Chronic pelvic pain is persistent pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis lasting over six months. It can manifest as aching, pressure, or sharp pain, impacting daily activities. Potential causes are diverse, including gynecological conditions, muscle issues, or nerve problems. Management often involves identifying contributors and using various therapies, alongside lifestyle changes, to improve comfort and function.

Chronic pelvic pain

Pelvic Pain overview

Pelvic Pain Resources (NIH)

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A urethral stricture is a narrowing of the tube (urethra) that carries urine from your bladder out of your body. This can cause a weak or slow urine stream, difficulty emptying your bladder, or pain. It often results from injury, infection, or inflammation. Effective treatments are available to help restore comfortable urination.

Urethral stricture

Male urinary incontinence is the unintentional leakage of urine. Common causes include prostate conditions (like enlargement or post-surgery), nerve damage, or weakened pelvic floor muscles. Management typically involves lifestyle adjustments, pelvic floor exercises, medications, or surgical options. Speaking with a healthcare professional can help explore effective solutions and improve quality of life.

Incontinence, male

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is difficulty getting or keeping an erection firm enough for satisfactory sexual activity. It can stem from various physical conditions (like heart disease, diabetes) or psychological factors (stress, anxiety). Importantly, ED is common and often treatable through lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet and exercise, and medical approaches. Open discussion with a healthcare provider is key.

Erectile dysfunction

Peyronie's disease is when scar tissue forms inside the penis, causing a curve or bend, pain during erection, and sometimes shortening. It often results from minor injury. While some cases improve naturally, treatments like medication or surgery can help manage symptoms and improve function.

Peyronies' disease

Lichen Sclerosus (LS), sometimes called BXO, is a chronic skin condition causing thin, white patches, often with itching, pain, or discomfort, typically in genital or anal areas. While its exact cause is unknown, it's not contagious and can be managed with topical medications to relieve symptoms and prevent progression. Regular medical follow-up is important for monitoring the condition.

Lichen Sclerosus (BXO)

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), or an enlarged prostate, is a common, non-cancerous condition where the prostate gland grows, typically with age. This growth can press on the urethra, causing urinary symptoms like frequent urination, weak flow, or difficulty emptying the bladder. Effective treatments and lifestyle changes can significantly improve these symptoms, helping you maintain a good quality of life.

BPH, Enlarged Prostate

UPJ obstruction is a blockage where your kidney meets the ureter, the tube carrying urine to your bladder. This can cause flank pain, nausea, or urinary infections due to urine backup. Often present from birth, it may require surgery to restore proper urine flow and protect kidney health. Staying well-hydrated generally supports kidney function.

UPJ obstruction

Low testosterone, or "Low T," means your body isn't producing enough of this vital hormone, impacting energy, mood, muscle, and sexual health. Symptoms can include fatigue, low libido, or mood changes. Often due to aging or health conditions, management may involve lifestyle adjustments and, if appropriate, hormone therapy.

Low testosterone

Overactive Bladder (OAB) is a condition where you experience a sudden, strong urge to urinate, often leading to frequent bathroom trips, day and night, sometimes with leakage. It occurs when bladder muscles contract involuntarily. While causes vary, lifestyle changes and various treatments can effectively manage symptoms, improving daily life.

Overactive bladder

Female incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine, a common and treatable condition. It often results from weakened pelvic floor muscles or an overactive bladder. Management involves lifestyle adjustments, pelvic floor exercises, and various medical options, enabling many women to significantly improve their quality of life.

Incontinence, female

A vasectomy is a highly effective, permanent form of birth control for men. It's a minor surgical procedure that prevents sperm from traveling into the semen, meaning ejaculation still occurs but without sperm, thus preventing pregnancy. This option is typically chosen by men who are certain they do not wish to father more children.

Vasectomy

**PSA, Prostate Cancer Screening**

PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) is a protein made by the prostate gland. A PSA blood test is a common tool used to screen for prostate cancer, often along with a physical exam. While elevated PSA levels can suggest prostate cancer, they can also be due to non-cancerous conditions like an enlarged prostate or infection. Discussing the pros and cons of PSA screening with your doctor is important to decide if it's right for you.

PSA, Prostate Cancer Screening

Prostate cancer is a common cancer where cells in the prostate gland, located below the bladder in men, grow abnormally. While specific causes aren't fully known, risk increases with age. Often slow-growing, early stages may have no symptoms, but later can cause urinary changes. Management ranges from active monitoring to treatments like surgery or radiation, and a healthy lifestyle supports overall well-being.

Prostate Cancer

Kidney stones are hard deposits of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. They can cause severe pain in your back or side, often with nausea and vomiting, especially when moving through the urinary tract. Staying well-hydrated is crucial for prevention and management, as treatments range from pain relief to medical procedures depending on stone size.

Kidney stones

Genitalia conditions involve discomfort, changes, or unusual discharge in the genital area. These can stem from various causes like infections, hormonal imbalances, or injury. Most are treatable; seeking timely medical advice and practicing good hygiene are vital for effective management.

Genitalia conditions

Here is a general overview of what urology is and some of the common things you will see at a urologist's office. At the bottom of the page, you can click on any of the topics that interest you to find an entire page dedicated to that topic.

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Nicole Alavi-Dunn

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Surgery (Urology)

Conditions affecting male and female reproductive organs and private areas.

Genital Conditions

Conditions affecting male organs, fertility, and sexual health.

Men's Reproductive Health

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

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

Blockages in the Urinary Tract

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

Bladder and Urinary Issues

Health issues treated by operations and care for healing.

Surgical and Post-Surgical Care

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

Sexual and Reproductive Health

Prostate problems that affect men's urination and health.

Prostate Conditions

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

Pain and discomfort

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

General Health & Patient Education

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

Women's Health

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

Diseases where body cells grow abnormally and can spread.

Cancer

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

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

Nicole Alavi-Dunn, MD

Chronic pelvic pain

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