Frequently Asked Questions
Urology is a medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of medical conditions and diseases of two types of organs:
The first one is the urinary tract, which includes the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra in both males and females.
The second type is the male reproductive system, which includes prostate gland, seminal vesicles, and male external genitalia.
A doctor who deals with urology diseases such as:
Urologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating medical conditions related to the urinary tract (kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra); such as stones, cancers, tumours, strictures, congenital anomalies, traumas and injuries to these organs.
In addition, urologist deals with diseases and conditions of male reproductive systems such as prostate enlargement, prostate inflammations, prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction, male infertility, and other diseases of the male external genitalia.
Urologists are trained to manage a wide range of conditions, both surgical and non-surgical, that can affect these organs.
In normal situations, human beings have two kidneys, which are located in the back of the abdominal cavity.
In the front of the abdomen, we have the bowels, liver, and stomach. The kidneys are situated behind these organs, one on the left and one on the right side of the spine.
Each kidney is connected to a ureter, which drains urine into the urinary bladder.
The average adult kidney is approximately the size of a fist, measuring around 10 to 12 centimetres in length and weighing about 150 grams.
Each kidney consists of an outer region, approximately 2 centimetres in diameter, containing kidney tissues, specifically millions of functional units known as nephrons.
These nephrons are responsible for producing urine. The urine created in the nephrons then collects in the inner region of the kidney, known as the renal pelvis.
The renal pelvis is connected to a tube called the ureter.
Normally, urine does not accumulate in the renal pelvis; instead, it flows down through the ureter to reach the bladder, where it is stored.
The male reproductive system consists of the penis, testes, prostate, two seminal vesicles, and the vas deferens.
The prostate and seminal vesicles produce seminal fluid, while the testes produce sperm.
The sperm travel through the vas deferens, which is part of the spermatic cord, and mix with the seminal fluid at the level of the prostate before being expelled outside through the urethra during ejaculation.
Only male gender have prostate, and it is located in the pelvis, below the urinary bladder.
The main function of the prostate is the production of seminal fluid, which combines with sperm to form semen.
The urethra, which runs through the prostate, carries both urine from the bladder and semen from the reproductive system.
The prostate is located in the pelvis, below the urinary bladder.
The normal size of the prostate is about the size of a walnut, which is approximately 25 grams.
However, with aging, the prostate can also increase in size, and this can be considered normal.
What is the normal bladder capacity?
After consuming fluids, it typically takes around one hour for them to reach the bladder, which serves as the storage organ for urine. The normal capacity of an adult urinary bladder is 400-600ml. When the bladder fills to about 200ml, we usually experience the first signal or desire to empty it.
After consuming fluids, it typically takes around one hour for them to reach the bladder, which serves as the storage organ for urine.
The normal capacity of an adult urinary bladder is 400-600ml.
When the bladder fills to about 200ml, we usually experience the first signal or desire to empty it.
A healthy urine flow is typically steady, continuous, and without discomfort. The specific characteristics of a normal urine flow include:
1.Steady Stream: The urine should flow out in a steady and uninterrupted stream.
2.Adequate Force: The flow should have enough force to effectively empty the bladder. Weak or dribbling urine flow might indicate a blockage or other issues.
3.Complete Emptying: Urination should result in the complete emptying of the bladder. After urination, you should feel that the bladder is comfortably emptied, without a persistent sensation of needing to urinate.
4.No Pain or Discomfort: Any pain or discomfort could signal an underlying issue.
5. Duration: The duration of urination can vary, but a relatively normal range is around 10 to 30 seconds for a single urination episode.
Ultrasound (US) is a crucial imaging technology widely utilized by urologists themselves.
There are various types of US machines, each equipped with specific probes.
Typically, we use three types of probes: one for the kidneys, bladder and prostate, one for the testes, and one primarily for prostate examinations, especially for prostate biopsies.
Lubricant gel is used during these examinations.
Ultrasound allows us to assess various aspects, including the bladder, its capacity, postvoid residual urine, the prostate, its approximate size, and both kidneys.
The testes, also known as testicles, are situated outside the body within the scrotum, each housed in its own separate sac.
Testes are responsible for two main functions:
1.Sperm Production: Believe it or not, in just one second, the testes produce about 1500 sperm. This means that more than 100 millions of sperm are produced by the testes every day. Sperm are the male reproductive cells that are necessary for fertilizing an egg during sexual reproduction.
2.Hormone Production: The testes also produce the male sex hormone called testosterone. Testosterone is responsible for the development of male secondary sexual characteristics. It also influences libido and sexual function.
What is the epididymis, and what is its function?
The epididymis is a coiled tube located on the back of each testis and connected to it. It serves as a storage and maturation site for sperm. The epididymis has the capacity to store over a billion of sperms at a time. Interestingly, when sperm are initially produced in the testes, they are not yet able to swim or fertilize an egg. It is during their journey through the epididymis, where they are exposed to specific proteins and chemicals, that they gain the ability to move and become fully capable of fertilization.
The scrotum is a sac-like structure made of skin and muscle.
Its primary function is to house and protect the testicles.
Additionally, the scrotum plays a role in regulating the temperature of the testes, maintaining them slightly cooler than the rest of the body.
When it’s cold, the muscles in the scrotum contract, which pulls the testicles closer to the body, helping to keep them warmer.
Conversely, in warmer conditions, the scrotal muscles relax, allowing the testicles to hang lower and maintain a cooler temperature.
This automatic adjustment mechanism is crucial in optimizing sperm production by creating an ideal environment for sperm development, regardless of external temperature changes.
The vas deferens is a long muscular tube that carries sperm from the testis and epididymis, connecting to the urethra.
There, it mixes with the semen produced by the seminal vesicles and prostate.
This mixture is eventually ejaculated during sexual activity.
What is the function of kidneys?
- One amazing fact about the kidneys is their remarkable efficiency in filtering blood.
- They receive approximately 20% of the heart’s blood output with each beat.
- This exceptional blood flow empowers the kidneys to cleanse and purify around 130 litres of blood each day, extracting waste products, excess fluids, and toxins.
- Furthermore, the kidneys maintains the body’s fluid and electrolyte balance.
- This incredible filtration capacity of the kidneys is essential for maintaining overall health and physiological balance within the body.
Amazing facts about sperm!
Thousands of sperm are continuously produced by the testes every second throughout a person’s entire life.
Sperm are the smallest cells in the human body, invisible to the naked eye. Millions of sperm compete to reach the largest cell in the body, the ovum, for fertilization.
Sperm are incredibly fast swimmers, despite their small size, traveling at a speed of about 4 mm per minute.
The majority of sperm lack a sense of direction; they continue to swim tirelessly in all directions. However, some use a natural “Google Maps” to guide them to their destination—the ovum.
The journey of sperm to the egg is long, exhausting, and filled with a lot of obstacles. Most sperm will die in their journey to reach the destination.
Only one sperm out of millions successfully reaches its goal and can fertilize the solitary egg at the target point.
The video in this clip is sourced from various places and is solely for educational purposes, with no commercial or financial intent.
Tips for healthy sperm!
Q1. Professor, can you give us some tips for maintaining healthy sperm?
To Do Sleep well Drink more water Do regular exercise Consume foods rich in antioxidants Maintain regular healthy sexual activity
Q2. And, what to avoid doing to maintain healthy sperm?
Avoid Don’t stress Don’t smoke Avoid alcohol Avoid tight clothing Avoid prolonged exposure to heat
What is the normal amount and colour of semen?
The normal amount and colour of semen can vary from person to person, but there are some general guidelines. The typical volume of semen produced during ejaculation ranges from 1.5 to 5 millilitres (mL). However, it can be more or less, and occasional variations are normal. Semen is usually whitish-gray or slightly yellowish in colour. The exact shade can vary from person to person and may change slightly over time. Changes in colour, such as pink or red, can be a sign of a medical issue and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. It’s important to note that various factors can influence the appearance and volume of semen, including diet, hydration, frequency of ejaculation, and overall health.
Q. As a urologist, what is your advice for adult men’s health?
1. Drink adequate water regularly throughout the day!
2. Maintain safe and regular healthy sexual activity!
How much water should we drink?
Q.: Professor, how much water should we drink in a day, and how can we calculate it?
The amount of water to drink per day can vary depending on individual factors such as weight, age, gender, activity level, climate, and overall health. A general guideline is to drink at least one glass of water every two hours when you are awake. For the calculation, consider your weight in kilograms and divide it by 30. The answer is the minimum number of litres of water you should drink per day. So, if you weigh 60 kilograms, for example, you should drink at least 2 litres of water throughout the day. Certain medical conditions or medications may affect your hydration needs, so it’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
How to assess daily water intake?
Q.: Prof, in normal situations, how can we assess if our water intake was adequate?
Urine Colour: The colour of your urine can offer valuable insights into your hydration level. Clear or light yellow urine usually indicates proper hydration, while darker shades of yellow or amber may suggest dehydration. It’s a good rule of thumb to aim for clear or light yellow urine. Urine Frequency: Take note of how often you urinate. On average, most individuals urinate 6-8 times a day. If you find yourself urinating significantly less frequently, it could be a sign of insufficient water intake. Urine Volume: The amount of urine you pass in a day can provide additional information about your hydration status. A healthy adult typically excretes more than 1.5 litres of urine daily.
Signs to visit a urologist
Q.: Prof, what are the usual signs that mean it’s time to see a urologist?
In both Males & Females
Right or left flank pain
Flank pain associated with nausea, vomiting, or fever
Blood in the urine
Difficulty in urination
Frequent nighttime urination
Weak urine flow
Pain or burning during urination
Urine leakage
Males:
Uncomfortable feeling or pain in the area between the genitals and the anus.
Testicular pain
Male infertility
Male sexual
Conditions to visit a urologist
الحالات التي تستدعي زيارة طبيب المسالك البولية
شرایط مراجعه به متخصص اورولوژی
Q.: Professor, what are the most common conditions for which we should see a urologist?
In both Males & Females
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Following conditions in the kidney, ureter, bladder, and urethra:
Stones
Cancers
Traumas
Congenital anomalies
Strictures
Urinary incontinence
Blood or pain and difficulties in urination
In Males:
Infections of prostate, and testes
Prostate cancer and enlargements
Following conditions in male genitalia:
Cancers
Trauma
Swelling
Lumps
Sexual dysfunction
Prostate Check-up
Q: Professor, when is a prostate check-up recommended?
In general, a prostate check-up is recommended for men aged 40 to 45 and older.
For this group, it typically involves a blood test called Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) and a physical examination of the prostate called Digital Rectal Examination (DRE).
Additionally, men of any age experiencing symptoms such as difficulty urinating, a weak urinary stream, pain during urination, or the need to get up at night frequently to urinate should consult a urologist.
N.B.: This represents expert opinion and may not necessarily align with official medical guidelines.
A Guide to Prostate Cancer Screening
Q: Professor, how often should we get screened for prostate cancer?
Generally, it’s recommended that men consider their first prostate cancer screening between the ages of 40 and 45.
This initial screening checks your PSA level, which is a blood test.
If at this age, your PSA is less than 1ng/ml, your lifetime risk of developing prostate cancer is low. Accordingly, PSA test can be repeated after five years.
If your PSA at this age, is between 1-2ng/ml, it’s advisable to repeat PSA test after 1-3 years.
If PSA at this age, is more than 2ng/ml, close follow up with expert urologist is needed.
N.B.: This represents expert opinion and may not necessarily align with official medical guidelines.
How Common is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men worldwide, affecting approximately 1 in 8 men during their lifetime.
The incidence of prostate cancer tends to increase with age.
Regular screenings, such as PSA tests and physical examinations of the prostate, are essential for early detection.
Remember, early detection and timely treatment can significantly increase the chances of successful outcomes.
N.B.: This represents expert opinion and may not necessarily align with official medical guidelines.
Symptoms of prostate cancer
أعراض سرطان البروستاتا
علائم سرطان پروستات
cancer is common among men, it often develops silently, showing no signs or symptoms until it is advanced.
That’s why staying informative with regular screenings is crucial for catching it early and ensuring effective management.
Share this message to spread.
Elevated PSA
Q: Can an elevated PSA level always mean prostate cancer?
Not necessarily!
Elevated PSA levels can be caused by various factors, such as:
An enlarged prostate
Prostate inflammation or infection
Recent ejaculation or sexual arousal
Intense exercise like cycling, jogging, or vigorous workouts.
Accordingly, before a PSA test, avoid these activities at least for 2-3 days for a better result.
Types of Prostate
Did you know the prostate can have three types of conditions?
Prostate Inflammation: Often affecting teenagers and young men.
Benign Prostate Enlargement: Common in middle-aged men and the elderly.
Prostate Cancer: More common in the elderly, with screenings recommended from age 40.
The good news? All of these conditions are highly treatable when diagnosed early and correctly.
Stay informed for a healthier prostate!
Prostate Inflammation (Prostatitis)
Prostate Inflammation, or Prostatitis, is a common issue affecting teenage boys up to middle-aged men worldwide.
Symptoms include difficulty in urination, testicular pain, lower abdominal pain, and discomfort around the buttock.
To learn more about the causes and prevention of prostatitis, follow us for insights and tips on maintaining a healthy prostate.
What causes prostate inflammation?
Prostate Inflammation is often caused by six factors:
Lack of normal and regular ejaculation
Urinary tract infection
Unsafe sexual activity
Prolonged sitting
Exposure to cold
Stress
Tips to Prevent Prostate Inflammation!
To prevent prostate inflammation, consider four things:
Maintain regular, safe, and healthy ejaculations
Avoid prolonged sitting
Minimize exposure to cold
Manage stress
Is Masturbation Healthy?
Q: Professor, many teenage boys and adult men wonder about the medical perspective on masturbation. Is it advised or should it be avoided?
From a medical standpoint, safe masturbation is generally considered a normal and healthy sexual activity when practiced in moderation – typically, not more than three times a week in a safe and healthy manner!
Key lifestyle factors for urological health
Q: Professor, what are the key lifestyle factors for urological health?
There are 5 key factors:
Hydration
Safe sexual activity
A healthy diet
Regular exercise
Adequate sleep
Common misconception about urologists
Q: Is it true that urologists deal only with men’s health and men’s urological conditions?
NOT at all!
In addition to the male reproductive system, urologists deal with conditions and diseases of the urinary tract in both men and women.
Accordingly, about 80% of urology patients are men, while 20% are women.
UTI myths and drinking water
Q: Professor, is it a good practice to reduce water intake when we have a urinary tract infection?
Actually, it’s just the opposite!
Most people with urinary tract infections mistakenly drink less water in order to reduce the need for urination.
However, this is a misconception because drinking more water can help flush out bacteria from the urinary tract and speed up recovery, and lower infection risks.
So, drink more water for better urinary health!
Urinary incontinence in women
بی اختیاری ادرار در زنان
سلس البول عند النساء
Did you know that urinary incontinence, the unintentional ‘leakage’ of urine, affects over 50% of adult women?
It can be caused by various factors, including infections, pregnancy, childbirth, obesity, menopause, and genetics.
Contrary to what many people believe, urinary incontinence is not a certain part of aging.
Nearly all types of urinary incontinence can be managed with medical advice, medications, and, when necessary, surgery!
So, if you’re dealing with any form of urinary incontinence, don’t hesitate to consult a urologist for guidance and support.
Urinary tract infection (UTI) in women
The chance of getting a urinary tract infection in a woman’s lifetime is more than 50%.
Common signs include pain or burning during urination, frequent urges to urinate, feeling the need to urinate despite an empty bladder, and discomfort or pressure in the lower abdomen.
In some cases, a urinary tract infection may cause blood in the urine and be accompanied by a fever.
If you experience these symptoms, remember to increase your fluid intake and consult a doctor.
False belief about bladder health
Q: Prof., is it true that holding urine is good for strengthening your bladder?
This is a common misconception!
In reality, holding urine can gradually weaken the bladder.
Think of the bladder like a balloon with stretchy muscles in its wall.
The more you hold urine, the more the bladder wall will stretch, and over time, the muscles will become thicker.
As a result, the bladder can lose its elasticity, potentially leading to issues such as infections and frequent urination.
So, when your brain sends those first signals, listen to them and empty your bladder!
Erectile Dysfunction and Its Causes
Erectile dysfunction is a condition characterized by the consistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual activity.
It can affect men of all ages, with over 20% experiencing it, and has various causes, both physical and psychological.
Physical factors include conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, high cholesterol, smoking, hormonal imbalances, and certain medications.
On the other hand, psychological factors include stress at home or work, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and worry about sexual performance.
Understanding these causes is the first step toward finding effective solutions!
Management of Erectile Dysfunction
Q: Professor, what treatments are available for erectile dysfunction
The first step in managing erectile dysfunction is to identify its underlying causes and treat them accordingly.
As a second step, we can generally recommend one or more of the following options:
Lifestyle modifications, such as engaging in 45 minutes of cardio exercise three times a week.
Couple counselling and psychotherapy.
Oral medications such as Tadalafil, Sildenafil, or Vardenafil, preferably taken as prescribed by an expert physician.
Testosterone replacement, if necessary and prescribed by a physician.
Medications for injection into the urethra or the penis.
The use of a penis pump or vacuum device.
Penile implant surgery.
Testicular Self-Examination
A very interesting question, and yes, it’s true.
We strongly recommend that all teenage boys conduct testicular self-examinations every three months.
It is advised to perform the examination in both lying and standing positions, using all ten fingers to feel all surfaces of both testes and examining them separately.
Check for any lumps, hardness in the testes, or any mass like a “bag of worms” and look for any enlargement anywhere in the scrotum.
In the presence of any of these conditions, please see a urologist.
Testicular Torsion
Q: Do you know what testicular torsion is?
Testicular torsion is an emergency urological condition that affects some teenage boys.
In this condition, one of the testes twists, causing sudden, severe testicular pain.
In such situations, please go to the nearest Emergency Department as soon as possible.
This condition must be treated within a maximum of six
hours, and it may require immediate surgical management.
Penile Fracture
Q: What is a Penile Fracture?
An interesting question.
If, during sexual activity and erection, you feel sudden pain in the penis, hear a cracking sound, and experience a sudden loss of erection, it indicates trauma to the penis.
This requires an immediate urological work-up and likely surgery.
Kidney Stone Facts
Kidney Stone Facts
Interestingly, kidney stones are more frequently seen in men than women.
More than 20% of adults may experience kidney stones.
If you’ve had a kidney stone once, there’s more than 50% chance of experiencing it again in your lifetime.
It is good to know that, over the past 30 years, the incidence of kidney stones has risen by about 50%, probably due to an increase in risk factors.
Risk Factors: The main risk factors behind kidney stone formation include:
Concentrated urine due to low fluid intake
Warm climate
Obesity
High protein intake
Sedentary lifestyles
Signs of Kidney or Ureteric Stones
Q: Professor, when should we suspect we may have kidney stones?
If you’re experiencing severe pain in your right or left flank that radiates to your lower abdomen or external genitalia, along with nausea, vomiting, and frequent urges to urinate, it is likely that you have a kidney stone.
If these symptoms are accompanied by a fever or chills, it may indicate an infection. In such conditions, attend the Emergency Department immediately.
How to reduce or prevent kidney stones?
To prevent or reduce kidney stone formation, here’s a quick guide:
Drink more water, preferably water with a higher PH.
Add lemon to your water; squeeze it for added benefits.
Include low-fat dairy in your daily diet.
In addition, for better results, reduce the consumption of these three:
Red meat.
Salt.
Foods with high oxalate contents like spinach, chocolate, nuts, and soda.
Drinking water is the best defence against kidney stone formation.
Water dilutes and flushes out substances responsible for stone formation.
We recommend drinking at least three litres of water per day, preferably water with a higher pH level.
If you want to determine whether you have had enough water intake, it’s recommended to observe the colour of your urine. If it is clear or light yellow, you have had good water intake.
Add Lemons to Water for Kidney Stones!
Lemons are rich in a substance called citrate.
If you add lemon to the water, the amount of citrate in the intestine and urine will increase. Consequently, it binds to calcium, which is important for stone formation.
By combining calcium with citrate, stone formation will significantly decrease.
We strongly recommend adding two lemons to your water per day and preferably squeezing them for additional benefits.
Calcium & Kidney Stones!
It is a common misconception to decrease calcium intake when it comes to kidney stones.
The reason is that the most common type of kidney stones is calcium oxalate stones.
We should know that many healthy foods that we eat on a daily basis contain oxalate.
If the oxalate combines with the calcium in the intestine, it will not reach the urinary tract to form kidney stones.
Accordingly, adding calcium to our daily food will prevent kidney stone formation because this calcium will bind with the oxalate in the intestine and be excreted before reaching the urinary tract.
We recommend having at least two to three servings of low-fat dairy per day.
Red Meat & Kidney Stones!
Excessive consumption of red meat can cause kidney stones.
This is due to a chemical compound called purine, which is present in red meat.
Increased intake of purine can result in acidic urine, and acidic urine can cause different types of stones, mainly uric acid stones.
Salt & Kidney Stones!
High salt intake can concentrate urine, resulting in more stone formation.
It is recommended to have a low-salt diet to maintain diluted urine.
High-Oxalate Foods and Kidney Stones!
Oxalate is a natural compound found in some foods like chocolate, nuts, soda, black tea, and also spinach.
High-oxalate foods can cause kidney stone formation.
To prevent this, you can easily add any type of dairy to high-oxalate foods.
For example, if you are a black tea lover, you can add milk to your tea.
If you would like to have nuts, you can add some cheese to them.
If you like spinach, you can add yogurt, and so on.
Sexually transmitted diseases, also known as STDs, are primarily spread through unsafe sexual contact.
It is very important to be informed about these diseases, as they can be dangerous and permanent.
Believe it or not, each year, more than 350 million new cases of STD infections occur worldwide.
Most STDs have no signs or symptoms. Those that do have symptoms may include unusual discharge through the urethra or vagina, sores or warts, redness, or itching in the genital areas.
Stay educated and protected!
STD – Types!
STD – انواع!
There are more than 30 diseases that can be transmitted through unsafe sexual contacts.
The most common ones are
Human Papillomavirus or HPV
Herpes (HSV)
Syphilis
Gonorrhoea
Chlamydia
Trichomoniasis
HIV or AIDS
STD Four Facts!
Four important facts about STDs:
• Some STDs can result in different types of cancers, such as cervix cancer, penile cancer, and others in both men and women.
• Some STDs can cause infertility in both men and women, as well as miscarriage.
• Some STDs can be permanent disease and difficult to treat.
• Many STDs can be treated and nearly completely cured if diagnosed in time.
So, the best solution is prevention.
STD Fact – Shocking Truth!
Over 500 million people aged 15 to 50 are estimated to have genital infections with Herpes.
Many may have no signs or symptoms, but it can lead to serious health issues.
Human Papillomavirus or HPV is a very common sexually transmitted disease that can lead to different types of cancers such as cervix, penile, or anal cancers.
For prevention, safe sexual activity, vaccination, and regular screening are advised.
Nowadays, the HPV vaccine is available in many countries against several strains of the Human Papillomavirus.
The HPV vaccine is usually advised for both men and women between 11 and 26 years of age.
In children, usually two doses are recommended, and in adults, three doses are recommended, with the second dose given almost two months after the first dose and the third dose given almost six months after the first dose.
Scientifically speaking, the best way to prevent STDs is to be in a monogamous relationship to avoid unsafe sexual contacts.
Other protective measures include:
Both partners getting tested before sexual activity.
Using condoms.
Avoiding sexual activity if either of the partners has symptoms of STDs.
Routine STD screening isn’t necessary without exposure to unsafe sexual contacts.
However, testing is recommended if there’s any exposure or suspicion.
If exposed to STDs, it’s advisable to undergo a full STD test shortly after exposure and to repeat the test about two months later.
STD – Testing
STD testing can be performed using a urethral swab, vaginal swab, urine test, or blood test, depending on the laboratory’s preference.
In the case of a urethral swab or urine sample, it is recommended to collect the sample about one hour after the last urination.
STD – Treatment
Sexually transmitted diseases are typically treated with medications, and in some cases, surgery may be needed.
However, it is important to seek treatment from an expert physician rather than self-treating.
Some types of STDs, such as HPV, HIV, or herpes, can be managed but cannot be completely cured.
Additionally, some types of STDs, like human papillomavirus or HPV, can disappear on their own.
STD – Common Questions
-Do we have vaccines for STDs?
Vaccines are available only for some types of HPV and hepatitis.
-Is the vaccine effective after exposure?
Usually not. Vaccines are typically given before any exposure to STDs.
-Does a condom provide 100% protection against all types of STDs?
Condoms, if used correctly, can protect against most types of STDs but cannot prevent all types.
-Can STDs pass from mother to child?
Yes, many STDs can transfer from mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth.
Infertility is not only a female issue.
Half of the infertile couples may be due to male infertility, which is dealt with by a urologist.
Male infertility is defined when a man is unable to initiate a pregnancy after one year of trying.
Causes can be due to either problems in the production or function of the sperm, and secondly, issues with erection or ejaculation.
Both conditions have solutions. So, stay with us for more information.
Semen analysis, also known as sperm count, is an important investigation in cases of infertility.
Before collecting the sample, it is important to avoid any sexual activity for 3-5 days.
The sample can be collected either by masturbation or by using a special type of condom provided by the laboratory.
It is important to keep the sample at room temperature and deliver it to the laboratory within one hour.
Typically, we recommend having semen analysis done two times within 2-3 months.
The testes are important for sperm and male hormone production.
To protect them, it’s important to
Wear loose and comfortable clothing
Engage in safe sexual activity
Maintain good hygiene
Last but not least, it is important to avoid exposure to heat around the external genitalia.
Prolonged exposure to heat, such as sitting in hot tubs or saunas, or having a laptop on the lap, can increase the temperature of the testes, which is not good for sperm production.
Varicoceles are swollen veins in the scrotum, affecting approximately 20% of all men and 40% of infertile men.
Varicoceles can harm sperm production due to their heat effect. Varicoceles are typically examined to determine their severity through clinical examination in both lying and standing positions.
Five key facts about varicoceles:
Varicoceles typically form during puberty.
In most cases, varicoceles are found on the left side.
Most varicoceles are harmless and do not cause any problems.
Occasionally, varicoceles can cause pain.
In many cases, varicoceles can lead to male infertility.
Most varicoceles do not require treatment.
However, if a high-grade varicocele is detected clinically and is associated with conditions such as fertility problems, scrotal pain, slow growth of the testes, or abnormal semen or sperm count, treatment should be considered.
There are no medications available for the treatment or prevention of varicoceles.
Therefore, if management is necessary, surgery is the primary option.