Erectile Dysfunction
Chronic fatigue can drain you of strength and cause you to feel exhausted, physically and emotionally. It can hinder the enjoyment of day-to-day activities and stop you from engaging in your responsibilities. And chronic fatigue can be a vicious cycle. The more fatigued you are, the more stressed you get and vice versa. It’s important to break the cycle quickly and permanently.
Chronic Fatigue Factors You Can Address
One of the best ways to address fatigue is relaxing and getting enough sleep. If you have a stressful job or personal life, seek ways to unwind and get enough rest. While getting enough sleep may seem obvious, it’s also the quality of sleep that makes a difference. For some, sleep issues may need to be diagnosed by a medical professional. This includes sleep apnea, a common side effect of excess weight and obesity.
Staying well-hydrated is another way to boost your energy levels naturally while also improving your urinary system. With our bodies being mainly composed of water, it’s no wonder that hydration plays such a critical role in both our mental and physical health. The old guidance of getting 64 ounces of fluid each day represents the absolute minimum. You should be drinking even more, especially if it is hot or cold outside, or exercising regularly.
After addressing the two issues above, you will have more energy to ramp up your exercise program, which releases pain-fighting endorphins and supercharges your energy throughout the day.
However, if you feel tired and lack energy even after addressing the issues above, you may need medical attention. A urologist may not be the first specialist you think of visiting, but our specialty addresses many core fatigue issues that affect men over the age of 40. Indeed, you may find that it is precisely a urologist that can diagnose and treat problems that may have been quietly plaguing you for years.
When to See a Urologist for Fatigue
Several conditions may cause chronic fatigue that is urologic in nature. And believe it or now, It has to do with your hormones. Fatigue is a symptom, not a condition. It rarely develops without an underlying cause, and some of the most common reasons for chronic fatigue include:
Low Testosterone (Low T)
Testosterone is responsible for a man’s sperm production and sex drive. It’s a hormone necessary for male reproductive development and sexual function. Aside from sex drive, testosterone also contributes to energy levels. Low T may cause you to experience hair loss, muscle weakness, and erectile dysfunction. The condition may also contribute to depression, irritability, loss of sex drive, and fatigue. This typically affects older men, but even younger guys can suffer. So, consult with your urologist if you are experiencing extreme fatigue with any of these symptoms.
Low testosterone levels are addressed in several ways, but usually with injections. Short-acting testosterone injections are given once every 1 to 3 weeks. On the other hand, long-acting testosterone is administered every ten weeks. These injections replenish testosterone levels and help resolve symptoms. You can also receive testosterone through gels, such as AndroGel, Testim, Fortesta, and Axiron. Your urologist may also consider the use of Androderm, which is a patch applied to the skin. Finally, testosterone can also be delivered through small injectable pellets. This treatment is administered every 8 to 12 weeks.
Kidney Disease
Some symptoms of chronic kidney disease include reduced urine output, weakness, shortness of breath, and excessive drowsiness or fatigue. This condition decreases kidney function, leading to a buildup of toxins and impurities in the blood. Reduced oxygen in the bloodstream may cause the development of anemia, which can also make you feel weak.
Kidney disease shares many symptoms with other conditions. Therefore, it’s crucial that you receive an accurate diagnosis from a physician. A urologist can diagnose your condition using blood tests, urinalysis, and checking your kidney function and medical history.
Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is the inability to sustain an erection and is often caused by sleep disorders, diabetes, heart disease, stress, anxiety, and depression. These concerns are also often associated with fatigue. It can also be emotionally and mentally draining to be unable to satisfy your partner, and the ED-fatigue cycle can get worse with time. A urologist can help you manage your ED and address the tiredness. We can prescribe medications such as Viagra, Levitra, Cialis, or Stendra that relax your muscles, causing better blood flow when sexually aroused. It’s also important to know that Dr. Natale specializes in penile implantation, a safe and effective option in cases of severe ED for which medications and injections are ineffective.
Next Steps for Chronic Fatigue Treatment in Concord and Mint Hill, North Carolina
Dr. Natale specializes in diagnosing and treating urological problems, including those that may be causing your chronic fatigue. Visit Carolina Urology Partners today and see how we can help improve your health and wellbeing.
To make an appointment, call us at (704) 786-5131. You may also request an appointment online.