Urology
Urologists care for male reproductive organs and the urinary tracts of men, women and children. At St. Bernards Urology, we provide a comfortable, supportive environment where you can feel at ease sharing your concerns. Let our experts help you feel like yourself again.
Why See a Urologist?
Your doctor may refer you to a urologist if you have:
- Cancer of the bladder, kidney, prostate or testicles
- Erectile dysfunction (ED)
- Incontinence (loss of bladder control) or overactive bladder
- Kidney stones
- Pelvic floor problems
- Peyronie’s disease
- Prostate enlargement
- Testicular pain
- Trouble urinating, pain while urinating or blood in urine
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) that keep coming back
Incontinence Treatment
Regain a sense of control over your bladder and your life. Ask us about your treatment options for stress incontinence and urge incontinence.
"This has made a HUGE difference for me. I've had lifelong trouble and I'm so glad I had this procedure (Interstim). If you have doubts, you shouldn't. I have no regrets."
- Karen Mangrum (Dr. Emma Jacobs patient)
Stress Incontinence
This condition means urine leaks out when your body is under pressure, like when you sneeze, laugh or exercise. To treat it, a urologist may recommend:
- Bulkamid treatment for women – Injects a gel into the wall of the urethra (tube that urine passes through) to prevent leaks
- Sling surgery for men and women – Places a hammock made of mesh or human tissue under the urethra to support it and prevent leaks
Urge Incontinence
If you suddenly need to urinate and then experience a leak, you have urge incontinence. This condition is similar to overactive bladder. To treat it, your urologist may recommend:
- Botox injections – calms hyperactive bladder muscles
- InterStim therapy – Places a tiny device in your lower back to deliver mild electrical impulses to the nerve that controls your bladder
Prostate Care
The prostate (a male reproductive organ) grows with age, sometimes leading to:
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) – Enlargement that isn’t cancer but causes problems with urination, as well as kidney or bladder damage.
- Prostate cancer – Less common condition in which prostate cells grow out of control
No matter your condition, a St. Bernards urologist can help.
Congratulations to Drs. Rudy Bowens, Emma Jacobs, & Ladd Scriber on the combined completion of 50 Aquablation cases in the last 2 years.
Is Aquablation Right for Me?
BPH Treatment
Explore your options for procedures that treat urination problems and other symptoms of an enlarged prostate:
- Aquablation therapy – Uses a robot-controlled water jet to precisely remove excess prostate tissue
- Laser surgery – Melts away excess tissue with heat
- Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) – Uses a minimally invasive procedure to trim away tissue that blocks urine flow
- UroLift – Places tiny, permanent implants in your body to widen the opening for urine
- Rezum Water Vapor Therapy - a non-surgical treatment that uses the natural energy stored in water vapor, or steam, to remove excess prostate tissue
We’ll review the benefits and risks of each option to help you make an informed decision.
Biopsy to Check for Cancer
If you need a biopsy (test of a tissue sample), we may use real-time ultrasound along with MRI images to precisely find the right place to take the cells. That means you can trust the accuracy of your results. St. Bernards is the only provider in Jonesboro using this advanced technology, called the Artemis 3D semi-robotic fusion biopsy system.
Cancer Genetic Testing
After a cancer diagnosis, we may recommend genetic testing to see if you have inherited DNA mutations that contribute to cancer. Your results can inform your family’s decision to pursue genetic testing, so they can take steps to lower their risk of prostate cancer or detect the disease early, when treatment works best.
Treating Prostate Cancer
Your urologist and oncologist (cancer doctor) will make a treatment plan tailored to your needs, goals and preferences. It may include:
- Radiation therapy after placement of SpaceOAR hydrogel, which protects the rectum from radiation
- Precise, accurate prostate removal using a surgical robot controlled by a urologist who you know and trust
Advanced Testing Informs Cancer Treatment
Your outcome improves when your care team learns more about your cancer. That’s why St. Bernards gives you access to:
- Genetic testing of your tumor, which helps us understand what treatments may work best
- Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positron emission tomography (PET) scan to detect the spread of cancer early, so you can start additional treatment as soon as possible
Other Procedures
St. Bernards urologists also provide:
- Cryoablation – Uses a thin needle to freeze and destroy kidney tumors
- Cystectomy – Removes the bladder
- Lithotripsy – Breaks up kidney stones with shockwaves
- Nephrectomy – Removes the kidney
- Penile implants – Treat erectile dysfunction
- Vasectomy reversal – Lets a man help conceive a pregnancy
- Xiaflex injections – Break down scar tissue that causes a bend and bump in the penis during an erection
