Category: GatekeepersofMen Series
Erectile Dysfunction: A Sign of Heart Disease
Erectile Dysfunction: A Sign of Heart Disease
“The penis is the gate way to the heart”
This week I had a patient who was scheduled to undergo a surgery for enlarged prostate. I was excited to finally be back in the operating room after weeks without being able to perform elective procedures due to the Covid-19 pandemic. As soon as I step into the surgery center’s building, I received a call from the anesthesiologist who suggested postponing the surgery. We found that the patient’s blood pressure was very high and not well controlled. Upon questioning, the patient mentioned he decided to stop his blood pressure medications several weeks prior without consulting with his primary care physician. After listening to the story, one of the nurses then told me: “My husband does the same. They notice that medications cause erectile dysfunction and he would rather continue with elevated blood pressure than lose his erections.” This remark drove me to write today’s article. Continue reading “Erectile Dysfunction: A Sign of Heart Disease”Men’s Health during the Coronavirus Pandemic
Men’s Health during the Coronavirus Pandemic
First of all, I want to disclose that I am NOT an infectious disease expert and just like you, I am learning about this new Coronavirus every day. We all know that the human race as a whole is going through a difficult time that will impact our lives, if it hasn’t already. This can be physically, socially and financially. However, when you listen to the experts, there is one great thing about it… WE HAVE THE POWER TO CONTROL IT. We can ALL contribute to avoid spreading this disease. Continue reading “Men’s Health during the Coronavirus Pandemic”5 Major Advantages of Rezum Prostate Therapy
Why you should choose Rezum Therapy to treat your Enlarged Prostate
Gatekeepers of Men is BACK! It’s been several months since my last post and I am certainly excited to bring #GatekeepersofMen back into action. I want to start out this post with a fun fact: 50% of men above 50 years old suffer from symptoms of an enlarged prostate (BPH). Do you understand those numbers? In other words, if you are above 50 years old and you are reading this, either you or just best friend (assuming he is also your age) have some type of obstructive urinary symptom secondary to BPH.Continue reading “5 Major Advantages of Rezum Prostate Therapy”
Treatment Options for Prostate Cancer
Prostate Cancer Treatment Options
The purpose of the Movember movement is to create awareness among MEN and women regarding prostate cancer. I want to emphasize how important it is for men to go to their urologist and get their prostates checked. We all know women tend to be more responsible than their male counterparts when it comes to their medical care and health. Why? Us Men feel we are invincible, strong, machos, heroes, the main character in the movie, and silverback gorillas. Moreover, it isn’t until we start feeling very sick or have multiple problems, that we decide to go to the doctor.
Movember and Prostate Cancer Awareness
Movember
Time to create Awareness of Men’s Health Issues!
Movember (from the Australian-English diminutive word for mustache , “mo”, and “November”) is an annual movement involving growing of moustaches during the month of November to create awareness of men’s health related issues including Prostate Cancer, Testicular Cancer, Men’s Health and suicide prevention.
Therefore, I have decided to dedicate this month’s #GatekeepersofMen series to the Movember movement. Let’s start off with Prostate Cancer.
How common is prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men (skin cancer being the most common). The American Cancer Society estimates that about 1 out of 9 men will be diagnosed with the disease during his lifetime. That number is staggering! Think about it, if you are in a get-together event with 8 of your male friends, one of you will be diagnosed with prostate cancer!
Moreover, older men and African-American men have a higher risk of developing cancer in their prostate. 60% of cases are diagnosed in men older than 65 years old, and it is extremely rare for men under 40 to be diagnosed. Regarding race: 1 of every 6 African-American men develop prostate cancer.
Who is at risk?
- Age: The risk of developing prostate cancer increases with age. This is why we encourage men older than 50 years old to ask their doctors about screening.
- Family History: If someone in your family (brother, father or son) was diagnosed with prostate cancer you have a 2 to 3 times higher risk of developing the disease.
- Race: Studies show that African American are at higher risk of developing prostate cancer.
- Smoking: Just as with other cancers, smoking increases your risk of developing prostate cancer.
What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?
Unfortunately, not everyone experiences symptoms. Many of the “signs and symptoms” coincide with BPH and these include:
- Urinary frequency, especially during the night
- Difficulty starting urination
- Difficulty holding the urge to urinate
- Weak stream
- Blood in the urine or semen
One symptom: frequent pain of the lower back, hips or upper thighs, could be an indication that the cancer is already spreading. Therefore, it is crucial that us men start the screening process when indicated.
What does Prostate Cancer Screening involve?
- PSA test: PSA stands for prostate specific antigen. PSA is a chemical that ONLY the prostate produces into the bloodstream. When PSA is found elevated in a blood test, it indicates that there is increased activity of the prostate. In some occasions, that increased activity may indicate that there is uncontrolled cell growth which means, cancer is growing.
- DRE: DRE stands for digital rectal exam. Yes. It is a necessary tool that urologists use to help detect the presence and aggressiveness of prostate cancer even though nobody likes this test. Why? Not all prostate cancers show an elevated PSA. Therefore, we don’t want to miss a cancer that may be growing even when the PSA is within normal limits.
When should I start screening?
The most common question that I receive from friends, family, and patients is: when do I need to start screening for prostate cancer? Basically, if you are a MALE above 50, talk to your doctor about screening. Most importantly, if you are African American or have family history of men with cancer in their prostate, you should consider screening starting at 45 years old.
In Conclusion…
If you are a male above 50 years old, are African-American or have a family member with history of prostate cancer, you should visit a urologist. Early detection is key! Studies show that more than 98% of prostate cancers are curable if detected and treated early. If it is detected late, the chance of survival beyond 5 years can be as low as 26%.
In our next post I will be talking about how prostate cancer can be treated. If you are looking for a urologist, come visit us. We are eager to meet you and help you retake the reigns of your life. You are in control!
This article was authored by Dr. Jonathan Clavell. Dr. Clavell is an urologist who specializes in men’s health including erectile dysfunction, low testosterone, Peyronie’s Disease and BPH.
What to know when considering surgery for BPH
Considering Surgery for your Enlarged Prostate?
Over the past decade, urologists and men with obstructing urinary symptoms secondary to BPH have been introduced to a number of surgical alternatives for managing this condition.
Continue reading “What to know when considering surgery for BPH”
Penile Implants, 10 Most Common Questions
September is Sexual Health Awareness Month
For those of you who have been following my most recent posts, this month I have focused on topics related to Sexual Health. Why? September is Awareness Month for Sexual Health. And, as an expert in the field of Sexual Medicine and Men’s Health, I wish to help you optimize that very important aspect of your life. Therefore, today I wish to talk about a very important therapy not many men know or talk about. I will address the 10 most common questions regarding the penile implant or prosthesis.
Continue reading “Penile Implants, 10 Most Common Questions”
Hey Man, Are you to blame?
Hey Man, Are you to blame?
September is Sexual Health Awareness Month.
I recently ran into an article published at the NY Times titled “Why a Woman’s Sex Life Declines After Menopause”.
What really caught my attention was the second part of the title “Hint: Sometimes It’s Her Partner”. Now, if you are a man above 45 years old, and you are reading this, get ready! This post will create a PARADIGM SHIFT in your relationship and attitude towards not only your partner and sexual health, but your OVERALL HEALTH. Yes, believe it or not, research proves that sex is a reflection of your mental, cardiovascular and overall health.
When “Not Lasting Long Enough” is the Problem
Should you be able to “last longer” in bed?
I recently saw an article published in a well-known Men’s magazine which mentioned that one of the most common Googled questions about sex was “how to last longer in bed” with more than 60,000 searches per MONTH. Suddenly, I knew I had to write about this since there are many things that men should have clear and know.
Continue reading “When “Not Lasting Long Enough” is the Problem”