Weighing Your Options For Treatment
If you test positive for prostate cancer, you have some options as to what youd like to do about it. Until recently, nearly everyone opted for surgery or radiation, while some patients choose not to undergo treatment, instead opting for active surveillance, during which the cancers are left alone but regularly monitored to be certain that theyre not growing.
Certainly, screening can lead to earlier prostate cancer detection, and with earlier detection, youre eligible for multiple different treatments or active surveillance, said Sia Daneshmand, MD, director of urologic oncology at USC Urology of Keck Medicine of USC and associate professor of urology at Keck School of Medicine of USC. So we encourage patients who are candidates for screening to discuss it with their urologist and/or primary care physician so that we can determine whats the best course of treatment for them.
There also is a new option for those seeking prostate cancer treatment. Its called High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound , which uses ultrasound beams to non-surgically destroy prostate tumors.
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It Can Help Improve Urine Flow
Urine should come out in a steady steam, but if a man has a swollen prostate or an inflammation, the prostate can irritate the bladder, causing the urine flow from the bladder through the urethra to be slow or even cut off.
“The improvements seen in urine flow from prostate massage again can be the result of decreasing inflammation in the prostate, which may be contributing to a man’s urinary problems,” says Gonzalez. Men can also try Kegel exercises if they’re experiencing issues with urine flow.
Prostate Cancer Risk Factors
Many high-risk factors for prostate cancer are things you cannot control like age and race.
- Age: Age is the largest risk factor prostate cancer is most common in men age 50 or older.
- Family history: If anyone in your family has had prostate cancer you may be at higher risk due to inherited gene mutations.
- Race: African American men have nearly twice the prostate cancer incidence of Caucasian men. It is less common among Asian or American Indian men.
- Diet: A high-fat diet, particularly one consisting of a lot of animal fats, may increase your risk or even lead to an intermediate risk. Diets full of fruits and vegetables may decrease your risk for prostate cancer.
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Indicators Of Prostate Cancer
As previously mentioned, prostate cancer will often present no symptoms in the early stages. If you have any concerns about prostate cancer, you should talk to your doctor.
If symptoms do occur, they may include:
- An increased need to urinate, especially at night
- A sudden need to urinate
- Feeling like the bladder has not emptied fully
- Difficulty starting or stopping a stream of urine
- Pain in the pelvis, thighs, and back
- Erectile dysfunction
You can screen for prostate cancer from home with LetsGetCheckeds at-home PSA test. This test is a screening tool which can help detect signs of prostate cancer in the blood. A raised PSA level can occur due to non-cancerous enlargement or inflammation of the prostate. These conditions also require further investigation.
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What To Expect During A Prostate Massage
When getting a prostate massage, the one conducting it inserts a gloved and lubricated finger into the rectum. From there, they will slowly press or rub the prostate. This may feel awkward or uncomfortable, but it shouldnt be painful.
The intent is to relieve pressure or reduce swelling by releasing built-up fluid in the prostate. The massage doesnt last too long and can be done several times a month to relieve symptoms.
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What Are Enemas Used For
Enemas can be used for several situations or conditions. These include:
Constipation. If youve tried other constipation remedies unsuccessfully, your healthcare provider may suggest an at-home enema. The flow of fluid through your lower colon may stimulate the muscles to move the impacted stool.
Pre-procedure cleanse. Your healthcare provider may ask you to do an enema in the days or hours before a procedure like a colonoscopy. This helps ensure that theyll have an unobstructed view of your colon and tissues. It will make spotting polyps easier.
Detoxification. Some people promote enemas as a way to cleanse your colon of impurities, bacteria, and buildup that may make you sick. However, there isnt any scientific evidence to support the use of enemas for this reason. Your colon and other GI tract structures efficiently clean themselves thats why you produce waste.
Two primary types of enemas exist: cleansing and barium.
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The Popular Dance Move Twerking Doesnt Involve Your Glutes
Bret Contreras, PhD, well-known Glute Guy on Instagram, took twerking to science and discovered that none of your glutes are involved at all. Its all the pelvis. Your glutes are just there for the ride and glory.
Twerking originsTwerking is distinctly a black American cultural staple and has been since the 1980s. It went mainstream in 2013, thanks to pop singer Miley Cyrus, and became a fitness craze. Yep, you can take classes for twerking, but try to learn at a black-owned studio.
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Considerations For Preventing Prostate Cancer
How To Get A Prostate Massage
If youâre interested in trying prostate massage, there are a few different options. You can visit a doctor that offers the service. Or you can purchase a prostate massager to use at home by yourself or with the help of a partner. Prostate massagers are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. Itâs important to choose one that is comfortable for you and that has been designed for safe prostate massage.
You may feel some discomfort at first, but this should go away as you continue the massage. If you do not have a prostate massager, you can use your fingers. However, make sure to wear gloves and use plenty of lubricant.
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What Happens During A Prostate Massage
Finding a trained prostate massage therapist may be challenging because this therapy is not commonly accepted by the medical community. Doctors typically dont do prostate massages, but the doctor may be able to recommend a professional.
A prostate massage resembles a digital rectal examination . DREs are commonly used by doctors to assess the prostate for tumors, rectal abnormalities, etc. DRE may be used by the doctor to obtain an expressed prostatic secretion that can be analyzed for evidence of prostatitis, infection, or other problems.
The individual doing the massage will insert a gloved finger with lube inside the rectum during the massage treatment. For a few minutes, they will softly push on or massage the prostate and ensure it is not painful, although it may be uncomfortable for some.
It is up to the individual and the doctor or treatment professional as to how often a prostate massage should be done. For at least a month, the individual can plan to attend many sessions per week and then reduce the number of visits.
What Is A Psa Test
A PSA Test is a type of blood test that can diagnose problems with your prostate, including prostate cancer.
As this test is monitoring the level of PSA in your blood. If you find an unusually high level and your doctor may then recommends you for further testing. This can lead to diagnosing before symptoms begin to show.
It is important to remember that this is not a conclusive test whether you do or dont have prostate cancer. It is not uncommon for men to naturally begin producing more PSA as they get older or from their prostate becoming enlarged.
What a PSA test provides is an indicator that there may be a problem with your prostate. With that information, you can see your GP for further testing.
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Surgical procedures to remove the diseased prostate are usually necessary. Surgical procedures are not always necessary. If the disease is caused by bacterial infections, a doctor can treat the symptoms using alpha-blockers or surgery. Physical therapy, relaxation exercises, and warm baths are all recommended. A physician may also prescribe antibiotics to cure the infection. A bacterial infection can also cause a recurrence of the condition.
An enlarged prostate can be uncomfortable for both men and women. Some of the symptoms of an enlarged male reproductive organ include a weakened urine stream, urgent need to urinate, and urinary tract infections. BPH can also cause damage to the kidneys. A sudden inability to urinate can be life-threatening, as it can lead to bladder and kidney damage. Unfortunately, most men with enlarged prostrates put up with the symptoms for years before they seek treatment. However, many of the men with symptoms finally decide to go to a doctor for proper gynecological evaluation and to begin enlarged prostatic therapy.
What Is Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in men. It is a disease in which cells in the prostate gland grow out of control. The prostate is a small, walnut-shaped gland that is part of the male reproductive system. It is located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum.
While prostate cancer is a serious disease, it is important to remember that most men with prostate cancer do not die from the disease. More than three million men in the United States have prostate cancer. However, only about 30,000 men die from the disease each year.
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Neural Innervation Of The Prostate
The gland is abundantly innervated by the parasympathetic and by the sympathetic . According to Gupta and McVary there is widespread agreement that expulsion of the contents of the gland during emission is under adrenergic control while cholinergic nerves are secretomotor. In regard to the sensory innervation of the prostate, McVary et al. state that the majority of the afferents to the ventral prostate is localised to sensory nerves from the L5 and L 6 segments of the spinal cord but there is a smaller degree of innervation from T13 to L2.
Dense neuropeptide Y innervation is present throughout the prostatic stroma but most studies have not found the neuropeptide to be involved in the contraction of the prostate .
Women Have Bigger Butts Than Men Because Of Their Hormones
Body fat distribution relies heavily on hormones. Women have more fat in the lower parts of their body while men tend to have it in the upper part, brought on by each genders level of hormones. This swell toward the bottom is directly linked to evolution, indicating a woman is able and ready to reproduce.
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What Is Prostate Massage Therapy
Prostate massage therapy is the practice of massaging the male prostate either for medical or therapeutic reasons.
Prostate massage therapy is the application of either external or internal massage to the prostate for the purpose of
- enhancing blood flow
- improving urinary flow
- helping maintain the integrity of the prostate tissue.
The use of prostate massage therapy is anecdotally supported for a range of conditions and is generally used before a urine test such as PCA3. Some of these conditions include benign prostatic hyperplasia , erectile dysfunction, and prostatitis.
External Self Prostate Stimulation And Massage At Home
While self prostate milking, if you want to be sure that you hit the right area for external prostate massage, the first sensation you need to feel is a sudden need to urinate. When this sensation activates, keep pressing because you are on the right track. You wont actually urinate, but will activate also the ejaculatory part. when you are sure you found the right area, try finding the right movement for you. It can be either stroking or circular movement. If the prostate starts to hurt you, you should stop for a while until it recovers.
There are also devices to assist with external prostate massage.
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What Are The Prostate Cancer Symptoms I Need To Look Out For
In its early stages, prostate cancer may not show any symptoms. Symptoms of early prostate cancer can include:
- difficulty passing urine
- a slow, interrupted flow of urine
- frequent passing of urine, including at night
Symptoms associated with advanced prostate cancer include:
- pain during urination
- lower back or pelvic pain.
These symptoms are also found in men who may have benign prostatic hyperplasia , a common, non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland.
If you experience these symptoms, visit your doctor.
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Should I Have A Psa Test
If you have no symptoms of prostate cancer and are thinking about having a PSA test, you should ask your doctor about the risks and benefits.
While some studies suggest PSA reduces mortality on a population basis, the test picks up large numbers of cancers that would have caused no symptoms or harm in the patient. This is known as overdiagnosis. Overdiagnosis of prostate cancer can lead to unnecessary treatments that have side effects such as sexual impotence, urinary incontinence and bowel problems.
It is important to balance the potential benefit of detecting a prostate cancer early against the risk that detection and treatment may not be necessary. Treatment may affect your lifestyle but it may also save your life.
Make your own decision about whether to be tested after a discussion with your doctor. Ensure you get good quality information to make an informed decision.
Screening tests for breast, bowel and cervical cancer can save lives, but there is still confusion around PSA testing for prostate cancer. Find more information here.
Remember, if you have any concerns or questions, please contact your doctor.
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Whats The Outlook For Prostate Cancer
When prostate cancer is found early, the outlook is quite good. According to the National Cancer Institutes Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program, the overall 5-year survival rate of prostate cancer between 2011 and 2017 was
SEER breaks down these statistics further based on the extent of the cancer at diagnosis:
- Localized. When cancer remains in the prostate, 5-year survival is nearly 100 percent.
- Regional. If cancer is in the prostate and nearby lymph nodes, the 5-year survival rate is still nearly 100 percent.
- Distant. When the cancer has spread to other organs and tissues, the 5-year survival rate drops to 30.6 percent.
Most prostate cancers are diagnosed when theyre either localized or regional.
What Is Prostate Massage
A prostate massage is when you, your partner, or a medical professional stimulates the prostate gland for either medical purposes or sexual pleasure. The prostate is part of the male reproductive system, and it is located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It is typically the size of a walnut.
This is sometimes an early sign of prostate cancer. However, there are other noncancerous causes of prostate enlargement and inflammation, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia .
If you notice any changes to your urine outflow or find that you are urinating more often, especially at night, contact a doctor. You can also speak with a doctor if you have any other concerns about your prostate.
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What Happens After A Prostate Exam
After your prostate exam, the doctor will evaluate the results and act accordingly. As noted above, the PSA guideline depends on your age, risk factors, and the results you get.
If you dont have alarming results, you will probably not need further tests. Your doctor may recommend a prostate biopsy if you have high PSA levels or suspicious lumps in the DRE or ultrasound scan.
If youre diagnosed with prostate cancer or benign prostatic hyperplasia, the urologist will give you various treatment options according to your condition, age, and other factors.
It May Be Able To Help Treat Erectile Dysfunction
While there isn’t much scientific literature to definitively prove that prostate massage can improve erectile function, every doctor we spoke to says that it could potentially help.
“The theory behind the potential benefit involves an improvement in blood flow resulting from vigorous milking or massaging of the prostate. Because erections are largely the result of good blood flow, any increase could potentially lead to better boners,” says Joshua R. Gonzalez, MD, who has his own practice in Los Angeles.
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