Treatment of impotence

How is impotence treated?If you have impotence, schedule an appointment with your doctor or a urologist. By asking questions and running tests, a physician should be able to find the source of your problem and suggest a course of treatment. If you take prescription drugs, curing impotence may be as simple as changing your medication. Otherwise, there are various types of treatment that may help.Sildenafil (Viagra). As you’ve undoubtedly heard, this new pill can help men achieve erections. Sildenafil, marketed under the name Viagra, works by enhancing the flow of blood to the penis. It doesn’t increase a man’s appetite for sex, and it can only cause an erection if he’s sexually aroused. In a recent study of 267 men conducted at Johns Hopkins University, 65 percent of those taking sildenafil said they were pleased with the results. The satisfaction rate was not so rosy for patients whose impotence was severe (41 percent), stemmed from nerve damage caused by diabetes (21 percent), or had resulted from prostate surgery (27 percent).You may have heard, as well, that sildenafil can be dangerous for people with heart trouble. While there are some risks, a recent report in the American Journal of Cardiology says most heart patients can take the drug safely. The only patients who must absolutely avoid sildenafil are those who take nitrate drugs for heart trouble: Combining sildenafil with nitrates can lead to dangerously low blood pressure. In addition, men should use sildenafil with caution if they take certain hypertension medications, suffer from coronary ischemia (blockage of an artery leading to the heart), or have a combination of congestive heart failure and low blood pressure.For heart patients who get little or no exercise, the rigors of sex may be more dangerous than sildenafil. In some cases, doctors will examine a patient’s heart during a stress test before prescribing the drug.Other drugs. Men now have two more oral drugs to choose from — vardenafil (Levitra) and tadalafil (Cialis). Both work much like sildenafil, increasing blood flow to the penis to make erections possible. These drugs have possible side effects. Most recently, the FDA reported that all three erectile dysfunction drugs — Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra — may cause sudden hearing loss. While hearing loss is a common malady among older people, and the FDA found only 29 cases of sudden hearing loss related to the drugs, the agency emphasizes that “sudden hearing loss is an uncommon event at any age.”Other drugs used to treat impotence require that you do more than just pop a pill. Drugs such as papaverine and phentolamine can cause near-instant erections, but they have to be injected into the penis. Aside from the obvious trauma of sticking a needle into one’s penis, some men develop priapism, a painful erection that won’t subside without medical assistance. Men can also use a new needle-free device to insert a pellet of the drug alprostadil into the urethra. Erections usually occur eight to 10 minutes later and last 30 to 60 minutes. The treatment, however, can cause pain in the penis and testicles. * •Testosterone. When impotence is caused by low levels of testosterone, a permanent hormone patch might be a quick cure. * •Ginkgo biloba. Ginkgo leaf extract can reverse impotence caused by antidepressants in the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor category, including fluoxetine (Prozac) or sertraline (Zoloft), according to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. Some psychiatrists have also prescribed ginkgo for other types of impotence. Check with your doctor before taking it, though, because ginkgo can interact with certain drugs. * •Psychotherapy. If there is no physical cause suspected, your physician may suggest counseling for both you and your partner. A psychotherapist can teach you techniques to help stay relaxed and responsive during intimate moments. Psychotherapy can also be valuable to men who are trying to overcome nonpsychological impotence. * •Vacuum devices. These gadgets may look strange, but they can be helpful for some patients. The devices consist of a plastic cylinder that fits over the penis and a pump that creates a partial vacuum. The vacuum pulls more blood into the penis, causing an erection. The man removes the device and places an elastic band around the base of his penis to maintain the erection during sex. The success of the vacuum device varies from patient to patient. A Dutch study of 67 impotent patients found that 72 percent were able to achieve erections enabling them to have sex when they took their devices home. But in an Australian study of 43 men who tried the vacuums after giving up on drug injection therapy, 81 percent eventually abandoned the procedure. Most said they quit because the machines didn’t work, so it’s possible that men who don’t respond to other treatments are less likely to benefit from vacuum devices. * •Surgery. In some cases of impotence caused by injury, surgeons can cure the condition by reconstructing arteries that feed blood to the penis. This works best in younger men with minor pelvic injuries. Surgeons can also block the veins that drain the penis, although some experts question whether this is a reasonable long-term solution.Finally, doctors can insert implants into the penis to make erections possible. The implant might be a semirigid rod that can be bent into shape or an inflatable cylinder. A man can fill the cylinder with fluid by squeezing a small pump that’s embedded in his scrotum. Thanks to recent advances, today’s implants are very effective and carry only a small risk of infections and mechanical breakdowns.

A Biopsy Is The Only Certain Way To Diagnose Prostate Cancer

Although there are a number of excellent tests to indicate the possible presence of prostate cancer, such as the digital rectal examination and the prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test, the only certain way to diagnose the presence of prostate cancer is to carry out a prostate biopsy.A biopsy will normally be conducted by a urologist and can be done as an ‘office’ procedure. There are various different ways in which a biopsy can be taken but it is common to start by taking a transrectal ultrasound. Here an instrument is inserted through the rectum and sound waves are used to produce a computer image of the prostate gland. With this image to hand the doctor can then use a hollow needle to take several small samples of tissue from the prostate for examination under the microscope. Most patients would say that the biopsy is not an especially painful procedure, but you will probably feel a stinging sensation.The areas from which samples are taken, and the number of samples removed for testing, will depend upon the reason for the biopsy. For example, if the biopsy is simply in response to rising PSA levels then half a dozen or more samples may be taken from different areas of the prostate. However, if the biopsy is being done to examine a particular abnormal area of the prostate then only two or three samples may be collected.Once the samples have been collected they will be examined by a pathologist. Normal prostate cells are typically of a standard size and neatly arranged in a recognizable pattern. However, prostate cancer cells normally vary in size and are irregular in shape.If the pathologist determines that cancer is present then he will go on to grade the cancer to indicate whether it is a low grade cancer which is likely to be slow growing, or a high grade cancer which may well be aggressive and spread quickly.In 1977 the pathologist Donald Gleason devised a scale for categorizing prostate cancer and this scale is now widely used today. The Gleason scale ranges from 1 to 5 (with 1 representing a low grade cancer and 5 a high grade cancer) and a grade is assigned to each of two samples from the largest areas of cancer with the grades being added together to produce a final Gleason score.A Gleason score of 2 to 4 is considered to be low and indicates a cancer which, depending on the age of the patient, may now pose a significant threat during the patient’s lifetime. A score of between 5 and 7 is an intermediate grade for which treatment can often halt the disease in its tracks. Once a Gleason score reaches 8 the cancer is said to be aggressive and is likely to spread outside of the prostate gland, if indeed it has not already done so.Testing for the possible presence of prostate cancer is recommended for all men over the age of 50 and for those men over the age of 40 who fall into a high risk category. It is important however that once prostate cancer is suspected a biopsy is carried out to confirm its presence so that treatment can be given.

Female and male infertility is fairly common nowadays. If you feel that there is a problem with you and your partner in having a child, you need to understand the causes of female and male infertility. The Causes of Female and Male Infertility Infertility in the male is caused by a few different factors. It is essential to have healthy sperm production for conception to happen. This sperm needs to be strong enough to reach the egg. It will need good motility. If the sperm count is below optimum or the sperms are of poor quality, pregnancy will rarely occur. The problem could also be that the sperm is not formed properly or they die prematurely before they can reach the egg. Women need to have both healthy eggs and blockage free fallopian tubes to allow for conception. Female infertility is often caused by ovulation disorder. Correct cycles of ovulation are necessary for the healthy eggs to descend into place for the sperm to reach it. Polycystic ovary syndrome is one of the more common problems in female infertility. Female and male infertility problems can also be due to birth defects or genetics that causes damage to the reproductive systems. Female and male infertility is treated in different ways and by different types of medical doctors. A gynecologist often is the first consultation for female infertility and men need to see an urologist. Once the cause of the female and male infertility is determined, the proper treatment can then begin. Some Facts about Male Infertility Many people would think of infertility as a woman problem. The fact is that up to half of all infertility cases are exacerbated or caused by male infertility. Hence, it is important for any infertility test to include an investigation of both male infertility as well as the female problems. Causal Factors of Male Infertility The infertility may be caused by zero sperm production. Such a condition is known as azoospermia. Another condition called oligiospermia is where there are very few sperm present in the semen. This will greatly reduce the chances of conception. It can also be a problem of sperm motility. The sperm are present, but cannot move effectively enough to effect fertilization. Finally, there can be problems with the form and structure of the sperm that can also inhibit fertilization. Male Infertility Testing It is important for couple to understand that infertility affects both men and women. The problem may not lie with the woman. It is important for the male to take a male infertility test to determine the source of the problem. A male infertility test is conducted with a sperm sample provided by the man through masturbation. The same way that sperm donation is collected. This is normally done in the privacy of his own home and delivered within a specified time. Or it is collected in the fertility clinic. After the sperm sample is collected, the doctor will conduct male infertility test to determine the quantity and quality of the sperm. Treatment Options for Male Infertility The male infertility test can show whether the man has a low sperm count or if his sperm are irregular. For diagnosis, a test will be conducted to get the exact sperm count. The solutions available for this condition are not wearing tight clothing, reducing weight, stop the smoking and generally avoiding extreme temperature in the lower body region. Sometimes fertility drugs can be used to help improve the sperm count so that he can successfully impregnate his mate. Male infertility may be a result of problems with the sperm and seminal fluid, or with the reproductive organs. Varicoele is one common cause of male infertility. Enlarged varicose veins that are present in the spermatic travel route cause this condition. The first sign of varicoele is the appearance of large dilated veins on the scrotum. The second sign is a large painless bulge or swollen area on the scrotum. In some cases, there are no symptoms at all. The treatment for this problem is simply to remove the blockages and allow normal blood flow. Surgery is used to tie off the affected veins. The male fertility solutions for these problems are generally effective. Sometimes the treatment for male infertility can simply be a few behavioral changes such as adequate rest. Your doctor may recommend less frequent intercourse for the problem of low sperm count. This is help build up a better concentration of sperm. If hormones are the culprits, medication can be used to remedy the problem. Another effective treatment for male infertility is artificial insemination, where fertilization takes place outside the womb. This can be a very effective treatment for certain condition such as low sperm counts since a single sperm is placed inside an egg. The good news is that there are many options for male infertility treatments. The cost is getting cheaper too. If you have been trying to conceive for a year or more, consult your doctor today about possible female or male infertility diagnosis and treatment.http://www.maleinfertilitysolutions.com”>Male Infertility Solutions to learn more about the cause for infertility and other alternative solutions such as acupuncture for infertility.

There are many places a couple can look for infertility help. If you are not able to conceive a child, you are probably infertile and need to seek help. Begin with the infertility help process, first is going to see your gynecologist or doctor. Some times they can help but, they will maybe refer you to an infertility specialist. They will advice you on the infertility help that is based on what they have find out.

About the help

When you are going for the first visit to the specialist or doctor for help, you will need to get ready to give the doctor a medical and gynecological history. The male will probably be sent to see an urologist about his problems and the female will send to see a gynecologist. There will be an inspection of both of them. Infertility help will come after you have completed the testing and a cause is identified. The health care provider can then begin the infertility help treatments.

Man and woman have different problems that will need to be treated differently. There will be many kinds of infertility help treatment for you and your spouse. Remember, sometime you might not be luck and the causing you to be infertile can’t be identified. This will definitely slow down the help you may obtain.

You must continue to try to get information on infertility and the problems you are encountered. Don’t forget, to look and obtain some support for your emotional help. It will be frustrating and sometimes very complicated for a person to handle such things. Having infertility help in the way of emotional support will make a change in your life.

Infertility Financial aid

Infertility financial aid is an option that man and woman that are facing infertility need to look into. If you have plan to go to a distance with the treatments that are available, you know that it end out can be very costly. You may or may not be able to pay for the treatment. This is where the infertility financial aid programs come into help you.

They offer you ways to be able to pay for the various treatments that you may choose to treat your infertility. It is better for you need to understand each type of infertility financial aid and it cover areas. You don’t want to sign out the papers and end out not be able to receive the services you have chosen.

The Options of Infertility Financial Aid

Some couples who find out about being infertile, can not afford to finance all their money themselves that it will take to try to get pregnant. You may have the option to use a credit card or take out a loan plan to fund your infertility treatments. You may know that your specific infertility clinic has a financial aid advisor that can help you get the support you required.

Be careful and make sure that you have done a study and carefully read into other options before you sign out any plan. Look for those who have a better deal plan that allows you more freedom to choose. The facility you are using may have other providers that they work with on a regular basis.

There are a few dissimilar infertility financial aid options that are worth talking about. The first one is the (IFV) Invetro-fertilization Refund Program. This specific infertility financial aid plan allows you to have a certain number of IVF cycles done and will reimburse you for those cycles if you not become pregnant and have a child within a definite time frame. You may get back most of the money you have spent out if you do not become pregnant.

You may be under certain restrictions with this type of infertility financial aid plan. One of the condition, you must have to fall under certain age limits, you may have a certain reduced fee to pay for a convinced amount of cycles, you may need to take up minimum number of cycles before getting refund, 70 to 100 percent refund amount permitted, restriction on type of services that covered, and any aid that may already put in place for the couples. All these factors are significant when you choose the correct aid for your treatment.

You may want to look into other companies infertility financial aid options. You can always try to get an unsecured loan for yourself to pay for the infertility treatments and any drugs you may need. Usually, the infertility drug cost can run to about 35 percent of the total amount you are paying. Some companies offer special loans special designed to finance IVF.

Seeking Help

Infertility help from your health care provider and support groups are necessary for you to be able to get through this trying ordeal. It is even more important for you and your spouse to understand and communicate whatever thing you are feeling to each other. Not only will you be able to start to understand each other feeling and thoughts but, you will be deepening your bond with each other and that is the most excellent type of infertility help you can get.

Whatever form of infertility financial aid that you choose is right for you will hopefully produce the desired results you are waiting. In the other site, if there is no baby at the end of the treatments, a refund guarantee may be in place.

It Is Necessary To Drink 1,5 Liter Of Water Per Day = FALSE
It is in any case what two researchers of the university of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia affirm. According to the study that they have just published to drink 1,5 liter of water per day is needlessly.

Professor De Leval, urologist at the university of Liege (Belgium) does not say really another thing. “it is true that it is necessary to urinate between 1 liter and a liter and half per day” explain the professor. “and that if you urinate 1 liter, it is necessary to drink of them two liter. And if you drink coffee, it is still liquid. In fact, if you add entirety with the liquids which are drunk, either via drinks, or via the food, one easily arrives at the quantity that it is necessary to urinate.”

“the people who have kidney calculations”, according to the Pr. De Leval, “must they drink much more than the others”. He refuses nevertheless to quote a figure: all depends on calculations, but also on the quality of water. “certain water, like alkaline water, is better adapted to this problem.”

Fibers Should Be eaten = TRUE
“the fibers consumed during the meal will lower the glycemic index”, explains the nutritionist Marie-Claire Colyn, “and thus will cause a drop in insulin. And secondary reaction, the fibers will support a more natural satiety and, while consuming some, one is thus likely less to make hypoglycemic reactions.”

Lastly, properties for which they are known, “they help to fight against the constipation, especially at the people who are on diet”. Besides in this case, the nutritionist advises fibers in tablets, for example, beet fibers, who agrees particularly well the laziest intestines.

“For people who are not on diet”, follows Marie-Claire Colyn, “the ideal, it is with the breakfast of the wholewheat bread with small whole grains, oleaginous seeds… Or of cereals like the muesli, most possible complete possible, to which one can add fruits, which contain also fibers. And with the other meals, always two vegetables, a raw and a cooked.”

Other than there is not overly plenty of danger to eat overly plenty of fibers?
“If, single might expand, also to to appetite to sip additional, as the fibers know plenty of additional irrigate. Citizenry will sense it will sense to advance: inside addition to they will troth inflamed a small, they are possible to undergo minute cramps.”

To eat 5 Fruit In addition to Vegetables According to Daylight hours = Right
It is basic actually, on the entire, to eat 5 fruit also to vegetables according to daylight, but and the blend of two fruits also to three vegetables.

“the fruits house sugar”, explains Damien Pauquet, nutritionist-dietitian. “There are folks who eat six fruits consistent with daylight additionally as afterward which is astounded to attaining plumpness, except it is absolutely usual: they discern excessively heaps of sugar.

For a matter of fact, if one pays attention to his weight, it is necessary to limit bananas and grapes, they are the most sweetened fruits. Then, if one consumes too many fruits and too many vegetables also besides, especially very believed, one is extremely likely to have problems with the intestines. And if one eats too many acid fruits, or certain vegetables as the asparagus’s, one will have problems of acidity: that for example will maintain a tendinitis, or will cause heartburn “.

As the recreation, the watchword is abundant. The advantageous the direct of observe of Damien Pauquet it is to differ the colors the plate, for that indicate each instance assorted assets. Yew is bedrock to offer to the honor leguminous plants identical to beans, fowl-peas, all-purpose beans…, wealthy proteins additionally as acceptable as fitness. At last, not to eat what additionally as any instance: the citrus fruits are daring. Solitary accomplishes not eat an orange the evening, nor of kiwi as instance. They are fruits of the daybreak.

Inside my subsequently article I will converse almost:
- It Is Basic To Eat 3 To 4 Dairy Merchandises According to Daylight hours = Fake
- It Is Basic To Sip 1 Wine Pane (inside preference a crimson wine) According to Daylight hours = Right
- To Get Omega-3 Nutrients = Fake

Whether you cherish this article I own also on my blog 3 added food guidance allegations: Is it needed to eat 3 to 4 dairy products per day?, Is it requisite to ingest 1 wine glass per day? and Is it necessary to swallow Omega-3 complements? The Food Advices Part II

There are many ways to seek infertility help for couples who are unable to conceive. If you found that you are unable to conceive after trying for more than a year, then it is time to seek help as you are most likely infertile. Seeking the assistance of an infertility expert is one way and they will be able to offer the proper treatment once tests are conducted. Initial visit to your physician will be discomforting but once you compose yourself, subsequent visits will be less of a chore. You will have to get your medical and gynecological history ready with the female seeing a gynecologist and the male an urologist. Both will be thoroughly examined and the cause determined, after which will begin the process of infertility treatments. Different couples have different problem and will be treated as such. Different form of infertility helps exist and the treatment options will vary. Some infertility problem will be difficult to detect and help will have to be postponed until the cause is found. It is necessary to obtain all the essential information on infertility and get the right treatment and emotional support. Handling infertility alone can be both trying and exasperating. With infertility help, it can certainly go a long way to ease the frustrations. It is vital that you support each other and also health care provider and other support group can go a long way to help you get through the ordeal. Communication of feelings is essential, especially with your partner as it will help you to bond. Talking about support group, we have infertility support groups all through United States. Infertility news will usually be devastating to couples as it will be something completely new. Couples dealing with it can go from mild to extreme and the emotional and physical strain can be overwhelming. Family and friends can provide limited support and infertility support groups can be very helpful.The support group provides the necessary information in time of need and you will be able to find support from people who have gone through the treatments. You can take comfort from the fact that there are people with the same problem and have gone through to achieve conception. Infertility support groups are there so that couples who have personal problem with infertility can seek help. All can attend, even families and there will be people in different stages of their infertility journey and can provide the needed answers. Other may have similar problem as you and can provide the guide you need.Infertility support group provide many resources that you can’t get it by yourself. Information on the various types of treatments is there and also dealing positively with infertility. It can help you get rid of your hopelessness and more cheerful with the treatments. On the other hand, complex feelings can find some form of support as you will be hearing it from different angles. Making more friends there will help ease your negative impression. Attending infertility support group can be very beneficial as others are facing the same problem. You can find infertility support group from your infertility specialist, social workers, hospital or health care providers and even national fertility organization. Infertility support groups help you to take control of your life since the devastating news. Hence it is worth the effort to check it out.Besides infertility support groups, there are infertility message boards to provide the help that you are seeking. To remain positive, you need support as dealing with infertility alone can be trying. Infertility message boards provide the help online without the face to face meeting. Lots of similar people who face infertility are there to provide the assistance and you can freely express your fears and concerns and get the answers. As infertility message boards are free, you just need to get registered. All infertility issues can be discussed on the infertility message boards and female tend to be able to share infertility problems with fellow female. There might be other type of treatments that you are not aware of and feelings are shared so that you can understand your deepest fears. Hope spring eternal and that is what you can find aplenty on infertility message boards.Feel free to ask any questions and you don’t have to feel embarrassed. As well as, you can seek comfort for any form of treatments. Other with similar treatment can share with you and help you to ease your mind as stress can be damaging to infertility treatment. With infertility message boards, you can find out things that you may not be aware of and then discuss with your partner and even your physician.Anyone can seek the help of infertility message boards and that can help you to bring things out in the open instead of keeping to yourself. Infertility message boards provide the avenue to talk in this time of frustration while giving you the peace of mind. Anxiety and stress can be removed through infertility message boards to enable you to conceive peacefully. With so many ways to seek help, it is vital that you choose one that suits you.

Unlike normal blog postings dealing with Choices, Ethics, and Consequences - my topics as a professional motivational speaker - it seemed appropriate today to speak of my complete recovery from prostate cancer hoping that it might help others who are faced with decisions on prostate cancer treatment.

Discovering I had prostate cancer at the age of 47 was almost an accident and certainly not something that in any way I expected. I had no symptoms - none whatsoever. In layman’s terms, everything seemed to work fine. So the discovery of prostate cancer was quite accidental. It seems I had gone to my doctor simply requesting a pill (propecia - a drug to reduce hair loss). She required I have a blood test, as this drug would have an effect on my PSA. Frankly, all that was greek to me…as I didn’t know what PSA was and had never had it checked. I hated needles - had always said I was allergic to them - hence I avoided being stuck as much as I could. But on this day in November 2004 I decided to take the plunge - have my blood checked - and get the prescription.

Two days later I got a call while out of town saying that all the lab work was fine except that my PSA was a bit elevated - it was 4.58 and for someone my age that was high. My doctor referred me to a Urologist. The appointment was set.

Of course I had some concern, but after all, all the plumbing seem to work fine and I had no symptoms, so surely there was no problem. The Urologist’s exam was routine - in fact he said he thought I had nothing to worry about as he felt nothing abnormal. But, to be on the safe side he schedule a biopsy. Being fearful of needles (and a biopsy is the ultimate needle) I asked if it would hurt. His response, “Most men don’t really feel a thing.” That was a lie! Looking back, I would have asked for good drugs as that was the most painful experience I can recall.

Several days following the biopsy I received the results. Prostate Cancer! I had a Gleason score of 6 and 30% of one side of my prostate was cancerous. My heart sank as I received the news. How could I, a 47 year old healthy male, with no other medical issues have prostate cancer? And, how amazing that it was caught by a simple test that my well versed female doctor required. Looking back, her diligence saved my life.

What next?

My local doctor wanted to schedule surgery immediately. He said I had four options: (1) Radical prostotectemy (traditional surgery); (2) Radiation; (3) Hormone therapy and/or (4) Watch and wait. Again, he recommended surgery. My immediate question was how many of the surgeries that he was suggesting did he do weekly or monthly. The number was low. In the back of my mind I thought, “Hum, maybe I need someone who isn’t so surgery happy and who does this delicate removal frequently.” I was like learning to play golf - I would prefer to learn from someone who plays daily than learn from a weekend hacker. Maybe that analogy seems harsh, but after all the decision made would have lasting and profound effects.

Following the meeting with the Urologist, and after telling my family (who thought I was joking), I spent some time in research. First thing I found - based on my diagnosis - I had time to consider carefully my options. Not that nothing should be done, but I didn’t have to rush into any hasty decisions. Prostate cancer generally is slow in it’s progression. CAUTION - do not use my experience as a crutch to avoid treatment (I witnessed my father-in-law die from complications from prostate cancer), rather, seek competent medical help in making your treatment decisions.

Options Considered:

Watch and wait. Well for several months I did just that. I researched - changed my diet - considered the possibility that I could reverse what existed and even reduce the cancer. I began a regiment of daily intake of cottage cheese and flax seed oil. For a short time I actually saw a decrease in my PSA; however, that was short lived. What I did learn was that diet was important - not only for general well being - but an effective tool in promoting a cancer free body. This was valuable time in that it gave me the opportunity to consider all my options.

Radiation Therapy. Not really an option for me. While I talked with a man in his late 60’s to early 70’s who had outstanding results using focused radiation (proton therapy I think it was called), the reality is - once you opt for radiation and the tissue is destroyed, if prostate cancer returns, it cannot be surgically removed. Hence the best advice I received was, in my case, this would not be a practical option. By the way information on proton treatment can be found at http://www.protons.com/ or at http://www.llu.edu/. The people I talked with who had used this treatment were extremely pleased with the level of care they received and the overall outcome.

High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU). In my search for the right treatment, I spent much time in considering this alternative. There were three practical objectives I wished to accomplish with whatever treatment I selected: (1) Cancer elimination, (2) Minimal issues with incontinence (preferably none) and (3) minimal issues with erectile function (again, preferably none). Based on my Gleason score and prostate cancer diagnosis, it seemed that this treatment would be viable. For research information visit http://www.ushifu.com/. As part of my consideration I met with Dr. George Suarez, Medical Director for USHifu. He reviewed my medical background and was kind in taking the time to discuss with me my options using this new prostate cancer treatment. Dr. Suarez took the time to explain all my options and how, if I elected, HIFU could be effective while meeting my three objectives. My only resistance was, at the time, it was not an option yet approved by the FDA in the United States, hence I would have to seek the treatment outside the scope of my medical insurance outside of the country. While I gave this serious consideration, I ultimately decided to go another route.

Radical Prostatectomy. All of the possibilities above, brought me back to the original suggestion - SURGERY. The issue I had was what kind and who would perform it. Since I had the time to research I discovered (through the wonder of the Internet) this, then, new procedure called a robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy. Hum…seemed that needed more study. Of course, at the time, Johns Hopkins Brady Urological Institute was recognized as one of the best in the world for prostate cancer research and study. After careful consideration I contacted Johns Hopkins inquiring about this seemingly new procedure - using the daVinci Surgical System. www.urology.jhu.edu/MIS/daVinci/

The folks at Johns Hopkins could not have been more caring and helpful as I sought all my treatment options. Of course, they reviewed my file carefully and spent all the time I wanted and needed to evaluate my options. Dr. Li-Ming Su was my surgeon and my hat is off to him and his skill and patience. In the end, one thing was clear - all other options being equal - surgical removal was still the “gold standard” in the fight against prostate cancer. Likewise, it appeared that this robotic assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy would meet my three objectives.

The surgery went fine - of course I don’t remember a thing - so all I can base it on what the Doctor’s report. Initially the report indicated that the cancer was contained in the prostate and the removal should yield me “cancer free.” Of course this was to be confirmed later from lab reports. The first several days following surgery were not pleasant, but tolerable. Within three days, I boarded a plane and flew home to North Carolina - travel was not a big issue. The most discomforting thing following surgery was the catheter - which remained in for three weeks.

Outcome. Within four weeks following surgery I boarded a plane to Dallas, TX to begin a new job. My energy level was back and I had minimal incontinence isses with subsided within another three weeks. Within seven weeks of surgery incontinence was not an issue. Erecticle function returned within three months (with the aid of medication) and returned to full function (without medication) within twelve months.

Now it’s been two years since surgery and all three objective have been achieved. Life is normal. I am cancer free. My sincere thanks to all who were there for me as I sought out the treatment that was right for me. I would not have the opportunity to function as a motivational speaker today if it were not for the skill and help of the fine folks at Johns Hopkins. While printing such personal items for all to read may seem (to some) out there! I feel that, perhaps, others who find themselves diagnosed with prostate cancer may learn from my experience. If you find this helpful, but still need to talk - please visit my web site: http://www.chuckgallagher.com/ and contact me through that portal. I’ll be happy to talk with you via e-mail or phone.

A man’s reproductive organs can encounter a variety of technical difficulties. Consider this your troubleshooting guide.

Men are a little uncomfortable about their genitals. Girls in skirts and undies rock, but most guys wouldn’t dare don a kilt. R-rated movies showcase female pink parts, but they cover Borat’s phallus with a black rectangle. And while women have an entire area of medicine dedicated to the health of their private regions, if it wasn’t for the hernia check, men would hardly drop in at the doc’s office.

The result? When it comes to caring for some of our most critical equipment, the stuff we need to know, keeping our species going – we’re virtually clueless. And that ain’t good, because a lot can happen to a man’s penis, testes and prostate: itchiness, infection, pain, bumps, sores, growths, rashes, burning, drooping, swelling, clogging and cancer.

If you’re not paying attention, you can wind up sick, sterile or dead. With a little knowledge, you can head much of the bad stuff off at the pass. Start here. These scenarios may make you wince, but at least you’ll know what to do when they happen to you.

There’s an Agonizing Pain in my Scrotum

The Cause: Assuming you weren’t just kicked there, one of your testes is probably twisted around something called the spermatic cord, cutting off the blood supply. This causes a sharp pain.

The Cure: Head to casualty. If it isn’t treated within four hours, you can lose a testicle. The doctors at the hospital will do an ultrasound to assess whether your testicle and cord are indeed twisted. If that’s the case, a urologist will be called to untangle things. Then he’ll suture each testicle to the inside of your scrotum to prevent the tension from happening again.

There’s a slightly less Agonizing Pain

The Cause: The coiled tube that carries sperm from your testes has probably become inflamed due to a bacterial infection. The most common culprits are gonorrhoea, Chlamydia, and in men over 40, a urinary tract infection that migrated. The testes themselves can also become inflamed.

The Cure: Don’t just pop some aspirin and tough it out. If you don’t treat it, the tubes can become scarred and blocked. You could become infertile. See your doctor who will prescribe some oral antibiotic to tackle the bacteria. Swelling and pain should begin to lessen within three days, but it could take months for all symptoms to subside.

I have Pain in my Penis, Testes and Lower Belly, and Down my Legs, and it Hurts when I Urinate or Ejaculate

The Cause: Chronic pelvic pain syndrome, usually resulting from an inflamed prostate gland. It’s a collection of symptoms that originates from an injury, often an infection, and the problems come from how the body responds to that infection.

The Cure: Two thirds of men will get better with antibiotics in the early stages. For those whose inflammation persists beyond initial infection use herbal based bioflavonoid preparations, which reduce inflammation. Prescription agents that block an important receptor in the region also reduce pain and can improve urinary flow. Still other men suffer from nerve and muscle spasms, requiring muscle relaxants and physical therapy.

See a urologist, but you can help your cause by taking hot baths, avoiding alcohol, spicy foods and caffeine and using a doughnut shaped cushion when sitting for long periods of time.

It Feels like my Scrotum is a Bag of Worms, and my Goolies are Droopier than Sophia Loren’s Bust Line

The Cause: Sometimes the valves inside the veins of the scrotum don’t close properly, so blood pools and they swell. The resulting bundle of enlarged veins, or varicoceles, doesn’t always hurt, but the extra blood warms the testes. This jeopardizes sperm production (which requires temps cooler than 37 degrees C) and causes the testes to hang away from the body. About 20% of men will experience a varicocele at some point.

The Cure: If you notice you have low hanging fruit, see a urologist who specializes in infertility. He or she can stop blood from pooling by tying off the veins or blocking them. Its minor outpatient surgery and you can have sex again in three weeks, although you should schedule a follow up semen analysis in three to four months. In 60% of infertile men, semen quality will improve after surgery. Even if you not trying to conceive, the problem should be corrected if it’s painful or creates a size discrepancy between testes.

My Semen has a Reddish Tint, and it Drips out Rather than Shoots when I Ejaculate

The Cause: When infections begin to heal, scar tissue can form and create a blockage in the ejaculatory duct. It’s like a 5 lane highway becoming a 2 lane highway. The red tint is blood from the initial infection. Your ejaculate volume may drop below the average of half a tablespoon and continue to dribble like a professional football player after you achieve orgasm.

The Cure: You can function with a dribbly ejaculate, but it’s kind of a buzz kill. Fortunately, there’s a surgical solution. The formal term is ‘transurethral resection of the ejaculatory ducts’, but it’s simpler than it sounds. We just scrape out the scar tissue and that opens it all up. You can resume sexual activity within 7 – 10 days.

I’m 25 and in Great Shape, but I have Trouble Maintaining an Erection

The Cause: About 25% of erectile dysfunction cases are psychological, and it could be anything from relationship issues to performance anxiety. For example, a man may have a sexual experience after heavy drinking and fail to get it up. In subsequent sexual attempts without alcohol, he’ll remember that episode, think something’s wrong with him, and be unable to perform.

The Cure: Once physical factors have been ruled out, try seducing her after a romantic breakfast. Your testosterone levels peak around 7am, so your hormones, and your penis, will be at full attention then. In many cases, such as the aforementioned alcohol scenario, a pharmaceutical option can also offer a helping hand. A little added self confidence – such as receiving some extra lift from Viagra – goes a long way in this arena. If all else fails, seek counseling to address the underlying psychological issues.

I have a Itchy Red Rash in my Groin Area

The Cause: If it’s on your thighs, it’s often tinea cruris, a fungus that thrives in warm, moist environments like, gym shorts that haven’t been washed since the Mandela presidency. If it’s bright red and right on the penis, it may be a yeast infection, which can pass from women to men through unprotected sex.

The Cure: Prevention wise, shed damp gym clothes and shower immediately after exercise and dry the area thoroughly before dressing. For treatment, an over the counter medication like AF ointment can work wonders. Continue using it for 1 – 2 weeks after the rash is gone. For a yeast infection, try an over the counter antifungal cream, applying twice daily for a week. Don’t treat either condition with hydrocortisone cream. By suppressing your immune system, hydrocortisone will actually make the fungus worse.

I have Cauliflower Shaped Growths on my Penis

You have genital human papillion virus, Chlamydia, genital herpes, gonorrhoea, syphillis, and molluscum. You haven’t been wearing a condom, have you?

The Cures: We’re not here to lecture you on STI’s, but there are a few things you should know. First, if a person has an STI it increases the risk of getting HIV if you have sex with an HIV positive person, as usually these STI’s result in defects in the epithelium (open wounds) through which the virus can pass. If you or your partner has a STI, it is important for both of you to receive treatment, to stop re-infection of one another.

There’s a Bulge in my Groin, and it Hurts when I Bend Over or Cough

The Cause: You should have hired movers to lift that fridge. Inguinal hernias occur when part of the intestine protrudes through a congenitally weak abdominal wall. It’s often associated with a major straining episode, but a simple sneeze can set it off.

The Cure: If it’s small and doesn’t bother you, no action is needed. If it’s growing or painful, lying down with your pelvis higher than your head can reduce the discomfort, but ultimately you’ll need surgery. This will come in the form of either a herniorrhaphy, in which the surgeon pushes the protruding intestine back into your abdomen and the edges of healthy tissue are sewn together, or the more modern hernioplasty, in which a piece of synthetic mesh is laparascopically inserted to cover the entire inguinal area. A surgeon will discuss and recommend the option best suited to repair your particular type of abdominal wall tear. You’ll be back to work within a few days.

Having an enlarged prostate is not only annoying. It can be embarrassing as well. To make matters worse, the condition can lead to life-threatening complications.

“If after you think you’ve emptied your bladder there are still several ounces of urine left behind, you are at risk for acute urinary retention. That means that one day while you are on a train, a plane, climbing a mountain, driving on some remote highway, or scuba diving off a tropical island hours away from medical help, you may suddenly have to ‘go’ and find that you can’t. The signal to void becomes progressively more intense and painful until you have to be rushed to the nearest medical facility where a catheter inserted into the bladder via the penis is the only way to release the retained urine. If help is a long way off, you may be in real trouble,” explained Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld of the New York Hospital Sloane-Kettering Cancer Center in “The Best Treatment.”

Before that happens, what are your options? How do you deal with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)?

In the past, the only option for people with BPH or an enlarged prostate was surgery. Called transurethral prostate resection (TURP), this procedure involves “shaving” or removing small pieces of the enlarged prostate that block the flow of urine.

TURP is done with a tiny instrument called a resectoscope or operating cystoscope equipped with a light and electric cutting device at its end. The instrument is inserted into the urethra (the tube where urine flows) and a miniature telescope enables the urologist to see the area and cut portions of the prostate gland.

“After the operation, the resectoscope is removed and a catheter is inserted through the urethra into the bladder, where it remains for a day or two so that that the bladder can void while the enlarged channel heals. The hospital stay generally is about a week,” according to Dr. David E. Larson, editor-in-chief of the “Mayo Clinic Family Health Book.”

TURP usually relieves the uncomfortable symptoms of BPH but there are a few problems. First, the prostate may enlarge again, requiring another operation. This is true for one in five men who may have to undergo a second TURP procedure in five years. Secondly, surgery does not prolong life. One study suggests that it actually reduces a person’s lifespan by a year.

In rare cases, TURP can cause impotence or complete inability to control urination. The most common side effect, however, is retrograde ejaculation, that is, the ejaculated semen enters the bladder instead of shooting out of the penis. This may impair a man’s fertility.

“Men who have had a TURP experience no decrease in sexual desire and retain the ability to have erections, engage in sexual intercourse, and ejaculate. Unfortunately, the surgical procedure may cause damage to the internal bladder sphincter, the valve responsible for forward ejaculation of semen. A damaged bladder sphincter cannot close prior to ejaculation, resulting in retrograde ejaculation of semen into the bladder,” said Dr. Richard F. Spark, associate clinical professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School in “Male Sexual Health: A Couple’s Guide.” (Next: Laser for prostate enlargement.)

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“I felt the HIFU treatment was excellent. The cost should be covered by health care providers. Cost would be as much or greater with other procedures that are covered, which are more invasive. I have printed up and received about 2 dozen pamphlets and given them to friends at the golf club and bowling alley.

I truly believe that this procedure is the ONLY way to go. My urologist prescribed “Tylenol-3” for pain. I had absolutely NO PAIN, and did not take a single pill. I kidded him about doing nothing but taking my money but my PSA went from 9.0 to 0.4 in three months. I couldn’t be happier.

I have called in to my local politician to see why this procedure is not covered by our health plan (OHIP) and am waiting for a call back. I was a member of the R.C.M.P. and our plan with them does not cover this procedure. I feel that if they were made aware of cases like mine, they would realize that this procedure should be used and paid for by health care plans.”

John P.

Who is this prostate specialist changing lives? Dr. Richard R. Lotenfoe. He is the founder of Urology Health Solutions Inc., and is regarded by many of his fellow surgeons as a pioneer in Urology in the state of Florida and the United States! He established his Florida practice in 1999.

He is firmly committed to embracing technology and perfecting the latest urological surgical techniques. Since 1994 he has been one of a select group of Urological Surgeons in the United States skilled enough to offer the most state of the art surgical procedures to his patients. This procedure improves surgical outcomes, while minimizing pain and discomfort associated with traditional surgeries.

As a frontrunner in urological surgical techniques, Dr. Lotenfoe is proud to offer the following innovative surgical procedure, which is performed by only a select group of prostate specialists nationwide:

Urology Health Solutions is committed to exceeding their patients and family’s expectations by continuously striving to anticipate their needs by providing world class customer service and care.

For more information on Dr. Lotenfoe and the HIFU treatment that is giving men their lives back, visit www.drlotenfoe.com or call at 1-866.876.3627

CONTACT PERSON Jeff Walker

COMPANY NAME Dr. Richard Lotenfoe, M.D.

TELEPHONE NUMBER 1-877-I- LUV-HIFU

FAX NUMBER 407-454-7888

EMAIL ADDRESS info@drlotenfoe.com

WESITE ADDRESS www.hifucare.com