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Men’s urological health: Common conditions and how to manage them

August 11, 2025 in Bladder, Fertility, Kidney, Penile, Prostate, Testes

Men’s urological health is something many often avoid talking about—but addressing it early can make a world of difference to overall wellbeing. From frequent urination to prostate concerns, these conditions are more common than you might think. At Urology Clinics Manchester, we see firsthand how proper support and early intervention in urological health can transform lives.

1. Prostate problems
One of the most common urological health issues for men, especially over the age of 50, is an enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This can lead to symptoms like difficulty starting urination, a weak stream, or needing to go frequently—especially at night. While these symptoms can be frustrating, they’re manageable. Lifestyle changes, medications, or simple procedures can offer relief and restore comfort.

2. Erectile dysfunction (ED)
Erectile dysfunction isn’t just about physical health—it can deeply impact confidence and relationships. ED can be linked to stress, anxiety, cardiovascular disease, or diabetes. Many men suffer in silence, but effective treatments are available. From medications to more advanced options like shockwave therapy, help is out there, and you’re not alone.

3. Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Though often associated with women, UTIs can affect men too—especially those with a catheter, an enlarged prostate, or poor bladder emptying. Burning, pain, and cloudy urine are signs to look out for. Prompt treatment with antibiotics and a review of underlying causes can prevent recurring infections.

4. Male fertility issues
Male infertility is more common than many realise and can be caused by low sperm count, hormone imbalances, or blockages. Testing and support are key. Simple lifestyle shifts, such as reducing alcohol, quitting smoking, and improving diet, can help, and in some cases, surgical or hormonal treatments may be recommended.

Taking action
Ignoring symptoms or brushing them off as part of getting older can lead to more serious issues down the line. The good news? Most urological health problems can be treated effectively—especially when caught early.

At Urology Clinics Manchester, we believe in making men feel heard, supported, and cared for. Whether you’re noticing new symptoms or have long-standing concerns, speaking to a specialist could be the most important step you take. Prioritising your urological health is part of living well—now and into the future. Book your consultation today.

What is a hydrocele?

September 2, 2024 in Testes

What is a hydrocele?

A hydrocele is a common condition characterised by the accumulation of fluid in the sac around the testicle, known as the tunica vaginalis. This can result in swelling of the scrotum. They can be classified into two main types: communicating and non-communicating.

Communicating:

In a communicating hydrocele, there is a connection between the tunica vaginalis and the abdominal cavity. This connection allows fluid to move back and forth, causing the size of the hydrocele to change. Communicating hydroceles are more common in newborns and infants.

Non-Communicating:

In a non-communicating hydrocele, there is no connection between the tunica vaginalis and the abdominal cavity. The fluid accumulates in the sac, but there is no movement of fluid in and out. Non-communicating hydroceles can occur at any age, and they are more common in older children and adults.

Symptoms of Hydrocele:

Swelling of the scrotum, which may be painless.
The swelling may vary in size.
Discomfort or a heavy feeling in the scrotum.

Causes of Hydrocele:

Congenital Factors:

In infants, a communicating hydrocele may result from the failure of the connection between the abdominal cavity and the tunica vaginalis to close as it normally does.

Inflammation or Injury:

Inflammation, infection, or trauma to the scrotum can cause fluid accumulation.

Tumor:

Rarely, a tumor in the testicle or scrotum can cause a hydrocele.

Diagnosis and Treatment:

Physical Examination:

A healthcare provider can often diagnose this through a physical examination, where they may shine a light through the scrotum to determine if the swelling is translucent.

Imaging Tests:

Ultrasound may be used to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.

Treatment Options:

In many cases, in infants, they tend to resolve on their own without intervention. However, if it persists or causes discomfort, treatment options may include:

Observation:

If the hydrocele is small and not causing symptoms, it may be observed without immediate intervention.

Aspiration (Drainage):

A needle may be used to drain the fluid. However, this is often a temporary solution, as the fluid may re-accumulate.

Surgery (Hydrocelectomy):

Surgical removal of the hydrocele sac is a more permanent solution. This is typically done in cases where the hydrocele is causing significant discomfort or if it recurs after drainage.

Recovery:

Observation:

Regular follow-up appointments with a healthcare provider may be recommended.

Post-Surgery:

Following surgery, there is usually a recovery period, during which patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities and follow any postoperative instructions provided by their healthcare team.

It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and appropriate management. Please contact us here.

Understanding Testis Lumps

August 18, 2024 in Testes

Understanding Testis Lumps

Lumps or swellings in the testicles can be concerning, and it’s important to promptly seek medical attention if you notice any changes in the testicular area. While not all lumps are cancerous, some may be indicative of conditions that require medical evaluation and treatment. Here are some potential causes of testicular lumps:

Hydrocele:

A hydrocele is a collection of fluid that can surround the testicle, causing swelling. It often leads to a painless enlargement of the scrotum.

Epididymal Cysts:

Cysts can form in the epididymis, a coiled tube located behind the testicle. These cysts are usually benign and may feel like small, smooth lumps.

Varicocele:

A varicocele is the enlargement of veins within the scrotum. It can feel like a bag of worms and is more common on the left side. Varicoceles are generally harmless but can cause discomfort.

Infections or Inflammation:

Infections, such as epididymitis or orchitis, can cause swelling and pain in the testicles. Inflammation due to infection may lead to lumps or changes in texture.

Testicular Torsion:

Testicular torsion is a medical emergency that occurs when the spermatic cord twists, cutting off blood supply to the testicle. It can cause sudden and severe pain, as well as swelling.

Testicular Cancer:

Testicular cancer can present as a painless lump or swelling in the testicle. It is relatively rare but should be ruled out, especially in cases of new or unexplained lumps.

If you discover a lump or swelling in your testicles, it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly. Here are steps to take:

1. Self-Examination:
Perform regular testicular self-examinations to become familiar with the normal size and texture of your testicles. Report any changes to your healthcare provider.
2. Medical Evaluation:
If you notice a lump or swelling, make an appointment with a healthcare provider, preferably a urologist. They will perform a physical examination, ask about your symptoms, and may order imaging tests, such as an ultrasound, if needed.
3. Prompt Consultation for Pain:
If you experience sudden and severe pain in the testicle, seek immediate medical attention, as this could be a sign of testicular torsion or another urgent condition.
4. Additional Testing:

Depending on the findings, your healthcare provider may recommend additional tests or procedures to determine the cause of the lump.

Remember that early detection and intervention are crucial for effective management of any potential issues. If testicular cancer is diagnosed, treatment options may include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy, depending on the stage and type of cancer.

It’s important to address concerns about testicular lumps promptly and not delay seeking medical attention. Your healthcare provider will guide you through the necessary evaluations and ensure appropriate care.

Book your consultation here to see how our team can help with Testis Lumps.

When to see a urologist.

March 4, 2024 in Bladder, Fertility, Kidney, Penile, Prostate, Testes

A urologist is an expert at diagnosing and treating diseases and conditions related to the organs of the urinary tract. There are many reasons why someone may need to visit a urologist. The expert team at Urology Clinics Manchester provides a wide range of urology services to help you stay healthy.

Urinary conditions ranging from a urinary tract infection or UTI to urinary incontinence are quite common, especially as you age.

Urinary conditions can occur if you are sexually active too. You may experience a sexually transmitted disease or urinary tract issues associated with low testosterone levels.

You should see a urologist if you:

Have blood in your urine
Experience pain when you urinate
Have difficulty urinating
Leak urine when you sneeze or cough
Have pain in your pelvis, groin, or abdomen
Have pain during intercourse
Experience lower back pain
Experience side back pain
Experience erectile dysfunction

These signs and symptoms could mean that you have:

A hernia
An overactive bladder
An enlarged prostate
Kidney or bladder stones
A bladder, kidney, or urinary tract infection
Bladder, kidney, or prostate cancer
A sexually transmitted disease or infection
A vaginal or yeast infection

Early and prompt treatment of urinary tract diseases or conditions can help protect you from permanent kidney, bladder, and urinary tract damage or cancer.

During a urology exam, your urologist may order lab work to check your:

Overall kidney function
Blood cell counts
Hormone levels
PSA (prostate-specific antigen) levels

Your urologist may also recommend medical imaging studies to check the overall health of your:

Kidneys
Prostate
Bladder

Urological issues can be serious if not treated. Your urologist can help you stay healthy with regular exams. It’s important to know when to see your urologist, so if you have any of the signs and symptoms listed above please do not hesitate to contact us.

To learn more about how a urologist can help you stay healthy, contact us.

Epididymovasostomy

November 14, 2022 in Testes

Epididymovasostomy is an even more complex and delicate vasectomy reversal procedure that is performed when a blockage is discovered in the epididymis. The epididymovasostomy requires greater surgical expertise than that of a vasovasostomy.

The Epididymovasostomy microsurgery consists of connecting the vas deferens to the epididymis to bypass obstruction. It is performed in an attempt to cure azoospermia caused by blockage. Often a person who has had a vasectomy for a longer period of time may find this method to be more successful.

Why would you need a Epididymovasostomy?

Epididymovasostomy is reversing a vasectomy in a highly complicated procedure and surgeons must be specialty trained. Epididymovasostomy is reserved for patients who has poor sperm flow, possibly due to a blockage. If your doctor finds an obstruction or damage to the vas deferens, they will then opt for this second type of procedure.

During a vasectomy, the vas deferens that carry sperm from the testicles to the seminal vesicles, are cut, tied, and or cauterised. While a vasectomy is considered to be a permanent solution for male sterilisation, the procedure can be reversed- and highly successful if choosing a reverse vasectomy fellowship trained microsurgeon. This is a simpler procedure out of the two surgeries for a vasectomy reversal.

A Epididymovasostomy microsurgery is only used if the surgeon believes their to be some sort of blockage- if your vasectomy was relatively recent, and the vas to vas connection works, where the doctor sees a nice flow of sperm, this method will not be required. You will have a simpler procedure called a Vasovasostomy.

An epididymovasostomy involves connecting of the severed vas tube onto the epididymis next to the testes. Due to the tiny size of the epididymis tubing, it is more technically demanding than a standard reversal operation and can take much longer.

If you would like to speak to our team about Epididymovasostomy or other treatments, please call us on 0161 327 1269 or email us at info@urologyclinics.co.uk.

This article is intended to inform and give insight but not treat, diagnose or replace the advice of a doctor. Always seek medical advice with any questions regarding a medical condition.

Testes lumps and swelling

October 20, 2022 in Testes

Testes lumps and swelling in the testicles or scrotum are not usually caused by anything serious, but you should get them checked by your healthcare provider.

What causes lumps and swelling in the testicles?

Lumps and swellings in the testicles and scrotum can have lots of different causes. Most are caused by something harmless, such as a build-up of fluid (cyst) or swollen veins. Sometimes they can be a sign of something serious, such as testicular cancer.

Here are the causes of testes lumps and or scrotal swelling:

Testicular torsion

You should go to your nearest emergency department if you have testicular torsion (torsion of spermatic cord).

This happens when the spermatic cord, which provides blood flow to the testicle, rotates and becomes twisted. The twisting cuts off the testicle’s blood supply and causes sudden pain and swelling.

Testicular cancer

Inguinal hernia

An inguinal hernia is the most common type of hernia. It can appear as a swelling or lump in your groin, or as an enlarged scrotum (the pouch containing the testicles). The swelling may be painful. The lump often appears when you’re lifting something and disappears when you lie down. You will need surgery to repair it.

Epididymitis

Epididymitis is where a tube (the epididymis) at the back of the testicles becomes swollen and painful. It’s often caused by an infection and is usually treated with antibiotics.

Orchitis

Orchitis is an inflammation of the testicles. It can be caused by either bacteria or a virus. Both testicles may be affected by orchitis at the same time. However, the symptoms usually appear in just one testicle.

This kind of testicular inflammation is often associated with the mumps virus.

Epididymal cyst

An epididymal cyst is a fluid-filled sac that grows in the epididymis – a tube at the back of the testicles. It does not need treatment if it is small or causes no significant symptoms. If it needs treatment, usually surgery is needed to remove it, though this may affect fertility.

Varicocele

Varicocele is a scrotal swelling caused by swollen veins (called the pampiniform plexus) in the spermatic cord (the cord attached to the testicle).

Most of the time, varicoceles cause no problems and are harmless. Less often varicoceles can cause pain, problems with reduced fertility, or cause one testicle to grow slower or shrink.

Surgery can be used to treat a varicocele if it is reducing fertility or causing problems with growth.

Hydrocele

Hydrocele occurs when fluid collects in the thin sheath surrounding a testicle.

Hydrocele is common in newborns babies and usually disappears without treatment by age one. Older boys and adult men can develop a hydrocele due to inflammation or injury within the scrotum.

If you would like to speak to our team about lumps or swelling of your testes, please call us on 0161 327 1269 or email us at info@urologyclinics.co.uk.

This article is intended to inform and give insight but not treat, diagnose or replace the advice of a doctor. Always seek medical advice with any questions regarding a medical condition.

Vasectomy

October 12, 2022 in Testes

Vasectomy, also known as ‘male sterilisation’ is a permanent form of contraception, to prevent pregnancy. A vasectomy is a procedure that involves a small operation performed in men. A tube (called vas deferens) within each testicle is clamped, cut or sealed. This prevents the release of sperm during ejaculation. After a vasectomy, sperm continues to be produced in the testicles, but is no longer released during ejaculation or contained in the semen. The sperm that is produced is reabsorbed by the body.

How effective is a vasectomy?

Vasectomy is very reliable and in most cases will prevent pregnancy, but it is not quite 100% effective.

Overall, 1 in 300 may fail. However, the failure rate drops to 1 in 2,000 after you have had negative sperm counts.
In a few cases, operations are not successful and tests show sperm are still present in semen after the operation. This occurs in less than 1 in 100 operations.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a vasectomy?

Advantages are:

Vasectomy is a safer, cheaper procedure that causes fewer complications than tubal ligation in women (female sterilisation).
Vasectomy is a permanent method of birth control. Once your semen does not contain sperm, you do not need to worry about using other birth control methods.
Although vasectomy is expensive, it is a one-time cost. The cost of other methods is likely to be greater over time.

Disadvantages are:

The effect of vasectomy in preventing pregnancy is not immediate; it may take a few months before the semen is free from sperm.
As a vasectomy is permanent. Some people regret having a vasectomy, especially if their circumstances change.
A vasectomy does not protect against STIs, including infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Condoms are the most effective method for preventing STIs.
Any further complications will be discussed with you at the time of your consultation with your specialist.

How is this procedure performed?

Vasectomy is a simple operation, which takes about 15 minutes. It can be done at a Family Planning clinic, doctor’s surgery or hospital. It is usually done under a local anaesthetic. This means you are awake but have an injection into the skin so that you do not feel pain. Sometimes a vasectomy can be done under a general anaesthetic.

In no-scalpel vasectomy:

Local anaesthetic is injected into a small area of skin on either side of the scrotum above the testicles (testes).
The doctor feels the tubes under the skin and holds them in place with a small clamp.
They then make one tiny puncture and gently stretch the opening so the tubes can be reached.
The tube is brought to the surface through the small opening. Different doctors use different techniques, but all are designed to ensure the 2 ends of the cut tubes remain separate.
The second tube is treated in the same way through the same hole.
There is very little bleeding with this technique.
No stitches are needed to close the opening, which heals quickly without leaving a scar.

Is a vasectomy effective immediately?

You will need to have tests after your operation to find out whether your semen still has sperm. These tests are usually done 3 months afterwards. If you are having vaginal sex, your partner will need to use another method of contraception until your semen samples have no more sperm.

Can this procedure affect my sex drive and sexuality?

No – your hormones will be the same after a vasectomy as they were before. Your sex drive and ability to have sex will not change. You will still have erections and orgasms. You will ejaculate about the same amount of semen but it no longer contains sperm. The only change is that you cannot get someone pregnant.

Are there any complications when having this procedure?

For the most part, vasectomy is a safe procedure with very few complications. Most men have no problems after a vasectomy.

However, the following may happen:

There is a small risk of a wound infection after the surgery.
Bruising around the operation site may occur but it will go in a week or so.
You may experience a dull ache in the scrotum for a few weeks or months after the operation. This usually settles within 3 months.

If you would like to speak to our team about a vasectomy or other treatments, please call us on 0161 327 1269 or email us at info@urologyclinics.co.uk.

This article is intended to inform and give insight but not treat, diagnose or replace the advice of a doctor. Always seek medical advice with any questions regarding a medical condition.

Testes Infection

September 12, 2022 in Testes

Testes infections can present a range of symptoms such as redness, swelling, pain, or inflammation of the scrotum or testicle. We look into some of the common reasons behind patients who present with infections.

Epididymitis

Epididymitis is where a tube (the epididymis) at the back of the testicles becomes swollen and painful. It’s often caused by an infection and is usually treated with antibiotics.

If the testicles are also affected, it may be called epididymo-orchitis.

Symptoms of epididymitis

Symptoms of epididymitis may include:

sudden or gradual pain in 1 or both of your testicles (balls)
the bag of skin containing your testicles (scrotum) feeling tender, warm and swollen
a build-up of fluid around your testicle (a hydrocele) that feels like a lump or swelling

You may have other symptoms depending on the cause, such as difficulty peeing, or a white, yellow or green discharge from the tip of the penis.

What causes epididymitis?

Epididymitis is usually caused by a sexually transmitted infection (STI), such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea. This is more likely in younger men under 35 years old.

If testing shows that your epididymitis is caused by a STI, it may be recommended that your current or recent sexual partners are also tested for STIs.

It can also be caused by a urinary tract infection (UTI), but UTIs are less common in men.

A UTI is more likely if you have:

an enlarged prostate gland
a urinary catheter
recently had surgery to the groin, prostate gland or bladder

Sometimes a cause cannot be found.

When should I see a healthcare specialist?

You should visit your GP or healthcare specialist if you have any of the following:

a lump in your testes
swollen testes
a change in the shape of your testes
a change in the way your testes feel
1 testicle that’s become bigger than the other
aching or discomfort in your testes that does not go away

Lumps in the testes can be a sign of testicular cancer. This is easier to treat if it’s found early.

Epididymo-orchitis

What is epididymo-orchitis?

Epididymo-orchitis is an infection of the testicle and epididymis (tubes around the testicle).

How does you get epididymo-orchitis?

Epididymo-orchitis is usually due to a sexually transmitted infection (STI) such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea, which is caught from having unprotected sex with someone who has the STI. This can include oral, vaginal and anal sex, sex play or sharing sex toys. If you use a condom every time you have sex you are much less likely to get epididymo-orchitis. Sometimes epididymo-orchitis is due to a urinary infection – this is more common in men over 35. It can also be caused by a childhood infection known as mumps.

What are the symptoms of Epididymo-orchitis?

These can include:

Pain or swelling in the testicle or scrotum.
Discharge or fluid leaking from the penis, especially if it is due to chlamydia or gonorrhoea.
Sometimes there may be pain passing urine.

Sudden severe pain in the testicle or scrotum can be due to a twisted testicle. This is serious and you will need to see a doctor straight away.

What do I do if I think I have epididymo-orchitis?

You should see a doctor urgently. You will need to have a sexual health check. You will need an examination and you will need to do a urine test. You may also need to have a swab taken from the penis.

If you would like to speak to our team about your testes, please call us on 0161 327 1269 or email us at info@urologyclinics.co.uk.

This article is intended to inform and give insight but not treat, diagnose or replace the advice of a doctor. Always seek medical advice with any questions regarding a medical condition.

7 smoking related urological conditions

December 20, 2021 in Bladder, Fertility, Kidney, Penile, Testes

Everyone that does or does not smoke will know that it can have a major impact on your health. Each year millions of people die prematurely due to smoking related illnesses. In this blog we will highlight smoking relating urological conditions.

Bladder cancer – every year around 10,000 people are diagnosed with bladder cancer. Smoking causes harmful chemicals to collect in your urine. These chemicals can have a big effect on the lining of the bladder and increase the risk of developing bladder cancer.
Erectile disfunction – around 1 in 5 men experience erectile dysfunction in the UK. Smoking can harm blood vessels, therefore affecting the flow of blood to the penis. Erectile dysfunction can have a serious effect on sexual intercourse and a man’s self esteem.
Kidney cancer – kidney cancer is the 9^th most common cancer in the UK for both men and women. The harmful toxins in a cigarette enter the blood stream which is then filtered through by the kidneys. These toxins and chemicals can increase your risk of getting kidney cancer.
Kidney stones – research has shown that the risk of getting kidney stones is increased if you smoke.
Painful bladder syndrome – this condition is more common in women than men. As smoking irritates the lining of the bladder, it can worsen the symptoms of painful bladder syndrome.
Incontinence – urinary incontinence is an extremely common condition, especially for those that smoke. Coughing fits caused by smoking can worsen the frequency of incontinence and lead to stress incontinence.
Infertility – this affects both men and women. Smoking can chance the genetic makeup of in both eggs and sperm. Did you know that the infertility rate in smokers is twice the rate of those who do not smoke?

If you need help with quitting smoking then you should speak to your GP about getting the right help. Sometimes a simple change can improve your health significantly!

Hypogonadism

November 9, 2021 in Fertility, Penile, Testes

Hypogonadism is a condition that affects the sex gland in both men and women called the Gonads. Patients with hypogonadism produce little to no sex hormones, which can lead to low sex drive or libido.

For the purpose of this blog, we will focus on the effect on men.

Testicles in the male reproductive system are responsible for producing testosterone, which is the main male sex hormone. If you have hypogonadism this means that your testosterone level is low.

Hypogonadism can either be caused by a problem with the productive system or a problem within the brain

Primary hypogonadism: A problem within the sex glands that slows or stops hormone production.
Secondary (central) hypogonadism: A problem with brain signals that affects hormone production (pituitary gland or hypothalamus)

As we get into our late 40’s/50’s the production of sex hormones naturally goes down; resulting in a reduced sex drive. These changes are normal so it is important to note that it is not necessarily the hypothalamus. If reduced libido and sex drive occurs in younger men then this may be linked to hypogonadism.

Here are some of the most common causes of primary and secondary hypogonadism:

Primary

Conditions such as diabetes and Addison’s Disease (affecting the adrenal gland)
Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy
Genetic disorders such as Klinefelter syndrome
Undescended testicles
Liver or kidney disease
Previous surgery on the reproductive system

Secondary

Obesity
Pituitary disorders
Use of steroids or opiods
Previous brain surgery or cancer treatment
Infections

These are just some of the possible causes.

Here are some of the most common signs and symptoms in men:

Enlarged breasts tissue
Erectile dysfunction
Infertility (this is related to the low sperm count)
Muscle loss

There are two main ways that hypogonadism can be diagnosed in men:

A blood test – this looks at the different levels in the blood
Semen analysis – this looks at the amount and quality of sperm

If you would like to speak to our team about hypogonadism please call us on 0161 327 1269 or email us at info@urologyclinics.co.uk

This article is intended to inform and give insight but not treat, diagnose or replace the advice of a doctor. Always seek medical advice with any questions regarding a medical condition.