A considerable amount of urinary and genital health risks affect men throughout the course of their life. Prior knowledge about these conditions as well as early diagnosis is key to prevention and effective treatment.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, or BPH, is a condition in which the prostate enlarges as men get older. Over 70% of men in their 60s have BPH symptoms. While BPH is a benign condition and unrelated to prostate cancer, it can greatly affect a man’s quality of life.
Click here to learn more about BPH symptoms and treatment options.
Low Testosterone
Testosterone is a hormone mainly produced in males, affecting their appearance, sexual development and drive throughout the course of their life. The production of testosterone can be seen physically by men’s body hair as well as their muscle and bone mass.
Testosterone levels tend to decrease over time, changing a man’s sexual function and physical appearance. Signs and symptoms may include erectile dysfunction, low sex drive, hair loss, fatigue, loss of muscle mass, and mood changes.
Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile Dysfunction, also known as ED, occurs when men have trouble getting or keeping an erection during sexual intercourse. ED happens to most men, typically at the age of 40. Men can get Erectile Dysfunction from medical and psychological causes such as poor blood flow to the penis, prescription drugs, alcohol, depression, stress, and performance anxiety.
Urinary Tract Stones
When high levels of certain minerals such as uric acid or calcium gather in your urine, kidney stones may develop over time in the urinary tract. Depending on the size of the stone, they may cause pain, bleeding or an infection. While there is no single cause, kidney stones are more likely to develop when minerals are not correctly diluted by the urine. Additionally, they can also be formed from a urinary tract infection.
Vasectomy
A vasectomy is a form of birth control for men that is done surgically, simply closing off the tubes that deliver sperm from the testes. This procedure is quick, taking about 15-30 minutes to complete. Recovery time is low and ejaculation will proceed as normal during sexual intercourse without sperm. While a vasectomy is a safe and popular option, it is intended to be permanent and is encouraged to be decided with confidence from both you and your spouse.
Prostate Health
The prostate is part of the male reproductive system that produces seminal fluid to combine with the sperm, creating semen. Usually the size of a walnut, the prostate can be located under the bladder and in front of the rectum, surrounding part of the urethra.
As men age, the prostate can enlarge, leading to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or in worse cases, prostate cancer. If detected early, prostate cancer is treatable, so it’s essential to have your prostate checked regularly.
Bladder Cancer
A common, yet treatable cancer for middle-aged men and women, bladder cancer tends to start in the cells that line the bladder, growing abnormally and then eventually forming tumors. Smoking, irritation in the bladder lining, exposure to chemicals, parasitic infections and past radiation exposure increase your chances of being diagnosed.
While there are different types of bladder cancer, urothelial carcinoma is the most common type in the United States, which is caused by abnormal growth in cells within the bladder. Symptoms of bladder cancer include discomfort while urinating, pelvic pain, and blood in the urine.
Bladder cancer is one of the most common cancers for males. It is advised to follow up regularly for bladder cancer is likely to reoccur if you have already been diagnosed.