All articles tagged with #urology
A urologist argues that fears of a global sperm count collapse are overstated, noting that recent studies show mixed results and that individual health habits matter more than population trends.
A new analysis of the UK’s first dedicated pediatric ketamine clinic at Alder Hey Hospital in Liverpool reveals that children as young as 13 are suffering from severe, irreversible bladder damage. The clinic, which opened in May 2026, has received over 100 referrals, with the first 60 patients averaging 14 years of age. Most patients are girls living in deprived areas, many with histories of trauma, ADHD, or care system involvement. Symptoms include incontinence, chronic pain, and potential kidney failure, driven by a cycle where users take the drug to relieve the pain it causes.
A new NHS clinic in Liverpool has treated over 100 young patients with severe bladder damage caused by ketamine use. The condition, often described by patients as 'peeing a jellyfish' or 'weeing over broken glass,' results from the drug shedding the bladder's protective lining. While some cases are reversible, others lead to incontinence, kidney failure, or the need for surgical removal of the bladder. The clinic serves a demographic largely composed of girls from deprived areas who often have pre-existing conditions like ADHD or trauma histories.
Controversial influencer Clavicular promoted a 'shopping bag' method involving weighted stretching to increase penile size, claiming it could add an inch of length. Dr. Rajesh Patel, a urologist, warned that this uncontrolled approach lacks evidence and risks severe, permanent damage to nerves, blood vessels, and erectile tissue, potentially leading to erectile dysfunction or Peyronie's disease.
Frequent nighttime urination, known as nocturia, is not merely a sign of aging. While waking once is common, waking two or more times may indicate underlying conditions such as an enlarged prostate, diabetes, or sleep apnea. Experts advise monitoring symptoms and consulting a doctor if patterns change or are accompanied by other urinary issues.
Waking up twice or more at night to urinate, known as nocturia, affects roughly half of adults over 50 and may indicate underlying health issues rather than just aging. Experts advise monitoring frequency and consulting a physician if patterns change, as it can signal conditions like diabetes, sleep apnea, or an enlarged prostate.
Waking up twice or more at night to urinate, known as nocturia, affects roughly half of adults over 50 and may indicate underlying health problems rather than just aging. Experts advise consulting a doctor if this pattern disrupts sleep or changes suddenly, as it can be linked to sleep apnea, diabetes, or medication side effects. Simple lifestyle adjustments, such as limiting fluids before bed and improving home safety, can help manage symptoms and reduce fall risks.
A new study in Nature Communications identifies Actinobaculum massiliense, a urinary tract bacterium, as capable of converting the steroid precursor DHEA into testosterone. This discovery suggests a previously unknown microbial pathway for androgen production near the prostate. While the study does not prove these bacteria cause cancer, it highlights a potential local source of hormones that drive prostate tumor growth, challenging the assumption that urine is sterile and opening new avenues for understanding prostate cancer biology.
Prostate cancer diagnoses in the US are rising by approximately 3% per year, with the American Cancer Society estimating 333,830 new cases in 2026. While increased screening drives this rise, experts warn that many cases are still detected at advanced stages. Early detection offers a nearly 100% five-year survival rate for localized disease, making timely PSA testing and risk-based conversations with primary care providers critical for men, particularly those with higher risk factors.
Medical experts define excessive urination as more than eight trips to the bathroom during waking hours. While simple causes like overhydration or caffeine exist, frequent urination can signal serious conditions such as sleep apnea, diabetes, or neurological disorders. Nighttime urination, known as nocturia, is often linked to obstructive sleep apnea. If this symptom disrupts daily life, consulting a urologist is recommended.
The article explains that gym penis is real but usually temporary: exercise activates the sympathetic nervous system, causing the muscles around the scrotum to contract and the testicles to retract toward the body, which can make the penis look smaller. A similar effect occurs in cold water; most people return to normal within minutes to an hour as blood flow rebalances. Persisting changes or new symptoms such as lumps, swelling, pain, or erection problems should be checked by a GP per NHS guidance.
A urologist explains the two main roles of the testes (sperm production and testosterone), how they descend into the scrotum for cooler temperatures, and what’s normal (slight differences between testicles, the epididymis, and the spermatic cord). It covers not-normal signs (a firm, painless lump can indicate cancer, while pain or swelling may be epididymitis or torsion), the importance of early evaluation, and the typical workup (exam, ultrasound, urine tests, tumor markers; MRI if needed). The piece emphasizes regular self-exams in the shower to establish a baseline and urges men not to delay care if something changes.
Frequent urination in older adults isn’t automatically a normal part of aging; it can signal treatable conditions such as enlarged prostate (BPH), overactive bladder, UTIs, diabetes, kidney or neurological disorders. While aging can affect bladder function, persistent symptoms—night-time urination, urgency, weak stream, blood in urine, or thirst/weight loss—warrant medical evaluation. Lifestyle factors like caffeine, alcohol, and high fluid intake can worsen symptoms. Treatments range from bladder training and lifestyle changes to medications or procedures addressing the underlying issue (e.g., UroLift for BPH), with early diagnosis improving quality of life.
After more than 100 doctors over decades, Andy L.’s constant pelvic and perineal pain was finally explained by a rectal biopsy showing a granuloma and antibodies confirming urogenital schistosomiasis from a Tanzania trip decades earlier. Misdiagnoses—from Peyronie’s disease to psychosomatic explanations—gave way to the diagnosis, and praziquantel treatment lowered antibodies and eased symptoms, though eggs left in tissue can cause ongoing problems. He’s now raising awareness of this neglected tropical disease that mostly affects Africa.
Ballmaxxing, a viral trend of injecting fluids like saline or Surgilube into the testicles to enlargen them, carries serious dangers including infection, abscesses, tissue damage, and potential permanent disfigurement—especially when done at home with nonsterile materials. Medical fluids are not meant for injection outside clinical settings. Experts urge seeing a board-certified urologist for evaluation of testicular size and hormonal health, with safer options like testosterone replacement therapy or prosthetic implants as alternatives.