Health Tips

Awareness of prostate cancer has increased significantly during recent years, with more and more men being checked, diagnosed and treated for this disease. Earlier detection and advancing medical treatments have indeed saved the lives of many men. Unfortunately, a relatively high number of patients who undergo current treatments experience impotence as a side effect. The good news is that there are ways of overcoming this impotence and regaining your sexual vitality.

A very important part of the male reproductive system, the prostate is a small, walnut-shaped gland located between the bladder and the base of the penis. It wraps around the urethra (the tube which carries urine to the tip of the penis) and its main function is to produce the liquid which is the transport vehicle for sperm. During orgasm, muscular contractions in the prostate force the sperm into the urethra, where ejaculation then takes over.

Prostate cancer affects an estimated 250,000 men in the US each year, most of whom are over age 50. Symptoms that may indicate prostate trouble include weak or frequent urination, blood in the urine or painful/burning sensations during urination.

The key to successful treatment of prostate cancer is early detection, before these symptoms occur. The two most common tests used are the prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test, and the digital rectal exam (during which the doctor inserts a gloved finger into the anus and feels the prostate for abnormalities). If the disease is detected early enough and treated, a very high percentage of patients can be cured.

There are several ways to treat prostate cancer but the most popular are surgery and radiation therapy. The surgical method (radical prostatectomy) involves going in to physically remove the cancerous areas, while the second applies chemotherapy to the pelvic area in a bid to zap cancerous cells.

Given its responsibilities, and the fact that the prostate is surrounded by extremely sensitive nerves, it’s not surprising that any trauma to the gland during treatment has a high chance of affecting sexual performance.

However, men suffering from impotence as a result of prostate cancer treatment do have a number of options that can allow them to become sexually active again:

* Oral medications: drugs such as Viagra™ stimulate and enlarge vessels in the penis, thereby increasing the blood flow to produce an erection.

* Penile implants: a penile prosthesis is surgically implanted, creating an erection on demand. The prosthesis is manually controlled to make the penis either erect or flaccid.

* Urethral suppositories: a small pellet of medication (e.g. MUSE™) is inserted into the urethra with an applicator, causing blood vessels in the penis to expand and induce an erection.

* Injection therapy: a syringe is used to inject medicine directly into the base of the penis. Few men continue this therapy for long as it can be painful.

* Vacuum devices: a cylinder is placed over the penis and the air is pumped out. The resulting vacuum mechanically enhances the flow of blood. A rubber ring at the base of the penis is used to maintain the erection. A high number of men report success using these devices.

Which remedy is best for you depends on personal factors, so it’s best to consult your doctor. Also, there are a growing number of prostate cancer survivor groups that you can join for information, support and friendship. Above all though, think positive!