most often affecting genital or anal areas, but can occur elsewhere. It causes itching, pain, and white, thinned patches of skin. While its exact cause is unknown, it's thought to be autoimmune. Management typically involves topical medications to control symptoms and requires regular monitoring. Gentle hygiene is important.

Lichen Sclerosus (BXO)

Nocturia is the medical term for waking up one or more times during the night specifically to urinate. This can be caused by various factors, including fluid intake patterns, medications, and underlying health conditions like bladder issues or diabetes. Managing nocturia often involves lifestyle adjustments, such as timing fluid intake, and addressing any contributing medical conditions with your healthcare provider.

Nocturia

Genitalia conditions involve various issues affecting the reproductive and urinary areas, such as itching, pain, discharge, or lumps. Causes range from infections and inflammation to structural concerns. Treatments often include medications or minor procedures. Practicing good hygiene and openly discussing any concerns with a healthcare professional are key for managing these common conditions.

Genitalia conditions

Chronic pelvic pain is ongoing discomfort in your lower abdomen or pelvis, lasting six months or more. It can arise from various sources like gynecological conditions, bladder issues, or muscle problems, often impacting daily life. Management typically involves a combination of therapies and lifestyle adjustments, emphasizing the importance of working with healthcare providers to find relief.

Chronic pelvic pain

Blood in the urine, or hematuria, means blood is present, either visible (pink/red/brown) or microscopic. While often caused by treatable conditions like infections or kidney stones, it's crucial to see a doctor to identify the underlying cause and determine the best approach. Staying well-hydrated can sometimes help prevent certain contributing factors.

Blood in the urine

Bladder cancer occurs when abnormal cells form in your bladder's lining. The most common symptom is blood in urine, sometimes with frequent or painful urination. Smoking is a key cause, along with certain chemical exposures. Treatment options often include surgery, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy, depending on the cancer stage. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, especially quitting smoking, is important for prevention and management.

Bladder cancer

John Patrick Selph

Central scheduling

Mary (surgery scheduling)

Surgery (Urology)

Cancer conditions affecting the bladder, the organ storing urine.

Conditions affecting your bladder, kidneys, and how you urinate.

Bladder and Urinary Issues

Diseases where body cells grow abnormally and can spread.

Cancer

Conditions where your body bleeds too easily or can't stop bleeding.

Bleeding Concerns

Problems that stop urine from flowing freely from your kidneys, bladder, or tubes.

Blockages in the Urinary Tract

Prostate problems that affect men's urination and health.

Prostate Conditions

Conditions that cause pain, aches, soreness, or general unease.

Pain and discomfort

Problems with bladder, bowel, pain, or pelvic organ support.

Pelvic Floor & Pelvic Health

Conditions affecting male and female reproductive organs and private areas.

Genital Conditions

Conditions affecting male organs, fertility, and sexual health.

Men's Reproductive Health

Conditions causing accidental urine leakage or loss of bladder control.

Urinary Incontinence

Conditions affecting your kidneys and the tubes that carry urine.

Kidney & Ureter Conditions

Kidney Cancer

Conditions from hard, stone-like deposits in kidneys and urinary tract.

Kidney Stones

Health conditions affecting sex organs, fertility, & sexual well-being.

Sexual and Reproductive Health

Cancers that start in the prostate gland, a male reproductive organ.

Tests to find what's wrong or to check for health problems.

Screening and Diagnostic Procedures

Infections affecting your urinary tract, bladder, and private areas.

Urinary & Intimate Infections

Health issues impacting women's bodies and well-being, including reproductive health.

Women's Health

Health issues treated by operations and care for healing.

Surgical and Post-Surgical Care

Conditions that don't fit into other main groups. A mixed collection of health issues.

Other

Medical procedures are planned steps healthcare professionals take to diagnose, treat, or manage various health conditions. These can include diagnostic tests like imaging, therapeutic interventions, or surgical operations, all aimed at improving your health.

John Patrick Selph, MD

Urethral stricture

Recommended Videos

Recommended Resources

Related Resources from John Patrick Selph

Meet John Patrick Selph

Locations

Find me online