Podbrix |New Thinking…

The decision to go for a vasectomy is one of the toughest choices you and your partner can have to make. Your New York vasectomy specialist Michael Rotman, MD, asserts that you should take time as a couple to evaluate and think about whether it is the path you want to take. Though the procedure might be the best option when you have no plans of having kids in the future, it might not be an option to consider if you are looking for a temporary birth control form.

What should you expect during the procedure?

The question you are probably asking yourself is if vasectomy hurts. Well, probably not. Your healthcare provider will ensure to make the process as comfortable as it should. He will inject local anesthesia into your testicles to numb your treatment areas. Your surgeon may also give you medication to make you calm throughout the procedure. However, you might feel slight discomfort, especially when your doctor numbs your testicles in preparation for the process.

Vasectomy comes in two types. One will require an incision and the other one is incision-free. During an incision vasectomy, your doctor will make either one or two tiny cuts in your scrotum through which he will tie your vas deferens. In some instances, the specialist may remove a small piece from each of the tubes. The surgeon will then block (with surgical clips), tie, or close (with an electrical current) your tubes. After your doctor is done with the process, he will then stitch up the incision.

On the other hand, the incision-free vasectomy prompts your doctor to puncture your scrotum to access your vas deferens. The surgeon then cauterizes, ties off, or blocks your tubes. Since the treatment does not need an incision, you are likely to heal quickly with no scars.

How are you likely to feel after vasectomy?

You are likely to feel pain or slight discomfort after the treatment. You may also experience some bruising and swelling, which may resolve in a few days. The healthcare professional may also advise you to wear snug underwear that will minimize your testicles’ movements, ice your genitals (when in pain), refrain from having sex for approximately seven days, and take pain medications to relieve you from pain. You might also rest from doing physically strenuous jobs or exercises for about a week after the procedure.

Does vasectomy prevent pregnancy immediately?

Sterilization will not happen immediately after your doctor ties, blocks, or closes your vas deferens. However, your ejaculate sperm count will decrease gradually over time. As a result, your doctor may advise you to continue using other birth control forms until you ejaculate completely sperm-free semen. The gradual sperm recession may take you approximately two months or around 20 ejaculations before you should resume your regular sexual life.

Will vasectomy affect your sexual functioning?

The treatment should not negatively affect your sexual drive or your ability to have a steady erection because a minimal percentage (approximately 10%) of your ejaculate comes from your testicles. The other significant portion stems from your upstream structures like your seminal vesicles and prostate. As a result, your ejaculation will feel and look the same, just that your semen will microscopically miss sperm.

A vasectomy might be your best option if you are looking for a permanent birth control solution. Contact your physician for more details if you and your partner are considering the treatment.

Aesthetic treatments have become popular among men and women to restore appearance and enhance overall wellness. People use them to erase aging effects and to promote natural beauty. They also help in adding confidence and improving self-love, hence better and fulfilling lives. Jenniffer Addy RN, a certified aesthetic nurse at Ideal MedSpas, provides various advanced and non-invasive aesthetic treatments to meet your desired goals. Focusing on patient-centered care, the CoolSculpting specialist ensures you receive excellent care. From anti-aging to body contouring and facials, the experienced nurse leads the team in providing top-notch cosmetic aesthetic treatments. Contact their office to learn more.

Here are among the aesthetic treatments you can benefit from, Addy:

Body Contouring

Losing weight is not as easy as you may think; it requires a lot of patience and hard work. Unfortunately, even with exercise and diet, losing weight can be a nightmare. Body contouring helps you get rid of that stubborn fat in no time. The good thing with a healthy lifestyle is that the results can last for ages.

Body contouring at Ideal MedSpas occurs in various types, including CoolSculpting and Viora’s V-Form. CoolSculpting destroys stubborn fat cells by freezing them, while Viora V-Form uses radiofrequency energy to minimize fat volume and cellulite, enhancing a tight and firm skin.

You can use body contouring for various body parts including, the abdomen, thighs, under the chin, back, upper arms, and more.

Laser Treatment

Many aesthetic treatments apply advanced techniques to enhance quality and effectiveness. Laser technology is among the widely used method in providing various aesthetic treatments, including:

•       Skin tightening.
•       Vaginal rejuvenation.
•       Hair removal.
•       Photofacials.
•       Acne clearance.
•       Body contouring.
•       Skin rejuvenation.
•       Wrinkles and stretch marks reduction.

Botox

Botox is among the most common and popular aesthetic treatments to eliminate wrinkles and frown lines. Wrinkles occur from muscle contractions during facial expressions. Repetition of these muscle contractions results in folding and furrowing of the skin, forming facial lines.

Botox is a neuromodulator injection in the face that minimizes muscle activity preventing wrinkles and line formation. Botox enhances smooth and youthful-looking skin within a few days after treatment, with results lasting for up to 4 months.

Fillers

Fillers are injections containing hyaluronic acid injected into your face to add up the volume. You can use fillers to:

•       Erase wrinkles.
•       Reduce scar appearance.
•       Plump and hydrate lips.
•       Add volume to folds in the face.
•       Replace soft-tissue volume loss in the face.

You can use fillers on various areas such as cheeks, lips, smile lines, mouth corners, and more.

The results are noticeable immediately and may last up to a year and more depending on the area injected and the type of treatment. You may require several treatments to maintain your results.

Facial Treatments

Facial treatments involve various techniques to improve and transform your skin. They may also include skincare products to help enhance your results. At Ideal MedSpas, facial treatments include chemical peels, facials, hydrafacials, and more.

Facial treatments help:

•       Enhance an even tone complexion.
•       Brightens, rejuvenates, and hydrates your skin.
•       Exfoliates and cleanses your face.
•       Prevents and minimizes fine lines appearance.

Contact the Cosmetic and Aesthetic Specialist Today

Aesthetic treatments benefit many individuals with anti-aging, improving and restoring the appearance and enhancing self-confidence. Do not be left behind. Consult the experts at Ideal MedSpas today to enjoy the various benefits of aesthetic treatments.

Some dental issues may cause severe damage to your teeth, including the bone and to some point lead to bone loss. When it happens, your jaws might be in danger which may also disorient your face and affect the proper functioning of your oral system. If you have experienced bone loss due to gum disease or any other oral condition, you might consider seeing a specialist for bone grafts in The Woodlands. Oral Facial Surgery Specialists at The Woodlands offer extensive bone graft care to restore your jaw and promote your dental health. Call their office today or book your consultation online.

Here is what you need to know about bone grafts:

What Are Bone Grafts?

Bone grafts are bone parts added where the bone has been lost in your mouth or requires support. Dr. Muniz uses bone grafting to rebuild a damaged bone or support an artificial tooth.

The bone grafting procedure involves your provider making a small cut in your gums and then adding the grafting materials to the worn-out bone. Grafting materials are easy to apply and include gel, putty, and powder.

Before the procedure, your provider offers sedation to prevent pain during your treatment. During recovery, your body starts developing new bone, which replaces the graft material over some time.

The board-certified and maxillofacial surgeons at Oral Facial Surgery Specialists at The Woodlands are experts in bone grafts and guarantee quality and genuine care.

When Do You Need a Bone Graft?

You may require a bone graft for various reasons, such as:

•       To support a dental implant.
•       Restoring bone loss.
•       Replacing some bone structure after a tooth extraction.
•       To rebuild a tooth after a crack or fracture.

Types of Bone Grafts

Bone grafts come in different forms depending on their source of materials. During your consultation with Oral Facial Surgery Specialists at The Woodlands, Dr. Muniz gives the pros and cons of every type to allow you to make the best choice. They include:

Autogenous

Also known as an autograft. This type of bone graft comes from your body, including your skull, the back of your jaw, hip or chin, and lower leg bone. Autogenous bone grafts are preferable for they have living cellular components enhancing bone growth.

Allogenic

Allogenic, also known as allograft, originates from a human donor. Your doctor sterilizes and treats your bone material before placing it in your mouth.

Xenogenic

This type of bone graft is from a nonhuman donor, usually from a cow or pig.

Alloplasts

These are grafts from synthetic materials, like calcium phosphate.

Bone regeneration may take longer in allogenic and xenogenic compared to autografts. Grafts composites and bone morphogenetic proteins may also act as bone graft substitutes.

In conclusion, bone grafts provide support to an implant and add bone materials to your jaw. You may need a bone graft when having a dental implant for missing teeth, after bone loss due to gum disease, and even after losing your teeth. The procedure occurs under anesthesia to minimize pain. You may require to use ice packs after the procedure to reduce pain.

To learn more about bone grafting, call Oral Facial Surgery Specialists at The Woodlands today to schedule your consultation.

Men have unique health needs, particularly as they get older. Prostate health is a significant concern as studies show that one in every seven men is diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in their lives. Therefore, as a man, you will want to ensure that you improve your prostate health to minimize your cancer risks and other complications. Medical experts such as Prabhdeep Singh, MD, FACP, an El Centro men’s health specialist can help you through preventative care. However, you can also improve your prostate health in the following ways.

Know Your Risks

It is crucial to understand your risk levels for prostate health complications as it can help you take the necessary precautions and seek help in advance. Learning of your family history is one way to understand your risks. Suppose one of your immediate family members had a prostate health complication, your chances of developing the issue increases. But learning this in advance will enable you to get advanced help and work towards a comprehensive preventative program.

Be Aware of the Symptoms of Potential Prostate Problems

Knowing how to identify some complications will help you detect them when they occur. Some common symptoms such as blood in urine, erectile dysfunction, pain during sex, or passing urine, constantly feeling the urge to urinate, and low back pain can indicate a prostate problem. However, it would be helpful to talk to your doctor to help you understand the particular signs of different complications.

Visit Your Doctor Regularly

Your health provider is trained to understand the changes in your body and can identify prostate problems as soon as they emerge. But you will need to maintain close contact with them, such as by going for regular checkups and screenings, particularly if you hit the age of 45. But if you have already identified some risk factors, it would be good to begin visits early irrespective of your age.

Ejaculate Often

For a long time, it has been believed that multiple ejaculations during masturbation, sex, or dreams increased prostate cancer. However, recent studies suggest that it is, in fact, the opposite where frequent ejaculation can protect the prostate. Some of the carcinogens in the prostate can be flushed away through ejaculation, and the fluids in the prostate can also turn over quickly, reducing the cancer risk. Besides, regular ejaculation helps ease psychological tension, slowing down the growth of cancer cells.

Make Some Dietary Changes

Some foods are beneficial for your prostate health, while others increase your risks of complications. Therefore, it would help consult your doctor on the necessary nutrition to add to your menu to improve your prostate health. The following dietary changes are essential for your health:

•       Eating whole grains and more fruits and vegetables.
•       Being selective in your protein consumption.
•       Increasing the amount of soy in your diet.
•       Limiting sugar, caffeine, and alcohol intake.
•       Limiting salt intake.
•       Managing your fat intake.

This way, you can improve your prostate health and prevent some of the complications, including cancer. Remember to reach out to Dr. Singh for expert preventative men’s health care. You will benefit from several professional techniques for maintaining your prostate health. Besides, please book an appointment and consult Dr. Singh about anything you think can help improve your health before trying it out.

Over the last few decades, a large number of women have undergone breast augmentation. Most of these patients have given birth and later feel a sense of loss because their bodies no longer appear the same from before childbirth. If you are concerned with the changes in the shape and size of your breasts, you can get implants to make them look perfect. Pasadena breast augmentation at Sasaki Advanced Aesthetic Medical Center has a team of specialists with advanced techniques to give a natural look to your breasts and improve your self-esteem.

How should I prepare for a doctor’s appointment?

You should inform your doctor about your preferred size, texture, and appearance from the onset. This will allow the surgeon to choose the right procedures for you. It is important to avoid medications such as aspirin because they may increase the risk of bleeding. If you smoke, you may be asked to stop for a certain amount of days before and after surgery, as directed by your doctor. Arrange for someone to drive you home and help you carry out day-to-day activities for short while.

How do I know breast augmentation is right for me?

One is a good candidate for breast augmentation if they meet the following conditions:

•   A good general health
•   Good psychological health and realistic expectations about the procedure.
•   A non-smoker should promise to quit smoking for two weeks before and after surgery.
•   One must have general conditions that make breasts unattractive.

How long will recovery take?

Women’s bodies are unique, and there is no exact time for recovery after breast augmentation. Most specialists agree that full recovery time takes an average of six weeks, and you will feel fine after a week. Your doctor will assess your general health and give you a final timeline before the procedure.

How do I ensure smooth recovery?

In every medical procedure, there are a few things you should expect. For instance, in breast augmentation, you may feel soreness and swelling. This is normal and will reduce over time. To help reduce this pain and promote a smooth recovery, you should do the following:

Plan for help at home

After undergoing surgery, you may feel tired and sore. For the recovery timeline, you should not do heavy tasks such as lifting. You should also avoid driving until you are done with pain medications. It is appropriate if you ask someone to assist you in house chores and taking care of children.

Pain management

It is normal to feel soreness or little discomfort after breast surgery. Your doctor will prescribe pain medication to help you throughout recovery. It would help if you also planned to have enough pain management drugs for easy access whenever you feel pain.

Enough rest and sleep

Ensure you set aside a quiet and comfortable room to rest in. Also, have enough pillows to ensure you sleep at the right angle. Ensure to listen to your body and get enough rest as you sleep.

Preparing well for the procedure ensures that you get optimum results. If you want to improve the looks of your breasts and better self-esteem, book an appointment with your doctor at Sasaki Advanced Aesthetic Medical Center.

Most individuals who have experienced itching and pain in their anal openings often ignore the discomfort hoping it would cease over time. According to Dr. Ven, a gastroenterologist in Lima, such symptoms could result from various conditions including hemorrhoids. Besides the itching, hemorrhoids may also result in bleeding during bowel movements. Hemorrhoids appear when your anal veins stretch under pressure, forcing them to swell. While some hemorrhoids might remain in your rectum, others may prolapse and hang outside your anus.

Who is likely to get hemorrhoids?

Almost everyone has hemorrhoids. Therefore, anyone can have them.  These swollen nerves help you with bowel movements. However, they cease to be normal when they clump and enlarge. A very minimal percentage will seek medical attention because most of these hemorrhoids recede after a few days. Hemorrhoids may appear either inside or outside your anus.

•         Internal Hemorrhoids

This category appears in your rectum’s inner lining and chances are high you might never realize you have them unless they enlarge substantially. Though internal hemorrhoids are painless, you will suspect you have them when you notice rectal bleeding, especially with bowel movements. In some instances, these hemorrhoids may protrude and appear outside your anus, looking pinker than your anus’ surrounding areas. Such prolapsed hemorrhoids may be painful because of the dense pain-sensing nerves in your anus. Fortunately, such fallen veins recede into your anus independently. However, your doctor may help push them back in place gently.

•         External Hemorrhoids

Unlike internal hemorrhoids, external hemorrhoids appear under the skin surrounding your anus. Since they appear outside your anus, you are likely to see and feel them. Blood clots are typical with such hemorrhoids and may result in thrombosis. In such a case, the swollen vein may appear bluish or purplish and may also bleed. Despite thrombosed hemorrhoids being extremely painful, they will eventually resolve. If the pain worsens, your doctor may relieve your pain by removing the blood clots.

What are your treatment options when you have hemorrhoids?

Your doctor may recommend the following remedies to minimize the hemorrhoids’ swelling and relieve you from discomfort:

•         Medications

Medications may be your only option if your hemorrhoids only result in mild discomfort. The healthcare provider may suggest suppositories, ointments, or over-the-counter creams to minimize itching and pain temporarily.

•         Thrombectomy

Your doctor may decide to remove an external hemorrhoid, especially if it has a blood clot and is painful. As a result, you will feel instant relief.

•         Minimally invasive procedures

The medical professional may recommend the following minimally invasive procedures when the hemorrhoids bleed persistently or conservative treatments fail to relieve you from pain.

-Rubber band ligation

-Sclerotherapy

-Coagulation

•         Surgical procedures

Surgical treatment may be your doctor’s last resort after he has tried other options. The options the health practitioner might recommend include:

Hemorrhoidectomy (removal of hemorrhoid)

Hemorrhoid stapling (blocking blood from flowing into your hemorrhoidal tissue)

•         Home remedies

When your hemorrhoid is less threatening, your doctor might advise you to:

-Soak your anal area regularly in warm water

-Apply topical treatments

-Eat a fiber-rich diet

Though some hemorrhoids, especially thrombosed external hemorrhoids, might look frightening, most of them recede with home remedies. Schedule an appointment with your doctor when the swollen nerves fail to recede or get painful over time.

The heart is a critical organ that enhances your life. It is because it mainly supplies blood and nutrients to every body organ, hence allowing their every function. Therefore, your heart wellness determines your overall health.

Maintaining your heart’s health is such a vital task to prevent cardiovascular diseases and promote their wellbeing. If you are looking to improve your heart’s health, it is better to do it with a board certified cardiologist in Plano, TX. Dr. Singh is highly experienced and uses advanced techniques to offer the most satisfying heart care. Contact him today to experience the best.

Together with his team at Heart and Vascular Care, they treat various cardiovascular conditions, including:

Peripheral artery disease

Peripheral artery disease involves narrowing the peripheral arteries in the legs, head, arms, and stomach. The condition prevents enough blood flow throughout the body, thus increasing your heart attack and stroke risk.

The condition usually affects peripheral nerves in any body part. However, it is common in the lower body parts, mainly the legs. The typical symptoms of peripheral artery disease include leg, foot, and buttock pain—also, cramps, especially when walking or during an exercise.

Healthy lifestyle modifications such as regular exercise, healthy diets, and quitting smoking can help treat the disease.

Heart attack

Heart attack is a major leading cause of death in many parts of the world. It occurs when there is a sudden and complete loss of blood flow to the heart. With inadequate blood in the heart, tissue damage occurs, resulting in death when not urgently treated.

The main cause of a heart attack is plaque buildup in the coronary arteries, which involves cholesterol, fat, and cellular waste products.

Some of the signs indicating a heart attack may include:

•       Sweating
•       Anxiety
•       Shortness of breath
•       Chest pain
•       An increased heart rate
•       Dizziness

It is advisable to seek urgent care or visit an emergency room immediately if you experience the above or related issues.

Valvular heart disease

This disease occurs when your heart valves are not functioning properly, interfering with your circulation. When not treated, it can cause severe complications and eventually death.

Common symptoms with valvular heart disease include:

•       Chest pain
•       Fatigue
•       Fainting
•       Swelling of the legs or ankles
•       Abdominal swelling
•       Dizziness

You may also experience shortness of breath during physical activity or after lying down.

There are different forms of this disease depending on the valve damage.

Palpitations

Palpitations may not seem like a problem but may indicate an underlying medical condition. It may feel like your heart is racing, skipping beats, pounding, or flip-flopping, both when you are resting or engaging in physical activity.

Palpitations can increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke—hence the need to seek medical attention.

Coronary artery disease

Coronary artery disease is a common cardiovascular condition and also a risky one. It occurs when the major blood vessels carrying blood to the heart become damaged. It means inadequate blood, nutrients, and oxygen supply to your heart.

The disease develops gradually, causing an abrupt attack. However, healthy lifestyle changes may help improve the condition.

For the above heart problems and others, consider consulting Dr. Singh for comprehensive medical care. Contact his office today to schedule your appointment.

As you age, your chances of conceiving decrease, rendering you infertile over time. Dr. Quinsey comprehends how news of infertility can cause arguments within a family or even unprecedented divorces. If you’re struggling with infertility in Lake Mary, visit the Central Florida office for extensive diagnostic testing and treatment.

What is infertility?

Infertility occurs when you’re unable to conceive even after having cautiously, timed unprotected sex for about six months to one year. Several factors may contribute to your inability to have children, but seeking medical assistance for infertility can increase your chances of a successful conception and delivery.  As you age, your chances of being infertile increase, but you can consult your doctor concerning the available treatments. Dr. Quinsey offers state-of-art therapies and medications that can fulfill your wishes to become a parent.

What are the causative factors of infertility in women?

Several factors may interfere with your ovulation and other biological processes, hindering you from getting pregnant. Your genetics can also contribute to your inability to conceive. One of the many reasons that may contribute to infertility in women include:

•               Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS refers to a hormonal disorder that occurs in women of childbearing age. This hormonal disorder may cause hormonal imbalances leading to high androgen levels and irregular menstrual periods. PCOS causes the development of small fluid-filled cysts on your ovaries, creating irregular ovulation or prolonged menstrual periods. Irregular ovulation and increased levels of androgen hormones reduce your chances of getting pregnant. This disorder may not cause any symptoms, making it difficult to detect it without a series of medical tests.

•               Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a medical disorder that causes the lining of your uterus to thicken and grow outside of your uterus. This overgrowth can irritate your surrounding tissues resulting in excruciating pain and scarring. It may also cause inflammation of your pelvic structures, altered egg quality, and hormonal imbalance, which may cause infertility.

•               Uterine fibroids

Uterine fibroids are benign growths that occur in your uterus during your childbearing years. Several factors may trigger the development of uterine fibroids, including obesity and family history of the disease. If not treated early, uterine fibroids can cause infertility by blocking your fallopian tubes, making it difficult for the sperm to enter your uterus.

What are the available treatments for infertility?

During your appointment, Dr. Quinsey conducts a comprehensive medical exam to determine the underlying cause of your infertility. He may also perform a blood work panel to ensure that you don’t have an existing medical condition that may hinder you from getting pregnant. He may also take a sample of your partner’s semen for thorough testing. To increase your chances of conceiving, Dr. Quinsey may recommend a healthy diet and minor lifestyle changes like losing weight. If lifestyle changes do not help you get pregnant, he may recommend medications like Clomiphene citrate to stimulate ovulation. You may need to visit the hospital regularly to check if the prescribed medications are working. If medications prove futile, he may use reproductive technology (ART) to aid in the fertilization of your eggs. ART treatments include In-vitro fertilization and intrauterine insemination.

For more information about fertility treatments, call Dr. Quinsey or book your spot online.