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UMN Nursing Team

Everyday health, wellness tips, and understanding how to manage your care.

General Health & Patient Education

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

Bladder and Urinary Issues

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

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

Pelvic Floor & Pelvic Health

Conditions causing accidental urine leakage or loss of bladder control.

Urinary Incontinence

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

Women's Health

Conditions about getting pregnant, preventing it, and reproductive health.

Fertility and Family Planning

Conditions affecting male organs, fertility, and sexual health.

Men's Reproductive Health

Diseases where body cells grow abnormally and can spread.

Cancer

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

Prostate Cancer

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

Screening and Diagnostic Procedures

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

Sexual and Reproductive 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.

Procedures

Conditions that doctors fix, remove, or repair using an operation.

Common Surgical Procedures

Conditions affecting male and female reproductive organs and private areas.

Genital Conditions

Urinary and genital issues in babies, children, and teenagers.

Pediatric Urology Conditions

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

Kidney Stones

Conditions affecting your kidneys and the tubes that carry urine.

Kidney & Ureter Conditions

Bladder problems preventing normal urine flow, requiring a new way for urine to exit the body.

Urinary Diversion

Health issues that result in or involve pain.

Pain Management

Health problems causing physical aches, soreness, throbbing, or sharp pain.

Painful Conditions

Cancer conditions affecting the bladder, the organ storing urine.

Bladder cancer

Postoperative instructions are vital guidelines provided after surgery to ensure a safe and successful recovery. They help manage discomfort, prevent complications like infection, and guide you through wound care, medication use, activity limits, and follow-up care. Diligently following these instructions is crucial for optimal healing and a smooth return to daily life.

All Postoperative Instructions

A bladder biopsy is a medical procedure where a small tissue sample is gently removed from the inside of your bladder. This is done to allow doctors to examine the cells under a microscope, helping to diagnose or rule out conditions like infections, inflammation, or abnormal growths. It's a crucial step in understanding your bladder health and guiding appropriate care.

Bladder Biopsy

An "at-home stent pull" refers to the self-removal of a temporary, flexible tube (stent) that was placed by a doctor, often after a kidney stone procedure or other urinary tract surgery. This stent helps urine drain and allows the body to heal. You will receive specific instructions for this brief process, which may cause a moment of discomfort or a temporary urge to urinate. Always follow your doctor's guidance and contact them with any questions or concerns.

At-Home Stent Pull

Xiaflex is a medication, not a medical condition. It is used to treat Dupuytren's contracture, a condition where thickened tissue in the palm causes fingers to bend, and Peyronie's disease, which involves scar tissue causing penile curvature. Xiaflex works by breaking down the excess collagen responsible for these issues, helping to improve flexibility and reduce symptoms.

Xiaflex

**Microsurgical Cord Denervation** is a precise surgical procedure performed on men experiencing chronic testicular pain that has not responded to other treatments. Using a microscope, surgeons carefully identify and interrupt specific pain-carrying nerves within the spermatic cord. The goal is to provide lasting relief from discomfort and improve overall quality of life.

Microsurgical Cord Denervation

An Inflatable Penile Prosthesis (IPP) is a surgically implanted device for men with severe erectile dysfunction (ED) who haven't responded to other treatments. It helps create an erection by inflating cylinders within the penis using a small pump. This allows men to regain control over their sexual function and enjoy intimacy discreetly, offering a long-term solution for a fulfilling sex life.

Inflatable Penile Prosthesis (IPP)

A Suprapubic Tube (SPT) is a small, soft tube placed directly into the bladder through a tiny opening in your lower abdomen. It's used to drain urine when you cannot empty your bladder naturally, due to conditions like blockages, nerve issues, or after surgery. With proper care, including keeping the site clean, it helps maintain bladder health and comfort.

Suprapubic Tube (SPT)

Orchiectomy is the surgical removal of one or both testicles, commonly performed to treat testicular cancer, severe injury, or to manage prostate cancer. This procedure helps address the underlying condition. Patients typically discuss recovery and options like testicular prosthetics with their doctor.

Orchiectomy

Microsurgical varicocelectomy is a precise surgical procedure performed to treat varicoceles, which are enlarged veins within the scrotum. These veins can cause pain or impact fertility. The surgery aims to reduce discomfort and potentially improve fertility, with many patients experiencing a smooth recovery.

Microsurgical Varicocelectomy

An Artificial Urinary Sphincter (AUS) is an implanted device that treats severe urinary incontinence, often after prostate surgery or other causes. It helps restore bladder control by mimicking a natural sphincter. Patients operate a small pump to allow urination, significantly improving quality of life and enabling participation in daily activities.

Artificial Urinary Sphincter (AUS)

Ureteroscopy is a procedure using a thin, flexible scope inserted through the urinary opening to examine the ureter and kidney. It's commonly performed to find and treat kidney stones, blockages, or to investigate other issues. This helps resolve urinary tract problems, often relieving discomfort and improving kidney health.

Ureteroscopy

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

Peyronie's Plication is a surgical treatment for Peyronie's disease, a condition where scar tissue causes painful or bothersome penile curvature and can affect function. This procedure straightens the penis by skillfully shortening the longer side, aiming to improve sexual function and comfort for men affected by the disease.

Peyronie's Plication

Hydrocelectomy is a surgical procedure to remove a hydrocele, which is a collection of fluid around the testicle. This common surgery aims to relieve discomfort and swelling caused by the fluid build-up. It's typically an outpatient procedure with good recovery, helping patients return to normal activities.

Hydrocelectomy

Circumcision is a surgical procedure that removes the foreskin, the skin covering the tip of the penis. It's often performed on newborn males for cultural, religious, or personal reasons, and in older males for medical conditions like a very tight foreskin (phimosis) or recurrent infections. Post-procedure care typically involves keeping the area clean to support healing.

Circumcision

Vasovasostomy and Vasoepididymostomy are microsurgical procedures performed to restore male fertility, most commonly after a vasectomy. Vasovasostomy reconnects the sperm-carrying tubes (vas deferens), while Vasoepididymostomy addresses blockages closer to the testicle by connecting the tube directly to the epididymis. Both aim to allow sperm to exit the body, enabling conception.

Vasovasostomy and Vasoepididymostomy

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

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

Infertility is when a couple has difficulty conceiving after one year of regular, unprotected sex (or six months if the woman is over 35). It can affect men, women, or both, often due to various underlying health conditions, age, or lifestyle factors like diet and stress. While challenging, many effective treatments and support options are available to help individuals and couples achieve pregnancy.

Infertility

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

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

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

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

Female urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine, often triggered by activities like coughing or sneezing, or a sudden, strong urge to go. It's a common condition, often related to childbirth, menopause, or age. While common, it's manageable; lifestyle changes, pelvic floor exercises, and other treatments can significantly improve symptoms and quality of life.

Incontinence, female

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

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

Learning about a medical condition helps you understand its common signs, potential causes, and general management approaches. Healthy lifestyle choices, such as a balanced diet and regular physical activity, can often support overall well-being and treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice and care.

Logan Hubbard, MD

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