Pinellas Region Patient Newsletter – June 2025

Your Patience is Appreciated

We have recently launched a new patient information system. We know this has resulted in disruptions and delays for some of you. We truly apologize and want to assure you we are working as diligently as possible to learn the new system.

Our priority is to care for patients with urgent needs first. That does not mean you are not important. But, if you have placed a call with us for an appointment, test results, or something else non-urgent, please wait at least 48 hours to hear from us.

Thank you for your cooperation and kindness.

Phreesia makes registration more convenient

Just a reminder that you can register for your appointment before you arrive which can save you time once you get here. Phreesia works like this:

1. We’ll send you a text with a link to complete your registration whenever it’s convenient for you.
2. Once completed, simply relax when you arrive, and we’ll call you when your doctor is ready to see you.

Registering for each appointment is inescapable. But with Phreesia we hope it’s a bit more convenient. Learn more about the convenience of online check-in with Phreesia.

NEW WEBSITE: Your go-to urology resource

If you have a condition you want to know more about, or think you need to see a urologist, our new website is your go-to source. It’s easy to navigate and is packed with information to keep you healthy and help you prepare for your appointment.

MEN’S HEALTH MONTH: Two important reminders

2. This annual test can be lifesaving! Prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in men. Yet when found and treated early, prostate cancer is curable. If you’re age 50 or older, be sure to have an annual PSA test and digital rectal exam. If you’re at high risk, including African American men and men who have a father or brother with prostate cancer, you should be screened beginning at age 40 to 45.If you’re due for your annual screening, make an appointment with your primary care physician, or find an AUI location near you.
3. Is your body trying to tell you something? If you’re urinating more frequently, find yourself rushing to the bathroom, or occasionally leak urine, pay attention! Your body may be signaling Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). This non-cancerous condition is common in men as you age, due to an enlarged prostate. It’s important to have BPH treated because the enlargement tends to block urine flow in the urethra. Without treatment an eventual loss of bladder function can occur which can become permanent.If your body is showing signs of BPH, talk to your urologist. We treat BPH every day and if an examination indicates you need treatment, we’ll carefully review your options with you to restore your quality of life.

6 Travel Tips if You’re Experiencing OAB

As many as 40% of women and 30% of men experience overactive bladder (OAB), the sudden urge to urinate that is difficult to control. During travel, when bathrooms may be hard to locate, a little advanced planning can go (and go and go) a long way to avoiding OAB mishaps.

Here are six tips to help you get to the bathroom on time.

1. Know the rest stops. A restroom locator app is a big help regardless of your destination.
2. Strengthen your bladder. Before leaving, practice urination at scheduled times instead of every time you have the urge. Doing Kegel exercises (pelvic-squeezing exercises for men and women) will strengthen your bladder muscles.
3. Watch what you drink and eat. Coffee and carbonated drinks can make OAB worse. So can citrus fruits, tomatoes, spicy foods, and those high in liquid (like cucumbers and watermelon).
4. Consider a prescription. Your doctor can prescribe medications that can help control your need to pee. For women, estrogen creams or tablets may provide relief.
5. Pack accordingly. Wear clothes that are simple to get off. And bring a day bag with absorbent liners, medications, and extra underwear.
6. Talk to a urologist. If you’ve never talked to a urologist about OAB, contact us for an appointment to learn about treatment options. You don’t have to live with OAB.

Don’t let an overactive bladder keep you at home. Our AUI specialists are dedicated to finding a solution that’s right for you.

Learn more about OAB.