We asked the noted Urologist, Dr. Cletus Georges, about some Urological terms every man should know. Here’s what he had to say:

Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

One of the most common problems, especially in men over 40. Men will often go for ED medications like Viagra® or Cialis® when they cannot get an erection firm enough or long-lasting enough to have sexual relations with their partner. However, these are costly prescription meds, not always covered by insurance, and can have unpleasant side effects. Fortunately, there are natural alternatives for ED that men should know about.

Bladder Neck Contracture

This occurs when the sphincter that keeps your bladder closed goes into spasm and then gets tighter and tighter, preventing the flow of urine out. The result is usually leakage of urine (incontinence), leading to cystitis (infection of the bladder). In addition, this condition is often associated with an overactive bladder or neurological problems. And while medications can help, the best way to cure it is through pelvic floor rehabilitation which includes Kegel exercises, biofeedback, and electrical stimulation of the muscles that maintain continence.

HG or Hemoglobinuria

This condition occurs when glucose in the urine breaks down into blood pigment, turning your urine dark in color. The result can range from mild to severe, depending on how high your blood sugar is. However, it’s a serious condition that requires treatment with insulin and other medications.

Nocturia

Also called nighttime urination, this occurs when you need to get up in the middle of the night to urinate more than once. This problem is so common that many men will admit to doing it. This can be a consequence of diabetes, medication side effects, age-related bladder problems, and several other conditions. Luckily there are treatments for this condition, including medication, bladder training exercises, and even surgery for men who need it.

Orchitis

This occurs when you get an infection in the testicles. The result is acute pain and often swelling of the affected testicle(s). Again, this can be caused by an infection like mumps (mumps virus) which many teens and adults contract during childhood. Orchitis is still considered a complication that follows measles, but it no longer occurs after you get your MMR vaccine as a child.

Medications that mimic the action of testosterone but are not changing your hormone levels can result in orchitis too, so it’s important to always talk to your doctor before you take medications for ED, low libido, and other sexual problems.

Don Juanism

This is when a man has female hormones (estrogen) in his body. The result is a relatively large chest and abnormal sexual desire for women. This can be a side effect of hormonal treatment for prostate cancer, or it might result from an adrenal tumor that makes male hormones when it occurs in children or young adults.

Impotence

Men who have this condition are not able to get an erection firm enough for intercourse. This is most often the result of psychology, medication side effects, or relationship problems that are interfering with your sex life.