Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1274243
sPONsOR CONteNt Washington Regional Ozark Urology Clinic offers quality care for patients throughout Northwest Arkansas. John Brizzolara, MD, Mark Jackson, MD, Lindsay Horton, APRN, and Tasha Kerr, APRN provide diagnosis and treatment of urological disorders. Washington Regional Ozark Urology Clinic offers evaluation, management and treatment of many conditions including incontinence, impotence, vaginal prolapse, stone disease, prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia, cancers of the bladder, kidney, prostate or testis, interstitial cystitis, and urinary tract infection (UTI). A variety of treatment options are available including minimally invasive state-of-the-art robotic- assisted surgery using the da Vinci® surgical system. Learn more by calling Washington Regional Ozark Urology Clinic at 479-404-1100, or visit www.wregional.com/ozarkurology. Washington Regional Ozark Urology Clinic Multiple studies have found that men are less likely to have visited their doctor in the past year, and tend to skip recommended health screenings. These are just two of the reasons why it's so important for men to take charge of their health and detect issues early when treatment is most effective and can lead to better outcomes. While your doctor will talk with you about your risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes during your annual wellness exam, there are some problems men should address with a urologist, a doctor who specializes in the genitourinary tract—the kidneys, bladder, adrenal glands, urethra and male reproductive organs. The first is benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH. This common condition leads to an enlarged prostate gland in men as they age. The prostate is part of the male reproductive system and is located below the bladder and in front of the rectum and surrounds the tube called the urethra, which carries urine from the bladder and out the body. As the prostate enlarges it squeezes the urethra which can cause weak urinary flow, urinary stream starting and stopping, the need to urinate frequently, or a feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to long term damage to your bladder or kidneys. While the cause of BPH is not clear, experts believe is may be due to hormonal changes that happen as men age. Fortunately, most symptoms can be relieved with medication. There are also very good surgical options for patients whose symptoms are not helped by medication. These state-of-the-art robotic- assisted procedures are typically minimally invasive. There is no sure way to prevent BPH, but a simple thing to remember is that if something is good for your heart health, it's also good for your prostate. The second condition men should address with their urologist isn't always easy to talk about – erectile dysfunction, or ED. While it can be difficult to talk about something so personal, you are not alone and this needs to be addressed. Erectile issues can point to other medical conditions and cause psychological distress. After age 40, many men start to see some degree of erectile dysfunction. Ultimately, more than 50% of men will be affected by this disease as they age. If ED is affecting you, first talk with your primary care provider so they can determine whether an underlying issue, such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease, could be the cause. Smoking and drinking should be taken out of the equation, and along with proper diet and exercise, further damage may be prevented. If you have ED, there are multiple treatment options. There have been a lot of changes and improvements since medications first came out on the market. Options now include oral and injectable medications. There is even a quick dissolve version along with less expensive generic options. Bottom line, ED is a common issue that affects most men. While it's not often talked about due to the sensitive nature of the subject, you should talk to your doctor for both your general health and peace of mind. Take charge of your health Men: talk to your doctor for both your general health and peace of mind. suNDAY, JulY 26 | August - MeN's HeAltH WWW.NWADg.COM/YOuAtYOuRBest | YOu At YOuR Best | 9