Men's Health
Many men find it difficult to talk about reproductive health. The urology specialists at Beaufort Memorial understand this and can discuss common men’s health concerns with sensitivity. Our team has experience treating erectile dysfunction and male infertility, as well as performing vasectomies, offering advanced medical and surgical care that allows you to achieve your family goals and have an enjoyable, satisfying sex life.
Call 843-524-7607 to discuss your symptoms or request an appointment at a Beaufort Memorial Urology Specialists location in Beaufort or Okatie.
Common Men’s Health Conditions We Treat
Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
ED affects around 30 million men in the United States. It’s common for men to have difficulties getting or keeping an erection. However, if it happens routinely during sex, one of our urology specialists can offer effective treatments.
ED can also be a sign of a more serious condition, and your urologist can help diagnose a possible underlying cause, coordinating your care with other members of your healthcare team.
Possible causes of ED include:
- Alcohol, drug or tobacco use
- Being overweight or obese
- Bladder or prostate surgery
- Brain or spinal injuries
- Cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure or high cholesterol
- Certain medications
- Diabetes or high blood sugar
- Emotional issues during sex
- Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis)
- Hormone levels
- Not getting enough exercise
- Radiation therapy
- Stress, anxiety or depression
- Tiredness or fatigue
Treating ED allows you to have a healthy and pleasurable sex life, which can strengthen your relationships and improve your mental health.
Our team may initially recommend lifestyle changes, such as reducing stress or losing weight, to address erectile dysfunction.
If those are not successful, we can offer medications, penile implants, penile prosthesis, vacuum pump devices or surgery.
Male Infertility
Around 1 in 6 couples struggle with fertility issues, and an estimated 50% of cases are linked to male infertility. Low sperm count, abnormal sperm or problems in the reproductive tract can all contribute to male infertility. It’s not always possible to identify the cause of infertility, but it can be related to illness, injury, medication, obesity or smoking.
Fortunately, most fertility problems can be treated. We recommend seeking help if you are younger than 35 years old and you and your partner have been trying to get pregnant for 12 months, or 35 or older and have been trying for six months.
At Beaufort Memorial, our compassionate team specializes in andrology, a branch of medicine focused on male reproductive health. One of our urology specialists can help you understand your fertility issues and work with you and your partner to conceive. They will listen carefully to your symptoms and carry out a comprehensive evaluation, including a physical exam and sperm analysis.
At Beaufort Memorial, our compassionate team specializes in andrology, a branch of medicine focused on male reproductive health. One of our urology specialists can help you understand your fertility issues and work with you and your partner to conceive. They will listen carefully to your symptoms and carry out a comprehensive evaluation, including a physical exam and sperm analysis.
Our urology specialists also work with urogynecologists at MUSC Health to offer infertility treatments, such as intrauterine insemination and in vitro fertilization, which have advanced rapidly in recent years. The latest techniques help couples get pregnant even when sperm counts are very low.
Starting a family is not always straightforward, but your team at Beaufort Memorial will provide medical and emotional support every step of the way.
Vasectomies for Long-Term Birth Control
A vasectomy, also known as male sterilization, serves as a permanent option for birth control for men who have completed their families or no longer want to conceive a child. This safe, minor surgical procedure can be done under local anesthesia and is almost 100% effective at preventing pregnancy after two or three months.
Deciding to have a vasectomy can be a major decision, and our urology teams can help you determine if it’s the right option for you and your partner. If you decide to proceed, you’ll have access to the latest techniques that reduce discomfort and help you recover faster.
The Vasectomy Process
Your doctor will make small cuts in your scrotum and then cut your vas deferens, the tube that connects the testes and urethra, on each side. The ends will be clipped or tied with stitches or surgical glue before the cuts are closed.
After the procedure, you might experience mild pain and swelling, which will disappear after one or two weeks. Your doctor will give you pain relievers to take home.
Most men can return to work after two or three days and resume normal activities within a week. You should use other forms of birth control until tests confirm your semen is sperm-free.
Our Patient-Centered Approach
Beaufort Memorial urology specialists are trained to discuss male reproductive health matters, taking a sensitive, compassionate approach. Your first visit will include a thorough discussion of your symptoms, followed by a physical exam and tests that allow us to accurately diagnose your concern or arrive at the most appropriate treatment plan.
We involve you in every decision about your care so that your treatment matches your lifestyle and wishes.