HisandHerHealth: Information About Sexuality, Prostate, Incontinence

Prostate cancer is the leading cancer in U.S. men, and the third leading cause of cancer deaths. Principal screening tests for detection of asymptomatic prostate cancer include digital rectal examination (DRE) and measurement of the serum tumor marker, prostate-specific antigen (PSA). There are risks and benefits associated with prostate cancer screening. Randomized controlled trials of screening by DRE and PSA are limited to two previously published studies. Two other large-scale randomized controlled trials are currently in progress.

Value of Digital Prostate Exams Debated

 Written by Aline Zoldbrod, PhD, Vibrance Special Contributor  

The words ".... you have prostate cancer" are a life changing, frightening event for each man affected, and for his partner. At first, sexual concerns recede amidst the time -and -energy -consuming tasks of gathering information, having tests, making treatment decisions, and perhaps undergoing surgery. The life and death quality of dealing with the cancer diagnosis often brings out the best in a partnership, with many partners voicing the mantra "All I want is to have him around for another 30 years, and I don't care about any sexual consequences." A whole year of life may be spent undergoing tests, researching options and treatments, undergoing treatment, and the recovery process.

Sex and Prostate Cancer: Communication is the Key to Continuing Sexual Pleasure

 Written by Myron I. Murdock, M.D., FACS, Medical director of Vibrance Associates

Prostate cancer has always been a poorly researched field of medicine. In fact, less than 10% of the money spent on breast cancer research for women is spent on prostate cancer research. In 2007, the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer continues to be controversial but better defined.

Most men see their physician for an annual prostate exam and PSA blood test; at what age they begin these examinations is debatable. American Urologic Association states that men 45 and older should have annual examinations unless they have a family history (father or brother) of prostate cancer or, if they are African-American, they should consider annual evaluations at 40 years of age. But all agree that men 50 years or older definitely should have an annual digital rectal exam and probably a PSA.

Are We Finding a Direction for Prostate Cancer in 2007?

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UROTODAY

The treatment for prostate cancer, particularly when localized to the prostate and potentially curable, is cryotherapy, radiation therapy either in the form of radioactive seeds (brachytherapy) or external beam irradiation or combinations of those procedures or radical nerve-sparing prostatectomy.

Unfortunately, cryotherapy almost always produces erectile dysfunction since the freezing of the prostate gland destroys the nerves going to the penis that are normally on the surface of the prostate. Radiation therapy of any type or in combination also produces erectile dysfunction contrary to what the public perceives about radiation therapy for prostate cancer.

Prevention & Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction Following Radical Prostatectomy & Radiation Therapy

Prostatic cancer is the most common cancer affecting men. A definitive and most common treatment to cure this disease is complete removal of the prostate, that usually results in permanent loss of erections. Many of these men are in their 40s and oral medicines such as Viagra, Levitra, Cialis are usually ineffective in restoring erectile ability. But penile implants, which are mechanical devices placed in the penis, do effectively restore erections in such men.

AN EDITORIAL: Insurance Should Cover Penile Implants as a Medically Necessary Procedure

BERKELEY, CA (UroToday.com) - The Early Prostate Cancer Trial (EPC) consisted of three international groups of patients treated with either placebo or bicalutamide in addition to standard of care.

The US cohort of men primarily chose radical prostatectomy (80%) as their standard of care. Most men were in the low risk category and evidence of positive lymph nodes or metastasis was exclusion criteria.

Early Prostate Cancer Trial (EPC) Tests Placebo vs Bicalutamide