Frequently asked questions

These are the most commonly asked questions that we discuss with our patients.

To receive a more detailed explanation and analysis of your particular condition, we invite you to schedule an appointment with Dr. Gonzalez.

What is urology?

Urology is the field of medicine that handles the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of kidney diseases, urinary tract, and retroperitoneum, which affect both male and female patients. It also handles diseases of the male genitalia, regardless of age.

Oncological Urology is the subfield of medicine that studies benign and malignant tumors, with a special focus on malignant tumors of the reproductive system (male and female).

Should women also visit the urologist?

Medical check-ups are the recommended and most effective way to prevent and diagnose diseases at an early stage.

Starting at an age of 40 to 45 years, both male and female patients should visit their urologist on a regular basis to evaluate their general health. Most urological conditions begin to surface at this age.

Why do kidney stones form?

Renal lithiasis (a.k.a. kidney stones) is a chronic disease characterized by the formation of stones in the urinary tract.

The clinical presentations of renal lithiasis vary depending on the size, location, and composition of such stones within the urinary tract. Some may even present asymptomatically.

The more common symptoms include:
- Pain
- Blood in urine (hematuria)
- Urine infections

What causes prostate enlargement?

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) consists of the enlargement of the prostate. It's a condition that is most common in male patients above 45 years of age. The degree of enlargement varies from patient to patient as they grow older and it could constrain the urethra, thus causing difficulties while urinating. If left untreated, BPH could potentially derive in urinary tract infection, bladder or kidney damage, or incontinence.

To confirm a diagnosis, your doctor might utilize exams such as: urinary flow analysis, digital rectal exam, or ultrasound.

The treatment for BPH depends on the severity of symptoms and might range from no treatment whatsoever to the use of medication and/or surgery.

What causes urinary tract infections?

Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) are common infections that occur when bacteria enter the urethra -generally via the skin or rectum- and infect the urinary tract. UTIs are most common in female patients due to the urethra being shorter and closer to the rectum.

UTIs may affect different parts of the urinary tract; however, bladder infections (cystitis) are the most common type. Symptoms may include:
- Pain or burning sensation when urinating.
- Frequent urination.
- Feeling the urge to urinate despite having an empty bladder.
- Blood in the urine.
- Pressure or shooting pains in the groin or lower part of the abdomen.

Kidney infections (pyelonephritis) is another kind of urinary infection that is less common but more serious. Symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Pain in the lower back or side.
- Nausea and/or vomiting.

What is urinary incontinence? Why does it happen?

Urinary incontinence is the loss of control over the bladder and/or urination. This is a common ailment. This condition may vary from being a minor problem to significantly affecting a patient's daily life. In any case, the condition can be improved through proper care.

Among patients who are at greater risk of presenting urinary incontinence include:
- Female patients after a pregnancy, birth, and/or menopause.
- Seniors
- Male patients with prostate conditions.

Depending on the type of incontinence, treatment may vary from simple bladder strengthening exercises, to the use of medication, medical devices, and surgery.

What is erectile dysfunction? How can it be treated?

The symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction (ED) include:

- Being able to have an erection sometimes, but not every time that sexual relations are engaged.
- Being able to have an erection, but not for enough time to engage in sexual relations.
- Not being able to have an erection at any time.

ED is often a symptom of a different underlying health issue. Many factors affect the vascular system, nervous system, endocrine system, which in turn may cause ED.

Although you are more likely to suffer from ED as you grow older, old age is not a direct cause for ED. ED can be treated at any age.

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