Blog Archive

How to Manage Painful Erections Jun 1st, 2023

Normal erections are linked with pleasure, intimate connection, and overall health. But what if an erection leads to bothersome pain?  Painful erections are never “normal,” and in some cases, they’re a sign of a medical emergency. Thankfully, the underlying causes tend to be quite treatable. Dr. Mike Hsieh and Jose Luis Ruiz,...

7 Conditions That Impact Male Fertility May 15th, 2023

About 15% of couples are unable to conceive after a year of trying, and about 10% continue to struggle after two years. There are many different pieces to the fertility puzzle and infertility problems stem equally from three different places:  One-third from female reproductive issues One-third from male reproductive issues...

3 Different Types of Ejaculation Disorders Apr 3rd, 2023

The male sex drive is infamous. Unfortunately, all the attention men get about their libido may prevent them from seeking help when they need it.  Almost every man experiences some kind of sexual problem during his lifetime, but many may have a hard time discussing these problems with their doctor....

If There's Blood in Your Urine, Get It Checked Out Mar 13th, 2023

Blood in your urine is never normal, but that doesn’t mean it’s always serious. Whether you see it just once or it appears regularly, bloody urine indicates something going on in your body, and you need to get it checked out. Mike Hseih, MD, specializes in men’s health and offers...

Mental Health and Erectile Dysfunction: How are they Linked? Feb 24th, 2023

Up to 30 million men in the United States deal with erectile dysfunction (ED), or the inability to get or maintain an erection firm enough for satisfactory intercourse. As one of the most common sexual health problems among men of all ages, ED can leave you with an unfulfilled sex...

Why Men Over 40 Should Start Seeing a Urologist Regularly Jan 6th, 2023

They say 40 is the new 30. You might feel like you still have your whole life ahead of you, but there’s no denying it: as you get older, your health needs change. Your body has been through a lot over the years, and some of those changes increase your...

Who’s at risk for male infertility? Dec 7th, 2022

Many people spend a lot of time trying to avoid having a baby. So what happens when you’re ready to conceive, but pregnancy doesn’t occur? In most cases, this is the first sign of infertility. Estimates show that 1 in 7 couples struggle with fertility problems, meaning they haven’t conceived a child...

Questions to Ask Before a Vasectomy Reversal Nov 2nd, 2022

If you’ve had a vasectomy, you may know that it’s one of the most effective ways to prevent an undesired pregnancy. But what if you no longer wish to prevent one?  From relationship changes to loss of a child, numerous reasons may lead to the desire for vasectomy reversal. And...

What Does It Mean if My Prostate Is Enlarged? Oct 1st, 2022

Your prostate is a walnut-sized gland that sits between your bladder and penis. When it’s healthy, the gland does a great job of providing nutrients to seminal fluid — which emerges with sperm during ejaculation. Most people with a prostate gland experience enlargement with age, and it’s generally not an...

What Is a Cystoscopy, and Why Would I Need One? Sep 6th, 2022

Painful urination, overactive bladder, and blood in the urine are all common men’s health issues that need diagnosis and treatment. A common way to investigate issues with the bladder and urethra is via cystoscopy. Urologist and men’s health specialist Mike Hsieh, MD, regularly uses a cystoscope to investigate bladder symptoms...

Vasectomies are Highly Effective in Preventing Unwanted Pregnancies Aug 1st, 2022

If you’re sexually active but do not wish to get your partner pregnant, vasectomies are one of the most effective birth control options. In fact, vasectomies are 99% effective in preventing unwanted pregnancies - although not right away. Board-certified urologist Mike Hsieh, MD, and his team offer vasectomies to help men prevent unwanted pregnancies and perform a...

Can COVID-19 Lead to Erectile Dysfunction? Jul 1st, 2022

More than two years after the COVID-19 pandemic hit, medical experts are still discovering the infection’s long-term effects on our health. For men, this includes erectile dysfunction (ED), as men with COVID-19 have been found to be three times more likely to be diagnosed with ED. As men’s health experts, Mike Hsieh, MD, and our...

The Link Between Obesity and Erectile Dysfunction Jun 9th, 2022

Weight has been a problem in the United States for some time. More than 2 out of 5 Americans over the age of 20 are classed as obese. At the same time, 52% of American men report one or more incidences of erectile dysfunction (ED). Statistically, there’s plenty of overlap, and it’s not likely...

Managing Erectile Dysfunction after Prostate Cancer May 3rd, 2022

Cure rates for prostate cancer are high with early detection and treatment. Individual results vary, but the American Cancer Society reports a 10-year survival rate of 98% for prostate cancer that hasn’t spread (metastasized). Unfortunately, erectile dysfunction (ED) is a frequent side effect of many prostate cancer treatments. ED may...

What Causes Peyronie's Disease? Apr 7th, 2022

Peyronie’s disease can result in bent erections that may make your sex life embarrassing to discuss and painful to experience for you and your partner. Changes in the penis that Peyronie’s causes may also lead to erectile dysfunction (ED) and a loss of sexual desire. Board-certified urologist and men’s health specialist Dr....

Low Testosterone and Body Fat: Are they Linked? Mar 1st, 2022

Beer gut, middle-aged spread, dad bod — whatever term you use, you’re noticing far more fat accumulation in your body these days, and you want to know why. If you want to point the finger squarely at low testosterone, there’s some evidence that the two are related, but the relationship...

How Does Erectile Dysfunction Affect Sexual Desire? Feb 1st, 2022

When you can’t achieve or maintain an erection that’s sufficient to enjoy sexual activity, you have erectile dysfunction (ED). Most men experience ED from time to time, affecting about one-quarter of men under 40, with this rate climbing as you get older.  In some cases, the urge to have sex,...

What Is the Success Rate for a Vasectomy Reversal? Jan 3rd, 2022

If you have had a vasectomy and now wish to reverse it to allow for a pregnancy, you’re not alone. Some 6-10% of people who undergo a vasectomy end up changing their minds at some point. Luckily, the vasectomy reversal procedure is only minimally invasive and holds a high success...

Having Difficulty Urinating? You May Have BPH Dec 1st, 2021

If you have difficulty urinating, you’re not alone. It’s a common problem that can develop from several conditions for both men and women.  Dr. Mike Hsieh and Jose Luis Ruiz, PA have the expertise and experience to treat your urinary incontinence or urinary retention. If you’re a male, benign prostatic...

3 Ejaculation Disorders: Causes and Treatments Nov 3rd, 2021

Your sex life is critical to your overall wellness, so if you’re encountering issues, it’s important to identify and treat them. While erectile dysfunction is one of the primary sexual dysfunctions, certain ejaculation disorders can also be problematic. As men’s health experts, Dr. Mike Hsieh and Jose Luis Ruiz, PA,...

What To Do When You Experience Painful or Bent Erections (Peyronie's disease) Oct 1st, 2021

Peyronie’s disease affects more men than those who’ve been officially diagnosed. Even though only about 1% of men over the age of 18 are diagnosed with Peyronie’s disease, another roughly 9% have the symptoms associated with the condition. Expert urologist and men’s health specialist Mike Hsieh, MD, diagnoses and treats...

5 Things to Consider Before a Vasectomy Sep 7th, 2021

A vasectomy is a potentially life-changing surgery and not an easy decision to make, whether your family is complete or you’re 100% sure fatherhood isn’t part of your future.  Though you may find the idea of snipping your manhood terrifying, the vasectomy itself is a relatively painless and quick procedure....

Have a Low Libido? We Can Help Aug 12th, 2021

In the flush of youth, you could barely go a second without thinking about sex. Now, sometimes it’s hours. Or days. Or even years. Low libido is not an inevitable consequence of aging. Nor is it the inevitable consequence of a long-term relationship. Most of all, it’s nothing that you...

Can a Vasectomy Be Reversed? Jul 18th, 2021

As the saying goes, the only thing you can count on is that things change. Whether you thought you were finished having children or you were sure you didn’t want to have children when you got your vasectomy, you likely didn’t have any doubt about your decision. But maybe now...

Erectile Dysfunction or Normal Aging? Jun 17th, 2021

If you struggle to get and keep an erection, this can impact more than just your sex life. It can do a number on your confidence and self-esteem as well. Difficulty maintaining an erection can occur for a variety of reasons, and you don’t necessarily have to be old for...

The Link Between Erectile Dysfunction and Diabetes May 11th, 2021

Living with diabetes comes with numerous challenges, including the increased risk for erectile dysfunction (ED). Unfortunately, experiencing problems getting or maintaining a satisfying erection can cause even more issues, including frustration and embarrassment, which can worsen ED symptoms. As a board-certified urologist and men’s health specialist, Mike Hsieh, MD, understands...

5 Signs of an Enlarged Prostate Apr 8th, 2021

One out of two men in their 50s have an enlarged prostate. For men over 80 years of age, this issue affects nearly 90% of the United States population.  While an enlarged prostate gland typically doesn’t present any serious medical concerns, the side effects of this common problem can lead...

Common Causes of Male Infertility Mar 14th, 2021

By some estimates, one in every eight American couples has trouble getting pregnant despite a year of trying. When this happens, doctors typically recommend evaluating for infertility. Up to 50% of problems getting pregnant are due to male infertility.  While the causes of infertility are often complex, many cases of...

The Psychological Impact of Sexual Dysfunction Feb 11th, 2021

When you hear the words, sexual dysfunction, you may automatically assume we’re referring to erectile dysfunction (ED), but that aspect is only part of the picture. As men’s health experts, board-certified urologist Dr. Mike Hsieh and our team understand the complex nature of sexual dysfunction and the wide net it...

What to Expect After You've Had a Vasectomy Reversal Jan 17th, 2021

Were you content looking forward to a child-free life, but then you weren’t? Perhaps your children are almost grown. You didn’t anticipate becoming a parent all over again, but you’ve met someone and want to have a child with your new partner. Your life circumstance has changed, and you want...

How Is Male Infertility Diagnosed? Dec 3rd, 2020

Fertility problems occur among 10-15% of couples, and in one-third of these cases, male infertility is the culprit. There are many possible causes of male infertility, so a thorough evaluation is critical to getting you on the road to building the family of your dreams. At our practice, board-certified urologist...

Men Can Have Hot Flashes, Too Nov 6th, 2020

Do you find yourself suddenly heating up for no reason, leaving you blanketed in sweat? Or perhaps you wake at night, drenched and cold. Welcome to the world of hot flashes, which is by no means solely a woman’s world. At our practice, Dr. Mike Hsieh and our team understand...

Do You Have These 5 Telltale Symptoms of Peyronie's Disease? Oct 6th, 2020

If you ask men to rate the things they don’t want to talk about — even with their doctor — problems with their penis would be one of the top issues.  Even when they have Peyronie’s disease and suffer with pain, difficulty having sex, and the embarrassment of a curved...

Your Guide to a No-Scalpel Vasectomy Sep 16th, 2020

Did you know that a vasectomy is more effective than a woman’s tubal ligation? One out of 100 women get pregnant after they have a tubal ligation, while one out of 1,000 become pregnant after their partner has a vasectomy. Though men know a vasectomy is an effective and safe...

When Does Prostate Cancer Require Treatment? Aug 17th, 2020

When you receive a cancer diagnosis, the first thing you may wonder is how quickly you can get it surgically removed. Prostate cancer is unique in that treatment is not always required and monitoring it closely is sometimes the best course of action.  Here at the office of Mike Hsieh,...

What Are the Most Common Causes of Male Infertility? Jul 16th, 2020

When you want to start a family, having trouble conceiving can be devastating. For couples where the partners are younger than 35, infertility is diagnosed after a year of continually trying to conceive. If couple is 35 or older, an infertility workup is recommended after six months of trying. An...

5 Tips for Preventing Kidney Stones May 26th, 2020

Roughly 1 in 10 Americans develop a kidney stone in their lifetime, and for many people it isn’t a one-time occurrence. These hard deposits can cause excruciating pain as they travel through the urinary system and out of the body. What’s important after you have a kidney stone is preventing...

Erectile Dysfunction Could Be Symptomatic of Another Underlying Health Condition Mar 4th, 2020

Sure, it’s hard to talk about erectile dysfunction (ED). But talk you must, because ED not only messes with your sex life, it could also be symptomatic of other underlying medical conditions. Dr. Mike Hsieh has heard it all, and he wants to help you deal with ED. Here’s how...

Behind the Little Blue Pill: Debunking Myths About Viagra Feb 1st, 2020

Viagra® gained attention immediately in 1998 when it first hit United States markets. In 2018 alone, Viagra sales generated approximately $640 million in revenue. But as the first oral treatment for erectile dysfunction, its popularity also came with widespread myths and misinformation. As a board-certified urologist and male fertility specialist,...

Why Should a Man See a Urologist? Jan 12th, 2020

A urologist who specializes in men’s health has a diverse set of skills. They’re trained and experienced in treating an enlarged prostate to problems with erectile dysfunction to fertility concerns, and much more. Dr. Mike Hsieh is a board-certified urologist who specializes in men’s health. His thriving, top-rated practice is...

SEXUAL FUNCTION REHABILITATION - SAN DIEGO MEN'S HEALTH Jul 1st, 2019

Sexual Function Rehabilitation Revolutionary Breakthroughs in Men's Health. With T. Mike Hsieh, M.D. UCSD Men's Health Center   

Vasectomy How It Works Jun 27th, 2019

Guys, Are you tired of listening to your wives go on and on about how they are tired of being on birth control since they were 16?  Yikes, so it is time to man up and step up to the plate. Vasectomy isn’t a bad word, it isn’t the end...

Low T Jun 27th, 2019

Are you feeling exhausted, irritable, and a little heavier than you like? Are you asking yourself “Just a few years ago I was feeling fit and looking good… What Happened?” If this sounds like you then you might have low testosterone (low T). This is a normal part of aging,...

Erectile Dysfunction Demystified Mar 6th, 2019

ED can be a signal of other circulation problem in a man’s body (cardiovascular health) Over the counter sexual enhancing supplements doesn’t replace evaluation by health care professional (often time contain ingredients that can be harmful to the body).  Over the counter ≠ safe  Viagra or similar medication is now...

Male Biological Clock Jan 31st, 2019

T. Mike Hsieh, MD Director of Male Fertility and Men’s Health at the department of Urology, UC San Diego Couples are delaying childbirth, why should men worry about their biological clock? More educated couple, more likely to delay childbirth Not a new concept for men’s health specialists Reproduction isn’t immune...