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Not All Urology Medications Should Be Treated Equal
There’s often misunderstanding about what encompasses urinary health and the best ways to treat certain conditions including the reasons behind incontinence, infections, neurogenic bladder, and other issues.
To ensure urinary system function, taking preventative steps to minimize ill-conditions is wise. But flushing your system with ample amounts of water or drinking cranberry juice to help stop the onset of urinary tract infections only goes so far.
What is Urology?
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More than bladder health, urology is the field of medicine and physiology of the male and female urinary tracts, as well as the male reproductive organs. Because of the difference in anatomy between sexes, urology can be simple yet complex as it can affect other organs and systems in its close proximity.
When it comes to urology medication, at The Compounding Pharmacy of America, we want to keep it simple. The more we can formulate urology medication specific to your needs, the more likely you’ll use the medication, with less side effects, and recover from what ails you.
Some urology medications are better than others, especially when it comes to prostate issues and bladder conditions. Not all men and women are affected by urologic issues in the same way. Why then, should your medication be any less customized?
By having more choices that can go directly to the area needing treatment, compared to oral medications, urology treatment and maintaining urinary health becomes more approachable and manageable.
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Men Need Specialized Care for Prostate Health
The word prostate can send fear into the hearts and minds of many men. But prostrate health is something to be cognizant of and when you know what to look for before problems arise, the subject is less foreboding.
In fact, men of all ages can be more aware of prostate health, as there are conditions that may present at different times during the course of a lifetime.
What Is Prostatitis?
There are many root causes for the discomfort that can be felt in the prostate and its surrounding areas, and more often than not, cancer is not the issue.
Generally speaking, prostatitis is common and can be defined as inflammation of the prostate. In fact, many men don’t even know they have the condition until they are tested for other urinary tract or reproductive issues and a physician tells them prostatitis is there. How can some men feel prostatitis while others don’t?![prostatitis](jpg/prostatitis-1024x661.jpg)
There are different kinds of prostatitis.
- Chronic prostatitis or chronic pelvic pain syndrome
- Acute bacterial prostatitis
- Chronic bacterial prostatitis
- Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis
Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis will not come with signs so a man may not know it exists. But for chronic or acute prostatitis conditions, there are distinct signs and symptoms.
Chronic prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome are indicated if a man continues to have pain or discomfort for three months or more at the lower back, the central lower back, the penis, scrotum or the area between the anus and the scrotum. Oftentimes, there is also pain after ejaculation, pain during or after urinating, and a change in urination flow or frequency.
Acute bacterial prostatitis will come on suddenly with severe symptoms including fever, chills, a burning sensation or pain during urination, pain in the groin, lower abdomen, lower back or genitals, nausea, vomiting, body aches, or the presence of a urinary tract infection. In addition, the process of normal urination can be further complicated by an inability to completely empty the bladder, frequent need to urinate during sleep, trouble with the onset of urination, weak flow or urinary blockage.
While we can provide antibiotics and other quality medications to treat the condition and provide relief from the symptoms, we recommend contacting your physician the moment you have concerns about the presence of acute bacterial prostatitis in you or someone you care about.
Chronic bacterial prostatitis can develop over the course of several months though the symptoms are similar to acute bacterial prostatitis and require attention and treatment.
Prostatitis should be treated sooner than later.
Depending on the type of prostatitis and the duration and severity of the condition, the following are the risks of complications if left untreated:
- sexual dysfunction
- inflammation of reproductive organs
- bacterial infection in the bloodstream
- prostatic abscess—a pus-filled cavity in the prostate
To find out if you have prostatitis, schedule an in-office visit with your health care practitioner to be tested for the condition. If you are diagnosed with prostatitis, The Compounding Pharmacy of America can provide the personalized and affordable treatment options to help you heal comfortably and get back to normal.
Treatment and Medications for Prostatitis
Depending on the root cause and severity of the condition, prostatitis can be treated with medications. Either a prostate-penetrating antibiotic: fluoroquinolone or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, or an alpha-blocking agent, such as diazepam. Make sure to consult with your urologist as diazepam use can increase the risk for drug-dependency
Low Testosterone
Throughout a man’s lifetime, he will produce a hormone, testosterone, to help with the development of larger muscles and sexual desire. Most testosterone production takes place in the testicles, ultimately to be released into the bloodstream.
As men age, it is common for testosterone levels to drop. For those who have low testosterone that decreases to a point that causes certain symptoms and requires taking hormonal supplements to replace what is lost, this is known as “low-T” or hypogonadism. The condition can be alleviated with compounding medications.
Treatment and Medications for Low Testosterone “Low-T”
The good news is there are many different ways that a man can take the supplemental testosterone needed to reduce symptoms and feel good. Medications, such as Depo-Testosterone, Androgel, and Testim, can help with the signs of Low-T including:
- Reduced sex drive
- Reduced erectile function
- Loss of body hair
- Loss of lean muscle mass
- Fatigue
- Obesity
- Depression symptoms
There are generally five different ways to take the hormone testosterone: by injection, skin patches, orally, through the nose, and pellets under the skin. Each delivery system is just as effective as the other.
Peyronie’s Disease
Some men will develop a layer of scar tissue just under the skin of their penis. Over time, this can cause a condition called phimosis where the penis will bend or curve during an erection. Not only can this be painful but make sexual intercourse challenging. If this sounds like something you are experiencing, talk to a urologist about your symptoms and whether it could be Peyronie’s Disease.
Treatment and Medications for Peyronie’s Disease
Surgery can be a course of treatment for Peyronie’s disease if the condition has been prevalent for more than a year and causing severe malformation prohibiting sex. Otherwise, medications prove less invasive and can be effective. Collagenase works by breaking down the collagen that builds up in the penis, causing the irregular curvature.
Women Deserve the Relief that Compounded Urology Medications Offer
The complexities of the female reproductive system and associated hormonal changes can generate a less-than-desirable effect on sexuality. Use of certain medications to treat urologic conditions or chronic pain can be the culprit in female sexual dysfunction.
Women should consider consulting a specialist in alternative pharmaceuticals. The Compounding Pharmacy of America can create female enhancement creams, effective in increasing blood flow to the genital area to boost sensation.
As long as you’re seeking treatment, choose solutions to meet your individual needs, instead of trying generic lubricants that contain dietary supplements or other ingredients that “cool” for the moment but lack in truly addressing the fundamental issue.
In addition, we can provide less invasive remedies to treat the symptoms of hormone changes or deficiencies that are just as effective as oral medications though less taxing on the liver.
Urinary Tract Infection Symptoms
No matter your gender, urinary tract infection (UTI) symptoms can slow you down and make it difficult to be productive. UTIs can affect the ureters, bladder, and the urethra. Without the right kind of urology medications, the condition can progress into kidney infection.
Here are the signs that may indicate a UTI:
- Persistent urge to urinate
- Burning when urinating
- Frequent, small amounts of urine
- Cloudy urine
- Red, bright pink or cola-colored urine
- Urine with a strong smell
- Pelvic pain (women)
Learn how compounding urology medications can provide greater benefits.
Treatment and Medications for Urinary Tract Infections
Bladder infections, left untreated, can travel to the kidneys, requiring treatment that can affect all areas of the urinary tract and effectively remove the infection. Antibiotics are commonly prescribed, and can include: levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, cephalexin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, nitrofurantoin, fosfomycin, methenamine hippurate, trimethoprim, and nalidixic acid. In the event that treatment would necessitate addressing pain, phenazopyridine, a pain reliever may also be prescribed.
We Can Treat Neurogenic Bladder
Millions of Americans suffer in silence with neurogenic bladder. The symptoms can differ and the condition can come about due to a variety of health issues. Fundamentally, neurogenic bladder refers to a lack of bladder control as a result of nerve damage, spinal injury or brain condition.
Parkinson’s disease, diabetes or multiple sclerosis can be the culprit, or infection of the central nervous system, as well as stroke, repercussions of pelvic surgery, or heavy metal poisoning. Because bladder control is derived from nerve health, neurogenic bladder can be evident in an:
- Overactive bladder (OAB)
- Underactive bladder (UAB)
- Incontinence
- Obstructive or blocked bladder
In addition to recommended lifestyle changes, your urologist may suggest the use of compounding urology medications to help ease the symptoms and minimize the problems associated with a neurogenic bladder diagnosis.
Treatment and Medications for Neurogenic Bladder
While there are certain lifestyle changes that can help with a neurogenic bladder, such as reducing or eliminating caffeine, carbonated drinks, spicy foods, and citrus fruit from one’s diet, there are medications that also provide benefit. Through compounded prescription anticholinergic medications called oxybutynin as well as tolterodine relax the bladder and can help. In addition, increasing the frequency of urine elimination through the use of bethanechol drugs is also an option.
Bladder Prolapse
Sometimes it happens after injury or surgery. It can also happen due to the normal aging process. But when bladder prolapse happens it can cause discomfort, constipation, and stress incontinence. Bladder prolapse is when the muscles and tissues of the pelvic floor are weakened and, thus, unable to properly support the pelvic organs, eventually dropping from the normal position within the body. There are exercises that can help strengthen the area and reverse the process. To get a definitive diagnosis, ask a urologist, and for women, a gynecologist.
Treatment and Medications for Bladder Prolapse
Surgery is a last resort in cases of bladder prolapse as there are many other readily available treatments to strengthen the pelvic floor and reverse bladder prolapse. Certain exercises, such as kegeling, and other physical therapy methods can help with bladder prolapse. When necessary, woman can be given a pessary, placed in the vagina to help lift the bladder, add compression to the urethra, alleviating leakage. The addition of estrogen, a female hormone, can also be helpful with bladder prolapse.
Interstitial Cystitis
Also known as Bladder Pain Syndrome (BPS), Interstitial Cystitis (IC) can come and go in a patient, though there is no cure. It’s a chronic inflammatory condition of the bladder than can cause a range of discomfort, from mild to severe. Specific symptoms help distinguish this condition from others of the urinary tract area, including the existing of pan in the lower urinary tract for more than six weeks without the presence of an infection. In addition, the bladder area may have the sensation of pressure and the need to urinate, even when the bladder is virtually empty. BPS can also bring bouts of constipation or irritable bowel syndrome, especially after ingesting certain foods and beverages, such as caffeinated drinks, alcohol, spicy foods, artificial sweeteners, sodas, citrus fruits, and cranberries.
If your symptoms indicate the possibility of having this condition, a medical evaluation from a urologist is recommended. Should you be prescribed medications to help the discomfort, Compounding Pharmacy of America can formulate the medication in the right delivery system for your needs.
Treatment and Medications for Interstitial Cystitis
Oftentimes, a simple change in one’s diet can help lessen the amount of urination urgency and frequency and inflammation present with interstitial cystitis. This includes removing tea, coffee, artificial sweeteners, alcoholic beverages, sodas, cranberry juice, citrus juices, spicy foods and hot peppers. Medications can also help alleviate the symptoms, to include antihistamines, such as loratadine as well as pentosan polysulfate sodium.
Kidney Stones
Many people believe that kidney stones are a man’s health condition. While 1 in 10 men will experience kidney stones at some point in their life, 1 in 12 women will do the same. Some changes to diet can help ease the development of kidney stones, as well as minimizing alcohol intake. Kidney stones can seemingly arise out of nowhere, causing intense pain in the back and bring about nausea and vomiting. These tiny, hard stones of mineral and acid salts come from the kidneys but must pass through the ureters. Compounding medications can help.
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Treatment and Medications for Kidney Stones
A variety of treatments are recommended to help diminish the pain and discomfort of a kidney stone and the process required to help it pass. A combination of urinary retention medication (tamsulosin), narcotics for pain (morphine sulfate), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory meds (ketorolac), and diuretics (hydrochlorothiazide) are often prescribed. In addition, increasing one’s intake of water will help flush it out faster.
Kidney Disease
Many of us take for granted the importance of our kidneys as they are the body’s natural filtration system. Once compromised, overall health is jeopardized and the result can be fatal. Some of the symptoms of kidney damage can mirror other health conditions. If you have high blood pressure and are experiencing swelling of the ankles and hands, consult your urologist.
Treatment and Medications for Kidney Disease
Managing kidney disease requires ongoing treatment that can include dialysis, medications, and drastic changes in lifestyle. A low-protein diet is advised, as well as adding dietary supplements to help process oxygen and vitamin D throughout the body more effectively. Iron and cholecalciferol can help. At the same time, ensuring that the body removes excess salt and water is paramount to kidney help. Diuretics are often needed to assist, and bumetanide is effective and can also help minimize edema, excess fluid, and high blood pressure. Reducing calcium levels in the blood is also a protocol for treatment, and the drug cinacalcet is effective. Anemia can be a repercussion of kidney disease and bone marrow stimulants, such as darbepoetin alfa and erythropoietin, may be needed to help increase new red blood cell production.
Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
Erectile dysfunction is characterized by the inability to either achieve or maintain an erection firm enough for sexual activity. While most men will experience erectile problems at some point in their lives, this does not necessarily mean that they will develop ED. Officially, ED is only diagnosed when the failure to achieve or maintain an erection becomes a recurring pattern in one’s sexual experiences.
Treatments and Medications for Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
Examples of treatments include a highly effective combination of the injectable ED medications alprostadil, papaverine and phentolamine (known as a “tri-mix”). Each of these medications play a unique role in the treatment of ED. Some patients see the most improvement when taking all three tri-mix medications, while others respond best with just two (“bi-mix”), or even one.
Read more on ED: Knowing What to Ask About Erectile Dysfunction
Urology FAQs
How do I know when it’s time to see a urologist about bladder leakage?
If the incidences of leakage are compromising everyday life, requiring multiple changes of clothing for example, or diminishing quality of life (missing social activities for fear of embarrassment), then it’s time to see doctor
When should I begin prostate cancer screening tests?
Once a man reaches the age of 50, the American Cancer Society recommends an annual checkup to screen for the disease, as well as a digital rectum exam, and a PSA blood test. For men who have a family history of prostate cancer, annual screenings should start between the ages of 40 to 45.
Is there anything I can do to lower my chances of developing prostate cancer?
Although there are no known causes for prostate cancer, following a healthy lifestyle can help minimize the risk. Staying physically active, eating healthy foods and keeping a healthy weight are beneficial. Ensuring that your diet includes foods that contain zinc, soy, lycopene, and selenium are helpful, such as edamame, peanuts, and tomatoes.
Is there anything I can do to maintain or improve urology health?
Make sure to stay hydrated, eat healthy foods, exercise regularly, and maintain a healthy weight. In addition, avoid overconsumption of alcoholic beverages, caffeine, and tobacco products.
Is urodynamic testing helpful?
To better assess the overall health of your urinary tract, urodynamic testing can provide a better analysis in the functionality of the muscles related to urination and the pelvic area, as well as the urethra and the bladder.
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How to Get Your Compounded Urology Medication
Speak with your doctor today about your urinary or reproductive struggles, and then work with The Compounding Pharmacy of America to overcome the symptoms and get your life back on track.
We can then work in tandem with your doctor to make sure you get the right medication in the right form, dose and mixture. The best plan for treating urinary and reproductive health issues is a plan designed and personalized just for you.