Each Movember, men are encouraged to prioritize their health. Movember highlights crucial men’s health issues such as prostate health, erectile dysfunction (ED), and the importance of preventive screenings. Here’s what every man should know this Movember to take charge of his health.

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Prostate Health and Screening: Essential Guidelines

As men age, the prostate becomes more susceptible to issues. Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men, but early detection through routine screenings can significantly improve outcomes.

South African Screening Recommendations

Screening usually involves a PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) blood test to detect elevated PSA levels. Here’s when screening is recommended:

• Age 50 and older: Men should discuss PSA screening with their doctors if they’re in good health.
• Higher-Risk Groups: Black men and those with a family history of prostate or breast cancer should start screening at age 45.
• Genetic Risks: Men with specific genetic markers, like the BRCA mutation, may benefit from beginning screening as early as age 40.

For men over 70 or those with other health concerns, routine screening may not be necessary.

Recognizing Symptoms and Risks of Prostate Disease

Prostate conditions such as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) or prostate cancer may begin without symptoms, but certain signs should prompt a visit to your healthcare provider:

• Frequent or urgent urination, especially at night
• Weak or interrupted urine stream
• Pelvic discomfort or pain in the lower back

For men with BPH, prostate enlargement can eventually lead to more serious complications if left untreated, including:

• Bladder Infections: Incomplete emptying of the bladder can increase the risk of infection.
• Kidney Stones and Impairment: Urine backup can lead to stone formation and even kidney damage over time.
• Erectile Dysfunction: BPH can interfere with normal blood flow and nerve function, impacting erectile function.

Early diagnosis and management can help prevent these complications and improve overall quality of life.

Advanced Treatment Options for Prostate Conditions

A range of treatments is available for prostate conditions, based on the severity and specific diagnosis.

• For BPH: Mild cases of BPH can often be managed with lifestyle changes, like reducing caffeine intake, or with medications that relax prostate muscles. For more severe cases, minimally invasive procedures like TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate) can remove excess tissue, relieving symptoms and preventing complications.
• For Prostate Cancer: Treatment options vary widely, depending on the cancer’s stage and the patient’s health:
  • Active Surveillance: For low-risk cases, doctors may recommend regular monitoring of PSA levels, with treatment initiated if the cancer shows signs of progression.
  • Robotic-Assisted Prostate Surgery: A nerve-sparing, minimally invasive procedure that allows precise removal of the prostate, preserving sexual function and urinary control with quicker recovery. I offer this advanced option for patients requiring prostate surgery.
  • Radiation Therapy: Includes traditional external radiation and brachytherapy, a day procedure in which small radioactive seeds are implanted in the prostate, offering a high chance of cure with minimal downtime.

Understanding and Managing Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is another common issue, especially as men age, and it’s highly treatable.

Causes of ED

ED can be caused by a combination of physical, psychological, or lifestyle factors:

• Physical Causes: Conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure can restrict blood flow.
• Psychological Causes: Stress, anxiety, and depression can also play a role.
• Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, excessive alcohol, and inactivity increase ED risk.

Treatment Options for ED

• Lifestyle Changes: A healthier diet, regular exercise, and reducing alcohol and tobacco can improve ED.
• Medications: Drugs like sildenafil (Viagra) and tadalafil (Cialis) are effective for enhancing blood flow.
• Therapy: Counseling can be helpful when psychological factors contribute to ED.
• Medical Devices and Surgery: For more severe cases, options like vacuum erection devices or penile implants are available.

Innovative, Non-Invasive ED Treatments: Shockwave Therapy
New non-invasive treatments for ED are now available, including low-intensity shockwave therapy (LiSWT). This treatment has been shown to improve blood flow and stimulate tissue regeneration by delivering gentle pulses to the penile tissues. Key benefits of shockwave therapy include:

• Improved Blood Flow: Shockwaves promote the formation of new blood vessels, improving circulation and erectile function.
• Tissue Regeneration: LiSWT stimulates cell growth and repair in penile tissues, enhancing overall penile health.
• Long-Lasting Effects: Clinical studies suggest that many men experience sustained improvement in erectile function after several sessions.
• Minimal Discomfort and No Downtime: As a non-invasive therapy, shockwave treatment is quick, comfortable, and allows men to resume daily activities immediately.
  Ask your urologist if shockwave therapy or other new ED treatments, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, might be suitable for you.

Taking Action This Movember

Movember is a reminder to stay proactive about health. By following screening guidelines, recognizing symptoms, and exploring effective treatments for prostate issues and ED, men can improve their health and quality of life.

Coming Up Next Month

Join us next month as we discuss Kidney Stones—their causes, symptoms, and, most importantly, how to prevent them.

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Dr. Avikar Singh
Dr. Avikar Singh is a urologist dedicated to men’s health, offering advanced options like robotic-assisted prostate surgery and the latest non-invasive treatments for erectile dysfunction.