- With Mayo Clinic endocrinologist
Todd B. Nippoldt, M.D.
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Todd B. Nippoldt, M.D.
Todd B. Nippoldt, M.D.
Dr. Todd Nippoldt is a board-certified specialist in internal medicine and endocrinology and metabolism. He has special expertise in the area of hormone disorders affecting the pituitary and adrenal glands as well as the testes and ovaries. He has been a member of the Mayo Clinic staff since 1988.
Dr. Nippoldt is a consultant in the Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Nutrition and works with patients who have disorders of the hormone-producing glands. Common disorders include diabetes, thyroid problems, osteoporosis and elevated cholesterol levels.
He also is involved in andrology, the study of male hormonal disorders, male infertility and sexual dysfunction and is an assistant professor of medicine at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine.
Dr. Nippoldt, a St. Paul, Minn., native, has also contributed to "Mayo Clinic Health Letter," a Mayo Clinic CD-ROM and the "Mayo Clinic Family Health Book." He is a fellow in the American College of Physicians and a member of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, the American Society of Andrology, The Endocrine Society, The Pituitary Society and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists.
"I have found that those patients who have gone to the Internet and obtained accurate medical information come to their appointment with me very well informed, and the discussions regarding the evaluation and management of their condition are very productive and satisfying," he says.
"The key, however, is obtaining accurate medical information. As a medical editor for MayoClinic.com, I hope to be able to ensure that accurate, relevant and up-to-date information is available for patients and their families."
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Question
Recurrent prostate infection: What are the treatment options?
I've been treated for three prostate infections in three years. What are the treatment options for recurrent prostate infection?
Answer
from Todd B. Nippoldt, M.D.
Recurrent prostate infections are common. This is because antibiotics used to treat prostate infections often are unable to adequately penetrate the prostate tissue in order to destroy all of the bacteria that cause infection. Because some of the bacteria may remain — even after you complete a full course of antibiotics — the infection may return. Your doctor may prescribe a long course of antibiotics, lasting between four weeks and six months, depending on the medication you are prescribed. Because recurrent prostate infections are difficult to treat, your doctor may also focus on alleviating your symptoms and anxiety about your condition.
If you have recurrent prostate infections, you should be evaluated by a urologist to make sure you have no underlying abnormalities of the urinary system — such as kidney or bladder stones or incomplete emptying of your bladder due to an enlarged prostate — that would predispose you to infection.
It's important to know that prostate infection can dramatically increase your prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level. However, prostate infections do not increase your risk of prostate cancer.
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