Adult Lifestyle Centres Prostate Health Care Guide
At Adult Lifestyle Centres, we work with health care professionals in the surrounding areas of our stores in order to provide sexual health and information, like Prostate Health. Which doctors and specialists may not have the time, resources or knowledge to provide.
One such network we have developed includes a relationship with urologists in the surrounding areas of our stores in assisting their patients with after surgery care. For those that have had prostate surgery and are still embarking on sexual activity post prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer can have a devastating impact on the sexual well-being of men
Previously, people who had had prostate surgery would often resign themselves to the idea that they would no longer be able to partake in an active and healthy sex life.
This is far from the truth. In part has been formed through an unwillingness to discuss sex and sexual practices post cancer by health care professionals. We have discovered, that by opening the doors to this project, that we are getting more doctors, nurses, sex counsellors and specialists involved. In sexual health and awareness and in turn are creating research in their chosen fields to spread the word.
Sex doesn’t end after cancer
And it does not end after scares and prostate surgery. Through breaking down the taboos. And through recognising that there are other forms of sexual activity that do not necessarily involve penetrative sex. As well as providing alternatives for sexual functionality. We are able to provide an avenue for men to discuss their sexual health issues either through their doctor, or referred to us by their doctor.
Indeed, one should consider us a part of your prostate health support network, as we provide support with the issues surrounding Prostate Cancer on a regular basis.
How Does Prostate Cancer Start?
According to the prostate cancer foundation of Australia, Prostate cancer occurs when abnormal cells develop in the prostate.
These abnormal cells can continue to multiply in an uncontrolled fashion. Sometimes spread outside the prostate into nearby or distant parts of the body. Unfortunately, Prostate cancer is generally a slow growing disease. Majority of men with low grade prostate cancer can live for many years without symptoms and without it spreading and becoming life-threatening.
But it can very quickly turn in an aggressive and high grade variant of the disease which will spread quickly and can be lethal without treatment.
Chances of getting Prostate cancer increase as you get older
It is important to see a health care provider for annual check-ups of your overall health and prostate health. And potentially more often if you have a family history of the disease. If prostate cancer runs in the family, then there is a significant increase to you getting it as well.
It needs to be remembered that prostate cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer with over 17,000 new cases each and every year. Indeed prostate cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in Australia. Statistics are so high, that one in five men are at risk of developing prostate cancer before the age of 85.
Get Checked Regularly
Therefore it is imperative you once you reach 60, that you regularly get checked for prostate cancer.
Within the high grade cancer, there are generally two types. Locally advanced prostate cancer where the cancer has not yet spread beyond the prostate. And metastatic prostate cancer which describes the condition where the cancer has spread far beyond the prostate. It is now within distant parts of the body such as the lymph nodes or bones.
Appropriate management is extremely important, in these situations.
What Is The Prostate?
The prostate is an organ which only men have. It is a small walnut sized gland which will sit below the bladder and near the rectum. Surrounds the urethra, the passage in the penis through which urine and semen pass and it is an important part of the male reproductive system.
Your prostate produces some of the fluid which makes up ejaculate, and it is this fluid which protects and nourishes the sperm during sexual activity. It needs the male hormone testosterone to grow and develop. The prostate is often described as being the size of a walnut and it is normal for it to grow as men age.
Increase in size can vary. But has been likened to anything between an apricot and a lemon. Sometimes this can cause problems, such as difficulty urinating and such difficulties will occur in roughly 30% of men.
These problems are common in older men and not always symptoms or signs of cancer.
In the early stages prostate cancer, there may be no symptoms.
In the later stages, some symptoms of prostate cancer
- Feeling the frequent or sudden need to urinate.
- Finding it difficult to urinate (for example, trouble starting or not being able to urinate when the feeling is there or poor urine flow).
- Discomfort when urinating.
- Finding blood in urine or semen.
- Pain in the lower back, upper thighs or hips.
Symptoms
These symptoms may not mean you have prostate cancer. But they could be an indication of poor Prostate Health or other ailments. If you experience any of them, go and see your doctor. Once prostate cancer is discovered there are generally five ways of treating it.
Treatments
1. Active Surveillance
This is essentially the watch and wait method. It means that there is nothing life threatening about the current diagnosis and that there is really no urgent need to remove or treat the prostate. Regular check-ups are still going to be essential at this stage to ensure that it doesn’t turn aggressive.
2. Prostatectomy
This is surgery which involves the surgical removal of the prostate. On average this entails a 3-6 day stay in hospital followed by a two month recovery period. This is only an option if you have localised prostate cancer and the cancer has not yet spread to other parts of the body.
3. Radiation therapy
Also used to treat localised cancer and may be used independently with or alongside a prostatectomy.
4. Hormone treatment
May be used to stabilise the issue or to reduce the pain and slow the growth of the cancer. This is generally used when surgery and radiation are no longer an option. Whilst this is not a cure to the cancer, it can result in remission for several years.
5. Chemotherapy.
Usually used as a last resort and when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Sometimes treatment is unavoidable. But it’s important that if you’re feeling any of the symptoms that you seek medical advice immediately. Even if it’s a false alarm, then you’re being much safer than you would have been if you’d chosen to ignore it.
If you need a recap of the symptoms, check out the following video.
This video has Dr Ronald Tutrone, MD, FACS, discussing the symptoms of prostate cancer.
Unfortunately, prostate cancer doesn’t always have visible symptoms. So it can be difficult to determine if you have prostate cancer in the early stages. Symptoms of prostate cancer might only present themselves during advanced stages, and sometimes not at all.
It is advised that the content of this video is not a substitute for medical advice from your doctor. You should address any concerns you have regarding prostate cancer, to your family GP. Dr Tutrone is a respected medical professional who is a medical director at Chesapeake Urology Research Associates.
This may all sound a little clinical and intimidating.
But it is one of the areas of expertise that sets Adult Lifestyle Centres apart from the rest. And makes us one of the standout adult stores in town. Our dedication to sexual health and awareness is something that we strongly believe in.
Just because one has had prostate cancer, or even prostate surgery, does not mean that they are less of an individual being condemned a sexless existence.
FAQs About Prostate Health
What is the prostate, and what does it do?
The prostate is a small gland in men, located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. Its primary function is to produce seminal fluid, which nourishes and transports sperm during ejaculation.
What are common symptoms of prostate problems?
Common symptoms include difficulty urinating, frequent urination (especially at night), weak urine flow, pain or discomfort in the pelvic area, and erectile dysfunction. These symptoms can indicate various prostate issues, such as an enlarged prostate, prostatitis, or prostate cancer.
What is an enlarged prostate, and is it the same as prostate cancer?
An enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. It is common in older men and can cause urinary symptoms. BPH is not the same as prostate cancer, although both conditions can have similar symptoms.
At what age should men start getting screened for prostate cancer?
Men are generally advised to begin prostate cancer screening at age 50. However, those with a higher risk—such as African American men or those with a family history of prostate cancer—should consider starting screening earlier, around age 40-45.
How is prostate cancer diagnosed?
Prostate cancer is typically diagnosed through a combination of a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test and a digital rectal exam (DRE). If these tests suggest the presence of cancer, further tests such as a prostate biopsy or imaging studies may be conducted to confirm the diagnosis.
Can prostate problems affect sexual function?
Yes, prostate issues can impact sexual function. Conditions like prostatitis, BPH, and prostate cancer can lead to erectile dysfunction, reduced libido, and difficulties with ejaculation. Treatment options are available to help manage these symptoms.
What lifestyle changes can improve prostate health?
Maintaining a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can support prostate health. Regular exercise, managing stress, avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption are also beneficial. Staying hydrated and reducing the intake of red meat and high-fat dairy products can further promote a healthy prostate.
Is prostate cancer preventable?
While there is no sure way to prevent prostate cancer, certain lifestyle choices may reduce the risk. Eating a balanced diet, staying active, and maintaining a healthy weight are important. Regular screenings and being aware of your risk factors can also help with early detection and treatment.
What treatment options are available for prostate cancer?
Treatment options for prostate cancer depend on the stage and aggressiveness of the disease. They may include active surveillance, surgery (such as a prostatectomy), radiation therapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these. The best approach is often personalized based on the individual’s health, age, and cancer stage.
Can prostatitis be treated, and how?
Yes, prostatitis can be treated, but the treatment depends on the type (acute or chronic). Acute bacterial prostatitis is usually treated with antibiotics, while chronic prostatitis may require a longer course of antibiotics, pain management, and sometimes physical therapy. It’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s advice for effective treatment.
