Urology
Urology care at Northwestern Medical Center focuses on conditions of the urinary tract and male reproductive system.
Dr. Kevan Sternberg provides evaluation and treatment for a full range of urologic concerns, including prostate conditions, urinary symptoms, and kidney stones.
Care is tailored to each patient—from lifestyle and medication management to advanced procedural options when needed.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
Are you experiencing symptoms of an enlarged prostate?
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also called an enlarged prostate, is a common condition that can make urination more difficult as men get older.
Symptoms may include:
• Weak urine stream
• Frequent urination, especially at night
• Trouble starting or emptying the bladder
• Sudden urges to urinate
• Feeling like the bladder is not fully empty
How BPH is evaluated
Our urology team evaluates your symptoms, overall health, and quality of life to better understand what treatment may help. This may include:
• A discussion about your symptoms and medical history
• Urine and bladder testing
• Prostate evaluation or imaging when needed
BPH treatment options
Many men improve with lifestyle changes or medications that help relax or shrink the prostate. A procedure may be recommended when:
• Symptoms continue to affect quality of life
• Medications are no longer working well
• Side effects become difficult to manage
• Patients prefer not to stay on long-term medication
• Catheter use is still needed
Northwestern Medical Center offers medication treatments and several minimally invasive and surgical treatment options for BPH, including Aquablation therapy—an advanced, robotically guided treatment that uses a heat-free waterjet to remove excess prostate tissue. As one of only two hospitals in the region offering Aquablation therapy, Northwestern Medical Center is proud to provide advanced BPH care close to home.
Need more information?
We can help you get a referral or make an appointment.
Please note: The majority of our services require a referral from your primary care provider. Vasectomies can be scheduled directly with us, no referral required.
Urology
Services and conditions
- Aquablation
- Bladder cancer treatment
- Bladder problems care
- Blood in urine (Hematuria)
- Endourology
- Enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia)
- Erectile dysfunction
- Incontinence treatment
- Kidney cancer
- Kidney disorder treatment
- Kidney stone removal
- Metabolic stone prevention
- Prostate cancer treatment
- Prostate issues treatment
- Urinary tract infection
- Vasectomies
Find a provider
Meet the care team
Get to know the people behind your care. Our urology team, led by Dr. Kevan Sternburg, brings experience, teamwork, and a patient-first approach to every visit, whether you’re here for a check-in, treatment, or follow-up.
Dr. Kevan Sternberg, a Urologist at NMC, shares how important Urology care is in rural settings.
Contact, hours & locations
Urology
Cobblestone Health Commons
260 Crest Rd
St Albans City, VT 05478
Free parking
Hours:
Monday–Friday: 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
FAQ about vasectomies
A vasectomy is a minor operation that makes a male permanently sterile (unable to father a child). The doctor cuts and blocks two tiny tubes (the vas deferens) in the scrotum. After the tubes are cut, sperm produced in the testicles can no longer travel through these tubes to mix with semen from the prostate and seminal vesicles. Semen is still produced and ejaculated with intercourse, but there is no sperm in it after the vasectomy.
A vasectomy can be performed in your doctor’s office. Before the surgery, a local pain-killer will be used to make your scrotum numb. Your doctor will then make a small opening in the front of the scrotum. Through this small opening, your doctor gently lifts out each vas deferens and cuts it. The flow of sperm is interrupted by sealing the loose ends of the tubes. The procedure usually takes only 30 minutes and causes little pain. After the vasectomy, you should rest for 48 hours. Most males can return to work on the third day. You will have a very small scar on the scrotum, which will be nearly invisible when it is healed completely.
A vasectomy, as with any surgery, has some risks. However, most males have no problems. Most problems that may occur are not serious and can be treated. Problems that may occur include the following:
- swelling or bruising of the scrotum
- minor infection around the puncture site
- a pea-sized lump on the testicular cord
No, you won’t be sterile right away. Wait until your doctor tells you that your semen is free of sperm—usually about 12 weeks after the surgery. You must continue to use another form of birth control until that time! A vasectomy is more successful and costs less than the surgery women have that makes them sterile (called a tubal ligation).
No. A vasectomy won’t change your sexual ability or pleasure because it does not involve any of the nerves involved in sexual activity. However, some males report a better sex life because they don’t worry about an unwanted pregnancy.
Please reach out for more information or to schedule an appointment:
- Individuals require a referral from a primary care provider to be seen by a urologist for most concerns. If you’d like to be evaluated, we can walk you through the process of asking for a referral from your primary care provider.
- Vasectomies do not require a referral from your primary care provider. Please contact us directly or fill out the form and we can walk you through scheduling the procedure and what to expect.
What people are saying
Dr. Sternberg was very professional, seemed to care & wanted to advise & help in any way he could. Positive attitude & listened before responding. I feel very confident with his care.
Northwestern Urology Patient
What people are saying
This was a very good experience, all staff & doctor rate very high. I scheduled with NMC as other places could not see me for months. I am very pleased with the care & ease in getting two timely appointments with excellent professionals. Thank you!
Northwestern Urology Patient
