Pinellas Region Patient Newsletter – November 2025

Bladder Problems? You’re Not Alone.

It may be uncomfortable to talk about your bladder problems, but doing so is the first step to effective treatment. To recognize Bladder Health Awareness Month, we want you to know your problems are not only treatable, they’re common!

• About 1 in 10 Americans suffer from an overactive bladder. The sudden urge to urinate can be frustrating and disruptive to many aspects of your daily life.
• One in two women age 65+ are impacted by stress urinary incontinence. There’s nothing funny about leaking when you laugh, sneeze, cough, or exercise. Learn about your many treatment options.
• Bladder cancer is the sixth most common cancer in the U.S. It’s highly treatable when caught early. Find out what to look for.
• About 1-4 million men, and 3-8 million women have symptoms of Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome. If you have bladder pain that lasts more than six weeks, ask your doctor if it could be Interstitial Cystitis.

Every day our experienced providers consult with patients suffering from bladder control problems. Once we uncover the cause of the problem, we carefully discuss each treatment option to find the one that’s right for you. Nearly all bladder problems are treatable, that’s why we won’t give up until your problem is resolved and your quality of life is restored.

If you’re suffering from a bladder control problem, let’s talk. Request an appointment.

Our Sincere Thanks

As we approach the holiday season, we thank you for placing your trust in us. Your confidence in our expertise inspires us to continually provide the best possible care. Our warmest wishes to you and your loved ones for good health, peace, and joy in the coming weeks and throughout the new year.

NEW! Non-surgical Procedures for Enlarged Prostate and Varicoceles

Some conditions that once required surgery now can be treated by an interventional radiologist. At the IR Center of Pinellas, when compared to open surgery, a new approach results in:

• Less risk of complications
• Less pain
• Faster recovery

At the center, our interventional radiologist, Dr. Gerald Niedzwiecki, uses embolization to successfully treat:

• BPH (enlarged prostate) using prostate artery embolization (PAE)
• Varicoceles (enlarged veins in scrotum) that can cause pain and contribute to decreased fertility

During these embolization procedures, tiny microspheres are inserted into the arteries that feed the prostate or varicoceles. In the weeks that follow, these microspheres slowly restrict blood supply, returning the prostate or varicoceles to their normal size.

Treatment at the IR Center requires a referral from your urologist so be sure to discuss it at your next appointment.

Year-End Healthcare Reminder

Imagine a new year without the worries of an overactive bladder, enlarged prostate, or a weak pelvic floor. If you’ve met your yearly deductible for health insurance, now is a good time to schedule those treatments you may have been putting off. Review your plan details to be sure you’ve met your annual deductible, and to confirm it resets on January 1, 2026.

Exceptional care for Advanced Prostate Cancer

A diagnosis of advanced prostate cancer is tough to swallow. You want a team of specialists who are experienced across the entire spectrum of prostate cancer’s advanced stages. Because every prostate cancer patient is unique, at AUI you can expect a treatment plan that is personalized to your individual situation. Backed by clinical research, our Pinellas County team will recommend the latest advancements in treatment suitable to your unique disease state.

At our West Florida Radiation Therapy Center in Clearwater you’ll find exceptional, personalized care close to home.