Diagnostics

Screening tests and preventive treatments for urological conditions in men | DIAGNOSTIC TEST

We provide screening tests and preventive health care in a single visit (with follow-up included).

We offer our male clientele the following screening tests and preventive treatments for urological problems:

  • Screening and treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy
  • Screening and treatment of overactive bladder
  • Screening and treatment for low testosterone
  • Screening and treatment of erectile dysfunction
  • Prostate cancer screening

 

How the process works

The patient will be asked to fill out three medical questionnaires beforehand:

1. A questionnaire (such as the IPSS) is used to detect benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and assess the severity of symptoms.
2. A questionnaire on sexual function (the IIEF-5 or PEDQ) is used for diagnosing erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation.
3. A questionnaire (such as the qADAM) is used for identifying low testosterone.

Low testosterone is a common issue among men 45 and older. This condition can have a significant impact on a man’s sex life and on his physical and mental health. By learning more about testosterone deficiency, men with this condition can better cope with its consequences in their day to day life.

The following tests can also be performed, if necessary during the appointment:
  • Urine flowmeter
  • Ultrasound scan of the bladder
  • Post-void residual urine test
  • Various laboratory tests

What is the IPSS questionnaire

The IPSS questionnaire determines a patient’s International Prostate Symptom Score. This helps the urologist to assess the severity of BPH symptoms.

The screening test asks patients the following seven questions:

1. Do you have the feeling of not completely emptying your bladder after you’ve finished urinating?
2. Do you frequently have to urinate again less than 2 hours after you finished urinating?
3. Do you ever have to stop and start again several times when urinating?
4. Do you find it hard to hold your urine when you notice the urge to urinate?
5. Has your urine stream become weaker or thinner over time?
6. Do you ever have to push or strain to begin urinating?
7. Over the past month, how many times a night, on average, have you had to get up to urinate?

What is the IIEF-5 questionnaire?

The IIEF-5 questionnaire is used to screen for and identify symptoms of erectile dysfunction.

The screening test assesses sexual function over the preceding six months and includes the following questions:

1. How confident are you in your ability to get and maintain an erection?
2. When you achieve an erection as a result of sexual stimulation, how often are your erections hard enough to permit penetration?
3. During sexual intercourse, how often are you able to maintain your erection after having penetrated your partner?
4. How difficult is it to maintain an erection from the beginning of sexual intercourse until the end?
5. When you have sexual intercourse, how frequently is it satisfying for you?

What is the qADAM questionnaire?

The quantitative Androgen Deficiency in Aging Male (qADAM) questionnaire is used to screen for and assess symptoms of low testosterone.

The questionnaire has 10 questions:

1. Has your sex drive decreased?
2. Do you lack energy?
3. Has your strength or endurance decreased?
4. Has your height decreased?
5. Do you enjoy life less than used to?
6. Are you sad or grumpy?
7. Are your erections less firm?
8. Has your athletic performance gotten worse?
9. Do you fall asleep after dinner?
10. Has your job performance gotten worse?

The results can be interpreted as follows:
  • A score equal to or greater than 3 suggests a testosterone deficiency.
  • A positive answer to questions 1 or 7 suggests a testosterone deficiency.

What is a uroflowmetry?

Also known as a urine flow test, a uroflowmetry is a simple medical test. It allows the urologist to determine the precise pressure of a patient’s urine stream and the quantity of urine discharged during urination.

During the exam, the patient urinates in a funnel-shaped device resembling a toilet that wirelessly connects to a computer. The test takes a few minutes, after which the result appears on a computer. Urine output varies depending on the age and sex of the patient. If the results indicate a problem such as an obstruction, other tests may be needed to clarify the diagnosis.

What’s a bladder ultrasound and post-void residual urine test?

After the patient has urinated, a nurse will get him to lie down on his back on an exam table. The patient will be asked to lower his pants so that only the lower abdomen area is visible. An ultrasound transducer, lubricated with gel, is placed on the stomach. This allows the medical staff to see the bladder and measure the amount of urine remaining after urination.

What lab tests are performed as part of the screening appointment?

The following tests can be done prior to or following the screening appointment:
  • Urinalysis
  • Prostate specific antigen (PSA) test
  • Testosterone levels test

How will the meeting with Dr. Marois go?

He will interpret and compare the questionnaires. He will ask you additional questions. He will do a physical examination of the genitals, which usually includes a digital rectal examination, to examine the prostate. Dr. Marois will check for volume, texture and abnormal symptoms.

He will discuss with you the possibilities of treatment for benign prostatic hypertrophy treatment of overactive bladder, treatment of testosterone deficiency treatment of erectile dysfunction or possible treatment of prostate cancer.

If the results indicate problems, further tests may be needed to clarify the diagnosis.


What are the possible treatments following screening?

Would you like to make an appointment, or do you have any questions? Write to us and we will get back to you as soon as possible!

    Dr. Marois is a urologist who is not a member of the Régie d’Assurance Maladie du Québec (RAMQ). As such, the clinic can not claim the RAMQ for the payment of his services. If you consult Dr Marois, you must pay for the services rendered.

    Cancellation of appointment:

    To ensure the smooth running of the clinic and a minimum of courtesy towards other patients and our staff, we ask you to notify us 48 hours in advance for the cancellation of a consultation, 5 working days in advance for a surgery at the office and 21 working days in advance for a major surgery. If these deadlines are not respected, a cancellation fee of 50% of the service will be charged.

    Change of appointment:

    We understand that events occur, so we ask you to provide us with at least a 24-hour notice for any change in their appointment; we will be happy to accommodate you, the best we can. However, if you fail to inform us within this timeframe or do not show up, we will charge a $ 100 fee.

    Thank you for your understanding.

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