• drs-blaivas-purohit-nyc-best-urologist
  • jerry-g-blavais-md-facs-best-urologist-nyc
  • jerry-g-blaivas-md-facs-urologist-specialist-author-mesh-complications-strictures

Academic and clinical excellence in a private practice setting

Jerry G. Blaivas, MD, FACS

Dr. Blaivas is a world-renowned urological expert, surgeon, distinguished author, educator, and medical pioneer. He was one of the founders of urodynamics and established many of the current surgical procedures used to correct stress incontinence, urinary fistulas, urethral diverticulum, overactive bladder and neurogenic bladder.

He is also one of the few surgeons who routinely performs reconstructive surgery for prolapse and incontinence without the use of mesh. His success in this area has led him to publishing one of the largest series in the world on treatment of mesh complications.

Dr. Blaivas possesses decades of experience providing urology care to some of the most complex cases ever encountered, bringing academic and research-based modernization to the clinical forefront. His research in developing new medical techniques has become the standard in patient care, including breakthrough treatments and research in:

  • Mesh complications
  • Radiation complications
  • Autologous Slings
  • Natural Tissue Repairs

Dr. Blaivas was recently honored by the Canadian Journal of Urology as one of their Legends of Urology. Read the article >

Schedule an appointment online or call Dr. Blaivas today at (646) 205-3039 to schedule a confidential consultation.

Insurance Information

Dr. Blaivas does not participate with private insurance plans. He is considered an “Out of Network” physician, which means that payment in full is expected at the time of the visit and you will be reimbursed directly according to your insurance plan. As a courtesy, we offer to complete and mail claims on your behalf and assist you in obtaining timely reimbursement.

About the Uro Center of New York

At the Uro Center of New York, we combine clinical and academic excellence in a private practice setting. For over twenty years, our staff has been committed to diagnosing and treating people with bladder and prostate conditions. Our services include the use of state-of-the-art video urodynamic equipment and a custom-designed computer system that assists our physicians in ensuring an accurate and prompt diagnosis.

Learn more >

Author Archives: L65auzT3

Kidney Stone Doctor

What actually are kidney stones?

Kidney stones are very common, so you may have heard of them from people you know or on TV. But you may be wondering, what exactly are they, and how would I know if I have kidney stones?

What are kidney stones?

Kidney stones, also called “renal lithiasis” or “urolithiasis”, are hard deposits made of salts and minerals that form inside the kidneys and painfully block part of your urinary tract.

The kidneys are a major filter and electrolyte regulator for the body. They remove waste products from the bloodstream, leaving your body with what is needed to function and removing any unneeded salts and minerals. The waste products filtered by the kidneys become part of your urine, which travels from the kidney through a tube called the ureter, into the bladder and then out of your body as you pee.

In some people, some of the unneeded salts and minerals (like calcium) stick together and crystallize or harden in the urine, forming a kidney stone. These stones start out to be very tiny— smaller than a grain of sand— but can grow as more waste chemicals attach, reaching the size of small pebbles. As kidney stones get bigger, it is harder for them to pass through the ureter to get to the bladder and out of the body. The stones get stuck in the urinary tract.

When a kidney stone gets stuck in the ureter, it can act like a dam, blocking the flow of urine from the kidneys to the bladder. Since less urine is able to pass through the ureter tube, the urine builds up between the kidney and the stone as more urine is produced in the kidney. This increases the pressure in the urinary tract, leading to swelling of the kidney and often severe pain.

You may have a kidney stone if you experience any of the following:

Most people with kidney stones experience severe pain in their side and their back, below the ribs. The pain may move to the lower abdomen or groin and may come in waves and vary in its intensity. As the kidney stone moves through the urinary tract, the location and amount of pain may change. With kidney stones, it is common to have urinary problems such as pain while urinating, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, discolored urine (pink, red, or brown), frequent urination, a persistent need to urinate, and urinating only small amounts. Some may feel nauseous or vomit, and if an infection has developed, people with kidney stones may experience fever or chills.

What happens to kidney stones?

Most kidney stones get passed out of the body on their own. While the buildup of pressure behind the stone causes pain in many people, the pressure also can help to dislodge the stone and move it down the ureter into the bladder, and then out of the body. To pass kidney stones on their own, some people with kidney stones need no more than to take pain medication and drink a lot of water to pass the stone on their own.

In some cases, the stone does not get moved on its own, and medical attention may be required to help remove the stone. Medical procedures or surgery may be needed. A urologist can help you with this.

Although they are painful, kidney stones usually do not cause any permanent damage.

If you suspect that you have a kidney stone or that you may have them in the future, a doctor can help you understand what your options are. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with the best urologist in NYC.

Enlarged Prostate Doctor

What you need to know about an enlarged prostate or Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
What is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is when a prostate gland is enlarged. It is common in men, especially as they age.

The prostate gland is found only in men and is located underneath the bladder. Urine is transported from the bladder out of the penis through the urethra, which is a tube that goes through the center of the prostate. When the prostate enlarges, it can start to block the flow of urine through the urethra.

The prostate undergoes two main periods of growth in a man’s life. The first period of growth is early in puberty, and the second period starts at about 25 years old, the prostate continues to grow throughout most of the man’s life. Continued prostate growth is normal as you age, but in some men, this continued growth can lead to urinary symptoms or can significantly block the flow of urine especially during this second period of prostate growth.

It is important to note that the size of the prostate doesn’t necessarily determine the severity of a man’s symptoms of BPH. For example, someone with a very enlarged prostate may experience minor symptoms, whereas someone with a slightly enlarged prostate may have substantial urinary symptoms. It is also important to note that BPH—or an enlarged prostate— is not cancerous: it is benign and does not cause or lead to cancer.

BPH is very common in aging men. You are more likely to have BPH if you are a man that:

  • Is over 40 years old (risk increases with age)
  • Has a family history of BPH,
  • Has diabetes,
  • Has heart disease,
  • Is obese or does not exercise regularly,
  • Is Black or White, or
  • Has erectile dysfunction.

Symptoms of BPH

BPH, or an enlarged prostate, can cause several urinary problems.

Most commonly, men with BPH have to urinate frequently, often 8 or more times a day) and often experience an urgent need to urinate. Men with BPH also commonly wake up several times a night to pee. Difficulty starting to urinate, a weak urine stream, a urine stream that stops and starts, dribbling when you finish peeing, and an inability to completely empty the bladder are also common symptoms of BPH.

Although less common, urinary tract infections (UTIs), an inability to urinate, or blood in the urine can also be signs of BPH.

An enlarged prostate can result in complications

Although they are rare, complications can arise from an enlarged prostate. Complications can include urinary retention (a sudden inability to urinate), UTIs, bladder stones, bladder damage, and kidney damage. Most men will not experience these complications, but men with BPH should be aware that urinary retention and kidney damage can be serious health threats that may require medical care. 

What should you do if you suspect you have an enlarged prostate?

Prostate growth is normal, but urinary problems are not normal. Enlarged prostates are diagnosed by seeing a urologist. A urologist can help determine which treatments, if any, may be necessary for you. If you have any of the urinary symptoms discussed here or suspect that you may have an enlarged prostate, contact us today to schedule an appointment with the best urologist doctor in NYC.

Tell me more about adult circumcision, Urologist NYC

Tell me more about Adult Circumcision

Circumcision is an operation to remove the skin that covers the head of a man’s penis. It is one of the oldest surgical operations in history, and is often performed on infant boys for religious, social, medical, and cultural reasons. About 8 in 10 males in the United States are circumcised.

Some men who were not circumcised as an infant may be interested in being circumcised later, as an adult.

The procedure

Circumcision in adults is a relatively simple procedure in which a doctor cuts the skin surrounding the head of the penis—called the foreskin. The doctor then pulls the foreskin back and trims it off, uncovering the head of the penis. The edges from the trimmed foreskin either will be cauterized or stitched with dissolvable stitches. The procedure in adults usually occurs under anesthesia (either local or general) and takes about 1 hour to complete.

Usually, men can go home the same day that they have the circumcision procedure. Recovery from the procedure is done at home and can take about 2-3 weeks. The recovery process is not very painful. For most men, there is some minor pain for the first few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers are enough for this time. Within a few days of the procedure, pain usually goes away naturally. Soreness, redness, or a bruised look are common after the procedure, and some small amounts of yellow fluid at the top of the penis may be present. The penis may be swollen after the procedure, but swelling should go down in about 2 weeks. Some men wear a bandage or dressing over their penis after the procedure, and doctors recommend wearing underwear that holds the penis upright for a few weeks to help the swelling go down. A doctor may recommend avoiding sex or masturbation for several weeks after the operation—usually up to 6 weeks.

Why get circumcised?

There are many reasons that men choose to be circumcised as an adult. Circumcision makes personal hygiene easier: it becomes easier to wash the penis and avoid bacteria or other germs. Circumcision also has been shown to reduce the risk of getting HIV or other sexually transmitted infections like syphilis or herpes. Even with the risk reduction, safe sexual practices like wearing condoms remain important. Additionally, circumcision reduces the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and penile cancer. Finally, circumcision can prevent penile problems like phimosis, in which the foreskin of an uncircumcised penis can get stuck and be difficult or impossible to retract, leading to inflammation of the penis.

For some, such as those with phimosis or penis infections, circumcision as an adult may be medically necessary. For others, this procedure may be considered elective, but can help with one’s lifestyle.

Some men worry that getting circumcised will affect their sex life or ability to have kids. Circumcision is not known to affect sexual pleasure for the man or his partner(s), and it does not affect fertility or the ability to cause pregnancy.

It is helpful for men to discuss the possibility of adult circumcision with a doctor. If you are considering circumcision, contact us today to schedule an appointment with the best urologist doctor in NYC.

NYC Urologist for Low Testosterone

Why is it Important to Seek Medical Advice if You Have Symptoms of Low Testosterone?

top-urologist-for-low-testerone-problems-01Reduced testosterone levels are something that most men experience as they get a little bit older. However, when testosterone levels drop dramatically or go too low it can cause serious health problems for men. If you are noticing the symptoms of low testosterone then it is a very important to speak to a doctor or urologist to make sure that your testosterone is within safe parameters for someone like you, and also to make sure that it is not the result of a more serious health issue that you will need to address.

Reduced Sex Drive

One of the first signs of low testosterone levels in a man is that their libido decreases significantly. Some men do not even experience any kind of sex drive when their testosterone levels drop too low. This may not be a problem. You may actually be OK with not experiencing a sex drive, however, it is worth paying attention as this is a sign that you may have an underlying health problem that does need to be looked at. Erectile dysfunction is an adjacent problem that you may be experiencing, either with or without reduced libido. This is another strong indicator of low testosterone in men above the age of around 40. If you are experiencing either or both of these symptoms, it is very important to seek medical help about why this could be and to get treatment.

Loss of Muscle Mass

Another sign that your testosterone levels may have been dropping too low is that you are losing lean muscle. This may or may not mean that you are also gaining fat. While it is common for most people to gain some weight as they enter middle age, if you are losing your normal muscular build and are gaining fat instead, it often a sign that your testosterone levels have depleted.

Depression and Lethargy

nyc-specialist-for-low-t-symptoms-02Another symptom associated with low testosterone is depleted motivation and depression. If you have been experiencing this as you have been getting older and are also experiencing the other symptoms associated with low testosterone, then it could be that a testosterone supplement would enable you to return to your normal frame of mind. However, there are a lot of causes of mental health problems and so it may not be the case that testosterone will be able to address all of your symptoms. It is vital to see a doctor, however, and get your hormones levels checked.

Hormonal issues are certainly something that men have to pay attention to as they age. Low testosterone can not only cause unpleasant symptoms but can be something that is linked to more serious health issues, so it is important to get it looked into and treated.

If you are concerned about things like erectile dysfunction then it is a good idea to make an appointment today with the best urologist in NYC

NYC Top Urologists Discuss Treatment of Kidney Stones

What are Kidney Stones and how are they Treated?

While most of us have heard about kidney stones in one way or the other, only a few of us truly understand what they are and what causes them. However, knowing how to identify kidney stones early and getting treatment as soon as possible is key to a smooth and fast recovery with minimal complications. In this article, we’re going to address what kidney stones are exactly, what are the symptoms, and what are the possible treatment options available.

What are Kidney Stones actually?

Kidney stones, also known as renal calculi, are masses made of crystals that usually form in your kidneys. While they are often associated with kidneys, they can form pretty much anywhere in your urinary tract. While the symptoms are often similar, the stones themselves can have different compositions.

Kidney stones are either made from calcium, uric acid, struvite or cystine. Calcium kidney stones are the ones that occur the most often. They’re usually made of either calcium oxalate, calcium maleate or phosphate.

Kidney stones caused by uric acid occur when the urine becomes too acidic. This is often the case when people undergo chemotherapy. These are usually more common in men. Struvite stones, on the other hand, are usually more commonly found in women who are suffering from a urinary tract infection. Cystine stones are the rarest and are caused by a genetic condition called cystinuria.

What are the Symptoms of Kidney Stones?

One of the clearest signs of kidney stones is radiating pain around the groin/pelvic area, your lower back, and sides, as well as your abdomen region. In some cases, you might only experience symptoms when the stones are coming doing your ureter.

Other symptoms might include blood in your urine, nausea, vomiting, strong smelling urine and a frequent need to urinate. In some cases, kidney stones may be accompanied by strong bouts of fever as well.

What are the Treatments Available?

The treatment that will be prescribed will depend on the severity of the kidney stones. For smaller kidney stones with little to no symptoms, you may be asked to drink a lot of water in order to pass the stone(s). You will be usually asked to drink enough water for your urine to be clear or near clear. You might also be prescribed some over the counter pain relief medicine and some alpha blockers that will relax your ureter muscles and allow you to pass the stone.

For severe cases, however, you might be required to undergo a procedure referred to as extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. It uses sound waves to destroy the kidney stones and allow you to pass them.

You might also have to go under percutaneous nephrolithotomy surgery to remove larger kidney stones.

If you have any of the symptoms mentioned in this article, contact us today to schedule an appointment with the best urologist doctor in NYC.

NYC Urologist to Treat Urinary Tract Infections

Why Urinary Tract Infections Need to be Treated

urologist-for-urinary-tract-infection-nyc-01Urinary tract infections are a very common thing. They can affect both men and women, though they are more common in women. Urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract through the urethra and can lead to problems with the bladder, kidneys, and other parts of the urinary system. If you suspect that you have a urinary tract infection, then you may be inclined to wait and see if it gets better by itself. Usually, bacterial infections do clear up on their own, however, it is a good idea to seek out medical assistance if you are having a problem of this nature.

What Are The Signs that You Have A UTI?

Urinary tract infections present themselves in a number of ways. The most common symptom is that you will experience a burning sensation when you need to urinate. The symptoms that accompany a urinary tract infection can also include needing to pee more frequently, while also not being able to actually pass water when you need to, and also flu-like symptoms that can come from the immune system trying to fight the bacterial infection in your urinary tract. Urinary tract infections are sometimes sexually transmitted. However, this is not always the case. It is even possible for children to have urinary tract infections, so it is not necessarily true that you have caught your urinary tract infection from a sexual encounter. You may get urinary tract infections from wearing inappropriate underwear that doesn’t allow the skin to breathe, or from environmental factors as well as from sex.

Why Do UTIs Need Treatment?

If you have the symptoms of a urinary tract infection, it can also relate to other conditions that can be more serious. You may not be worried about the impact of a urinary tract infection on your health, however, it is still best to ensure that this is the underlying problem and you do not have something else that needs treatment, such as cancer in your bladder or urethra. The symptoms of a urinary tract infection are usually something that can be unpleasant and uncomfortable. So, it is best to seek out medical assistance and get antibiotics that will get rid of the problem quickly.

If you are having the common symptoms of a urinary tract infection such as a burning sensation when you urinate, this is a good reason to contact a doctor. The best thing to do is to make an appointment with a urologist.

Make an appointment with the best urologist in the NYC area by contacting us for an appointment today.

What Are Urethral Strictures and How Are They Treated?

Urethral strictures are an uncomfortable problem for people who have had trauma or surgery on the urethral tract. Where areas of scar tissue have formed on the urethra, there can be some constriction when someone is trying to urinate. This can be extremely unpleasant and can even cause serious problems such as bladder infections. If you have a urethral stricture as a result of surgery or an injury or other trauma, then you will need to have this treated. Here, we are going to look at what your options are.

Diagnosis of Urethral Strictures

You will need to have your urethral stricture diagnosed by a urologist so that you can have a course of treatment prescribed for you that will resolve the issue. It is best to book an appointment with a urologist as soon as you notice the symptoms associated with urethral strictures after having surgery on this area or after an injury, such as difficulty peeing or a burning sensation when you pee. In some cases, it may just be inflammation following the trauma, however, if a stricture is present then you will need to have further surgery to address it.

How Are Strictures Treated?

There are different ways of treating urethral strictures, which depend on the severity and location of the stricture itself. In some cases, you may need to have some tissue grafted into the urethra or you may have to have some scar tissue removed from the urethra, and this can be done via surgery under general anesthetic. Strictures do not usually go away by themselves and so you will need some kind of intervention to make sure that the symptoms that you are experiencing as a result of having strictures in your urethra go away and you are able to experience normal urinary and erectile function.

In order to establish what kind of treatment is best for your specific case, you will need to speak to a professional urologist.

If you have a urethral stricture or are concerned that you may be experiencing the symptoms associated with it, then the best thing to do is make an appointment with a urologist right away. Get in touch with us and you can make an appointment with the best urologist in NYC and put your mind at ease that your urethral stricture will be treated quickly and professionally.

Call us today at 646.205.3039 to schedule an appointment to meet with the best NYC urologist.

What Should You Do if You Suspect You Have an Enlarged Prostate?

The prostate gland is a gland that exists only in men and is one that can cause problems, especially as men get older. An enlarged prostate is a very common condition in men over the age of 40 but is especially problematic in men over 60. In some cases, however, an enlarged prostate can be something that affects younger men too.

Here we look at what the symptoms of an enlarged prostate are and what you might need to do if you think you are experiencing these problems.

What Are the Symptoms of an Enlarged Prostate?

When the prostate gland becomes enlarged, the first problem that men normally notice is issues with urination. It may become difficult to urinate, or you may find that it takes longer to urinate than usual. You may also find that you feel the need to urinate more often than you actually are able to. Men who have enlarged prostate glands tend to wake up many times in the night needing to urinate but are not necessarily able to do so normally. You may also have some other symptoms, such as lower back pain or erectile dysfunction.

How is an Enlarged Prostate Diagnosed?

An enlarged prostate or other problems with the prostate gland, including prostate cancer, are diagnosed by a trip to see a urologist. This is someone who is specialized in the area of urology, that is the urinary tract, the bladder, and the prostate, as well as things like the kidneys and penis. Different tests are done to diagnose an enlarged prostate, but this will include a prostate exam. This will involve the doctor examining the prostate to see if it is larger than it should be. You may also have to provide a urine sample so that things like urinary tract infections can be ruled out as a cause of your symptoms.

How is an Enlarged Prostate Treated?

Because there are so many different causes for an enlarged prostate, the treatment can vary significantly. If you are diagnosed with an enlarged prostate, then there could be various treatments ranging from medical to surgical interventions involved in treating you. For this reason, it is very important that you seek medical advice from a proper urologist as soon as you notice any symptoms that could be indicative of an enlarged prostate gland.

If you have concerns about your prostate, now is a great time to contact the best urologist in NYC, so give us a call today.

Call us today at 646.205.3039 to schedule an appointment to meet with the best NYC urologist.

Why Does it Burn When I Pee?

burning urinationThere are lots of things that can cause issues with urination. If you experience a burning sensation when you try to urinate, this is usually an indication of a problem with the urinary tract. Urinary tract infections are most often to blame, but there can also be things like urethral strictures that can cause the same sensation. Here we are going to look at what can cause a burning sensation when you try to pee and what you can do if you have these symptoms.

What Causes Discomfort When Urinating?

If you have noticed a burning sensation when you try to urinate or feel that you need to urinate when actually it is difficult to produce anything when you try, this is usually a sign that something is wrong in the urinary tract. In both men and women, this is most often associated with a urinary tract infection.

burning urinationThis is caused by bacteria present in the urethra, bladder, and the urinary system as a whole that would not normally be there, causing some inflammation and pain. However, this is not the only reason why you may experience these symptoms. Pain and discomfort when urinating can also be a sign of other things, such as some types of cancer, prostate issues in men, and scarring or inflammation in the urethra caused by injury, surgery, or trauma. When it is the latter, this is usually deemed to be a urethral stricture, which is something that may need to be treated with surgery.

What Should I Do About Discomfort When Urinating?

burning urinationThe first thing that you should do if you are experiencing problems when you pee is to see a doctor or a specialist urologist. If you have experienced some injury to your lower abdomen or have had some surgery that may have affected your urethral system, then it could be that you have something that will need further intervention. If you do not think that this is a likely cause, then it is most probable that you have an infection of some kind. However, since these symptoms can be related to something more serious such as certain types of cancer, it is very important to get a proper diagnosis. Urinary tract infections can be treated quite easily with antibiotics, but there could be something else at play that your doctor will need to investigate.

If you are experiencing a burning sensation when you urinate, please make an appointment with us today and speak to a urologist who will be able to identify what is going on and recommend the best course of treatment to make things more comfortable for you.
Contact an expert urologist in NYC for more information!

 

 

Call us today at 646.205.3039 to schedule an appointment to meet with the best NYC urologist.

Urologist Vs. Nephrologist

The human body is made up of several inter-related organs. These may be kidneys, liver, lungs, and heart, etc. All of them work properly with the help of each other. Any body part that is not working up to the mark affects the body functions a big deal. Therefore, it is better that you visit your health professional whenever you face issues. Here we’ll cover two types of doctors related to kidneys, Urologists, and Nephrologists.

There is a big difference between urologists and nephrologists. A Nephrologist is someone who deals with the diseases and disorders related to the kidney. They strongly focus on how the kidneys work and provide non-surgical treatments. On the other hand, urologists are pure surgeons who operate issues in the kidneys and urinary tract. They treat urinary problems, such as difficulty in holding urine, stones in the urinary system, and issues related to the male reproductive system.

Education

Urologists and Nephrologists are specialists who have to complete normal undergrad education and medical school. Talking about urologists, they have to perform internship training before they pass the licensing examination. However, Nephrologists have to do internal medicine once they complete the Nephrology fellowship program.

Work

Mostly, Nephrologists take initial experience from hospitals. Some of learn privately, whereas others like to work in groups, i.e., other Nephrologists. On the other hand, Urologists also go for private practice as well as work in hospitals. As you know that Urologists are surgeons, therefore, they have to work in a very intense environment. They often have to console patients who respond negatively to something or are in extreme pain.

Responsibilities Of a Nephrologist

Normally, a Nephrologist deals with all disorders and diseases related to the kidney. This includes kidney failure, tract infections, and high blood pressure. A Nephrologist usually asks the patients to go through some tests to diagnose the patients’ condition. Development of plans to cure the patient is a Nephrologists’ job, joining hands with other healthcare professionals. If the kidney of a person is not properly working or chronic disease is diagnosed, they recommend dialysis to clean the patients’ blood. Moreover, if there is a need for surgery, Nephrologists refer a urologist, but they are responsible for any care.

Responsibilities Of a Urologist

As discussed above, Urologists are responsible for disorders in all patients, and mainly in the reproductive system of men. They assess patients and diagnostic tests are ordered according to the situation. They work in collaboration with Nephrologists to make sure that the issues of the patient are solved easily. Furthermore, Urologists are also liable to deliver patient care throughout the treatment. Maintaining records is also important for Urologists to keep a track record of the patient. This will help if the person faces the same or related issue again.

Conclusion

The responsibilities of both of them are almost the same. Therefore, it is better to make sure that you visit a Nephrologist at regular intervals. This will ensure that your kidneys are working in proper condition throughout.

 

Call us today at 646.205.3039 to schedule an appointment to meet with the best NYC urologist.