Prostate Cancer
Cancer is a disease characterized by the out-of-control growth of abnormal cells, which may invade healthy cells in the body.
As its name suggests, prostate cancer is one that starts in the prostate, a walnut-sized gland in men that's located below the bladder and in front of the rectum.
The prostate surrounds the urethra and produces prostate fluid, which is part of semen. Prostate cancer often progress very slowly, though in some cases it can be quite aggressive. In its early stages, it usually doesn't cause any symptoms.
However, there are numerous possible symptoms in the later stages of the disease, including urination issues, painful ejaculation, and constant pain in the back, hips, or pelvis.
What to Expect During a Primary Care Prostate Health Exam
Here are the two tests that can be done and will be available:
(1) PSA blood test.
• PSA stands for prostate specific antigen, a protein that goes up with prostate cancer. However, you can have a high PSA without prostate cancer, and you can have prostate cancer without a high PSA.
• A PSA Blood test simply involves drawing a vile of blood from your arm, it’s like any other blood test.
(2) Digital rectal exam (DRE).
The next test is optional and more invasive:
This exam involves having a lubricated, gloved finger inserted into your rectum. You may have to bend over or lie on your side. It may hurt your dignity a little, but it's not painful. Since your prostate is right there where your doctor can feel for any abnormalities, this is
a really important exam for all men.
Erectile dysfunction (ED)
Is the inability to achieve and maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse, it is a common problem that has multiple causes ranging from psychological problems to diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Various effective treatments are available and men can now maintain an active sex life into their old age in most cases.
Alternative names
Impotence, ED
What is it?
Erectile dysfunction (ED), also called impotence, is the inability to achieve and maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse.
It is a common condition, especially as men age, and is estimated to affect 50-60% of men between the ages of 40 and 70.
Causes
The three stages involved in producing an erection are:
• Sexual arousal.
• Nerve communication between brain and penis.
• Relaxation of blood vessels to allow increased blood flow to the penis, which is what an erection is.
A problem with any of these stages can result in ED.
Psychological causes: the most common nonphysical causes are stress, anxiety, depression and fatigue. Relationship problems can lead to ED.
Physical causes and risk factors include:
• Diabetes, which affects nerves and blood flow.
• Cardiovascular disorders affecting the blood supply to the pelvis
