Urology Services for Men

Although women and men display similar urological problems, like kidney stones and urinary tract infections, some issues are unique to men. On this page we discuss conditions men may experience with respect to urology.

Bladder Conditions

The kidneys via the ureter tubes send urine to the bladder. It is then eliminated from the body via the urethra, with the opening at the end of the penis.

Overactive Bladder. Bladder control problems or difficulty controlling when and how much a man urinates. Typical symptoms include needing to urinate frequently, a strong urge to urinate, unable to completely empty the bladder, or experiencing leaks of urine (large or small).
Bladder Infection. A type of urinary tract infection (UTI), less frequently occurring than in women. Male bladder infections, however, could be symptomatic of BPH or prostatitis. Symptoms include painful or burning urination and the urge to frequently urinate.
Bladder Dysfunction. An impairment or abnormality in the manner in which the bladder functions. Incontinence may be a symptom. The root cause can be difficult to determine.
Bladder Stones. Hard masses of minerals that form when urine is concentrated. Primarily seen in males over 50. A main cause is when the bladder is not emptied fully as in the case of BPH, nervous system damage, or illness.

Prostate Conditions

Conditions related to the prostate are the most common male urological disorders. As part of a male’s sex organs, it is approximately the size of a walnut and surrounds the urethra. The prostate produces the ejaculate.

Prostatitis. An inflammation of the prostate. For men under fifty, it is the most common prostate disorder. Prostatitis is sometimes caused by a bacterial infection. Complaints are burning or pain with ejaculation or urination, and urinating more frequently or with more urgency.
Prostate Enlargement (BPH). BPH stands for benign prostatic hyperplasia, a common prostate condition for men 50 and older. The prostate usually starts to increase in size for men over 40. BPH shows itself as slow urinary flow, more frequent and urgent urination, waking to urinate at night, and less ability to fully empty the bladder.
Prostate Cancer. The most common cancer in men. Detection is usually done in the very early stages by using the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. Early detection allows a good degree of success in treatment. This allows dramatically better precision in diagnosis. New River Urology provides the only fusion (MRI with Ultrasound) prostate biopsy procedure in the Lowcountry.

Penis and Urethra Conditions

The tube that eliminates urine from the bladder to the head of the penis is the urethra. It measures about 8 inches long and passes through the prostate.

Urethral Strictures. Scar tissue within the urethra. Urine flow may be reduced or blocked.
Meatal Stenosis. A narrowing of the urethra opening at the tip of the penis. Rare in an uncircumcised penis, it may be acquired or present at birth.
Peyronie’s Disease. A condition that causes an abnormal, usually painful curve in the penis when erect. This is due to scar tissue that has formed inside the penis.
Urethritis. Inflammation of the urethra. Typically a bacterial infection and treated with antibiotics. The first symptom is normally pain with urination.
Chordee. A birth defect where during erection, the penis has an excessive bend. Sexual function in adulthood is frequently beset with discomfort and pain.
Hypospadias. A birth defect where the opening of the urethra is other than at the tip of the penis. Read more on this condition on our Pediatric Urology page.
Penile Cancer. Cancer that starts growth in the penis. This is usually a squamous cell penile cancer. Observed by growths on the penis, bleeding, and discharge beneath the foreskin. The standard treatment is surgery; however other remedies exist based on severity and overall patient health condition.

Kidney Conditions

The kidneys process bodily waste into urine and are physically located behind the abdominal organs in the lower back area. Kidneys require treatment due to injuries and may need medical attention for the following:

Kidney cancer. Rare under the age of 45 with an average age of 64 for the diagnosis. It is more common in men than women. Eighty-five percent of kidney tumors are found early, before spreading.
Kidney Stones. This is the clumping together of salts and minerals in the urine producing “stones”. Sizes range from a grain of sand to golf ball sized. The smaller of these may pass through the urine and be quite painful.

Men’s Sexual Health

New River Urology practices advanced training and specialization to develop effect treatments for issues relating to men’s fertility, sexual health and family planning.

Erectile Dysfunction (ED). Inability to develop or maintain an erection. This affects ten to twenty million men in the USA with partial ED affecting ten million. New River Urology offers the TITAN penile implant, which allows for more rapid recovery and durable, cosmetically remarkable results in an out patient setting.
Ejaculatory Dysfunction. Inability to effectively ejaculate from the penis at sexual climax. This is one of the most common sexual problems in males. Treatment options include lifestyle changes, implanted devices, injections and medication.
Vasectomy. Male sterilization by separating the vas deferens tube, preventing sperm from reaching the semen. Prevents pregnancy. New River Urology employs a no-scalpel method resulting in fewer complications and less pain.
Vasectomy Reversal. Reconnection of or bypassing a blockage in the vas deferens tube. Sometimes this can be done by reconnecting the ends of the vas deferens to the sperm tract. Bypassing a blockage is more complex. Both procedures are usually effective for decades.

Testes/Scrotum Conditions

The testes (testicles) produce the testosterone hormone and sperm. They are contained in the scrotum in the groin area.

Bloody Semen. Almost never requires treatment and resolves spontaneously.
Epididymitis. Inflammation of the epididymitis. This is the coiled tube structure that holds sperm before ejaculation. Symptoms can include pain in the testicle area, burning with urination, and in rare cases fevers or chills.
Hypogonadism. Lack of production of hormones by the sex glands. It also refers to poor sperm production which causes male fertility problems. This condition is normally treated with medication.
Testicular Torsion. One of the cords securing the testicle within the scrotum twists around a testicle. This cuts off the supply of blood to the testicle. This is seen most often in men 25 and younger. Testicular torsion often requires emergency intervention.
Undescended Testicle. Testicle remains in fetus’ belly before birth and has not moved into scrotum. In most cases, this corrects itself within three months of birth.
Varicoceles. Enlarged varicose veins in the scrotum. This is found in up to 15% of men and form during puberty. It is seen frequently in men with fertility problems in that lower sperm quality and decreased sperm production can result.
Testicular Cancer. Happens between the ages of 15 and 50. Upon early discovery, it is easily cured. It is normally initially discovered by a heavy feeling or lump in the scrotum.