MEN’S YOUROLOGY

Do cosmetic penile enhancement procedures really work, or do they just create new risks?

This position statement from the Sexual Medicine Society of North America (SMSNA) critically reviews the growing market of surgical and nonsurgical penile enlargement techniques and warns that many lack strong scientific evidence or standardized safety protocols. While interest in penile enhancement is rising worldwide, the review highlights that most procedures, whether ligament release, fat transfer, dermal fillers, or grafts, carry a significant risk of complications, including infection, deformity, scarring, or loss of sensation.

Even nonsurgical options like hyaluronic acid injections and traction devices show inconsistent results, often with minimal measurable gains and limited long-term data. The SMSNA emphasizes that no technique has yet been proven both safe and effective for cosmetic enhancement in men without a medical condition such as micropenis.

This is a crucial reminder that men seeking enlargement should approach these procedures with caution and consult qualified specialists. The promise of a “quick fix” often overlooks the serious medical, psychological, and ethical concerns involved.

WOMEN’S YOUROLOGY

Are vaginal lasers the future of stress urinary incontinence treatment or just overhyped technology?

This review analyzed seven randomized controlled trials involving over 300 women treated with vaginal lasers such as CO₂ and Er:YAG for stress urinary incontinence (SUI). While the technology has gained popularity as a non-surgical option, the findings paint a more cautious picture.

Compared with sham treatments, vaginal lasers showed short-term improvements in urine leakage and quality-of-life scores, but the benefits were modest, and evidence quality was rated very low to low. Most trials had small sample sizes, short follow-up durations (often under six months), and lacked standardized outcome measures. Reported side effects were minimal, but long-term safety remains unclear.

The authors conclude that current evidence is insufficient to recommend lasers as a routine treatment for SUI. This review matters because it challenges the marketing-driven hype surrounding vaginal lasers and calls for larger, well-designed studies before women invest in costly, unproven procedures.

This week, someone asked me, “after having a prostate remove is it possible to get a erection again?”. Absolutely, it’s possible to get erections after prostate removal, but it can depend on the type of surgery and whether the nerves that control erections were preserved. Some men recover erectile function over time, with help from oral medications, vacuum devices, injections, or penile implants, but others may find it more difficult. Patience and open communication with your doctor are key. Every case is unique, so don’t lose hope.

I love hearing from you, so if there’s a question you’ve been wanting to ask, just let me know. Who knows? Your question might be the one I dive into next!

WHAT I’VE BEEN UP TO LATELY

Just celebrated my birthday! 🎉 I’m so grateful for all of you—our amazing subscribers are truly the best gift and make this community so special. If you’ve been enjoying our newsletter, you can give me an even greater gift by asking 2 friends to subscribe and join us at newsletter.renamalikmd.com.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM MY CHANNEL

In this episode, I talked about a topic that affects millions: how common medications can quietly sabotage your sex life. It’s something most people never think about! “You shouldn't have to choose between being healthy and your sex life.”

Here are some quick takeaways:

• Everyday meds like aspirin, statins, beta blockers, and metformin can contribute to erectile dysfunction.

• These meds work by interfering with blood flow, hormones, or nerve signals that are crucial for erections.

• Never stop your medication on your own! Always talk to your doctor and ask about possible alternatives.

I want you to know that if you’re dealing with sexual side effects, “Erectile dysfunction is a canary in the coal mine,” so speak up, get evaluated, and take steps toward better health. Check out the full episode for honest advice and practical solutions!

HIGHLIGHTS FROM MY PODCAST

This episode is such an eye-opening conversation with Jessica Baum, a psychotherapist and attachment expert, about why we keep attracting the same relationship patterns and how to actually heal. One thing she said really stuck with me “If someone is consuming you and it's all consuming like that, like, that's intensity, that's not intimacy. So for starters, slow down because are we really getting to know this person?”

Here are the highlights:

• Our childhood shapes our relationship patterns.

• Anxious people are often drawn to avoidant partners—it’s like “moth to a flame.”

• Real healing starts when we get curious about what’s really going on inside us.

If you’ve ever wondered why relationships can feel so intense or confusing, this episode is for you! So listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here and see why people are commenting, “Thanks for sharing so valuable information”.

NEW MEDIA

Did you know that up to 1 in 4 men have a varicocele, a condition that can quietly affect fertility?

In my new Substack, “Varicocele & Male Fertility: What Every Man Needs to Know—From a Urologist,” I break down what varicoceles are, why they matter, and how one celebrity’s story helped bring male fertility into the spotlight. I also share when treatment is actually needed and what real success rates look like after surgery.