Varicoceles are common and some studies indicate that nearly 10%-15% of men will develop Varicoceles. Varicoceles are generally seen in males in-between the ages of 16-30.
Are Varicoceles painful?
In most cases Varicocele are not painful. Many individuals may not even be able to see Varicocele but may be able to feel them. One may feel a sensation like a “bag of worms” when the scrotum is examined with fingers. In some cases, Varicocele do become large and may become prominent. The majority of Varicoceles are no longer then 1-2 cm in length
How is diagnosis of Varicocele made?
Diagnosis of a varicocele is not difficult. An astute physician can usually make the diagnosis of a Varicocele based on a physical exam of the scrotum. It is best for the individual to be standing when examination is done. Sometimes the “bag of worms” will disappear when you lie down.
When the Varicocele is small, one may be asked to bear down by taking a deep breathe and pushing out the stomach, this forces the Varicocele to pop out. Individuals who have long standing Varicoceles may not see any change in size when lying down.
What tests are done to make a diagnosis of a varicocele?
In most cases, an ultrasound is ordered to confirm presence of a Varicocele. Ultrasound is not painful and simply involves placing a small hand held probe on the scrotum. The device can measure location, size, and abnormal blood flow.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
What is a varicocele?
A varicocele is a medical disorder that describes a collection of dilated or enlarged veins in the scrotum. There are many small veins that drain blood away from the scrotum into the blood circulation. Sometimes these veins get blocked and congestion of blood results. Over time, these veins become engorged and are known as Varicoceles. Varicoceles are the same thing as varicose veins on the legs. When Varicoceles become large, one may be able to feel them – this sensation is often described as a “bag of worms”
Which scrotum is most affected with Varicoceles?
Varicoceles can occur in both scrotums. but generally are more common on the left side.
Why does a varicocele develop?
Blood flow in veins occurs only in one direction. To prevent back flow, veins have tiny valves. When these valves become defective or fail to close properly, blood starts to pool and collect downstream. This leads to congestion of veins leading to Varicoceles. It is believed that defective valves are the most common cause of Varicocele in young males.
The small veins from the scrotum drain into larger veins of the body. Often, if there is a cancer or a mass, which compresses the large veins, this can lead to engorgement of small veins downstream. In the left scrotum, cancers of kidney can often cause development of Varicoceles. This is more common in middle-aged males.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Wonder Topical Spray for premature ejaculation
Male erectile failure is a common problem not only in North America but worldwide. For decades research has been ongoing to discover a pill or cream that can at least maintain erection and help males who suffer from premature ejaculation. Recent reports from the first US trials on a formulation of a spray anesthetic indicate that drug, Tempe, may have some promise.
The anesthetic is sprayed on the penis and recent studies show that it increases the time to ejaculation by as much as five hundred percent. Researchers claim that this is by far the best drug ever for premature ejaculation.
Premature ejaculation is a common problem in males aged 18-60 and affects as many as one in 3 men. These numbers experts say may even be much higher as many men do not always come forward because of fear of embarrassment.
The anesthetic is sprayed on the penis and recent studies show that it increases the time to ejaculation by as much as five hundred percent. Researchers claim that this is by far the best drug ever for premature ejaculation.
Premature ejaculation is a common problem in males aged 18-60 and affects as many as one in 3 men. These numbers experts say may even be much higher as many men do not always come forward because of fear of embarrassment.
In men who have erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation is claimed to be even more common. While many treatments have been devised for this annoying social problem, none has been effective in the long term. Previously available creams took nearly 45-60 minutes to work. More over the individuals had to wear a condom to prevent transmitting the anesthetic to the partner.
Now there is news for individuals suffering from premature ejaculation. Pharmaceutical company Plethora Solutions of London, England and Sciele Pharma Inc. of Atlanta have developed an anesthetic spray, called PSD502 or Tempe, that contains Lidocaine and prilocaine which is released as an aerosol spray. The drug is simply sprayed on the penis prior to sexual intercourse.
The present trial was held in 38 US medical centers and had 256 men across the USA, Canada and Poland. Prior to the study, these patients had an average duration of intercourse of 36 seconds.
Two-thirds of the participants used PSD502 and the rest were given a placebo spray.
Dr. Michael G. Wyllie of Plethora presented his findings at a recent Sexual Medicine Society meeting in San Diego. The results showed that men who received the drug had an increased intercourse time to an average of 156 seconds, compared with an increase of only 48 seconds in the placebo group. These benefits continued for several months during the study. Moreover, both men and women reported superior fulfillment with their sexual experiences. Other than an occasional numbing sensation felt by the female, no other adverse effects were observed. Since the Europeans have also showed similar results there are now plans to undertake more studies and get FDA approval.
Dr. Michael G. Wyllie of Plethora presented his findings at a recent Sexual Medicine Society meeting in San Diego. The results showed that men who received the drug had an increased intercourse time to an average of 156 seconds, compared with an increase of only 48 seconds in the placebo group. These benefits continued for several months during the study. Moreover, both men and women reported superior fulfillment with their sexual experiences. Other than an occasional numbing sensation felt by the female, no other adverse effects were observed. Since the Europeans have also showed similar results there are now plans to undertake more studies and get FDA approval.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Male menopause?
Males have no equivalent of a female menopause. In women, changes start to occur sometime at the 4th decade of life and there is notable decline in sex hormones which results in a variety of physical and emotional changes. At this stage, women lose their capacity to have babies and they also start to develop bone thinning or osteoporosis. The protective effects of the sex hormones which were present prior to menopause now disappear and by the 6th decade of life women have the same risk of heart problems as men.
Unlike women, men do not have an abrupt decline in sex hormones. However, in men there is a gradual loss of hormones which starts sometime in the ¾ decade of life and continues for the next couple of decades. Men do develop depression, loss of libido, and sexual dysfunction and often these symptoms have been linked to loss of male hormones. The diagnosis of male menopause is also difficult; there is no correlation between between declining levels of testosterone and symptoms. In fact just as many men with low testosterone levels have no symptoms at all.
While there are many male hormones out on the market, their use in males is questionable and also associated with prescribing hassles. However, replenishment of males with testosterone has not always resulted in reversal of these symptoms. Most physicians do not readily prescribe androgens for fear of side effects. Finally, unregulated use of testosterone can worsen prostate cancer. For males who are going through andropause, the best recommendations are to eat a well balance diet, exercise, have an enjoyable sex life and stay healthy.
Unlike women, men do not have an abrupt decline in sex hormones. However, in men there is a gradual loss of hormones which starts sometime in the ¾ decade of life and continues for the next couple of decades. Men do develop depression, loss of libido, and sexual dysfunction and often these symptoms have been linked to loss of male hormones. The diagnosis of male menopause is also difficult; there is no correlation between between declining levels of testosterone and symptoms. In fact just as many men with low testosterone levels have no symptoms at all.
While there are many male hormones out on the market, their use in males is questionable and also associated with prescribing hassles. However, replenishment of males with testosterone has not always resulted in reversal of these symptoms. Most physicians do not readily prescribe androgens for fear of side effects. Finally, unregulated use of testosterone can worsen prostate cancer. For males who are going through andropause, the best recommendations are to eat a well balance diet, exercise, have an enjoyable sex life and stay healthy.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Men and Nose Jobs: What you must know
The Plastic Surgeon for your Rhinoplasty
There are just too many plastic surgeons around, and not all are good. So select the best plastic surgeon for your surgery. One may be able to hide a complication near the buttock area, but any problem around the face is difficult to hide and embarrassing- and it becomes a life long feature for the whole world to see. The following are tips to selecting a surgeon:
1. Make sure that your surgeon is board certified in Plastic surgery. The lure of money has led to many surgeons doing procedures for which they are not trained in.
2. Make sure that the surgeon has a current license to practice and he is up-to-date with his plastic surgery skills. Verify the doctor's credentials and training.
3. Check if the surgeon has had any disciplinary actions and malpractice judgments. Many of the state websites have information on disciplinary actions. A few have information on malpractice judgments. A warning sign is if the surgeon has had more than three malpractice judgments over a period of 5-10 years, seek another surgeon.
4. Ask about the number of rhinoplasty the surgeon has done and his/her complication rates. Any surgeon who claims that he/she has had no complications is a damn liar.
5. Ask where the procedure is going to be done, who is going to administer anesthesia. There have been a number of incidences, esp. among cosmetic surgeons who have tried to cut corners and save money on essential nurses and anesthesiologist. Do not get the procedure in a rinky dinky office. Check out the clinic or the hospital first. You are paying for the surgery, so you will get what you pay for.
6. Most cosmetic surgeons have before and after photos of their patients. Ask to look at some of these illustrations
7. Talk to other patients, family and your personal physician. Always if in doubt, seek a second opinion
8. Ask about anesthesia. - Make sure that your anesthesia is being administered by a properly certified registered nurse anesthetist or a physician anesthesiologist.
Men continue to seek cosmetic procedures, and the trend is definitely on the rise. With the continued development of improved and new minimally invasive procedures and wider male acceptance of plastic surgery, there is every indication that more and more men will seek cosmetic enhancement in the coming years.
Rhinoplasty is strictly an elective procedure and one should never be rushed into the procedure. Always seek a second opinion if one is not happy. You do not want to wear a surgical mask like MJ for the rest of your life
There are just too many plastic surgeons around, and not all are good. So select the best plastic surgeon for your surgery. One may be able to hide a complication near the buttock area, but any problem around the face is difficult to hide and embarrassing- and it becomes a life long feature for the whole world to see. The following are tips to selecting a surgeon:
1. Make sure that your surgeon is board certified in Plastic surgery. The lure of money has led to many surgeons doing procedures for which they are not trained in.
2. Make sure that the surgeon has a current license to practice and he is up-to-date with his plastic surgery skills. Verify the doctor's credentials and training.
3. Check if the surgeon has had any disciplinary actions and malpractice judgments. Many of the state websites have information on disciplinary actions. A few have information on malpractice judgments. A warning sign is if the surgeon has had more than three malpractice judgments over a period of 5-10 years, seek another surgeon.
4. Ask about the number of rhinoplasty the surgeon has done and his/her complication rates. Any surgeon who claims that he/she has had no complications is a damn liar.
5. Ask where the procedure is going to be done, who is going to administer anesthesia. There have been a number of incidences, esp. among cosmetic surgeons who have tried to cut corners and save money on essential nurses and anesthesiologist. Do not get the procedure in a rinky dinky office. Check out the clinic or the hospital first. You are paying for the surgery, so you will get what you pay for.
6. Most cosmetic surgeons have before and after photos of their patients. Ask to look at some of these illustrations
7. Talk to other patients, family and your personal physician. Always if in doubt, seek a second opinion
8. Ask about anesthesia. - Make sure that your anesthesia is being administered by a properly certified registered nurse anesthetist or a physician anesthesiologist.
Men continue to seek cosmetic procedures, and the trend is definitely on the rise. With the continued development of improved and new minimally invasive procedures and wider male acceptance of plastic surgery, there is every indication that more and more men will seek cosmetic enhancement in the coming years.
Rhinoplasty is strictly an elective procedure and one should never be rushed into the procedure. Always seek a second opinion if one is not happy. You do not want to wear a surgical mask like MJ for the rest of your life
Men and nose jobs: part 7
Cost of Rhinoplasty
After one is realistic and ready for the surgery, one should select a surgeon based on his skills, reputation and his results. Do not select a surgeon based on the cost. The most expensive is not always the best and vice versa.
Rhinoplasty is an expensive undertaking and is considered a cosmetic procedure; most health plans and Medicare do not cover it. Costs range anywhere from $3,000 - $12,000, depending upon the surgeon and the location. In some cases where the nasal septum is deviated, perforated or one has had a traumatic injury or has difficulty breathing through the nose; part of all of the surgery may be covered by medical insurance.
For the rest of the individuals relying on the medical insurance to pay for the surgery, call the insurance company and be certain that you have proper pre-authorization for your procedure. Find out exactly what will be covered and get it in writing. Medicine is a business (just in case you did know that) and every one wants your money. After consulting with the surgeon, get the total costs which includes the surgeon’s fee, cost of anesthesia, cost of medicines, splints, dressing and other hidden costs (doctors are notorious for these-just like car mechanics).
For those who claim that their rhinoplasty was covered by medical insurance, this is a very rare exception to the rule.
After one is realistic and ready for the surgery, one should select a surgeon based on his skills, reputation and his results. Do not select a surgeon based on the cost. The most expensive is not always the best and vice versa.
Rhinoplasty is an expensive undertaking and is considered a cosmetic procedure; most health plans and Medicare do not cover it. Costs range anywhere from $3,000 - $12,000, depending upon the surgeon and the location. In some cases where the nasal septum is deviated, perforated or one has had a traumatic injury or has difficulty breathing through the nose; part of all of the surgery may be covered by medical insurance.
For the rest of the individuals relying on the medical insurance to pay for the surgery, call the insurance company and be certain that you have proper pre-authorization for your procedure. Find out exactly what will be covered and get it in writing. Medicine is a business (just in case you did know that) and every one wants your money. After consulting with the surgeon, get the total costs which includes the surgeon’s fee, cost of anesthesia, cost of medicines, splints, dressing and other hidden costs (doctors are notorious for these-just like car mechanics).
For those who claim that their rhinoplasty was covered by medical insurance, this is a very rare exception to the rule.
Men and Nose Jobs: Part 6
Complications from rhinoplasty
Like any surgery, rhinoplasty can be associated with some rare complications. These include:
- Some bruising around the nose and face is common.
This is transient and disappears within 7-12 days
- Some individuals may develop skin necrosis or allergy
to tape material
- Difficulty breathing for a few days from swelling in the
nose
- Open rhinoplasty may have a surgical scar but the closed
procedure has no visible scar. With the open technique the
scar is typically just on the underside of the nose.
- Repeat (revision) rhinoplasty maybe required in some cases.
Depending on whom one talks to, this figure ranges from 2-15% of individuals. The revision procedure may be required to correct the remaining deformity. Michael Jackson had numerous revisions and the result was obvious.
It is also possible that the cosmetic results of the surgery will not be what you wanted (there are always some individuals who are not satisfied).
Like any surgery, rhinoplasty can be associated with some rare complications. These include:
- Some bruising around the nose and face is common.
This is transient and disappears within 7-12 days
- Some individuals may develop skin necrosis or allergy
to tape material
- Difficulty breathing for a few days from swelling in the
nose
- Open rhinoplasty may have a surgical scar but the closed
procedure has no visible scar. With the open technique the
scar is typically just on the underside of the nose.
- Repeat (revision) rhinoplasty maybe required in some cases.
Depending on whom one talks to, this figure ranges from 2-15% of individuals. The revision procedure may be required to correct the remaining deformity. Michael Jackson had numerous revisions and the result was obvious.
It is also possible that the cosmetic results of the surgery will not be what you wanted (there are always some individuals who are not satisfied).
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