We've rounded up some of the "must reads" we published this past year about various subjects related to urology and urogynecology. Catch up before heading into 2024.

It isn't Greek to us . . .

This past year, we've written about a series of conditions with the suffix "cele," including hydrocele, varicocele, and rectocele. The suffix means tumor, hernia, or swelling and derives from the Greek word for hernia.

 At first blush, these conditions might sound confusing, but our physicians explain everything in clear, easy-to-understand language.

• What are varicoceles? As Dr. Natalya Lopushnyan explains, "Imagine a traffic jam, but instead of cars, it's your blood vessels. Varicoceles are like that—a jumble of enlarged and twisted veins in the scrotum, affecting the testicles. These veins can create a little roadblock, causing occasional trouble for the boys downstairs." READ MORE.

• What is a hydrocele? Dr. Kevin Killeen gives us the lowdown: "The simplest explanation is this: A hydrocele is an accumulation of fluid around the testicle. It usually affects just one testicle, but it can involve both. There are actually two types of hydroceles. The first is seen in the pediatric population, and the second is seen in the adult population." READ MORE.

• What is a rectocele? Dr. Dima Ezzedine says, "A rectocele is a term commonly used to refer to posterior vaginal wall prolapse. It occurs when the back wall of the vaginal canal overlaying the rectum bulges toward (or outside of) the vaginal opening, dragging the rectum with it and creating a rectal sac pushing into the vagina." READ MORE.

New Treatments Available at GBU

We strive to offer the most innovative, evidence-based treatments available. In 2023, we added the following to our list. Each item links to a corresponding article about the treatment. 

• Aquablation Therapy for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). In a nutshell, Aquablation therapy is a minimally invasive, heat-free surgical technique to treat lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to BPH. READ MORE.

• Focal cryotherapy for the treatment of prostate cancer. Prostate cryotherapy, also known as cryoablation or cryosurgery, is a medical procedure that uses extreme cold to destroy cancerous and benign prostate tissue. READ MORE.

• eCoin for the treatment of urinary incontinence. eCoin is a nickel-sized, battery-powered neurostimulator device used to treat patients who have overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome. READ MORE.

• Prostate artery embolization (PAE). We now offer interventional radiology to GBU patients, and PAE is just one of the options available. READ MORE.
  

Lighting Round Series

We rounded up some of the most common questions about urinary tract infections and Peyronie's disease and asked our doctors to answer these questions lightning-round style.

• FAQs About UTIs: Get the Facts How long do UTIs last? Can they go away on their own? Are they contagious? Can you have sex with an active infection? What about cranberry supplements? We tackle all of those and then some. READ MORE.

• Your Peyronie's Disease Questions, Answered. How do you treat PD? What if you leave it untreated? What about using Vick's Vapor Rub? Read the full blog post to get answers to those and other common questions. READ MORE.

This and that . . .

In addition to our talented physicians, we have a team of excellent physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurse navigators who've also contributed to our blog this past year.

 Black Men and Prostate Cancer – What to Keep in Mind. Nurse practitioner Urline Gregoire says, "Aside from the genetic factor, Black men are also at greater risk for prostate cancer due to a lack of awareness and understanding of the disease. Other factors are social barriers, such as lack of access to quality medical care. Unfortunately, research shows Black men are less likely to receive prostate cancer screening than white men." READ MORE.

Urodynamic Studies, Explained. Nurse practitioner Meagan Smoyer says, "Urodynamic studies (UDS) are a series of tests that evaluate how well your bladder, urinary sphincter, and urethra hold and release urine. These tests can show how well the bladder works and why there could be bladder leaks or blockages." READ MORE.

How is a Nurse Practitioner Different from a doctor? Nurse practitioner Daniel Nazzaro explains, "A nurse practitioner differs from a doctor as we are still nurses. Nurse practitioners are considered advanced practice nurses. There are several distinctions in nursing, such as midwives, nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, and nurse educators. All require a registered nursing license and a master's degree in their respective specialty." READ MORE.

What Does an OAB Nurse Navigator Do? Our OAB nurse navigator, Celeste Pires, says, "An OAB nurse navigator helps patients with their overactive bladder treatment plan. My job is supporting patients, ensuring they understand what happens next, and advocating for them and their concerns." READ MORE.

Catheter Home Care Tips. Physician assistant Kennedy Robinson says, "Catheters can be very liberating for patients with urologic conditions, allowing them to resume their daily activities. Patients can often wear clothing that conceals the catheter and drainage bag so that no one knows they even have a catheter. Having a catheter does not always mean that you will need a catheter permanently, depending on the etiology of your condition." READ MORE.

Do you need a urologist or urogynecologist?

We have locations throughout Eastern Massachusetts, including the Cape. Request an appointment with one of our physicians, NPs, or PAs.