Frequently Asked Questions

Erectile dysfunction is a treatable condition with various management options ranging from lifestyle changes and medications to surgical interventions.  Lifestyle changes should include regular physical exercise, a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding smoking and alcohol. Your doctor may recommend medications, medical devices such as a vacuum erection device or surgical options such as penile implants and vascular surgery to improve erectile function.  Individuals with erectile dysfunction can still father children, often with the help of assisted reproductive technologies if natural conception is challenging. Consulting a healthcare provider is essential to determine the most appropriate treatment and fertility options based on individual circumstances.

Critical care physicians, also called intensive care specialists, help diagnose and treat critically ill patients regardless of specific health complications. The physician uses invasive and noninvasive treatment, diagnostic techniques, and monitoring modalities to support vital organs.

The most common signs and symptoms of urinary tract infection may include: Strong, persistent urge to urinate Burning sensation when urinating Frequent, small amounts of urine Cloudy urine A sign of blood in the urine Strong- or foul-smelling urine Pain or pressure in the lower abdomen or pelvis Prompt treatment of UTIs is crucial to prevent complications, relieve symptoms, and avoid recurrent infections. Untreated UTIs can lead to kidney infections, which can cause permanent kidney damage. In severe cases, a UTI can spread to the bloodstream and cause sepsis, a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. Proper treatment can prevent recurrent infections, which are common if the initial infection is not fully resolved. UTIs during pregnancy can lead to complications such as premature labour and low birth weight. Proper diagnosis and treatment ensure the correct use of antibiotics, which helps prevent the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

The most common risk factors include: Progressing age Family history A diet rich in dairy products Obesity Exposure to harmful chemicals such as arsenic  Inflammation of the prostate gland

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition characterized by the non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. It is common in older men. The most common symptoms include Difficulty starting urination Weak urine stream Frequent urination, especially at night Urgency to urinate Inability to empty the bladder Dribbling at the end of urination There is no evidence to support that BPH increases the risk of bladder cancer. Nonetheless, due to overlapping symptoms, it is essential for individuals experiencing urinary issues to seek medical evaluation to rule out bladder cancer.

Yes, urinary incontinence can often be controlled or managed effectively. The approach to managing urinary incontinence depends on the type and severity of the condition. Here are some common strategies: Lifestyle Changes: Bladder training: This involves learning to delay urination after getting the urge to go. Scheduled toilet trips: Going to the bathroom at regular intervals rather than waiting for the urge. Fluid and diet management: Reducing or avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and acidic foods, and controlling fluid intake, especially before bedtime. Kegel exercises: Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles can help support the bladder and prevent leakage. Pads and protective garments: Specially designed absorbent pads and underwear can help manage leaks. Medical Management: Medications: Your doctor may prescribe various medications to help manage different types of incontinence. For example, medications to calm an overactive bladder, or to relax bladder neck muscles and prostate in men with overflow incontinence. Medical devices: Pessaries for stress incontinence or urethral inserts to prevent leakage in women. Surgery: Procedures such as sling procedure, bladder neck suspension or artificial urinary sphincter may be recommended for severe incontinence.

You can prevent the risk by adopting a few preventive measures such as, Drinking plenty of fluids helps dilute substances in the urine that lead to stones. Reducing sodium, limiting animal protein, and avoiding high-oxalate foods can help prevent stone formation. In some cases, medications can help control the levels of certain substances in the urine.

Kidney stones form when the concentration of certain substances in urine, such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid, becomes too high. Supersaturated urine allows these minerals to crystallize and stick together. Once a small crystal forms, it can attract other crystals, and they stick together, forming a larger mass. This is facilitated by the environment within the kidney, where urine flow is slow, and certain areas, like the renal papilla, provide a surface for crystals to adhere to and grow.  Factors contributing to stone formation include a positive family history, low fluid intake leading to concentrated urine, and high intake of protein, sodium, and sugar. Conditions like hyperparathyroidism, urinary tract infections, and metabolic disorders can predispose individuals to stone formation.

You need to have your medical history reports, current health symptoms & side effects, and family medical history related to the cardiovascular system. You can also carry health insurance documents and consult in person with Aster's best cardiologists in Bangalore to resolve your doubts.

Expert cardiologists at Aster conduct several diagnostic tests, examine the patient's health history, and acknowledge their response to available treatment plans. With complete examination & analysis, cardiologists prefer surgery when the patient's health is not curable with other treatments, and their lifestyles have no significant impact, and after consideration of patients & other medical staff.