Diagnoses and Procedures

Infertility refers to the inability to conceive after a year of unprotected intercourse. It can affect both men and women and may result from a variety of causes, including hormonal imbalances, structural issues, or low sperm count in men. Treatment options for male infertility may include medication, hormone therapy, surgery, or assisted reproductive technologies like sperm retrieval and in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Instillation therapy is a medical treatment where a medication is introduced directly into a body cavity, typically the bladder, through a catheter. It is commonly used to treat conditions like interstitial cystitis, bladder infections, or bladder cancer. The medication, which can include antibiotics, chemotherapy, or anesthetics, is retained in the bladder for a specific period to target the underlying issue. This localized treatment can reduce systemic side effects and provide more effective relief for bladder-related conditions. The procedure is usually done in a healthcare setting, and patients may need multiple sessions depending on their condition.

Interstitial cystitis (IC), also known as painful bladder syndrome, is a chronic condition characterized by bladder pain, pressure, and frequent, urgent urination. The exact cause is unknown, but it may involve bladder wall inflammation or damage, and it can be triggered by infections, trauma, or certain foods. Treatments focus on symptom relief and may include lifestyle changes, bladder training, oral medications (such as antihistamines or pain relievers), and bladder instillations. In severe cases, physical therapy, nerve stimulation, or surgery may be considered. Managing IC typically requires a multidisciplinary approach to improve quality of life.

Kidney stones are hard mineral deposits that form in the kidneys and can cause severe pain, especially when they move into the urinary tract. Symptoms include sharp pain in the back or side, blood in the urine, and difficulty urinating. Small stones may pass on their own with increased fluid intake and pain management. Larger stones may require medical intervention such as extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) to break them up, ureteroscopy to remove or fragment them, or, in rare cases, surgery. Preventive measures include staying well-hydrated and making dietary adjustments to reduce stone formation.