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URINARY PROBLEMS? DON’T SETTLE! UROLOGIST OLUBAYO TOJUOLA, MD, OFFERS ADVICE FOR ADDRESSING ANNOYING AND SOMETIMES HARMFUL URINARY ISSUES.
If you’re experiencing urinary dysfunction—a leaky bladder, perhaps, or an inability to achieve an erection, there’s good news. Most of these problems are treatable, often with medication or minimally invasive procedures. But don’t ignore them. In addition to being uncomfortable or annoying, they can also be symptoms of more serious health problems. Memorial Hermann Medical Group urologist Olubayo Tojuola, MD, offers straight talk about some of the more common urologic problems men and women experience and what can be done to prevent or manage them. (If you’re in a hurry, here’s the short version: If you’re experiencing any symptoms, don’t assume they are a normal part of aging and are Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer among men (after skin cancer), but it can often be treated, especially if caught early. The American Cancer Society recommends that men who are at average risk for prostate cancer start discussing prostate cancer screening with their doctors at age 50—earlier if they are at above-average risk. “Men should approach prostate screening as women approach their annual mammograms,” says Dr. Tojuola. “If you are not sure if and when, you should be screened. Ask your primary care doctor during your annual checkup. Your doctor is there to help you stay on track for all of your health screenings.” Managing a Leaky or Overactive Bladder If you leak urine when you laugh, cough or sneeze, untreatable. Talk to your doctor.) Preventing Prostate Cancer
to g row. And , i f le f t untreated, BPH can lead to permanent bladder and kidney damage. Fortunately, there are minimally invasive treatments available.” Addressing ED About 30 million men in America are af fected by erectile dysfunction (ED).
or during exercise or sex, you may be experiencing stress incontinence, which is more common among women. “For women, stress incontinence is largely a byproduct of age and time,” says Dr. Tojuola. “It can result from hysterectomy, pregnancy or menopause, all of which can affect the pelvic f loor, the bladder and the support system for the urethra.” If you experience sudden urges to urinate, perhaps leaking urine on the way to the bathroom, you might suffer from urge incontinence, also called overactive bladder, or OAB. “OAB affects both men and women and can be caused by infections,including urinary tract infections (UTIs), diabetes, pelvic prolapse or neurological conditions, such as stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis,” says Dr. Tojuola. “If you start to experience difficulty controlling your urine, see a urologist for a proper diagnosis,” he says. “We have many ways to treat these problems, but Prostate growth, known as benign prostat ic hyperplasia (BPH), is a normal part of aging and affects about half of men between the ages of 51 and 60. But, an enlarged prostate gland can cause uncomfortable urinary symptoms, as well as bladder, urinary tract or kidney problems. “An enlarged prostate can cause men to experience urinary frequency, urgency, hesitancy, weak urine stream and nocturia, the need to get up at night to urinate,” explains Dr. Tojuola. “While medications can treat the symptoms, the prostate can continue each condition is treated differently.” Treating Prostate Enlargement
Olubayo Tojuola, MD Urologist
ED is more common among men who are older, but it can also be caused by underlying health issues, medications and psychological or emotional issues, including stress. “ED can be a tip-off that a patient has underlying coronary artery disease, says Dr. Tojuola. “If you are experiencing erectile dysfunction, regardless of your age, don’t be shy,and don’t think that there is nothing that can be done about it. Talk to your primary care physician or see a urologist.” Start with a proper diagnosis. Dr. Tojuola says that while medications can be used to treat the symptoms of many urologic conditions, including urinary incontinence, BPH and ED, medications often don’t address—and can even mask—an underlying medical condition. “It’s important to identify and treat the underlying problem and not just the symptoms,” he says. “If left untreated, urinary dysfunction can result in more serious and sometimes permanent conditions. My advice is to come in and get checked out. Medication may be the answer. But, if treatment is required, there are minimally invasive treatments available.”
To schedule an appointment with a urologist affiliated with Memorial Hermann, visit memorialhermann.org/doctors/urologists or call 713.222.2273.
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HEIGHTS - RIVER OAKS - MONTROSE EDITION • APRIL 2022
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