Ask the Doctor: Prostate Conditions & Treatments

Dear Doc: I always thought that I don’t need a prostate screening until I’m in my 60s. Recently, however, a friend told me that his doctor recommended he get screened and he’s only 56. Which is correct? James, North Palm Beach

Dear James: The AUA (American Urology Association) recommends men over 55 should start being screened for prostate cancer. And men younger than 55 with high risk (African Americans and those with a family history of metastatic adenocarcinomas, i.e. cancers that originate in glandular cells like prostate, breast and pancreatic cancers).

Dear Doc: My husband has an enlarged prostate which thankfully is not cancerous. His doctor recommended he have it treated, but he is afraid surgery may impact our sex life. Is this true? Judy, Hobe Sound

Dear Judy: It is very common for men to have concerns about sexual performance after prostate surgery. While there are always risks in any type of surgery, new procedures are now available which reduce the risk of erectile issues following surgery. Aquablation Therapy is a robotic procedure that removes prostate tissue using the power of water. This procedure typically takes less than an hour to perform and studies have shown that almost 100% of men maintain erectile function after Aquablation Therapy.

Dear Doc: I was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. My doctor referred me to aurologic oncologist for robotic surgery. What should I know about the procedure and recovery? Mario, Loxahatchee

Dear Mario: Robotic techniques are becoming the norm in prostate cancer treatment. Specialized robotic technology enables surgeons to be more precise during procedures. As a patient this means you spend less time in surgery, there is less risk of complications and the recovery from surgery is much faster. The type of procedure will dictate your recovery time, but most patients can return to normal activities within a month.

TENBRINK

Dear Doc: Lately I have been getting up to go to the bathroom several times a night. I’m not sure if this is just old age or a problem. What do you think? Marcus, Royal Palm Beach

Dear Marcus: Frequent urination at night is one sign of a prostate issue. Other symptoms include having difficulty urinating, experiencing pain or seeing blood in your urine. Whether or not you have all of these symptoms, I would suggest seeing a doctor especially if you are over 50. A simple prostate exam will determine if you have prostate issues. The exam takes very little time and can identify prostate problems before they become more difficult to treat.

The doctor: Dr. Patrick Tenbrink is a board-certified urologist specializing in men’s general health, prostate cancer, bladder cancer and enlarged prostate treatments at Jupiter Medical Center.

More about Prostate conditions and treatments: www.jupitermed.com/ services/urology/

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