Urology

Conditions We Treat

Our expert urologists offer comprehensive care for conditions related to male sexual health that may impact your quality of life. We also care for malignancies or infections of the kidneys, bladder or prostate along with resolving concerns with incontinence. Lastly, we are involved in family planning by offering in-office vasectomy procedures.

Erectile Dysfunction 

Erectile dysfunction, also called impotence, can have many causes. At Bristol Health, we offer comprehensive treatment to ensure we address the cause of your condition and improve your sexual function.

Penile Pain

Pain in your penis can disrupt your daily activities and make using the restroom or having sex nearly impossible. Our expert urologists diagnose the causes of penile pain, including infections and Peyronie’s disease, so they can provide effective treatments to relieve your pain.

Penile Warts and Sexually Transmitted Infections

Many sexually transmitted infections, including penile warts, can be treated with simple medications and prevented with condoms. Physicians at Bristol Health can help you find relief from these conditions and protect yourself in the future.

Varicoceles

Varicoceles are enlarged veins in the scrotum and testicles. If they grow too large, they can cause infertility as well as testicular swelling and pain. Our urologists use minimally invasive procedures to treat varicoceles, relieving symptoms and restoring function.

Vasectomy

Each year, more than 500,000 men in the U.S. choose vasectomy for birth control. A vasectomy prevents pregnancy better than any other method of birth control, except abstinence. Our vasectomy procedures are efficiently performed in the office with your comfort and care in mind.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men with it affecting 1 in 8. It is also one of the more treatable cancers with early detection. We have extensive experience in prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment, providing innovative care here in your community. We use advanced techniques, such as MRI fusion prostate biopsy, to target and identify cancer as well as robotic surgeries to remove cancer.

About 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, making it (outside of skin cancer) the most common form of cancer in men in America. Over 299,000 new cases of prostate cancer are detected nationwide each year, leading to 35,250 deaths. Our goal is to reduce those numbers in our community through early detection and advanced treatment options.

Are You at Risk? 

The likelihood of prostate cancer increases with age, with it becoming the most common cause of death from cancer in men over the age of 75. However, age is not the only factor. Others who are at a higher risk are:

• African American
• Have a family history of prostate cancer
• Frequent alcohol use
• Eat a high-fat diet
• Are obese
• Have been around "Agent Orange"
• Are a Farmer, painter or tire plant worker

Symptoms 

In its early stage, prostate cancer often shows no symptoms. That is why PSA blood testing annually is recommended. However, as prostate cancer grows, you may experience:

• Difficulty starting to urinate
• Dribbling or leaking of urine
• Weak urinary stream
• Not being able to fully empty your bladder
• Blood in urine or semen
• Pain or tenderness in lower back and pelvic region

Diagnosis 

Prostate cancer is diagnosed through a digital rectal exam as well as through a Prostate Specific Antigen blood test. PSA levels typically rise before any prostate cancer symptoms arise. A biopsy of suspicious areas may be necessary, followed by diagnostic imaging to determine if the cancer has spread to other parts of your body.

Treatment

Treatment depends on many factors - including your age, Gleason score and your general overall health. If the cancer has not spread beyond your prostate, common treatments include:

• Surgery
• Radiation Therapy
• Hormone Therapy

If it has spread, your doctor may recommend:

• Chemotherapy
• Immunotherapy

Urologic care is not just for men. Women may see urologists for various reasons related to their urinary system. Common reasons include urinary tract infections (UTIs), urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, kidney stones, bladder or kidney cancer, interstitial cystitis and urinary retention.

Bristol Urology offers Urodynamic testing of the bladder which clearly identifies the cause of your bladder concerns and allows for patient specific treatment. Testing is performed in the office by a competent staff member and interpreted by a physician following the visit.

Botox® bladder injections were FDA approved in 2013 for treatment of overactive bladder. Botox works by relaxing the muscle of the bladder wall which will then reduce overactive bladder symptoms by up to 90%. The procedure is performed in the office by a trained urologist with over a decade's worth of experience.

A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is when bacteria gets into your kidneys, bladder, or urethra. UTIs cause more than 8.1 million visits to health care providers each year. About 60% of women and 12% of men will have at least one UTI during their lifetime. Urologists can perform an evaluation and provide treatment options that are not just the prescription of antibiotics.