Check your prostate

By Dr. Drai
By Dr. Drai

Prostate health is important to men’s sexual health. The prostate is part of the male reproductive system, located…. Each man should have a yearly check of their prostate health after a certain age to check for any abnormalities.

Prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is a malignant tumor that arises in the prostate gland. Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer death in United States males. Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting older men in developed countries and a significant cause of death for elderly men (estimated by some specialists at 3%). Prostate cancer risk can be decreased by modifying known risk factors for prostate cancer, such as decreasing intake of animal fat. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels may be measured to help determine if lower urinary tract symptoms may be due to prostate cancer.

Treatment

Treatment options should be studied closely by all men diagnosed with prostate cancer. Treatment involves identifying the cause of the symptoms, which may include bacteria or scar tissue in the passage to the urethra that has resulted from an injury.

Because all treatments can have significant side effects, such as erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence, treatment discussions often focus on balancing the goals of therapy with the risks of lifestyle alterations. Treatment for prostate cancer may involve watchful waiting, surgery, radiation therapy, High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU), chemotherapy, cryosurgery, hormonal therapy, or some combination.

Conclusion

Prostate health is extremely important, as prostate cancer and other related medical conditions are common among men.

Prostate health is a major concern for most men, especially those over the age of 50. Prostate issues are one of the main causes of impotence (called erectile dysfunction). Prostate health is important to men’s sexual health.

Until next time,

Dr. Drai

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