Patient Newsletter – March 2024

4 IMPORTANT PROSTATE CANCER FACTS

1. It’s the most common cancer among men, other than skin cancer.
2. It’s the second leading cause of cancer death for U.S. men.
3. Around 40% of cases are diagnosed in men younger than 65.
4. The earlier the diagnosis, the better the chances of survival.

Simple screenings can detect prostate cancer before you have symptoms. This includes a blood test, called PSA; and a digital rectal exam in which the doctor inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to feel for any bumps or hard areas on the prostate.

These screenings should begin at age 40, 45, or 50 depending on your risk factors, and then every 1-2 years thereafter depending on results, according to the American Cancer Society.

Don’t risk cutting your life short by waiting. If you’re due for a prostate cancer screening, make an appointment now. Listen to this brief radio broadcast as Dr. Laurence Belkoff explains what men need to know about prostate cancer .

MANY OPTIONS FOR TREATING BPH: DON’T GIVE UP

While nearly half of all men experience symptoms of an enlarged prostate by the age of 60, many just live with symptoms like the sudden urge to urinate or leakage.

You don’t have to. The symptoms of an enlarged prostate (BPH) are sometimes relieved with diet modifications or medications. If these don’t work, there’s a range of non-invasive and surgical treatments available. Among them:

• UroLift®– Two small implants pull your excess prostate tissue away from the urethra.
• Transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) – Using a scope placed in the tip of your penis, your physician trims away excess tissue using electric currents.
• Rezum^®–An in-office minimally invasive procedure involving the use of water vapor therapy to shrink the prostate and correct the obstruction.
• Aquablation – A heat-free waterjet, controlled by robotic technology, is used to remove prostate tissue. No incision is needed.
• Laser Prostatectomy –This involves a scope in the urethra (tip of penis) with laser vaporization of prostatic tissue.
• HoLEP (holmium laser enucleation of the prostate) – Using a scope, this procedure can remove the most prostate tissue at once, in one piece. A second instrument cuts the tissue into smaller bits
• Robotic “simple” prostatectomy­ – A surgery that removes excess prostate tissue through a small incision or via robotic-assisted laparoscopy.
• Optilume BPH Catheter System – A balloon, inserted into the urethra, releases a drug that restores urine flow.

Don’t let an enlarged prostate keep you up at night. The urologists at MidLantic Urology can help you find the solution that’s best for you.

Learn more about BPH by attending this free webinar on March 28 by Dr. Matthew Sterling.

DON’T BE SHY. LET’S RESOLVE YOUR SEXUAL HEALTH CONCERNS.

While 37% of men said they have issues with sexual health, according to a Cleveland Clinic 2023 survey, most of them did not seek professional help for issues like erectile dysfunction, Low T, or Peyronie’s disease.

Women also tend to avoid talking to their doctor about sexual health issues like pelvic organ prolapse, vaginal pain, and incontinence.

But sexual health problems are common for men and women at any age. Some problems worsen as you get older. Here’s the good news: With the proper medical attention, these problems are treatable.

We realize talking about your sexual health can be intimidating. But the urologists at MidLantic Urology specialize in these health conditions. We talk to patients about these every day. Our goal is to first understand your condition and the reason for it. Then we’ll work with you to determine the treatment that is best for you. And if one treatment doesn’t work, we won’t give up.

Most sexual health conditions have numerous treatment options. Learn more about Men’s Sexual Health conditions and Women’s Sexual Health conditions.