Page 13 - Urological Health

Several small trials have shown benefit for some herbal treatments. Few, if any, large trials have
shown benefits for herbal or “natural” medicines in these conditions. In fact, a number of large and
well-controlled studies have shown that some of the more common herbal treatments are no better
than placebo. If ongoing studies or new studies do find a benefit, then these medications will find
their role among physicians.

Since high-quality studies are lacking for most herbal treatments, safety issues can be important.
Important side effects may be unknown, and interactions with existing medications may be unknown.
Prescription or not, these are indeed drugs, and should be treated the same as prescription
medications. It is important that your physician and pharmacist are aware of any non-prescription
supplements or medications that you choose to take.

It is also important to distinguish so-called “natural” therapies from a generally healthy lifestyle.
Certainly a high-quality diet and exercise regimen can be expected to improve your health, and in the
case of erectile issues, it is the foundation of effective treatment and improvement.
To summarize this complicated and often emotionally loaded issue: most herbal treatments for
urinary or sexual health problems are unproven against placebo or conventional treatment, but seem
to be associated with symptom improvement in some men. If you consider taking one or more of
these, please make sure that your doctor and your pharmacist are aware, that you feel that you are
clearly benefitting from the treatment, and that the costs associated with their purchase are affordable
UNDER REVIEW
to you.

10. Is it safe to have a vasectomy?

A vasectomy is very common. It is a permanent contraception in men. Like any surgical procedure, it
does have its own set of risks, but it is safe. It is not associated with adverse effects on the testicles,
including uncomfortable sperm build-up, does not result in any hormonal changes in the man, and
is not known to be the cause of any cancers. Some people believe there is a link between getting a
vasectomy and prostate cancer. There are no plausible explanations for this except patients who have
had a vasectomy are more likely to access the health care system and more likely to have tests that
might uncover prostate cancer. You should not be concerned that having a vasectomy increases your
risk of developing prostate cancer.

Vasectomy involves interrupting the vas deferens on each side of the scrotum, therefore stopping
the flow of sperm out of the testicles. This is typically done through some combination of clips,
physical cutting of the vas deferens, electrocautery to seal the open ends, and stitches to separate
the ends.
Potential complications with a vasectomy

• Bleeding (common): this can be avoided by limiting physical activity for a short period
after the procedure.

• Bruising (common): larger bleeding episodes are rare.
• Infection (very rare when done with a sterile technique).

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