When a man discovers that he has erectile dysfunction, there are several treatments. Many times medications will work for a time, but it is estimated that 40% of men discontinue their use within one year due to a number of issues. Injections are the next line of treatment, but if these do not prove to be satisfactory, most men decide on a penile implant. We will discuss implants here including the two types, their benefits, plus the question: how long do penile implants last?
One thing that differentiates men from women is the level of testosterone a male has. Testosterone is a sexual hormone mainly produced by males, although females have some small amount. The level of testosterone is important for normal sexual development and function. How to know if you have low testosterone?
An occasional problem with sexual performance is nothing to be overly concerned about. However, if it persists and becomes more frequent, there might be something physical going on. If it occurs more repeatedly during the summer months, heat can be the culprit. Erectile dysfunction (ED) and summer heat: what you should know. Continue reading “Erectile Dysfunction (ED) And Summer Heat: What You Should Know”
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, or BPH, is a scary sounding name. It affects 25 percent of men by age 55 and half of the male population by age 75. It has easily recognizable symptoms, and is non-cancerous, but some of the test results can look like cancer. Let’s start at the beginning: how is BPH diagnosed?
If you have ever passed a kidney stone, you know the pain can be excruciating. You wouldn’t wish it on your worst enemy, well, maybe…. While some stones are so small, they pass without the person even knowing it, very large ones can be impossible to pass, and surgery may be required. If you are lucky, you can rely on self care for kidney stones.
At this time, we are seeing all patients for routine care. Please click here for a more detailed explanation of my current philosophy regarding the risks/benefits of resuming routine medical care. The following precautions will be undertaken to ensure your protection and ultimate safety during these uncertain times:
Dear current and prospective patients:
Over the past 4-plus weeks, Los Angeles County has been under a state of “lockdown.” I am on staff at three area hospitals here in the San Fernando Valley and am updated regularly on Covid-19 admissions, confirmed cases, suspected cases, ICU admissions and deaths. At this time, we have “passed the peak” at all hospitals where I attend. This is not necessarily the case for the entire county, as other areas are still seeing significant numbers of patients.
Plans are now underway for the careful and controlled relaxing of restrictions in a controlled manner. When considering the risks of exposure over the coming months, we must realize that the risk will increase mildly. The increase in risk will not be as significant as during the weeks leading up to the pandemic, when no precautions or restrictions were yet implemented. This risk will not fully decrease until a vaccine or other successful treatment is developed, possibly 18-24 months from now.
Keeping this in mind, I believe it is now appropriate to resume your routine medical care. Delaying routine care, such as an annual physicals, routine colonoscopies, mammograms, and prostate checks, can put your health at greater risk than the potential risk of infection. Medical offices are implementing high levels of anti-infection protocols. At our office, we are implementing multiple layers of anti-infection protocols for your safety and the safety of our staff.
Early detection and treatment of most medical conditions are still the best way of remaining healthy, even during this unprecedented time. I encourage you to take appropriate infection control measures and to resume your routine medical care. Be well and stay well!
Sincerely,
Michael J. Hyman, M.D.
