Urology

Male infertility accounts for approximately 40-50% of all cases of infertility. Its causes include various sperm production disorders, varicocele, hormonal issues (i.e. hypogonadotropic hypogonadism), smoking, drug and alcohol abuse, past chemotherapy, certain infections (such as prostatitis), ejaculation disorders and vas deferens obstruction.

Urinary tract stones form from mineral and salts. While small kidney or ureteral stones usually don’t cause any symptoms, larger ones may cause significant discomfort including urinary retention, excruciating pain, bleeding and frequent infections.

Small stones (up to about 6-7 mm in diameter) can be passed naturally. Larger ones, however, require treatment.

The vast majority of prostate cancers are adenocarcinomas, which develop from cells that make the prostate fluid. The disease tends to progress slowly. When it does metastasize, it most commonly spreads into the lymph nodes and bones.

Most bladder cancers develop in the urothelium (the bladder’s innermost layer). Left untreated, the disease tends to metastasize into bones, lungs, and/or liver.

Bladder Cancer Causes & Symptoms

It's believed that the main cause of bladder cancer is exposure to carcinogenic substances (aromatic amines, certain industrial chemicals and diesel fumes), which reach the bladder mucosa via urine.

Additional risk factors for bladder cancer are:

Kidney cancer (also called renal cancer) occurs due to kidney cells growing out of control. The two most common types of kidney cancer are renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and urothelial cell carcinoma (UCC). Young children are more likely to develop Wilms’ tumors. Most renal cancers are diagnosed before they can metastasize, leading to excellent survival rates.

Cervical cancer occurs due to growth of abnormal cervical cells. When found early, it can often be successfully treated. The disease can be diagnosed by means of a PAP-smear.

Ovarian Cancer Risk Factors and Symptoms

Risks include age, overweight, family history of breast, colorectal or ovarian cancer, and smoking. The disease’s most common symptoms are pelvic/lower back pain, frequent urination, constipation, tiredness, and menstrual cycle changes.