Find your topic
- Erectile dysfunction
- Low testosterone
- Vasectomy
- Enlarged prostate (BPH)
- Aquablation
- Testicular cancer
- Kidney stones
- Prostate cancer
Sexual health
Men’s sexual health covers erections, ejaculation (including premature ejaculation) and sex drive, also called libido. Problems can come from age, health conditions, lifestyle or stress, and they can affect self-esteem and quality of life. They are worth raising at a visit, and there is usually more than one way to help.
Erectile dysfunction is trouble getting or keeping an erection. Treatments range from pills to injections, in-office shockwave therapy and a penile implant.
Low testosterone can cause low sex drive, tiredness and low mood. It is confirmed with morning blood tests before any treatment starts.
General urology
Men also see a urologist for problems with the urinary tract and reproductive organs. Common conditions that are not cancer include an enlarged prostate, hydroceles, spermatoceles, varicoceles, overactive bladder, kidney stones, urinary tract infections and prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate). Bring up any symptom that concerns you, and Dr. Su will help you work out the right treatment.
Enlarged prostate (BPH)
Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a common condition in which the prostate grows as men age. It can cause frequent urination, trouble starting or stopping, and a weak stream. Read about BPH and its treatments, including Aquablation.
Testicular conditions
- Hydrocele: a buildup of fluid around a testicle that causes swelling.
- Spermatocele: a fluid-filled cyst in the epididymis, the coiled tube behind the testicle.
- Varicocele: enlarged veins in the scrotum, similar to varicose veins in the legs.
- Testicular cancer: the most common cancer in men 20 to 35 years old. A painless lump or a change in how a testicle feels should be checked soon.
When surgery is needed, Dr. Su performs hydrocele repair, spermatocele removal and varicocele repair.
Go to the emergency room right away if pain in a testicle starts suddenly. It can be testicular torsion, a twisted testicle that loses its blood supply and needs surgery within hours.
Phimosis, balanitis and circumcision
Phimosis is foreskin that is too tight to pull back over the head of the penis. Balanitis is inflammation of the head of the penis. Both can cause discomfort and can affect sexual function. They can often be cleared up with medicine. If they keep coming back, circumcision (removing the foreskin) treats both. Adult circumcision can also be done for cosmetic reasons, and it can be tailored to the look you want.
Vasectomy
A vasectomy is permanent birth control for men. Dr. Su uses the no-scalpel technique, and most vasectomies are done in her office under local anesthesia in about 10 to 15 minutes. Read about vasectomy, recovery and the follow-up semen test.
Questions patients ask
Is a lump in my testicle always cancer?
No. Many lumps and swellings, such as hydroceles and spermatoceles, are harmless. But any new lump or change in a testicle should be checked soon. A physical exam and an ultrasound can usually tell the difference.
Do hydroceles and varicoceles always need surgery?
No. Many are small and cause no trouble, and they can simply be watched. Surgery is usually considered when they cause pain, swelling or other problems.
Can I have a circumcision as an adult?
Yes. Dr. Su performs adult circumcision, both for phimosis or balanitis that keeps coming back and for cosmetic reasons.