APP program focuses on clinical guidelines, new medications and sexual health
The APP conference kicks off today with programming for novice and experienced urological professionals.
AUA2025 will host two full days of educational programming this weekend for advanced practice providers (APPs) and other allied healthcare professionals. Urologic Care for the Advanced Practice Provider will include panel discussions and programs based on the educational needs assessment of advanced practice providers working in urology.
J. Brandon Arruda
“The annual APP conference within the annual meeting is focused on APP topics relevant to your practice, whether you’re new to urology or a seasoned practitioner,” said J. Brandon Arruda, program director of West Virginia University Medicine Urology Advanced Practice Fellowship Program in Morgantown, and co-director of the APP conference with Tricia Zubert, APRN, CNP, Park Nicollet Health Sciences in Minneapolis.
Today’s conference starts with a non-CME breakfast symposium, followed by an introduction, pre-test, and then back-to-back sessions throughout the day. Here are a few highlights you won’t want to miss.
Clinical guidelines in action
“Case Discussion: AUA/Society of Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine & Urogenital Reconstruction (SUFU) Guideline on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Idiopathic Overactive Bladder” will outline how the most current guidelines fit into clinical practice and include a review of patient cases with idiopathic OAB.
“This session will guide you through the treatment algorithm using real cases and discuss new features, such as a telehealth consultation tool for overactive bladder and critical new knowledge we need to be more cognizant of, including an explanation of medications,” Arruda said. “Many OAB medications, such as antispasmodics, for example, otherwise known as oxybutynin, now carry a risk of causing dementia or cognitive decline.”
Medications on the horizon for male infertility
This afternoon’s podium presentation, “Isotretinoin Improves De Novo Sperm Production in Non-Obstructive Azoospermic and Cryptozoospermatic Men,” will introduce new medications under investigation for men with azoospermia and are cryptozoospermatic. In studies, isotretinoin, otherwise known as Accutane and used to treat severe acne, has been shown to stimulate sperm reproduction. Although Isotretinoin is still in clinical trials for male infertility, “It is potentially something new in our toolbox for medication management of male infertility you’ll want to have on your radar,” Arruda said.
Focus on female sexual health
Sexual health has become a hot-button topic in the world of urology. “Unfortunately, the female population has been left behind when it comes to helping them with their issues with sexual health and sexual satisfaction,” Arruda said. However, updated guidelines from the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH) can help change that.
Another afternoon presentation, “ISSWSH Process of Care for Orgasm Disorders in Women,” will explain the ISSWSH’s updated 2025 guidelines for treating female orgasmic disorders, including practical takeaways, such as how to begin those sensitive conversations with female patients about their sexuality and sexual satisfaction.
Overall, be prepared to come away from the two-day conference feeling up to date on OAB guidelines, male infertility, treatment for female orgasmic disorders and other timely topics to advance your practice.
“Participants will have a world of great information to take back to their colleagues,” Arruda said.
