Enlarged Prostate Treatments In The Pipeline
Researchers continue to investigate new therapies for enlarged prostates. âAnother category of drugs is under development,â says Slawin. âWeâve come a long way in treating BPH. Itâs no longer the life-threatening disease it once was. Now, in treatment, weâre working on quality of life issuesââ¬Ã¦ reducing side effects of treatment.â
Also being studied is a procedure called water-induced thermotherapy , an experimental procedure that involves destroying excess prostate tissue utilizing heated water and an air-filled balloon, which protects normal prostate tissue. The procedure is performed with only local anesthesia. Results may not be fully apparent for three to four months. However, preliminary studies examining WIT have shown positive results, with a near doubling in urine flow. However, the American Urological Association has not thus far endorsed WIT as a viable treatment option for symptoms of BPH.
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So Whats Your Role In Preventing Bph
You cant do anything about your age, but you can do something about your lifestyle and diet to boost the health of your prostate. Start by avoiding or cutting down on dairy and meat, add lots of vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds and whole grains to your nutrition regimen, and try including soya products like miso, tofu and tempeh in your diet. Initially that may be difficult if you are used to consuming meat and dairy-heavy meals. But by incorporating tasty, plant-based substitutes such as tofu, three-bean curry, mushroom risotto and vegetable satay, you can quickly get used to meals without meat and dairy. Take steps to reduce your stress levels by dealing with the underlying causes of your stress. Take a stress remedy, practice mindfulness or see a counselor whatever works best for you.
For more information on prevention, diagnosis and treatment of BPH, visit the St Pete Urology site.
Bph And Erectile Dysfunction
Both BPH and ED are medical conditions that impact mens lives. Though they are separate and often distinct, these conditions do have connections. ED typically means a man has difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection. There are many factors that can worsen ED, one of those being BPH.
There are some medications that treat BPH that can bring on symptoms of ED. It is best to work with a medical professional to better understand your health needs, especially if you have on-going symptoms.
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Does Bph Increase Your Risk Of Developing Prostate Cancer
Based on research to date, the answer is no. However, BPH and prostate cancer have similar symptoms, and a man who has BPH may have undetected cancer at the same time.
The American Cancer Society recommends that men make an informed decision with their health care provider whether to be screened for prostate cancer. For men at average risk, this discussion should start at age 50. They also say that for men who are at high risk, such as African-American men and men with a family history of prostate cancer, screening should be considered at age 45. Men at an even higher risk, such as having more than one relative with a history of prostate cancer at an early age, should consider earlier testing.
The American Urological Association recommends against routine screening for men age 40 â 54 who have an average risk of prostate cancer. Those with a higher risk are encouraged to discuss prostate cancer screening tests with their doctor. The association recommends that men ages 55 â 69 should weigh the risks and benefits of screening and treatment. For those who choose screening, the AUA suggests that they may be screened every two years rather than annually. Tests used to screen for prostate cancer include a blood test for a substance called prostate-specific antigen and the digital rectal exam . The AUA does not recommend PSA screening in men over age 70 or any man with less than a 10-15-year life expectancy.
Does Having An Enlarged Prostate Affect Sexual Performance
It might. Some men with an enlarged prostate develop erectile dysfunction or problems with ejaculation.
The technical term for an enlarged prostate is benign prostatic hyperplasia .; BPH occurs when prostate tissue increases in size. This growth moves inward, pressing on the urethra . As a result, some men with BPH have trouble urinating and need treatment.
Unfortunately, some treatments might have sexual side effects:
Medications. 5-alpha reducatase inhibitors and alpha-blockers are two types of drugs commonly prescribed for BPH. However, 5-alpha reducatase inhibitors might lower a mans sex drive or interfere with erections. Alpha blockers could lead to difficulty ejaculating.
Finasteride in particular has been associated with a greater risk for ED. In a 2015 study of 700 men with BPH, men who took finasteride gradually developed ED while a comparison group of men who took tamsulosin did not.
Minimally-invasive procedures. These approaches, which could include stents, heat treatments, or laser treatments, can sometimes lead to ED or retrograde ejaculation .
Surgery. Transurethral incision of the prostate , which involves widening the urethra, sometimes results in ED. Transurethral resection of the prostate , in which the inner portion of the prostate is removed, can lead to retrograde ejaculation.
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Questions To Ask Your Doctor Or Nurse
- How could my prostate cancer treatment affect my sex life?
- How soon after treatment can I masturbate or have sex?
- Which treatments for erection problems would be best for me? Can I get them on the NHS?
- Is there anything I can do to prepare myself before I start my prostate cancer treatment?
- What happens if the treatment doesn’t work? Are there others I could try?
- What other support is available to me?
- Can my partner also get support?
Diagnosing An Enlarged Prostate
As with all incontinence conditions, a thorough diagnosis must be developed before action can be taken.; You may have heard of some of these exams. And if you havent, now is a good time to familiarize yourself with them. Not only is knowledge power, but it also eliminates surprises.
Because those with BPH can experience symptoms from mild to severe, the treatment options featured here are organized from least invasive to more intense.
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Why Erectile Dysfunction May Result From Prostate Disease
In the past, it was thought that most cases of erectile dysfunction were psychological in origin, the result of such demons as performance anxiety or more generalized stress. While these factors can cause erectile dysfunction, doctors now think that 70% of the time the problem can be traced to a physical condition that restricts blood flow, hampers nerve functioning, or both. Such conditions include diabetes, kidney disease, multiple sclerosis, atherosclerosis, vascular disease, and alcoholism.
However, some types of prostate disease and treatments may also be responsible.
When Should You Seek Medical Advice
Men over 40 are at risk of developing prostate cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, it is best to get screened once per year. Additionally, men with an enlarged prostate should seek medical advice promptly.
The medical professionals at Premier Mens Medical Center specialize in treating conditions that impact mens health. Our concierge approach positions your unique case at the centerpoint of our focus. We dont just give you a pill for ED and send you on your way. We treat the underlying issues that led to conditions such as ED, Low Testosterone, and more. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.
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Medication For Urinary Problems
Your doctor may suggest various medications to help ease your urinary problems, including:
- medications to reduce the tone of the muscles of the urethra and prostate to minimise any constriction to urine flow caused when these muscles contract
- medication to reduce the size of the prostate gland. These medications work by blocking the action of male hormones produced by the prostate gland
- medications to relax the bladder, making unwanted contractions less likely and reducing the symptoms of urgency and frequency of urination
- the over-the-counter preparation ‘saw palmetto’ is sometimes used. This may help some men, especially if frequent urination at night is a problem.
However, recent reviews of the evidence for using saw palmetto as a treatment for mild or moderate urinary symptoms did not show any improvement, compared to no treatment, in men with BPH.;
Overcoming Intimacy Issues While Dealing With Prostate Problems
Old-fashioned beliefs suggested erectile dysfunction to be psychological in origin. While anxiety and stress are factors that can cause ED, scientific advances now provide proof that in a majority of cases, it is traced back to physical conditions which interrupt nerve functioning and restrict blood flow.1 Diabetes, arthrosclerosis, cardiovascular conditions, as well as some types of prostate disease and their treatments are responsible for most cases of ED.3 This article will focus on how prostate diseases have impacted erections and sexual activity.
Erection is a matter of synchronous body function, which fills the penile tissue with blood, allowing it to swell and stand erect.; This process requires an orchestrated mechanism, lead by blood vessels, endocrine system, and the nervous system, and obviously, any interference can affect the quality of an erection.2 Nitric oxide promotes vasodilatation while neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and acetylcholine increase the production of chemicals such as guanosine monophosphate, prostaglandins, and polypeptides which initiate the erection process by shifting chemical gradients in the muscles and capillaries of the corpora cavernosa, which runs along the shaft, causing inflation and swelling of the penis.1
Prostate Cancer
Sudden and frequent erectile problems can be a symptom associated with prostate cancer, so a prostate-specific antigen, PSA test, accompanied by a rectal exam is performed to assess the situation.
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Natural Treatments For Bph Induced Erectile Dysfunction
As mentioned above, many doctors consider that BPH does not directly cause ED. However, most studies also show that men with serious BPH also suffer from ED.;;
Both maladies are often a result of lifestyle and nutritional deficiencies. For example, many men, when tested, show a deficiency in the mineral Zinc. The prostate is an organ that requires zinc in order to function normally. Thus a zinc deficiency may result in prostate issues that span multiple symptoms, BPH and ED, among them.;
Many BPH symptoms can be helped by the use of herbal remedies, particularly saw palmetto and pygeum herbal extracts. Urinary issues can be helped using a flower pollen extract. Other natural prostate supplements include:
- Rye Grass Pollen Extract
- Turmeric
- Ellagic Acid
Erectile dysfunction can often be improved by the use of medications called PDE-5 inhibitors. This includes the trade names of Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra at present. However, while these medications may improve or facilitate sexual function, they do nothing to solve the underlying problem.
Unfortunately, the dietary habits of the public do not foster healthy living. Poor eating habits tend to cause hormonal and nutritional disturbances. These imbalances add up. When severe enough, they can cause prostate enlargement, erectile dysfunction, or any one of a host of associated symptoms.
Enlarged Prostate And Ed
Living with an enlarged prostate can be even more difficult if you experience erectile dysfunction,;or ED.;ED;happens when the penis cant get hard enough to maintain an erection to allow sexual intercourse.2;More;than;50% of men over;40 suffer from some degree of ED.3;Like BPH, ED;can;lower;quality of life for;both;you and your partner.;Learn more;by visiting;EDcure.org.;;
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How Can Prostate Surgery And Radiation Therapy Cause Ed
Both prostate surgery and radiation therapy can damage tissue around the prostate and cause ED. In fact, it is estimated that 25% 75% of men will have ED after the removal of the prostate, called a prostatectomy. Similarly, radiation therapy can also cause damage to the tissue around the prostate. If nerves get damaged, signals from the brain may not be able to reach the penis to initiate an erection. And even when sexual stimulation is present, if blood vessels are damaged, that might mean that blood cant flow properly to the penis to maintain an erection.
The Impact Of An Enlarged Prostate On Erectile Dysfunction
It is easy to see a symptom while misunderstanding the underlying cause.
Erectile dysfunction is a common medical condition that impacts more than a third of men at some point in their lives.; As men get older, they tend to struggle more commonly with erectile dysfunction . There are many other health issues for men as they get older. Some of these health risks may have an impact on their ED as well.
One common area with troubling conditions for aging men is their prostate. Their prostates can be a source of cancer, but even when they are cancer-free, they may have an enlarged prostate called Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia . In this article, we will focus on how BPH impacts mens health and how that may contribute to erectile dysfunction.
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Symptoms Of An Enlarged Prostate
As mentioned above, the most common symptoms of an enlarged prostate are urination problems. Its because the prostate portion surrounding the urethra narrows the normal passage of urine. These problems become worse as the patient gets older.
The progression prolongs which some patients may not even realize. They learn to live with the symptoms and sometimes wont even report them. However, it is crucial to recognize the symptoms of an enlarged prostate and consult your doctor.
Heres a list of the most important symptoms .
How Are Enlarged Prostate And Erectile Dysfunction Related
Many men wonder if BPH can cause erectile dysfunction. The short answer? Not really. While the prostate is an important organ for male sexual function, BPH is more of a urination issue than a sexual one. The prostate goes through two major growth spurts during a mans lifetime: one during puberty and another around 50 or 60 years of age. It is estimated that more than half of men will have some form of BPH in their 50s , which is why we see so many older men complaining of LUTS.
Usually, an enlarged prostate isnt a problem unless symptoms become burdensome and treatment is needed. Thats where concerns about erectile dysfunction come in. To treat BPH, your options are medications to relax the prostate or stop it from getting bigger, and surgery. and similar medications are part of a class of drugs called alpha-blockers, which cause the blood vessels of the prostate to constrict, relaxing muscles in the prostate so urination can occur more easily. One side effect of these drugs is less blood to flow into the penis during an erection though, and that could be a problem. Another drug, , is an anti-testosterone drug that stops the prostate from growing. However, lower testosterone levels in the body may cause ED as well. Lastly, surgical procedures can also cause ED due to damage to structures around the penis, which I will go into detail below.
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Can A Reversal Of The Vasectomy Be Performed
Although a vasectomy should be considered a permanent surgical procedure, there is a surgical procedure that can reverse a vasectomy. It is called a “Vasovasostomy.” A vasovasostomy involves surgical reconnection of the vas deferens to re-establish the flow of sperm. Patients are cautioned that fertility is not guaranteed.
How Is A Varicocele Treated
Once diagnosed, a surgical procedure can be done to correct the problem. The procedure may be needed because of the decreased size of the testicle, infertility, or because of the size and discomfort related to the varicocele. If the varicocele is the cause of infertility, in many cases fertility will improve in a few months.
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Natural Remedies For Enlarged Prostate
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The prostate grows
The prostate is a walnut-shaped gland that wraps around the urethra, the tube that urine flows out of. The prostate is part of the male reproductive system. One of its main jobs, along with other organs, is to add fluid to semen. This is the fluid that carries sperm.
The prostate gland starts out small and has two main phases of growth. It doubles in size during the teenage years, then continues to grow again after age 25 throughout the rest of a mans life.
An excessively enlarged prostate results in a disease known as benign prostatic hyperplasia . Eventually, an enlarged prostate can clamp down on the urethra and restrict the flow of urine from the bladder. This leads to problems such as:
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Treatment For Erection Problems: When You Need Testosterone Treatment And When You Dont
Most men have problems with erections from time to time. But some men have erectile dysfunction, or ED. This is when it is hard to get or keep an erection thats firm enough for sexual intercourse.
If you have ED, you may think that testosterone treatment will help. Testosterone is a male sex hormone. After age 50, mens levels of testosterone slowly go down and ED becomes more common. But unless you have other signs and symptoms of low testosterone, you should think twice about the treatment. Heres why:
Testosterone treatment is not necessarily helpful for ED.
Testosterone treatment does not improve erections in men with normal testosterone levels. And studies show that it does not always help men with low testosterone levels if ED is their only symptom.
ED usually has other causes.
ED is usually caused by low blood flow to the penis or a problem with the nerves that control erections. This is a result of other conditions, such as hardening of the arteries, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol or diabetes. These conditions narrow the blood vessels and reduce blood flow to the penis or damage the erectile nerves.
Low testosterone may affect the desire for sex, but it usually does not cause ED.
Testosterone treatment has many risks.
Women and children should avoid touching unwashed or unclothed areas of skin where a man has applied testosterone gel. The gel can be transferred through skin contact.
When should you consider testosterone treatment for ED?
How to manage ED
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