Let's Talk Men's Health

The Kidney Stone Center

North Carolina is home to the highest number of kidney stone cases in the country and summer is prime kidney stone season. The WakeMed Kidney Stone Center is the first comprehensive program of its kind in the Triangle region offering 24/7/365 dedicated treatment for patients with kidney stones. Our goal is to provide immediate care – whenever possible bypassing an unnecessary trip to the Emergency Room.

Our team of surgeons and advanced practice providers are available via our triage line 919-350-ROCK (7625). Patients calling the phone line will speak directly with a kidney stone expert. The patient is evaluated, and our team sets them up with the first available appointment – often the same day.

Hear more from Dr. Carmin Kalorin, medical director of WakeMed Urology, in the video below about the important role the Kidney Stone Center plays in diagnosing and treating kidney stones in patients.

ED

Erectile dysfunction (commonly known as ED) refers to the inability to get or maintain an erection during sexual activity. ED is a common men’s health issue. Some experts estimate that one out of every 10 men is likely to suffer from ED at some point during their life.

Regardless of the cause, the WakeMed urologists will work with you to ensure you get the treatment you need so you can get on with your life.

In the video above, hear about common treatment plans for ED – which often can include a prescription medication, a vacuum erection device, penile injections and implants/prosthetic devices. Erectile dysfunction can be a sensitive subject for men – and for couples as well. Don’t suffer in silence. Speak with a WakeMed urologist to find the best treatment option for you.

BPH

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition in which the prostate enlarges as men get older causing the prostate to “squeeze” the urethra and restrict urine flow. BPH is common, and it affects nearly 40 million men in the United States. In fact, approximately 50 percent of men in their 50s will have BPH. While this is not a life-threatening condition and is not related to prostate cancer, the urinary issues related to the enlargement of the prostate can lead to loss of productivity, loss of sleep, depression and decreased quality of life.

In addition to medication and traditional surgical procedures for treatment, WakeMed also offers minimally invasive, state-of-the-art options for patients dealing with symptoms related to BPH. Determining the best treatment option for you will involve a discussion with your urologist who can make recommendations based on the size of your prostate and the severity of your symptoms. Your provider will also take into consideration other factors such as health, family history and your personal preferences.

Minimally Invasive Treatment Options for BPH

Rezum Procedure

UroLift Procedure

Low Testosterone

Low Testosterone, otherwise known as Low T, is a common condition that affects nearly 40 percent of men over the age of 45. Testosterone is the hormone that helps men maintain and develop muscle mass, red blood cell levels, bone density, sexual and reproductive function and a general sense of well-being. While testosterone levels start dropping around the age of 30, when they get too low, men can start to notice some unpleasant symptoms such as unexplained fatigue, weakness, depression, a decreased sense of well-being, irritability, moodiness, memory loss, loss of libido and more.

The WakeMed urologists offer a wide range of treatment options for low testosterone, most of which involve replacing the lost testosterone. Your provider can discuss the numerous options with you to determine which treatment option would be best.

Peyronie’s Disease

A relatively rare condition, Peyronie’s disease only affects 6 to 10 percent of men ages 40 to 70. It’s caused by collagen deposition which leads to scar tissue accumulating in the penis which can cause a curvature or bending and loss of length/girth. This can make sexual activity difficult, painful or even impossible. Many times, Peyronie’s is misdiagnosed as erectile dysfunction (ED) – which is actually one of the symptoms of the condition. Other symptoms can include pain having sex and scar tissue that might feel like a flat lump or a band of hard tissue under the skin of the penis. 

You can read more about Peyronie’s disease here. The providers with WakeMed – Urology have a great deal of experience and expertise diagnosing and treating Peyronie’s disease using the latest and most advanced treatment options.