FAQS

What is a Urodynamic Study?

This is a test which establishes the muscle activity of the bladder. It is carried out by a nurse and a doctor. Fine tubes are placed in your bladder and rectum (back passage). To prevent any discomfort, a local anaesthesia gel is used. The bladder will be gently filled with warmed sterile fluid and the muscle activity is monitored on a computer. You will be asked to empty your bladder at the end of the test

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What is a Vasectomy?

It is a reliable form of male contraception. It involves cutting the two tubes (vas deferens) that carry sperm from your testicles to your penis. It will not affect your sex drive or ability to enjoy sex and you will still have erections and produce the same amount of fluid when you ejaculate. The only difference is that the fluid will not contain sperm.

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What is PSA and What should I do if my PSA is high?

Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) a protein produced by the prostate. A raised PSA on a blood test may indicate the presence of cancer of the prostate. However, PSA could also be raised as a result of a benign enlargement of the prostate, Urinary tract infection, a recent operation on the prostate or catheter insertion. Please ask your doctor if you have any concerns.

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What are the symptoms of Urinary Tract Infections?

They are related to which part of the urinary tract is affected: Cystitis causes painful urination, increased urinary frequency and feeling of needing to empty the bladder urgently, with sometimes urine leak. If the kidneys are affected (pyelonephritis/ kidney infection) there will be loin pain and high temperature (fever).

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What should I do to help my urine infections treatment?

It is important to take the prescribed medications correctly and to drink plenty of fluids (at least 2 litres of water a day)

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What is Prostatitis? How can it be treated?

It is a painful condition of the prostate caused by infection or inflammation. You will feel pain in the perineum and genital area and sometimes during ejaculation. Your urologist will advise of some investigations to be done and treatment options include antibiotics.

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What is urinary incontinence?

It is a problem with involuntary leak of urine. This could be in the form of: Urge urinary incontinence: needing to rush to the toilet and inability to hold urine until reaching the toilet, leading to a leak. Stress urinary incontinence: urine leaks during activities such as sports, walking, coughing and sneezing. Mixed urge and stress incontinence.

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How can I manage my Incontinence?

By lifestyle adjustments such as: good fluid intake, decrease bladder irritant drinks (coffee, tea, fizzy drinks), management of constipation, bladder training and pelvic floor exercise. There are different types of drugs to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and relax the bladder. Sometimes you may need an operation If these simple measures do not work. Please ask your doctor for further advice.

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What is Interstitial Cystitis/ painful bladder?

It is an uncommon painful condition of the bladder that most commonly affects females. The symptoms can resemble a urine infection (cystitis) but the urine test is negative. You may complain of urgency (rush to the toilet sensation), increased frequency of urination and bladder pain in the lower abdomen. Your urologist will need to do more specialist tests to diagnose it. Please ask your doctor for further information.

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Do I need a Circumcision?

A circumcision could be performed if you wish to have it done for cultural or religious reasons. However, it could be indicated to treat foreskin problems such as: tight foreskin (phimosis) and recurrent foreskin infections.

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I have a lump in my Scrotum, What can it be?

A swelling in the scrotum (sac) can be related to the presence of fluid (hydrocele, epididymal cyst), hernia, dilated blood vessels of the testis (varicocele), infection and trauma of the testis. However, a lump in the testis is a condition that needs urgent medical attention to rule out testicular cancer. Please ask your doctor to refer you to a urologist.

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What is a Urethral Stricture and how can it be treated?

This is a narrow area in the urethra (urination tube) that cases difficulty in passing urine. It can be caused by infection or trauma. The treatment is by widening of the narrow area using a telescope (optical urethrotomy) or by reconstructive surgery.

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Before and after your operation?

Prior to any surgery we will have discussed alternative treatments, what to expect before and after the operation and any complications that can occur. Our goal is to ensure that your procedure goes well with the expected result at the end. You must also play your role in a positive outcome by following any post-operative advice and maintaining a positive mental attitude which can help healing.
Before the surgery
In general you will be advised to stop eating at least six hours prior to the surgery and stop drinking clear fluids two hours before. This will clearly depend on the type of anaesthetic that you are having. Exact details will be given prior to the surgery. Most medication should be taken as normal on the morning of surgery with a small sip of water. Some medications such as Aspirin, Plavix and Warfarin may need to be stopped prior to the operation.. Urine dipstick testing may be performed prior to surgery to rule out any chance of infection. Please be prepared, therefore, to give a urine sample on admission to the hospital. Based on the urine test results your surgery may have to be re-scheduled.
After the surgery
I will see you before discharge from the hospital to make sure that you have recovered and are ready to leave, I will also give you any post-operative instructions as well as a follow up plan. This will also all be written on a discharge summary a copy of which will also go to your GP.
If you have any concens following discharge please contact my secretary Sheila Ogunbiyi on 07908 907 870

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