I Have Low Testosterone, What Does That Mean?

Dr. Mark Allen, MD, a urologist with North Dallas Urology Associates (http://northtexasurologist.com, 972.612.8037), hears the frustrations and complaints from patients that enter his Plano, TX urology office.  A little probing, and it doesn’t take long for Dr. Allen to diagnose the problem:  Have you recently noticed changes to your physique? Are you struggling with finding the energy to get through your daily routine? Has your sexual desire and stamina reached all time lows? Have you recently noticed that your daily tasks have become difficult to complete and hard to focus on?

If your answers to these questions are yes, and you are a middle-aged man, you may be suffering from Low Testosterone. In many cases, having an open discussion with your doctor about your symptoms can lead to possible treatment options (testosterone replacement).

What is Testosterone?

Testosterone is the male hormone that deciphers whether a fetus will have the reproductive organs of a male, or female. While it is the chromosomes of a fetus that decide the sex, it is Testosterone that builds male reproductive organs. Testosterone is released in large amounts in the body of a boy during his pubescent years, and provides him the ability to build muscle, deepen his voice, and creates his sexual desire. Throughout a man’s life it is the regular release of this male hormone that allows a man to maintain these masculine traits. After a male reaches 40 years of age his testosterone begins to decrease by about 3% a year, this is inevitable, and does not affect a man’s physique or lifestyle. An even larger loss of low testosterone in men, however, will cause undesirable side effects.

Low Testosterone in men only affects 1 in every 200 males under 60 years of age. But 20% of men 60 years of age and older suffer from a drastic decrease of these male hormones. Low Testosterone in men has been known to cause such symptoms as: anxiety and mood swings, difficulty concentrating, and a decreased ability to complete everyday intellectual tasks. A man suffering from Low Testosterone may notice weight gain around the lower abdomen or what is commonly referred to as the “beer gut.” When this weight is caused by Low Testosterone, and the male does not receive treatment, he may find it difficult to shed the pounds.

Perhaps the most common complaint among men suffering from Low Testosterone is erectile dysfunction, or the inability to receive and maintain an erection. The male testes produce testosterone, and when they produce a less than normal amount, the male is unable to receive an erection. It is also very common among men with Low Testosterone to complain of little or no sexual desire and/or sexual stamina. Though a loss of pride is not a direct symptom of Low Testosterone, it is no surprise that most men suffering from a loss of these male hormones suffer from this as well. In order to restore your pride, and achieve the successes of years passed, it is important to receive treatment to restore these male hormone levels.

What Causes Low Testosterone in Men?

While it is unavoidable that a man’s Testosterone will begin to decrease in his forties, there are a few things that cause lower than normal levels in men of all ages. Contributors to Low Testosterone are:

• Anti-Depressants/Anti-Psychotics
• Alcoholism
• Chemotherapy, Radiation treatments, and Cancer
• Disease and Illness
• Stress

The first step toward treating your low Testosterone levels is testing the hormones to see if this is indeed the problem. Is it low T? Talk to your doctor about a simple blood test that will provide him the information necessary to treat your Low Testosterone problem. If you would like to test your Testosterone from home, you may purchase a testing kit and do so.  If the test results prove that you are indeed suffering from Low Testosterone, do not be discouraged.

Dr. Mark Allen, MD, of Plano, TX notes that low testosterone levels can be replaced through various types of testosterone replacement therapy. One such therapy is the insertion of testosterone pellets. According to Dr. Allen, “Low testosterone can be treated with the insertion of testosterone pellets. These small, compressed, Tic-Tac sized pellets are injected under the skin (most often in the buttock just below the waistline). It is a very easy procedure and leaves a very minimal scar. The dose varies according to blood levels and other factors. Most patients will see improvement in their symptoms within a few short weeks.”

Low Testosterone does not have to change your life. With the proper testosterone replacement treatment, and with the care of your physician, it is possible to replace these lost male hormones, and regain your pride, and a sense of normalcy once again. Discuss your options with your doctor and decide what would be the best solution for you.

Dr. Mark Allen MD, a north Texas urologist (http://northtexasurologist.com) with North Dallas Urology Associates, often finds himself discussing issues with women during their visits to his Plano, TX office surrounding pelvic organ prolapse and pelvic floor reconstruction.

Ask the average woman about female pelvic health concerns like urinary incontinence or fibroids and she’s likely to have at least a basic knowledge of these conditions. Ask her about pelvic organ prolapse and she may look back at you with a blank stare.  These are conditions that are quite common in women, especially after childbirth, where a considerable amount of pressure has been placed on the pelvic region, but yet are rarely discussed until symptoms increase and begin to interfere with normal daily routines.

More than 30 million women suffer from pelvic organ prolapse, which occurs when pelvic structures, such as the bladder, uterus or rectum, bulge or protrude into the vaginal wall. Most women will complain of discomfort in this region and will often experience vaginal pressure, abdominal pain, urinary incontinence, painful intercourse and a constant feeling that something has “fallen”.

“In the case of a prolapsed bladder, it is common in women who have given childbirth or with the natural aging process,” says Dr. Allen. “The front wall of the vagina supports the bladder. After childbirth, or when a woman ages, this wall will naturally loosen and weaken. In some case, it will prolapse which means it is no longer supported and descends into the vagina. The result of a prolapsed bladder, are problems such as urinary difficulties and stress incontinence. In the case of other organs, the same incidences can occur.”

“When a woman experiences pelvic organ prolapse for the first time, it creates stress and confusion. The pain associated with prolapse is considerable,” says Dr. Allen.  “Often, women will refrain from exercise, sexual intercourse and will limit their overall physical activity because of the condition and the discomfort it causes. Many are afraid to use the restroom because it exasperates the prolapse.”

Types of Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Pelvic organ prolapse can occur in several ways. Vaginal vault prolapse can occur alone or along with a cystocele (dropping of the bladder into the vagina); urethrocele (sagging of the urethra into the vagina); rectocele (pushing of the rectum into the vaginal wall); or enterocele (bulging of the small intestine into the vaginal wall).  All of these conditions are treatable. A woman who experiences symptoms associated with these conditions should consult a medical professional. There are numerous treatment options available to consider.

Treatment Options for Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Treatments available for prolapse depend on the type of prolapse that is presented and its severity. Pelvic floor exercises called Kegel exercises or a vaginal pessary device placed into the vagina to support surrounding structures, are two traditional, non-surgical treatments.

There are now many surgical options available for women who suffer from pelvic organ prolapse. Surgical devices manufactured by American Medical Systems and new techniques have made considerable strides in recent years and physicians now can offer a number of long-term solutions. Many physicians will choose to use a mesh — either synthetic, biologic or both — to provide support for the organs necessary to restore nearby organs to their normal anatomical position.

“The mesh is a soft apparatus and has large pores designed to allow body tissue to grow into it, providing a framework of support,” explains Dr. Allen. “The use of surgical mesh is not new. It has been used in surgery for many years to help correct a prolapsed bladder (cystocele treatment) and other organ prolapses in the pelvic region. The use of the mesh proved to work successfully in many of my patients.”

Living with Pelvic Organ Prolapse

It is important for women to understand that pelvic organ prolapse can be made worse by anything that puts pressure on the belly, such as obesity, constipation, pelvic region fibroid tumors and frequent coughing.  Cutting back on caffeine is also recommended because it acts a diuretic and can cause frequent urination. One should avoid heavy lifting or any other activity that puts stress on the pelvic muscles.

For those women who have more than one type of prolapse, all can often be repaired during one surgical procedure using a mesh for cystocele treatment, rectal or other. “The best news about pelvic organ prolapse is that women do not have to live with it or its associated pain and discomfort,” continues Dr. Allen. “New surgical options are available that are safe and highly effective.”

Dr. Mark Allen, MD is a Dallas-based urologist. He was interviewed for this article.

More than 5 million men suffer from urinary male incontinence. Don't be one of them. Call your urologist today to learn about the treatment options that are available.

Approximately 5 million men in the United States will suffer from male urinary incontinence each year. According to Dr. Mark Allen, MD, a Plano, TX urologist with North Dallas Urology Associates  (972.612.8037  http://northtexasurologist.com ), a vast majority of these men do not discuss the symptoms associated with their incontinence condition with their family doctors and in many cases, the condition is left untreated.

Urinary incontinence is the loss of urine control. It can lead to episodes of a slight dribble of urine to the inability to hold urine all together; it can also be temporary or permanent depending on the underlying cause. While urinary incontinence is more prevalent in women, it affects more men than what is actually reported. In many cases, a damaged sphincter, the circular muscle that controls the flow of urine out of the bladder, is often the cause of male urinary incontinence. When damaged, which is commonly the unavoidable result of prostate cancer surgery, the muscle cannot squeeze and close off the urethra. This causes urine to leak.

According to Frank, a resident of Plano, TX and a patient of Dr. Mark Allen, incontinence and bladder problems were not only creating emotional stress, but it was limiting his normal activities. “Several years ago I was diagnosed with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). I have had surgery to correct this, but the result of the condition has left me dealing with incontinence.  For me personally, incontinence has been really stressful. It has limited my activities and sometimes actually leaves me homebound.  It is costly, messy and very frustrating.”

Prostate conditions (as in Frank’s case) such as an enlarged prostate and benign prostate hyperplasia, as well as infections such as acute bacterial prostatitis are common causes of incontinence.  In addition, incontinence from prostate cancer surgery is also a concern. Incontinence can become a major setback for men who experience the side effects stemming from prostate cancer surgery, and aside from impotence, it can be a major concern for prostate cancer patients undergoing a total prostatectomy (the surgical removal of the prostate). Other causes of male urinary incontinence and bladder problems include:

• Medications and/or prescription drugs that are given in high doses and that have a sedating effect.
• Spinal cord and/or head injury, which ultimately interrupts messages passing from the brain to the bladder.
• Infections such as urinary tract infections or bladder infections.
• Diseases such as cancer, Parkinson’s disease and Multiple Sclerosis (incontinence from prostate cancer surgery is an example).
• The aging process naturally leads to wear and tear on body parts and organs and can lead to forms of incontinence.
• Alcohol/Drugs/Smoking can cause incontinence because any toxin that effect human functioning can affect the ability to pass urine; Smoking is also a leading cause of bladder cancer and urinary diseases, which ultimately lead to incontinence.
• Mental State such as emotional stress, depression and illness.

“Unfortunately, many of my patients—like Frank—who suffer from male urinary incontinence and bladder problems stop doing things they enjoy, like going to the gym,” says Dr. Allen. “The primary problem is that incontinence and inconsistency go hand in hand. The urine leakage is unpredictable and varied in terms of quantity. The emotional stress comes from the unknown factor. What many men might not be aware of is that there are advanced treatment options now available for male incontinence.”

There are now real solutions for male urinary incontinence and bladder problems on the market that have been proven to change men’s lives and bring them a sense of normalcy.  From minimally invasive surgical procedures like the male sling for mild to moderate incontinence, to the gold standard artificial urinary sphincter implant that can resolve even severe incontinence, treatment is available. American Medical Systems, a company out of Minnetonka, Minnesota and creator of such devices and procedures has spent the last 35 years working to create medical solutions for both men and women’s pelvic conditions.

Surgical Options Available for Male Urinary Incontinence

• For mild to moderate incontinece:  AdVance® Male Sling System

This is a small sling that is made of synthetic mesh placed inside the body through small incisions. This sling supports the urethra, restoring normal bladder control in most patients. In many cases, the patient becomes continent immediately following the procedure and can resume normal, non-strenuous activities shortly thereafter

• Mild to moderate incontinence:  InVance® Male Sling System

This procedure also involves placing a mesh sling completely inside the body, but it places pressure on the urethra to reduce the possibility of urine leakage. Most patients are continent immediately following the procedure and can resume normal, non-strenuous activities shortly thereafter

• Moderate to severe incontinence: AMS 800® Urinary Control System

For men who suffer from incontinence from prostate cancer surgery (where a total prostatectomy was preformed), the AMS 800® Urinary Control System can offer a solution. This highly advanced, artificial urinary sphincter is placed completely inside the body.  It provides simple, discreet urinary control and mimics a healthy sphincter, keeping the urethra closed until you want to urinate.  The connected system consists of: a pump implanted in the scrotum, an inflatable cuff around the urethra, and a balloon reservoir implanted in the abdomen.  One can control urination by squeezing and releasing the pump.  The pump moves fluid out of the cuff and back into the reservoir. Urine can then flow out of the bladder. Fluid returns from the reservoir to cuff, squeezing the urethra closed again.

As with any surgical procedure, inherent risks are present with these devices and techniques.  Although rare, some of the most severe risks may include infection and erosion, surgical, physical, psychological or mechanical complication.  If these occur, they may necessitate revision or removal of the device.  For the majority of men who have taken the steps to get their incontinence under control, it was a step in the right direction.

“I really had no idea that a small device could help keep my incontinence at bay. For all men who are experiencing this, there is definitely help out there. Just find a reputable urologist and one that has experience with the AMS incontinence devices. My life has returned to normal and I’m able to run, play with my kids and do the activities that incontinence kept me from doing,” says Frank.

If you suffer from incontinence, don’t wait another day. Make an appointment with your urologist to talk about your options for a permanent solution that can help you restore your quality of life…and live life dry!

About the writer: Kristy Theis is the content editor for eMedicalMedia. Dr. Mark Allen, MD, Plano, TX urologist, and professionals from American Medical Systems were interviewed for this article.

The Calypso 4d Localization Radiation System | GPS for the Body | Radiation Treatment for Prostate Cancer | Plano, Dallas, Frisco

Author: Kristy Theis

Through a simple PSA blood test, Dr. Mark Allen, MD (972.612.8037), a urologist with North Dallas Urology Associates, was able to quickly diagnose Michael* with prostate cancer. As an active 48-year old husband, father and president of a mid-size manufacturing plant, the diagnosis came as a complete shock. With no real symptoms, Michael’s prostate cancer was caught early, however, because it was a more aggressive tumor, the ‘watch and wait’ recommendation that is at times given to younger patients was not an option.

“The news was very difficult for me to accept. We just sent our youngest daughter off to college and as new empty nesters, my wife and I were ready to travel and begin a series of remodeling projects around our house. Instead, I was in for a fight against cancer. I began my long and in-depth search for the right treatment that would allow me to live my life as I knew it before the diagnosis.”

After consulting with his Dallas-based urologist and a variety of oncologists, Michael opted for radiation therapy using the Calypso 4D Localization System. Reluctant to have surgery, Michael learned through a team of oncologists that radiation therapy can be equally as effective as surgery in treating patients with prostate cancer.

The Calypso 4D Localization System is quickly becoming the treatment of choice for thousands of men faced with prostate cancer. It offers a therapeutic approach that cures the cancer while allowing them to remain active and fully functioning.

Dr. Mark Allen, MD, a urologist with North Dallas Urology Associates, treated Michael for his prostate cancer. Dr. Allen, who is one of the only doctors in the Dallas/Fort Worth market who offers the Calypso treatment, said, “Most of my prostate cancer patients want two things: they want reduced side effects as a result of the cancer treatment and they want to keep their quality of life. The Calypso radiation technology uses real-time tracking which is immensely important because it enables us to deliver high amounts of radiation directly to the tumor while sparing all other organs from any exposure. This reduces the side effects which improves their quality of life.”

For Michael, incontinence and a decrease in sexual activity were huge concerns in regards to the side effects he might suffer from surgery or other radiation therapies. While there is no guarantee with any prostate cancer treatment or procedure in eliminating or reducing known side effects, the Calypso has a notably high success rate in serious treatment-related symptoms.

How the Calypso 4D Localization System Works

For Michael, and millions of other men diagnosed with prostate cancer, there are a few facts to know that will come as a surprise in terms of radiation therapy. The organs within the body move naturally; during radiation therapy a doctor cannot accurately predict which way these organs will move. If the organs move during radiation treatment, they risk receiving the radiation that is not meant for them.

The Calypso system is known throughout the medical community as the GPS for the body. With a tiny beacon that is inserted into the tumor, the physician is able to align the radiation directly and precisely to the tumor. This precise and real-time tracking has clinically been proven to raise the quality of life and reduce the side effects associated with prostate cancer radiation therapy.

For Michael, Calypso radiation therapy treatment proved to be a successful treatment option for his cancer. Sexual activity has remained active and as normal as possible and there are no out-of-the-ordinary urinary-related side effects associated from the cancer treatment.

Dr. Allen continues to see an increase in cancer patients who—if given the choice—choose the Calypso over other common forms of treatment. “I give all of my patients the pros and cons to each treatment options. Depending on where they are in their life, how active they are and the kind of lifestyle they lead ultimately helps us to narrow down the treatment procedure. For many of my patients who are in the same situation as Michael, the Calypso is a great and accurate prostate cancer treatment alternative.”

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/the-calypso-4d-localization-radiation-system-gps-for-the-body-radiation-treatment-for-prostate-cancer-plano-dallas-frisco-2696672.html

About the Author

Kristy Theis is a Plano, Texas-based communications freelance writer specializing in b2b, consumer and vertical trade copy suitable for both print and Internet. She has over 14 years experience in the fields of marketing, PR and copywriting and currently serves as the content editor for emedicalmedia.com.

With the help of sister company North Dallas Radiation Oncology Center, Dr. Mark Allen, MD of North Dallas Urology Associates brings a new technology to North Texas prostate cancer patients to help reduce the side effects of prostate cancer radiation therapy.  According to CBS 11 News Dallas, “North Dallas Radiation Oncology, in Plano, is one of the only Texas facilities using the Calypso 4D Localization System, otherwise known as GPS for the body.”  This technology allows the radiation to be directed specifically on the malignant tissue and prevents healthy tissue from accidental irradiation thus reducing long-term side effects.  For the entire article, video news coverage and patient testimonial, please visit the CBS News 11 website by clicking on the below link (be patient as the written article appears quickly but the video takes longer to download in the right margin).

New Machine Uses GPS To Deliver Cancer Radiation

Prostate motion documented in the daily report demonstrates motion of the prostate of greater than 1cm over 6 minutes.

If you are considering radiation treatment for your prostate cancer, it is important to know about organ motion.  Organ motion is prevalent, variable, and unpredictable during radiation therapy.  It presents challenges to delivering precise external beam radiation to the prostate.  A recent multi-institutional study showed that patients experienced organ motion during treatment fractions and the direction and degree of the motion is highly variable—from patient to patient and day to day.  The common methods used for target localization cannot provide continuous, real-time, objective guidance to clinicians managing patients receiving radiation therapy treatments.  The Calypso® 4D Localization System™ and Organ Motion is Prevalent, Variable, and Unpredictable implanted Beacon® electromagnetic transponders provide improvements with continuous, real-time tumor setup and monitoring without the use of additional ionizing radiation — GPS for the Body®.

Dr. Mark Allen of North Dallas Urology Associates is committed to providing leading edge treatment options to his patients and is pleased to offer the Calypso® 4D Localization System™ / GPS for the Body®.  Please visit click here to learn more information and schedule a consultation with Dr. Allen to see if you are a candidate for this highly effective prostate cancer radiation treatment.

Dr. Mark Allen, M.D. of North Dallas Urology Associates located in Plano, Texas has been providing urologic evaluations, treatments and surgical services in the North Texas Market for over 15 years.  Dr. Allen is commited to staying current on technologic advances that enable him to provide his urology patients with cutting-edge treatments and non-invasive surgical procedures.  Dr. Allen provides treatment for the full scope of urologic conditions such as:

• da Vinci® Robotic Prostatectomy
• Enlarged Prostate
• Erectile Dysfunction
• Female Incontinence
• Greenlight™ Laser Therapy
• Kidney Stones
• Male Incontinence
• No Scalpel Vasectomy
• Pelvic Floor Reconstruction
• Prostate Cancer
• Prostatitis
• Robotic Surgery

Baylor Plano is the first hospital in north Dallas and Collin County to offer minimally invasive robotic surgery for prostate and gynecology procedures through the FDA approved da Vinci® Surgical System.  Dr. Allen is pleased to be one of the few surgeons in North Texas trained in da Vinci robotic prostate surgery.  If you have prostate cancer or other urologic concerns please schedule a consultation with Dr. Allen today to discuss your symptoms and treatment options.