GENERAL UROLOGY CARE
Have You Been Putting Off a Urology Visit?
Changes in urination, questions about prostate screening or concerns about appearance can be difficult to bring up. Whether you are experiencing a new symptom or simply want to stay ahead of your health, you can speak directly with board-certified urologist Alan McCool, MD, FACS.
Urology Care Does Not Have to Feel Complicated
Men often delay seeing a urologist because a symptom feels minor, personal or simply part of getting older. However, changes in urinary function and prostate health are worth discussing, especially when they begin affecting your sleep or daily routine.
At ICONA Health, you have time to explain what has changed and ask questions without feeling rushed. Dr. McCool will review your symptoms, health history and goals, then explain whether screening, treatment or additional testing may be appropriate.
Common Reasons Men Seek Urology Care
You want to discuss PSA testing based on your age, family history, previous results and individual risk.
Prostate Cancer Screening
Your stream may feel weaker than it once did, stop and start or require straining.
Weak or Interrupted Urine Flow
You may need to urinate more often during the day or feel that the urge comes on suddenly.
Frequent Urination
You may finish urinating but still feel as though your bladder is not completely empty.
Difficulty Emptying Your Bladder
Repeated trips to the bathroom may interrupt your sleep and leave you tired the next day.
Waking During the Night
You may have questions about penile girth enhancement, Scrotox or another concern related to your appearance or confidence.
Cosmetic or Personal Concerns
PROSTATE CANCER SCREENING
Screening Should Be a Conversation, Not an Automatic Test
Prostate cancer can develop without causing noticeable symptoms, which is why screening may be recommended before anything feels wrong. Screening usually begins with a prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, blood test. In some situations, an examination or additional testing may also be appropriate.
A PSA result is not a simple pass-or-fail number. Age, family history, previous PSA results, prostate size, medications and recent infections can all provide important context. An elevated PSA does not automatically mean cancer, but it may need to be repeated or evaluated further.
Dr. McCool will help you understand whether screening is appropriate for you and what your results mean. If additional imaging, testing or a biopsy is needed, he will explain the next step and help coordinate your care.
PROSTATE ENLARGEMENT
Changes in Urination May Be Related to BPH
Benign prostatic hyperplasia, commonly called BPH or an enlarged prostate, becomes more common as men age. As the prostate grows, it can press against the urethra and interfere with the normal flow of urine.
Symptoms may include a weak stream, difficulty starting, frequent or urgent urination, waking during the night and feeling that the bladder has not emptied completely.
BPH is not prostate cancer, and having an enlarged prostate does not mean that you have cancer. However, urinary symptoms can have several possible causes, so an evaluation is important before assuming that BPH is responsible.
Treatment depends on how much the symptoms are affecting your life. Some men need only monitoring, while others may benefit from medication. If a procedure or more extensive evaluation is needed, Dr. McCool will help determine the appropriate next step.
COSMETIC UROLOGY
Personal Concerns Are Worth Discussing
Cosmetic urology includes treatments intended to address the appearance of the male genital area. These concerns can be difficult to discuss, but they are not unusual and should be evaluated by someone with a detailed understanding of male anatomy.
Dr. McCool is a board-certified urologist with more than 20 years of medical and surgical experience. He provides straightforward guidance about what a procedure can reasonably accomplish, potential risks and whether treatment is appropriate for your anatomy and goals.
Penile girth enhancement uses hyaluronic acid filler to increase circumference and, when needed, improve shape or proportion. Treatment is planned around your anatomy and desired result and is typically completed in stages.
Penile Girth Enhancement
Scrotox is the commonly used name for botulinum toxin injections placed in the scrotal area. The treatment temporarily relaxes the underlying muscles and may create a smoother, more relaxed appearance and reduce excessive sweating.
This is an off-label cosmetic use of botulinum toxin. During your consultation, Dr. McCool will explain what the treatment may and may not accomplish, how long results may last and the potential risks.
Scrotox
A PERSONALIZED APPROACH
You Can Discuss More Than One Concern
Prostate health, urinary symptoms, hormone changes and sexual function can sometimes overlap. Your visit does not have to be limited to one narrowly defined problem.
Talk openly with Dr. McCool about the changes you have noticed and the concerns that matter most to you. He will consider the full picture and explain what can be addressed now, what may need to be monitored and whether further evaluation is recommended.
You deserve…
A private, straightforward conversation
Clear explanations without embarrassment
Recommendations based on your health and goals
Care from a board-certified urologist
Questions Men Often Ask
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Basic urology care at ICONA may include prostate cancer screening, evaluation and medication management for an enlarged prostate, and consultation for select cosmetic urology procedures.
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The right time depends on your age and individual risk. Men with a strong family history, Black ancestry or certain inherited genetic changes may need to begin the conversation earlier. Dr. McCool can review your risk factors and help you decide when PSA screening is appropriate. Current urology guidance recommends shared decision-making rather than treating screening as the same decision for every man.
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Yes. Early prostate cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms. Screening is intended to identify concerning changes before symptoms develop.
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No. PSA can be affected by prostate enlargement, inflammation, infection, recent procedures and other factors. An elevated or changing result may need further evaluation, but it does not diagnose cancer by itself.
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Symptoms may include a weak or interrupted stream, difficulty starting urination, urgency, frequent urination, waking at night and feeling that your bladder has not emptied completely.
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Treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms and how much they affect your life. Options may include monitoring, changes to certain habits, medication or a procedure. If procedural treatment is needed, Dr. McCool can help determine the appropriate next step.
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It is reasonable to discuss any new or persistent change, even if it is not severe. An evaluation can help identify the cause, establish a baseline and determine whether treatment or monitoring is needed.
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Cosmetic urology includes procedures intended to change the appearance of the male genital area. At ICONA, consultations may include penile girth enhancement and Scrotox. Treatment recommendations are based on your anatomy, health, goals and reasonable expectations.
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Yes. Urinary symptoms, prostate health, hormone changes and sexual function may be related or may occur at the same time. You are welcome to discuss all of your concerns during your consultation.
When You Know Something Has Changed, It’s Worth a Conversation
Alan McCool, MD, FACS
Board-Certified Urologist
Prostate screening, enlarged prostate evaluation and personalized urology care for men in Birmingham, Alabama.