What happens when NFL legend Deion Sanders has his bladder removed? How do doctors decide between watchful waiting and aggressive treatment for prostate cancer? And why are testosterone levels declining across the population?

Dr. Nimrod Barashi, a urologist at St. Luke's Hospital, takes us on a fascinating journey through the world of urological health in this episode of Doc Discussions. With his unique international background—born in Venezuela, educated in Colombia, and trained at prestigious American institutions—Dr. Barashi brings a global perspective to common but often misunderstood conditions.

The conversation begins with an in-depth look at bladder cancer through the lens of Deion Sanders' recent diagnosis. Dr. Barashi explains why Sanders required complete bladder removal despite having non-muscle invasive disease, detailing the three reconstruction options patients face after cystectomy. His clear explanation of warning signs—particularly blood in the urine—serves as a crucial reminder that early detection saves lives.

When the discussion shifts to prostate cancer and baseball star Ryan Sandberg's recent death at 65, Dr. Barashi carefully outlines the risk-stratified approach modern urology takes. From active surveillance for low-risk disease to the balancing act between quality and length of life in treatment decisions, listeners gain practical knowledge about this common cancer.

Perhaps most relevant to many male listeners is the final segment on testosterone replacement therapy. Dr. Barashi addresses the apparent decline in testosterone levels across the population, explaining diagnostic criteria, treatment options, and the surprising ways low testosterone impacts overall health beyond just sexual function.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Barashi's patient-centered philosophy shines through—we treat symptoms, not numbers. This approach reminds us that while medical technology continues to advance, the art of medicine remains deeply human.

Have you noticed changes in your urinary habits or experienced symptoms that concern you? Don't wait—reach out to a urologist for proper evaluation. Your quality of life matters, and as Dr. Barashi demonstrates, modern urology offers more options than ever before.

From Olympic-adjacent swimmer to dedicated OB-GYN, Dr. Matthew Bialko brings a wealth of expertise to women's healthcare with the same discipline that once propelled him through competitive waters. "Swimming taught me organization and focus that translates perfectly to medicine," Dr. Bialko reveals, reflecting on his journey from New Jersey pools to Georgetown University and ultimately to St. Luke's Medical Group.

Dr. Bialko's practice embodies the comprehensive nature of obstetrics and gynecology—equal parts delivering babies and addressing women's health concerns across all life stages. "What attracted me to this field was the ability to care from life to almost end of life," he explains, highlighting the unique continuity of care that defines his specialty.

Our conversation spans the entire spectrum of female health, beginning with preventative screenings. Pap smears starting at age 21 and HPV vaccinations (developed at Dr. Bialko's alma mater Georgetown) form the foundation of cancer prevention. We explore the complex world of menstrual health, where normal cycles range from 25-35 days but variations can signal anything from normal hormonal fluctuations to medical conditions requiring attention.

The discussion traverses contraceptive options beyond traditional birth control pills—injections, implants, patches, rings, and IUDs—each offering unique benefits beyond pregnancy prevention. For those planning families, Dr. Bialko emphasizes preparation through prenatal vitamins, cycle tracking, and addressing health concerns like obesity that can complicate conception and pregnancy.

The cesarean section conversation reveals the balance between necessary interventions and avoiding unnecessary surgeries, while our examination of postpartum mental health underscores the importance of support systems during the "fourth trimester." Dr. Bialko offers practical advice for friends and family supporting new mothers: "You can start by saying 'how can I help you?' because that's a way of just opening the communication."

As women approach menopause, symptoms ranging from hot flashes to more subtle changes like fatigue and brain fog can begin years before periods actually cease. Throughout these transitions, Dr. Bialko advocates for open communication with healthcare providers while respecting patient autonomy: "A little bit of skepticism is healthy. In medicine, our skepticism is what leads to profound breakthroughs."

Whether you're navigating adolescent health concerns, family planning decisions, pregnancy challenges, postpartum adjustments, or menopausal transitions, this episode offers valuable insights for understanding your body's journey through each phase of womanhood. Connect with a qualified OB-GYN to address your specific health needs and questions.

Challenging conventional wisdom about endometriosis, Dr. Patrick Yeung shares his pioneering approach to treating this debilitating condition that affects countless women worldwide. With specialized training including two residencies and two fellowships, Dr. Yeung has dedicated his career to developing what he calls "root cause treatment" – a surgical method that completely removes endometriosis tissue rather than simply burning or masking it.

What makes Dr. Yeung's approach revolutionary? Using a free-beam CO2 laser, he meticulously excises endometriosis layer by layer without damaging surrounding tissues, while simultaneously preventing adhesions that can cause additional problems. The results are remarkable: while traditional approaches see 50-80% of patients requiring repeat surgery within two years, Dr. Yeung's 10-year study revealed a repeat surgery rate under 5%. For women struggling with infertility, his approach offers natural pregnancy rates up to 70% - more than double the success rate of conventional IVF.

Throughout our conversation, Dr. Yeung dismantles persistent myths about endometriosis, including the flawed "retrograde menstruation" theory that has led to inadequate treatments. He explains why endometriosis remains underdiagnosed despite affecting far more than the commonly cited "one in ten" women, and why surface endometriosis can cause significant pain and fertility issues despite not appearing on imaging studies.

The personal touches Yeung brings to his work – including how his wife's endometriosis journey inspired his practice – reveals the profound impact this disease has on women's lives. "To help a woman get her life back, get answers, or be a part of having a baby... it has eternal value," he shares, underscoring why his Restore Center for Endometriosis has become a destination for patients nationwide seeking comprehensive care beyond the band-aid approaches so common elsewhere.

Ready to learn more about this groundbreaking approach to endometriosis treatment? Visit restore-endo.com to discover how Dr. Yeung and his team are changing lives through their commitment to complete disease removal and restoration of natural function.