What are prostatic calculi (prostate stones)? Do they affect sexual function?
What are prostatic calculi (prostate stones)? Do they affect sexual function?
Tag: prostate
What is chronic prostatitischronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPCPPS)?
What is chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS)?
Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate gland, the walnut-sized gland located below a man’s bladder. The prostate gland secretes fluid that, along with sperm, forms semen.
There are different types of prostatitis, one of which is chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS). This is the most common type. Young and middle-aged men are more likely to develop CP/CPPS, but it can happen at any age.
CP/CPPS may be classified as inflammatory or non-inflammatory.
In inflammatory cases, urine, semen, and fluid secreted by the prostate contain infection-fighting cells. But these fluids don’t contain bacteria.
When CP/CPPS is non-inflammatory, no infection-fighting cells and no bacteria are found in the fluid.
Men with CP/CPPS can experience chronic discomfort or pain in the groin, genitals, perineum (the area between the anus and the genitals), or bladder. They may have pain with urination and ejaculation as well. Many feel anxious about the situation.
But symptoms don’t happen to every man with CP/CPPS. Also, symptoms may come and go on their own.
CP/CPPS can be hard to diagnose because its symptoms are similar to other medical conditions, like kidney and bladder problems. Also, some researchers believe that CP/CPPS is not related to the prostate gland but may be caused by pelvic floor muscle strain instead.
Men usually undergo a digital rectal exam, during which their doctor inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum. By doing this, the doctor can feel any abnormalities in the prostate gland.
Doctors may also analyze urine and prostatic fluid. In some cases, blood tests, ultrasounds, MRIs, or biopsies are ordered to rule out other conditions.
CP/CPPS can also be difficult to treat and, unfortunately, it cannot always be cured. It can also take some time to find what best relieves a man’s symptoms. Some strategies for treating CP/CPPS symptoms include the following:
Medications.
Anti-inflammatory, pain medications, and muscle relaxants may be recommended. Alpha-blockers, which help relax muscles around the prostate, may also help. Some doctors prescribe antibiotics for CP/CPPS, but this treatment option is controversial.
Heat.
Some men find relief by taking a hot bath or by applying a heating pad or hot water bottle to the affected area.
Changes in diet.
Spicy foods and caffeinated or acidic drinks can aggravate symptoms for some men.
Lifestyle changes.
Activities that make symptoms worse, like bicycle riding, may need to be avoided.
Pillows.
Experimenting with different pillows or cushions may help a man who is uncomfortable while seated.
Prostatic massages.
These massages can help release some pressure around the prostate.
Counseling.
Psychological issues among men with CP/CPPS are common. Men with the condition have considerably higher levels of anxiety than those without it. Some experts believe that psychological problems are part of the cause of CP/CPPS. Such problems could also develop as a result. In either case, talking to a counselor may help men cope with this aspect of CP/CPPS.
Men with severe CP/CPPS may require surgery.
Sometimes, CP/CPPS gets better on its own.
Most men with CP/CPPS can have sex as they did before. However, it may be uncomfortable at times, especially during a pain flare-up. Couples may need to take a break from sex until the discomfort passes.
What is a penile rehabilitation program (PRP)?
What is a penile rehabilitation program (PRP)?
The prostate gland is surrounded by nerves that are critical for a man’s ability to have an erection.
When a man has prostate cancer, he may have a procedure called a prostatectomy, which involves removing the prostate gland. During a prostatectomy, a surgeon tries to preserve the surrounding nerves as much as possible. However, many men still have problems with erections after surgery.
Penile rehabilitation programs (PRPs) are like a form of physical therapy. For example, if a man has knee surgery, he may go to physical therapy and do exercises to strengthen his knee and get it back into good condition. If he doesn’t do his exercises, his knee may get weaker.
PRPs work in a similar way. They can help men recover their erectile function by inducing erections to “exercise” the penis. This process keeps erectile tissue healthy while the remaining nerves heal from surgery. The erections may be induced through oral medication, injections into the penis, penile suppositories, or vacuum devices. Some men are advised to masturbate on a regular basis.
Through penile rehabilitation, it is hoped that the patient will eventually have satisfactory erections on his own or will respond well to oral medications for erectile dysfunction.
It should be noted that some experts do not think penile rehabilitation is a worthwhile strategy.
Penile rehabilitation can take time – sometimes up to four years. With patience and dedication, however, many men are able to again have erections suitable for sex.
What does a penile rehabilitation program (PRP) involve?
Penile rehabilitation programs vary from clinic to clinic and patient to patient, but some of the more common strategies include the following:
Oral medications. Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, such as Viagra®, Levitra®, and Cialis®, improve blood flow to the penis and help keep erectile tissue healthy.
Penile Injections. The patient is trained to inject medication into his penis to prompt an erection.
Suppositories (MUSE). Pellets of medicine are inserted into the urethra, the tube that allows urine and semen to exit the body.
Vacuum erection devices. A clear plastic cylinder is placed over the penis. The man then uses a pump to draw out the air, creating a vacuum. This leads to an erection.
How successful are penile rehabilitation programs (PRPs)?
Penile rehabilitation programs (PRPs) can help men restore their ability to have erections after prostatectomy (removal of the prostate gland). However, several factors affect the success rate of PRPs:
The man must consider how well he was able to have erections before surgery. Men who had good erectile function beforehand can often recover that good function after penile rehabilitation. Men who had poor function may not be as successful.
The man needs to be compliant with the program, following his doctor’s instructions. Men who stick with the program diligently tend to have greater success than men who are not as dedicated.
Nerve-sparing also plays a role in recovery. The prostate gland is surrounded by nerves that are important for erectile function. Surgeons try to preserve as many nerves as possible, but usually there is some degree of nerve damage. The success of penile rehabilitation may depend on how much nerve damage results from surgery.
Other factors to consider are age, weight, smoking status, and any medical conditions like diabetes. Having additional treatments for prostate cancer, such as radiation and/or hormonal therapy, can also affect the outcome of penile rehabilitation.
Should men with an enlarged prostate avoid certain medications?
Should men with an enlarged prostate avoid certain medications ?
