Five signs you may have low testosterone — guest post by Dr. Larry Lipschultz

Low testosterone, also referred to as hypogonadism, may result in significant side effects, such as male infertility. Because low testosterone symptoms may mimic the effects of other disorders, and because patients may feel embarrassed to discuss their experiences with a medical practitioner, individuals may fail to recognize symptoms of low testosterone. However, men should pay attention to their bodies if common signs of low testosterone occur. By contacting a trusted men’s health practice, you may be able to improve testosterone levels and prevent potential risks.

Decreased Sex Drive

Noticing a dip or significant drop in your sex drive does not necessarily point to an emotional issue or something you can take care of on your own. This may point to a low testosterone level. While your sex drive may decrease naturally as you age, an apparent testosterone issue may contribute to a lack of desire to have sex, as well as a decreased ability to reach orgasm.

Infertility

If you find you have been having conception problems with your significant other, your infertility may be the result of low testosterone. This hormone plays an important role in sperm production. As testosterone drops, so does sperm count and your ability to conceive. Your men’s health doctor will test your blood to determine whether your infertility rests solely on low testosterone levels, which may affect a more comprehensive hormonal imbalance.

Erectile Dysfunction

Low testosterone may result in erectile dysfunction. The relationship here is twofold. First, low levels of testosterone often result in a loss of genital sensation. When your sensation drops, your ability to receive stimulation and achieve an erection decreases. In addition, testosterone supports a subsequent process involving the release of nitric oxide, which acts as a vasodilator, or widening of blood cells. When this reaction fails to occur, achieving or sustaining an erection becomes difficult or impossible.

Fatigue

When you experience feelings of decreased energy and fatigue, consider whether you have done anything to alter your usual routine. If you have not overexerted yourself, changed your diet significantly, or experienced sleeping problems, you may look to low testosterone as the underlying cause. Particularly when experienced in combination with mood swings, weight gain, and loss of muscle mass, fatigue may be your red flag that your hormones need a rebalance.

Changes in Mood

If you notice that you have been feeling depressed lately, but no major changes have occurred in your life, low testosterone is a possible culprit. Hormones play a key role in your mental and emotional balance. If it isn’t depression, in which you experience feelings of guilt and extreme sadness , you may notice you become irritable. Or, you may find you feel fine but the people surrounding you in your life begin to complain that you have become quite moody.

About Dr. Larry Lipschultz

Larry Lipschultz, M.D. is one of the leading experts on male reproductive medicine and microsurgery, and contributes to education as a professor at Baylor College of Medicine. He has trained an extensive number of urologists and heads a urology practice that offers comprehensive services for men’s health. His practice is located in Houston, and offers services that focus on infertility, erectile dysfunction, nutrition, and other men’s health issues.

Website: http://www.larrylipshultz.com/

Ask for seconds: Foods that promote male sexual health — guest post by Alexandria Webb

What we consume and how much we consume impacts just about every aspect of our lives. That saying “you are what you eat” is not far from the truth. This includes male sexual health which can be improved by certain foods. As a man, which foods get your body and brain bedroom ready? Well, here are just a few:

Oily Fish – Fish like salmon, mackerel, and herring are packed with omega 3. Omega 3 increases blood flow throughout the body – including the genitals. According to Dr. Yvonne K. Fulbright, it also helps raise dopamine levels in the brain which trigger arousal.

Shellfish – Shellfish, including oysters, clams, scallops, and lobster, are great fuel for the brain and body. You probably thought oysters being the “food of love” was just a saying; however, they’re rich in zinc which is a key nutrient in the production of testosterone and healthy sperm.

Pistachios – Pistachios are full of micro-nutrients that can help improve a man’s sexual health including fighting erectile dysfunction. This may be partially due to the fact that pistachios are relatively high in arginine (an amino acid) which appears to boost the effects of nitric oxide which maintains flexible arteries and enhances circulation.

Spinach – Spinach is a great source of magnesium which aids in the dilation of blood vessels allowing better circulation to all parts of the body. In addition, it’s rich in antioxidants.

Tea – Tea, especially green tea, contains catechin, an antioxidant that promotes blood flow. Catechin also enhances memory, mood, and focus which are sure to make for a better experience in the bedroom.

Fruit – Fruits rich in vitamin C such as grapefruit, oranges, and peaches are great for male sexual health. Research from the University of Texas Medical Branch shows that men who consume a minimum of 200 milligrams of vitamin C a day improve their sperm count and motility.

Seeds and Nuts – Seeds and nuts contain monounsaturated fats. You’re probably recoiling in horror because fats are bad right? Well your body needs monounsaturated fats to create cholesterol and your sex hormones need cholesterol to function properly. In addition, some nuts and seeds, contain important antioxidants.

Oatmeal – Oatmeal is a great way to naturally boost testosterone. In addition, Oats contain an amino acid known as L-arginine which (by enhancing the effects of nitric oxide) helps reduce blood vessel stiffness; in fact, this amino acid has been used to treat erectile dysfunction.

Sex is an important aspect of a healthy relationship. However, it is only one aspect of a healthy relationship. Eating the foods in this article won’t just improve the health of your bedroom activities; they will improve the health of both your body and mind which are pretty important whether you’re in a sexual relationship or not.

Article contributed by Alex Webb on behalf of http://theurologygroup.net/urology-cincinnati/. Alex is interested in the various health benefits of both foods and physical activity. Follow her on Twitter @alexandriakwebb.

Effects of alcohol on erectile dysfunction — guest post by Jaime A. Heidel

English: Breckenridge, Colorado liquor store. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Erectile dysfunction can be caused by a variety of physical and psychological problems. Does drinking alcohol cause erectile dysfunction? This article gives you an overview of the connection between alcohol consumption and the development of sexual health problems.

How Does Alcohol Cause Erectile Dysfunction?

Excessive alcohol consumption causes erectile dysfunction in two ways:

Affects Mood – A glass or two of your favorite adult beverage may put you in the mood, but more than that can lead to sexual dysfunction. This is because alcohol depresses the nervous system and may cause feelings of anxiety. When a man feels anxious or depressed, he is less likely to be able to perform sexually.

Circulation Problems – Excessive alcohol consumption can also lead to circulation problems in a man’s sexual organs. If you achieve sexual arousal when you’ve been drinking, the alcohol dilates the vessels in your penis but they will not close once you’ve achieved erection. When your blood vessels stay open, your penis quickly returns to its relaxed state, making sexual intercourse difficult if not impossible.

How Much Alcohol is Too Much?

This is a common question among men suffering from erectile dysfunction. More than a couple of drinks per night can lead to lasting sexual problems for men. This is especially true if you plan to “get romantic” on a night when you’re drinking.

It’s also important to remember that alcohol is a long-term toxin and if consumed in excess, can lead to problems with erectile dysfunction even when you’re not consuming alcohol.

How Can I Cut Down on My Alcohol Use?

If you want to reduce the effects of alcohol on your system but don’t want to quit cold turkey, there are a few ways you can cut down on your alcohol use:

Set a Goal – When you set a goal for yourself, you have a better chance of achieving it. Write down how many drinks you plan to drink each day and stick with it.

Measure Your Drinks – When it comes to beer, one standard drink is 12 ounces. A glass of wine shouldn’t exceed 5 ounces. When it comes to hard liquor, stick to 1.5 ounce servings.

Count Your Drinks – Don’t just knock ‘em back. Make a mental note of how many drinks you’re having so you can stick to your goal.

Space Your Drinks – Everything in moderation. If you’re experiencing sexual health problems, remember to space your drinks and drink non-alcoholic beverages in between.

Don’t Forget to Eat – The effects of alcohol are always more noticeable on an empty stomach so don’t forget to snack during and in between drinks.

Do I Need Professional Help?

Not everybody who drinks is an alcoholic. However, some men develop a problem with their drinking without meaning to. You might need professional help if:

You often drink to get drunk.

You’ve had blackouts.

You have physical or mental withdrawal symptoms when you don’t drink.

You drink alone or purposefully hide you drinking from others.

Your drinking has caused problems in your personal or professional relationships.

A couple of beers or cocktails with friends once in the while shouldn’t cause sexual side effects but if you drink in excess, try cutting back. It may be all you need to do to improve your love life! If ED problems persist, book an appointment with your doctor to address other possible underlying causes.
About the Author:

Jaime A. Heidel is a professional freelance writer with a passion for health and wellness. She writes for several natural health websites including www.menshealthnet.org.

How to deal with impotence naturally — guest post by Catherine Howarth

Male impotence is a very difficult and often debilitating condition that not only affects the general well being of a person, but may also affect his attitude towards relationships and close personal bonds. This condition is typically characterized by a man’s inability to maintain an erection for any reasonable length of time, and in some severe cases, even the inability to have an erection despite arousal. Many men don’t realize that erection problems can be caused by a number of different factors ranging from physical debilities, underlying disease, stress, anxiety or even psychological troubles. One of the most common causes of erection problems found in men is an underlying case of heart disease, or diabetes.
Treating the problem 
Treating erectile dysfunction as an attempt to bolster self-confidence and allow a man to fully enjoy his special bond with a life-partner or significant other is usually done with the help of synthetic drugs such as Viagra. Unfortunately though, depending on synthetic drugs to help treat erectile dysfunction is not a permanent solution and can have detrimental side effects. Opting to treat erection problems naturally is a much better option and should be considered first.
Natural remedies
There are many herbs and herbal extracts that can greatly help to increase circulation to the penis or can bolster testosterone production, which can increase libido are usually employed to treat erection problems. Herbs such as gingko biloba, ashwaganda, horny goat’s weed, yohimbe, and of course, ginseng can prove to be beneficial for people suffering from embarrassing erection problems. These herbs contain natural compounds that are known to encourage the increased production of testosterone or an increase in circulatory efficiency, which makes it helpful for the management and eventual treatment of an erectile dysfunction.

Lifestyle changes
It should be noted however, that there is not any guarantees of instantaneous results from consuming any of these herbs and herbal supplements mentioned, although studies have been conducted as to their trace efficacy. Likewise, abiding by a good and healthy diet as well as avoiding stress, the over-consumption of synthetic, fatty and sugary foods as well as a moderate, if not total avoidance of, alcohol and tobacco have also been shown to contribute largely to the effective natural management of erectile dysfunction.

Being open to your significant other about your erection problems, along with keeping a positive attitude with regards to its eventual cure, will help to break away at the walls of insecurity. Such walls have been known to eat away at relationships and can help to surmount the often debilitating effects that erectile dysfunction can have over yourself and your significant other.

Catherine is a freelance writer and writes about male and female medical problems, such as erectile dysfunction and beauty. Catherine’s email is catherinehowarthwriter@gmail.com

Four popular prostate cancer myths — busted. Guest post by Bernice Spradlin

Telling fact from fiction is your first defense when it comes to prostate cancer.

Sure, you are growing your Mo (or mustache in support of November’s Prostate Cancer Awareness month) but do you know that prostate cancer is not just a disease that affects old dudes? No, most men afflicted are in their 50s. Did you also know that prostate cancer is the second most common type of cancer among men in the U.S.?

You might believe that you know enough about prostate cancer in order to recognize the signs and symptoms if they affected you or someone you love. However, doctors and cancer experts worry about the popular prostate cancer myths might negatively impact your awareness or decisions about taking pro-active decisions about your health. For instance:

Myth #1. Prostate cancer treatment causes impotence

Although it is a fact that 50% of all men who undergo prostate cancer treatment will experience problems with erectile dysfunction, it can be only temporary. A talk with your doctor will inform you on the risks and shed light on popular erectile dysfunction medications, like Cialis, Viagra and Levitra. These drugs don’t come cheap so purchasing Canadian drugs online at heavily discounted rates may be an option. Men that undergo surgery or radiation have experienced potency issues due to the damage to nerves and blood vessels (the same nerves and blood vessels that control erection), as well as lower sex drive due to hormone therapy. However the side effects of surgery, radiation and hormone therapy, typically subside within a year following treatment. Erectile-stimulating drugs can also be prescribed by your doctor until normal erectile function returns.

The risk: If a man believes he will have to live impotent as a result of prostate cancer, he may refuse treatment altogether and increase his risk of death when in actuality only 50% of men suffer erectile issues, temporarily in the 6 to 12 months following prostate cancer treatment.

Myth #2. Prostate cancer is a disease that affects elderly men only

Most people think that only senior men (65 years or older) are at risk for prostate cancer. That’s why when men in their 40s and 50s are diagnosed people think it’s rare or not common.

The risk: If a man believes that you have to be a senior to be at risk of prostate cancer, he may ignore the symptoms of the disease or think that he doesn’t have to worry and avoid or delay treatment if he’s diagnosed.

Myth #3. The symptoms of prostate cancer are obvious

Unfortunately, this is not the case. Prostate cancer in the early stages typically shows zero symptoms. The symptoms, most commonly urinary tract and back issues, become evident only when you are in the advanced stages of the disease and by then the cancer is treatable to prolong life, but no longer curable.

The risk: If you are only looking for the obvious symptoms, you may avoid annual prostate screens. That’s why awareness events like Movember exist, to remind men (aged 40 and up) to get their prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood levels checked annually.

Myth #4. People don’t die of prostate cancer

According to the National Cancer Institute, more than 240,000 American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2011. Still, many men believe that no one man ever dies of prostate cancer.

The risk: The good news is that in most cases, if a doctor catches prostate cancer early on, it’s not only treatable, but curable. However, it’s still the second leading cancer killer for American men. Risk of death occurs if your doctor catches prostate cancer early on and you avoid treatment in belief that the disease can’t kill you.

Bernice Spradlin is an avid hiker and runner. She works at a gym in
Brooklyn, New York, where she gets great inspiration for her freelance
health-related articles and blogs. In her off time, you can often find
Bernice jogging the East River path along the waterfront and enjoying
the cool breeze. Bernice is currently looking for freelance writing
work, and can be contacted at BerniceG.Spradlin@gmail.com

Editor’s Note: If you’re interested in submitting a guest post, please click the “guest post” tab at the top of this blog’s main page. You’ll find submission guidelines. Facts, opinions, research and advice from our guest writers cannot substitute for a visit to your family physician.

 

 

 

Book review: “Penis Power: The Ultimate Guide to Male Sexual Health”

By Dr. Dudley Seth Danoff

Review by Scott Keith

At one time, if you heard the word “penis” uttered in conversation, you would hear a few nervous giggles. It seems these days, especially with more television ads touting the benefits of erectile dysfunction pills, the word “penis” is not quite as shunned.

The president and founder of the Cedars-Sinai Tower Urology Medical Group in Los Angeles, Dr. Dudley Seth Danoff, has written a book that removes quite a bit of the mystery surrounding this vital reproductive organ. Penis Power: The Ultimate Guide to Male Sexual Health provides practical advice for partners, a candid discussion of erectile dysfunction and potency, and tips for a healthy, active sex life, no matter how old you are.

Danoff, in an interview with Men and Health: It’s a Guy Thing, says he’s a mainstream urologist who has spent 70 percent of his time doing urologic oncology. He realized there’s a problem with a man’s image of his penis, “what we call penis weakness, obsession about size, obsession about performance, obsession about erectile dysfunction,” says Danoff, noting that a patient suggested Penis Power as the name for a book.

Danoff wrote the book, blending together his many years as a urologist. The idea behind the book, says Danoff, is to teach men about male genital health and to answer questions that some men have a hard time asking.  “I try to do it in an insightful, lighthearted and (medically accurate) funny way,” according to Danoff.

A theme throughout this informative, easy-to-read guide on male sexual health is that the penis is tied to a man’s identity. Danoff says, “I sort of say the Penis is the soul of a man. You can tell more about a man’s character when he has an erection than almost any other time, except, maybe, on the golf course.”

Danoff writes, at length, about erectile dysfunction and the huge percentage of men (in a certain age group) who experience the condition. “The facts are, between 15 and 30 million men, between the ages of 40 and 60, suffer from some sort of erectile dysfunction. 99 percent of that is between the ears and about 1 percent between the legs, with some exceptions,” says Danoff, who is a diplomat of the American Board of Urology and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

An even more revealing statistic, according to Danoff, is that “fairly close to 100 percent of men, at one time in their life, will suffer from what I call penis weakness.” He says it could be performance anxiety, anger, or the fact the penis will not behave the way you want it to behave.

What we see and hear in the media can have an impact on a man and his relationship with his penis. Danoff says, “I think the epidemic is aggravated by what we see on the media: the perfect specimen, the availability of pornographic material (with trick lighting and magnification)…Everybody thinks that they have to live up to this sort of image.”

This book will answer your questions about erections, ejaculation, penis size and medical conditions that can affect your penis power. The book also examines prostate and other urologic diseases. A light-hearted section toward the end of the book explores your penis personality. Yes, you can match up your very own penis with the various illustrated penis personalities.

Danoff says sex “is not an Olympic event, it’s not a marathon, it’s between two loving people, who care about one another. That’s my message more than anything else.”

The book is $15.95 and is available from any bookstore, as well as http://www.amazon.com and http://www.barnesandnoble.com

Visit Dr. Danoff at http://www.penispowerbook.com

Peyronie’s Disease: A centuries-old condition also known as penile curvature — article by Scott Keith

Peyronie’s Disease is hard to spell but easier to pronounce (Pay-Row-knees). It’s a disease that strikes men and can lead to painful erections.

The condition, which can cause stress in a sexual relationship, is also known as penile curvature. Peyronie’s Disease is a buildup of plaque within a section of the penis. The plaque, starting out as inflammation, can turn into hardened scar tissue. The end result can be a painful, curved penis, which can make it extremely difficult to engage in sex.

The disease has been around for centuries. Dr. L. Dean Knoll says it was first described in 1743 by Francois de la Peyronie, who was King Louis XV’s court physician. The condition, which can create erectile dysfunction, can produce varied penile configurations, including that of an hourglass.

Knoll, Medical Director for both the Center for Urological Treatment and Medical Research Associates of Nashville, says, “the erectile dysfunction, that can come with this, has been reported to affect anywhere from 20 to 54 percent of men with Peyronie’s.” He adds that about 60 to 70 percent of men with Peyronie’s Disease will have an associated vascular abnormality, “such that the scar tissue doesn’t allow for the trapping of blood in the penis. Patients don’t obtain or maintain good quality erections.”

Peyronie’s disease affects more men than originally thought. Knoll, in an interview with Men and Health: It’s a Guy Thing, says it’s estimated that up to seven to ten percent of patients may be affected with Peyronie’s. “The reason the incidence is higher than it originally was thought to be is that more men are seeking therapy for it (thanks, in part, to the growth of E.D.commercials on television).”

The painful condition, thought to be related to penile trauma, according to Knoll, mostly affects the age group of 45 to 59. Knoll says, “They tend to have similar sexual activities, as far as how they have their intercourse, but in that age group, the erection is not quite as rigid as it was when they were 20 or 30 years old. Subsequently, the penis seems to bend more and that sets up the inflammation in the blood vessels to the covering of the erection body. That’s why they end up  having Peyronie’s Disease more frequently.”

If you’re diagnosed with Peyronie’s by your primary care physician, you need to be referred to  a urologist.

Catching Peyronie’s early is important, according to Knoll. If you catch it early, “you have a better chance of truncating the inflammatory process.” The problem, says Knoll, is doctors don’t have the best medical therapy (oral or injectable drugs) to stop Peyronie’s.  “We’ve tried all kinds of therapies in the past (such as ultrasound therapy). They’ve all showed limited and unpredictable success,” notes Knoll.

Knoll says there’s an investigational drug being looked at. Xiaflex (in phase three clinical trials) could be injected into the scar and it would diminish the deposition of the scar tissue. If approved by the FDA in a few years, this drug, according to Knoll, could help straighten the penis, avoiding surgical treatment.

Surgical treatment options include penile straightening. Another procedure involves removing tissue on the opposite side of the curvature, thereby straightening the penis. The down side of this procedure is patients can lose further penile length. “Most of us are doing an incision and a partial excision of the scar. We’re laying in some bio material grafting. These bio materials get absorbed and becomes pliable..the penis is straight when they attempt intercourse,” says Knoll.

If you suspect any changes with your penis, see medical help. “Don’t sit and live with the condition and think it will go away. It won’t. Obviously, the sooner they see a urologist the better off these patients are,” says Knoll.

Visit Dr. Knoll at http://www.cutonline.net

Sex after prostate cancer? An Arizona-based writer tackles the touchy subject in a new book — article by Scott Keith

Let’s face it. Prostate Cancer is a “Guy Thing.” It’s an extremely common cancer as men get older. Luckily, in recent years, with effective prostate cancer screening, more men have been diagnosed while the cancer is small enough to be treated or cured. But guys will be guys. There are sexual side effects associated with prostate cancer treatment, whether the treatment is surgery or radiation. And many guys simply don’t want to talk about it.

The wife of a prostate cancer survivor, Cindie Hubiak, is out to help married couples navigate through the ups, downs and sexual frustrations associated with the disease. Hubiak, a Scottsdale, Arizona-based author and co-founder of Solutions for Intimacy, has written A Woman’s Guide to Thriving after Prostate Cancer.

Nearly one in six men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year in the United States. Treatment can lead to unpleasant side effects, such as erectile difficulty. Hubiak, noticing there were very few prostate cancer resources for women, decided to spark a dialogue, and help married couples face the disease.

Hubiak, in an interview with Men and Health: It’s a Guy Thing, says it was time to write this book. “Steve (her husband, diagnosed in 2007) and I had struggled so much with how prostate cancer had impacted our relationship that it was an important topic for me to write about, for my own healing.”

Hubiak recalls meeting a woman at a class called “Men and Marriage.” She says the woman and her husband had divorced after 16 years because of his prostate cancer. According to Hubiak, “They could not get their relationship back together. I told Steve this just isn’t right. Relationships should not break up because of prostate cancer. Women should not have struggles with their sexuality. What can we do to help?

“For me as a woman, it was all about Steve’s health. Let’s get him healthy, cancer free and treat it. Once that happened, though, I realized I had a whole lot of healing to do myself. I needed to do a lot of grieving, I needed to look at sex in a whole new way. I had to learn some new skills to support Steve…Men don’t tend to want to grieve and they may feel that’s not masculine,” says Hubiak.

According to Hubiak, “Steve retreated and withdrew from me. I now realize that was his way of surviving. He needed to take care of himself so that he could then be around to take care of me later. I didn’t understand that. It was extremely isolating and frightening for me.” Hubiak says this is a similar occurrence among men, according to women she has talked with.

Steve, also interviewed by Men and Health, says, “I’ve always been a rather private person. This was not something that I felt I wanted to share with a lot of people.” He says his relationship with Cindie was affected because Cindie had difficulty getting the support she needed from her friends.

Cindie and Steve decided to create a business called  Solutions for Intimacy to help men and women who face prostate cancer

In A Woman’s Guide to Thriving after Prostate Cancer, readers will learn how to honor and grieve losses, effectively communicate desires, build deeper physical, emotional and spiritual connections, and improve intimacy through tantric principles.

Hubiak says, “Sex is different after prostate cancer. I believe it can be much better than it was before. Steve and I have a much improved sex life…Women can really learn to take the lead after prostate cancer.”

Visit Cindie and Steve at http://www.solutionsforintimacy.com. Their book is available at Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com.

Erectile Dysfunction: Always an awkward subject to talk about

OK, we giggle when see those erectile dysfunction medication commercials. An erection lasting more than four hours? What do we do? Do we brag or call the doctor? Actually, ED is an embarrassing problem that can lead to a break-down in marital communications.

Webmd has an article by Peter Jaret that provides valuable advice for men and women facing this threat to intimacy:

http://www.webmd.com/erectile-dysfunction/features/getting-intimate-talking-together-about-ed

The article quotes Brian Zamboni, a clinical psychologist at the University of Minnesota and California sex therapist Louanne Cole Weston. Before you get into panic mode, consider some of the great pieces of advice in this article, such as the need to find a comfortable way to approach the subject and, in some cases, taking a break from sex to focus on emotional intimacy.

The best piece of advice is to bring up the subject with your doctor. There are physical causes of ED, such as heart disease and diabetes. There’s also a great many treatment choices,  including medication and, in more challenging cases, penile implants.

While it’s way too easy to chuckle at Viagra, Cialis and Levitra ads, ED is a terribly frustrating condition. But there’s never a need to push the panic button. If the problem is not caused by stress, anger or anxiety, your doctor can offer treatment suggestions and start you on the road to a much more fulfilling sex life.

Is a prostate exam really so bad? — guest post by Maria Rainier

Editor’s note: Throughout this blog, I write about the importance of getting prostate exams.  With effective and regular screenings, you have a fighting chance to catch prostate cancer in it’s earlier stages — when it’s treatable. I thought you would enjoy a guest article on prostate exams, from a woman’s perspective. As always, talk with your doctor and determine at what age you should begin prostate exams.

It’s one of the exams that men dread the most. Many have to be dragged in to see the doctor by their wives and partners. But really guys – is it so bad? It’s far less painful or traumatic than passing a kidney stone or getting a colonoscopy. And haven’t you already learned to handle awkward exams? “Turn your head and cough.” It’s time to get over those fears and do the right thing for your health.

What to Expect

A prostate exam is simply a digital rectal exam. (I know: “Simply.”) The doctor will use a gloved finger to feel inside your anus to check that there are no abnormalities on your prostate. He’ll check to make sure that it is smooth and isn’t hard or protruding into your rectum. That’s one finger. With lubrication. For a minute or two. And then it’s over! There’s no deep drilling and no sedatives involved. You won’t linger on the exam table in agony for hours. You won’t walk funny later. You won’t even feel any pain

You can handle it!

Who Needs Them

The American Cancer Society and the American Urological Association agree that all men should begin receiving annual prostate exams starting at age 50. Men who have a family history of prostate cancer are at higher risk and should begin screening at 45.  African-American men are also at higher risk of developing the disease and should start screening at 45.  Prostate cancer is 60 percent more likely to be diagnosed in African-American men than in white men of the same age. Those determined very high risk because of genetics or other factors may be encouraged to start screening at 40.

The American Urological Association also urges men to get at least one preliminary screening at age 40, and then to continue regular annual testing at 50.

Why You Need the Exam

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men, and it can spread to other parts of the body, including the bones and lymph nodes.  Prostate cancer is a slow-growing disease with few symptoms, and most men are not diagnosed until they are in their 60s. Because the prostate is near the rectum, a prostate exam can detect abnormalities that can lead to early diagnosis. Though a blood test is also used to screen for prostate cancer, it is not always reliable for early detection.

Some symptoms of prostate cancer include:

        Frequent urination

        Difficulty urinating

        Weak or interrupted urination

        Pain during intercourse

        Erectile dysfunction

        Inability to urinate standing up

        Blood in urine or semen

However, many of these symptoms are not present until the cancer has spread. In the early stages, there may be no symptoms at all. Early detection can help catch the cancer before it is untreatable.

Just Do It

Yeah, so it’s uncomfortable, and it’s awkward. We ladies don’t like having our breasts smooshed on a glass plate for inspection either. But we have to do it. Because as awkward or uncomfortable as it might be, it will be far more traumatic and painful to find that you have an untreatable cancer or that you are facing months of intensive and painful medical treatments. Opt for the two minutes of embarrassment and give yourself many more years to fill with other happier, more exciting moments.

Maria Rainier is a freelance writer and blog junkie. She is currently a resident blogger at First in Education where she’s written on urban & regional planner jobs along with electrical engineering technology programs. In her spare time, she enjoys yoga, playing piano, and working with origami.