Proctology Institute

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A New Way to Fight Fecal Incontinence

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Fecal incontinence, bowel incontinence, stool leakage. All terms that describe a very common problem, namely the involuntary release of stool by persons who cannot control this process every second of the day.

The causes of fecal incontinence are manifold, and may include such diverse health concerns as injury, infection, and Crohn’s Disease.

Treating Fecal Incontinence

In most cases, your proctologist will prescribe medication and some behavioral measures to combat fecal incontinence. But as of this week there may soon be a new option on the horizon. The Mayo Clinic is spearheading a pilot study into a new device that could be a game changer for many people:

The Fenix Continence Restoration System is an anal sphincter sizing tool made up of a titanium beads with magnetic cores connected by a titanium wires, forming a ring. The magnetic beads minimize involuntary opening of the anal sphincter, offering patients greater control of their bowels.

We have yet to see how well this device works, and whether it will introduce new complications in these initial human patients. It is a clever design, using magnetism to create an attractive force that mimics the sphincter’s natural tendency to close on its own. Whether it works as advertised remains to be seen.

Until that time, we have some of the best treatments for fecal incontinence in Southern California. For the very latest news and information about incontinence in Los Angeles and throughout California, stay with the experts at the Proctology Institute.

Once More, With Feeling: The HPV Vaccine and Cancer

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Most of the vaccines in our modern lives are built for the prevention of unpleasant things: flu. Mumps. Chicken pox. Rubella.

Other vaccines are created to protect you from more serious diseases such as measles and polio.

And at least one is designed to protect you from several types of cancer, any of which is likely to be fatal without vigilant screening and aggressive care.

That’s the HPV vaccine.

Many people are uncomfortable with the idea of vaccinating against a so-called STD, especially when the patients in question are well in advance of their sexual years. But here’s what the CDC says about why everyone – boys too – should be getting this vaccine:

Girls aren’t the only ones affected by HPV, also known as human papillomavirus. HPV is common in both males and females. Every year, over 9,000 males are affected by cancers caused by HPV infections that don’t go away. HPV can cause cancers of the anus, mouth/throat (oropharynx), and penis in males.

Cases of anal cancer and cancers of the mouth/throat are on the rise. In fact, if current trends continue, the annual number of cancers of the mouth/throat attributed to HPV is expected to surpass the annual number of cervical cancers by 2020.

Many of the cancers caused by HPV infection could be prevented by HPV vaccination.

We don’t have vaccines for many cancers, and we don’t have perfect protection for anything at all. But getting suited up against deadly diseases is a wise choice when you are a member of a close-knit society. And the HPV vaccine is holding steady as of 2016 as one of the most potent tools in our cancer-fighting arsenal.

Contact us today to learn more.

Men and HPV: Get The Facts

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Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is extraordinarily common. Nearly one quarter of Americans are affected, and the odds of contracting it rise as you get older and remain sexually active.

The danger with HPV is in the widely verified fact that it can lead to several forms of cancer, including cervical cancer, anal cancer, penile cancer, and vulvar cancer.

Should Men Worry About HPV?

Look closely at that list above and you’ll notice that it contains a number of cancers beyond cervical cancer, the disease with which it is most closely associated. That’s why men must take precautions surrounding HPV protection as well, and should strongly consider getting the HPV vaccine, as one recent news item underscored:

Actor Michael Douglas made headlines in 2013 when he announced that he got throat cancer, not by drinking and smoking, but from HPV. In fact, white, non-smoking men age 35 to 55 are most at risk for oral and oropharyngeal cancers caused by HPV; they’re four times more likely than women to develop these cancers.

Penile and anal cancer, while rare, are also caused by HPV.

Stay Safe From HPV

Whether you are looking for a vaccination regime or simply seeking early detection, the Proctology Institute can help. Contact us today to learn more about how you can protect yourself and your partners from HPV.

All The Causes of Anal Pain

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Anal pain. Butt pain. Everyone calls it something different. Everyone knows what it is.

We don’t like to discuss the minute details of every ache and sore spot in our bodies, yet when these become more intense over time, the result can be agonizing. Anal pain is a perfect example: a subject few people want to broach, but one which is obviously ubiquitous given the sheer number of doctor visits that it spawns every year.

One recent article took a close look at butt pain, offering a list of likely candidates for the source of that pain in your rear. Among them are anal fissure, anal fistula, IBS, and this discussion of hemorrhoids:

Hemorrhoids or piles cause swollen veins in the rectum and anal area. Like anal fissures, piles occurs due to constipation, diarrhea, excessive straining and pregnancy. Piles is the most common cause of anal pain and itching.

The only way to know for sure where your anal pain is coming from is to visit an anal pain specialist in Los Angeles. Contact the Proctology Institute today to learn more about diseases of the anus and rectum, and resolve some of the most common complaint in this area with our superior minimally invasive procedures.

What Are Prolapsed Hemorrhoids?

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Prolapsed hemorrhoids are internal hemorrhoids that protrude from the anus, causing an extremely painful experience while sitting and defecating.

The cause of prolapsed hemorrhoids isn’t precisely known, but we know that when hemorrhoids are left untreated for an extended period of time, the swelling may grow more dramatic and ultimately lead to prolapse.

The main complaints around prolapsed hemorrhoids are itching and pain:

Internal hemorrhoids may also prolapse, or extend beyond the anus, causing several potential problems. When a hemorrhoid protrudes, it can collect small amounts of mucus and microscopic stool particles that may cause an irritation called pruritus ani. Wiping constantly to try to relieve the itching can worsen the problem.

In some cases, this pain can graduate to severe levels, inspiring immediate trips to see a Los Angeles proctologist or colorectal surgeon.

Prolapsed hemorrhoids can be treated in a variety of ways, including Rubber band Ligation (RBL) and Sclerotherapy. The method you choose will depend on a conversation with your hemorrhoid doctor about the safest and most effective options give your symptoms and medical history.

To get rid of prolapsed hemorrhoids today, contact the Los Angeles and Orange County Proctology Institute for the best hemorrhoid care in California.