Urology

Quality Care

Urology at Freeman

When it comes to Urology, you want the best care available. At Freeman, our urologists deliver that to patients across Missouri and bordering states. From kidney stones to urination issues, and prostate cancer to erectile dysfunction, our team of healthcare experts are ready to help you.

Our team of urologists specialize in: 

  • Sexual Health
  • Kidney Stones
  • Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
  • Infertility & Reproductive Health

Additional Services

Men's Urological Health

Our team offers services in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)/Enlarged Prostate, Erectile Dysfunction (ED), Hydrocele, Hypogonadism/Low Testosterone, Peyronie's Disease.

What is Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer occurs in the prostate gland in men and is one of the most common types of cancer. Symptoms of prostate cancer may include trouble urinating, blood in urine, weight loss, erectile dysfunction and more. Treatment options may vary from person to person and can include radiation therapy, cryotherapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, a prostatectomy or watchful waiting. While there is no clear cause for prostate cancer, some risk factors include age, race, family history and obesity.

Dr. David Anderson on robotics in urological surgery

Dr. David Anderson, urologist

Urology

Meet Our Urologists
David A. Anderson, MD
David A. Anderson, MD

417.347.3703

Meet Dr. Anderson
James Frogge, MD
James Frogge, MD

417.347.3703

Meet Dr. Frogge
Ashley Southern-DeVoe, MSN, FNP
Ashley Southern-DeVoe, MSN, FNP

417.347.3703

Meet Ashley Southern-DeVoe

More About Urology

04/27/2016
Common Urologic Problems in Older Patients

Dr. Hadley Wyre's Grand Rounds Video Presentation

 

doctor consult

Sep 07, 2023

Protecting Men’s Health Through Early Detection

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in America – one in nine men will be diagnosed in his lifetime. Men over 55 years old, black men or men whose fathers or brothers have been diagnosed with prostate cancer are at especially high risk.

Unfortunately, prostate cancer does not usually have early warning signs. A tumor growing in the prostate generally does not push against anything to cause pain, so without regular prostate exams, the disease can go undetected for years.

The best defense against prostate cancer is to be screened for it. The American Cancer Society recommends that men over 50 with average risk (or men over 45 who have risk factors listed above) should talk to their doctors about getting screened for prostate cancer.

One of the most common ways to screen for prostate cancer is the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. PSA is a substance made by both normal cells and cancer cells in the prostate gland. Men without prostate cancer usually have a PSA of less than 4 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) of blood, but elevated PSA levels do not automatically signify cancer. Enlarged prostate, age and even bike riding can cause an increase in PSA. Even so, men with PSA levels above 2.5 ng/mL should be retested each year, whereas men with lower PSA levels may be tested only once every two years.

Another common screening for prostate cancer is a digital rectal exam. In this test, a doctor inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to feel for bumps on the back of the prostate, where cancer often begins. This exam may be uncomfortable, but it is not painful and only takes a short time. While other digital rectum exams are not as effective at finding cancer as PSA counts, they can enable doctors to find cancer when PSA levels are normal.

With proper treatment, according to the American Cancer Society, cancer patients have a 10-year relative survival rate of 98 percent. The earlier prostate cancer is discovered and treated, the better. This National Prostate Health Month, make it a goal to talk to your doctor about getting screened, or encourage your father, brother or husband to make an appointment.

James Frogge, MD, is certified by the American Board of Urology. Frogge has practiced urology for 24 years and joined Freeman Urology Associates in 2014.
 

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Spilled salt Shaker

Mar 25, 2022

Common Habits that Can Harm Kidneys

There are many things individuals can do to protect their kidneys. Being aware of how many bad habits increase risk of kidney disease is essential. The following habits are detrimental to kidney function:

Over-the-Counter Medications (including NSAIDS for pain and PPIs for GERD)
Over-the-counter medications can be very harmful to those with kidney disease and risk factors for kidney disease. One of the number one contributors to kidney disease is the overuse of NSAIDS (over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain killers). Common NSAIDs that people use unknowingly that hurt the kidneys are naproxen and ibuprofen, which are found in medications like Motrin®, Aleve®, Naprosyn® and Advil®. Avoidance of these medications is best if a patient has risk factors for kidney disease, including diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity. Other over-the-counter medications can also hurt the kidneys, including high doses of aspirin and medications for the stomach, called proton pump inhibitors. Common ones, include Prilosec® (omeprazole), Protonix® (pantaprazole) and Nexium® (esomeprazole). For heartburn, Pepcid® (famotidine) is much safer medicine for the kidneys. 


Eating Too Much Salt
High blood pressure is another risk factor for kidney failure, and a major contributor to high blood pressure is salt intake. Excess salt leads to fluid retention and hypertension, which is detrimental to good kidney health.


Not Consuming Enough Water
Drinking plenty of water is important because recurring dehydration leads to chronic damage. A good rule of thumb is to drink half your body weight (pounds) in ounces. So, a 180-pound person should drink about 90 ounces a day. Daily water intake should not exceed a gallon. Water is the best option, but it is also ok to drink other beverages, such as tea and coffee. I tell my patients that up to 24 ounces of their daily fluid intake can be something other than water. Of course, this is not true for every patient. Those with heart failure, advanced kidney disease, chronic edema and those on dialysis cannot drink this amount of fluid. Studies show that those with stage 3 chronic kidney disease (CKD) can slow down progression of kidney disease by staying adequately hydrated with water. Artificial sweeteners in sodas and other beverages can be harmful to the kidneys and should be limited. 

Poor Dietary Choices
Processed food is very harmful and contains phosphorus and multiple chemicals that the kidneys cannot easily filter. It is best to choose fresh fruits and vegetables rather than those in a can. 
Your body needs protein but a diet very high in animal protein is also harmful. Animal protein generates high amounts of acid. It is best to choose plant-based protein. Normally we recommend approximately 0.8 g/kg a day of protein.
While an all-protein diet can be harmful, a high sugar diet is not good either. Diabetes is the number one cause of kidney failure in the US. Controlling diabetes and avoiding excessive carbs can delay progression of kidney disease. A balanced diet full of healthy fruits, vegetables, whole grains and plant protein with an abundance of water consumption is the best diet. 


Living a Sedentary Lifestyle
Obesity is also a risk factor for developing kidney disease, so maintaining a healthy weight is paramount to avoiding kidney disease. Studies have shown that routine exercise 20 minutes a day can delay kidney disease progression, so it is best to keep moving. 


Not Sleeping Enough
It is important to ensure adequate sleep at night. Kidney function is regulated by the sleep-wake cycle.


Smoking
Hardening of the arteries contributes to chronic kidney damage. Smoking causes an accelerated rate of vascular disease, which causes high blood pressure and damage to kidney blood vessels. Smoking also causes kidney cancer. 

Drinking Too Much Alcohol
In moderation, alcohol is not toxic to kidneys. However, long-term use of more than four drinks a day doubles the risk of kidney disease, not to mention liver failure. 


To learn more about Freeman Nephrology services visit freemanhealth.com/kidney.

 

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Grandpa with kids

Sep 01, 2020

Healthier Men, Happier Prostates

September is Prostate Health Month

September is Prostate Health Month, also known as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, a time for a better understanding of the health issues associated with a man’s prostate, prostatitis and prostate cancer. According to the Men’s Health Network, most men don’t know what their prostate is nor what it does. It’s time to empower men with knowledge about the prostate, giving them more personal power over their general health and their prostate health!

WHAT IS THE PROSTATE?

The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that functions in the reproductive system found just under the bladder. It undergoes many changes during the course of a man’s life and generally remains stable until men reach their mid-40’s when, in most men, the prostate begins to enlarge.

THE IMPORTANCE OF PROSTATE SCREENINGS

One of the best ways to beat prostate cancer is to get regular screenings using the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. By measuring the amount of PSA in a man's bloodstream, the test helps health professionals discover prostate cancer at earlier stages giving men a better chance for survival. PSA screenings are especially important for men with a family history of prostate cancer and for African-American men, who have a 60% higher incidence of the disease than Caucasian men.

There are several risk factors associated with prostate cancer, including family history, race and diet, but the most common factor is age. Prostate cancer occurs mainly in older men. About six in ten cases are diagnosed in men aged 65 or older, and it’s rare before age 40. The American Urological Association (AUA) recommends all men obtain a baseline PSA test at age 40. This value can help doctors tailor future screening frequency. For example, men who have an initial PSA of less than 1.0 can generally be reassured and told to return at age 45. With thorough screening and careful management, the vast majority of men with prostate cancer will survive the disease and enjoy a high quality of life after treatment!

LEAD A HEALTHIER LIFE TODAY FOR A BETTER TOMORROW

More than 30 million men suffer from prostate conditions that negatively affect their quality of life. Before men face any kind of prostate health issue, the best plan is to prevent prostate problems from starting by first leading a healthy lifestyle. Men’s daily routine, including exercise and nutrition, has a tremendous impact on their prostate health. Healthy habits to improve men’s general heath can help prevent and lower risk factors for prostate disease and conditions. Some tips include:

Drinking plenty of water and non-caffeinated green and hibiscus tea, which contain antioxidants.

Exercise and lose weight. A study published in the Journal of Urology found that overweight men, especially men with a high amount of abdominal fat, have an increased risk of prostate gland enlargement or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Losing extra weight can help reduce the risk for prostate cancer and relieve prostatitis. Walking, jogging, swimming, tennis and other aerobic exercises can help men maintain a healthy weight. Kegel exercises can also strengthen and train men’s pelvic floor muscles to help control urination.

Eat more prostate-friendly food, including oily fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, vegetables and foods high in healthy fats like avocados, nuts and olives. Foods that help fight prostate cancer include Asian mushrooms, tomatoes, pomegranate juice and walnuts. Eating less sugar and processed foods is also good guidance.

Stress negatively affects prostate health. In fact, some men unknowingly tighten their pelvic muscles when stressed. This chronic tightening can create pelvic floor muscle problems and can be one of the causes of chronic prostatitis. Stress can also affect men with BPH. Stress can worsen symptoms such as urinary urgency, frequency and pain.

If men lead healthier lives daily, they can better manage their prostate health. Some things are beyond men’s control, but they can control day-to-day factors that lower their risk and give their bodies the best tools for fighting illness. In the case of chronic prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome, which is a difficult-to-treat and often-painful inflammatory condition, traditional treatments, such as antibiotics, tend not to work. Fortunately, there are more and better treatment options today than ever before!

 

About the author

Ashley Southern-Devoe, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, at Freeman Urology Associates, is devoted to providing patients the opportunity to express their concerns and getting their questions answered. The team at Freeman Urology Associates, including Dr. James Frogge, place a high emphasis on patient education to ensure patients have a clear understanding about their particular condition. For more information on the quality services provided at Freeman Urology Associates, please call 417.347.3703.

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Multi-generational Men

Aug 20, 2017

Real Men Care for their Health

Don't wait for a crisis to see your physician.

Ever try convincing your husband, dad, brother or boyfriend it’s time to visit his primary care physician? We know men are less likely than women to ask for directions and may be less likely to routinely visit their doctor. The age-old adage “men don’t go to the doctor” is alive and well, even in today’s modern age of life-prolonging medicine. It’s time to convince men that self-care is not only sexy, but smart! Many men value caring for their looks, but miss the biggest piece of the puzzle – what’s happening inside their bodies. As a result, they ignore opportunities to find and deal with medical problems in their early stages when many conditions are more treatable and less threatening to overall health.

Men’s tendency to seek healthcare services only in “crisis” situations – and to see themselves as strong and healthy enough to skip checkups and recommended screenings – is a behavior pointing to the leading causes of death for American men, which include cardiovascular disease, lung cancer, stroke and diabetes. The risk of developing these conditions can be reduced with a combination of a healthy lifestyle and regular medical care. Many disorders, like high blood pressure and high cholesterol, are “silent” illnesses and do not cause telltale symptoms that may lead to a doctor's visit. Routine checkups and screenings are critical for detecting hidden problems and staying healthy.

Why Screening Tests Are Important

According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, when it comes to proactive prevention and early detection, men are 24 percent less likely than women to visit a health professional for a medical appointment and 22 percent more likely than women to have neglected their cholesterol tests. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and other medical organizations encourage men to get regular screening tests to find serious health problems early when chances of successful treatment are best. Men should ask their healthcare provider about tests for the following:

  • High cholesterol. Beginning at age 35, men should get their cholesterol checked regularly, at least every five years. Men younger than age 35 could benefit from cholesterol testing if they smoke or have high blood pressure, diabetes or a family history of heart disease.
  • High blood pressure. All men should get their blood pressure checked at least every two years, or more often if recommended by a healthcare provider.
  • Diabetes. Men should schedule a blood glucose test for diabetes if they have raised cholesterol or high blood pressure. They should also have this test if they notice signs of diabetes, including frequent thirst and urination, extreme tiredness and blurred vision. Healthy men, starting at age 45, should get screened every three years.
  • Colorectal cancer. Screenings should begin at age 50, or earlier if there is a personal or family history of colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer screening can be done with either an annual fecal occult blood test or colonoscopy every 10 years.
  • Speak with a healthcare provider about screening. The age at which men begin screening depends on several things including family history and ethnic group. The healthcare provider will decide which screenings, if any, are best for each man’s situation.

Take our free online health assessments today.

Motivate Men to Have More Self Love

Men who go to the doctor’s office for physical pain-related needs often do so either because extreme pain directly affects their quality of life or because a loved one prompts them. Encourage all of the men in your life to put their well-being first. Above all, let them know that what makes a man a man is not how strong he is, but how much stability he gives others. By prioritizing their health, men, in turn, offer well-being to their entire family and those they love. When they’re tempted to delay a medical visit, prompt the men in your life to think about their value as a provider, caregiver and role model.

Looking for a Freeman primary care provider? Freeman Physician Finder, 417.347.3767, can help. 

About the author
Ashley Southern, MSN, FNP, Freeman Urology Associates, devotes as much time as necessary to provide patients the opportunity to express their concerns and get their questions answered. The team at Freeman Urology Associates, including Dr. James Frogge, places a high emphasis on patient education to ensure patients have a clear understanding about their particular condition. For more information on the quality services provided at Freeman Urology Associates, please call 417.347.3703. No referrals needed.

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Man

Jun 22, 2016

Real Men Practice Good Health

On average, men die five years earlier than women - here's why.

Men tend to take very good of their vehicles and boats, but put off taking care of themselves. To get healthy and stay healthy for a long time, men need to develop the habit of taking care of their medical needs. Working a demanding job during the week and playing hard on the weekends doesn’t mean a man is healthy or without health risks. Compared to women, men are more likely to put off getting regular checkups and medical care, especially men who smoke, drink excessively or make other unhealthy or risky life choices.

Men are at high risk for certain diseases, including:

  • Heart disease
  • Prostate cancer
  • Depression and suicide
  • Diabetes
  • Lung cancer
  • COPD
  • Unintentional injuries and accidents
  • Liver disease
  • Skin cancer
  • Flu and pneumonia

 

Some of the diseases listed begin silently, without noticeable symptoms, until they have progressed to a serious point. Prostate and skin cancer are the most common cancers diagnosed in men and many times go undetected and undiagnosed for long periods of time. Many health risks men face can be prevented and treated with early diagnosis. Screening tests can find these diseases when they are easier to treat and cure. Some men hope symptoms they experience are just temporary and “will go away.” They put off seeking medical treatment until they are in great pain, or until a wife or female loved one insists on making a physician appointment for them.

Because men have a history of not taking care of themselves and not seeking early medical treatment, they die five years earlier than women, on average. Out of the leading causes of death, men lead women in all of them except Alzheimer’s disease, and this is probably because many men don’t live long enough to develop the disease.

Mental illness is another disease men do not like to talk about or admit to experiencing. Depression was previously thought of as a woman’s disease, but researchers believe this is because women seek help for depression and men tend to hide depressed feelings or express them differently than women. The National Institute of Mental Health reports at least six million men suffer from depressive disorders annually. Men who suffer with depression often turn to drugs or alcohol to suppress their feelings. This type of behavior and the stress associated with it can often lead to heart disease or certain types of cancer. Depression can also lead to suicide, the eighth leading cause of death among men.

Health issues can be scary, but avoiding them can be life threatening. Be a real man. Call your doctor. Make that appointment.

Jeffrey Grills, MD, completed his medical education at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri, and his Internal Medicine Residency at Indiana University. Dr. Grills currently serves as Vice-President of Medical Affairs at Freeman.

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417.347.3703

Freeman Urology Associates

Joplin, MO

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