Men's Health Specialist
Robert J Cornell, MD, PA
Urologist located in Houston, TX
In the United States, the average life expectancy for men is almost five years less than women. Compared to women, men are more likely to smoke, drink, make unhealthy choices, and delay their medical checkups. You can take charge of your health today by visiting urologist Dr. Robert J. Cornell. Located conveniently in downtown Houston, Dr. Cornell offers state-of-the-art, comprehensive care. He specializes in prosthetic urology, as well as treatment of post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction. To get started, book an appointment online or call our office.
Men's Health Q & A
What are men’s health issues?
Men’s health issues include conditions that only affect men, such as prostate cancer or erectile dysfunction. They also include other major health risks that men face, such as colon cancer, heart disease, and respiratory diseases. Luckily, many of these health issues can be prevented and treated with early diagnosis.
Sometimes men’s health issues are related to each other; for example, erectile dysfunction is prevalent in men who have diabetes or who have had their prostate removed. Additionally, men with erectile dysfunction are 1.6 times more likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke.
What are some diseases of the male reproductive system?
The male reproductive system is made up of organs that work together to produce sperm and the other components of semen. The external male reproductive structures include:
- Penis
- Scrotum
- Testes
- Epididymis
There are also internal organs of the male reproductive system, and these include:
- Vas deferens
- Ejaculatory ducts
- Urethra
- Seminal vesicles
- Prostate gland
- Bulbourethral glands
Infection can occur in any of these organs. For example, orchitis is inflammation of the testes, usually due to a bacterial infection or the mumps virus. There are also disorders of these organs, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia, which is enlargement of the prostate gland that causes difficulty with urination.
Penile problems are common, including erectile dysfunction, or the inability to develop or maintain an erection of the penis during sexual activity.
Another common condition is Peyronie's disease — also called penile fibrosis — which is a fibrous scar involving the outer sheath surrounding the spongy tissue of the penis. Peyronie’s disease causes curved and often painful erections that result in foreshortening of the penile shaft length. Severe cases can cause erectile dysfunction.
Finally, cancer can develop in any of the organs of the male reproductive system, with prostate cancer being the most common cancer among American men.
When should I see a men’s health doctor?
It’s important to open a dialogue with a doctor specializing in men’s health issues, especially as you age. Dr. Cornell can discuss any questions you have about your health habits, symptoms you're experiencing, and how you can reduce your risk of common conditions facing men.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cornell, call our office or request an appointment online.