"After my first visit to a urologist, it's pretty clear they will steer me to a specific treatment for my enlarged prostate, a normal part of aging. They are pushing the "pins" style to pull back the prostate excess, but I also see literature about "springs" and "butterflies." Does anyone out there have first-hand experience?"
Considered an "old man's disease," it can start to cause issues for men as early as age 50.
The UroLift is implanted "and compresses normal tissue that blocks the urethra, resulting in improved urine flow, opens up the urethra," rather like stents to open up arteries. According to UCLA Health, it's the second choice in treatment if a medication is not working well enough.
Another new treatment is called Rezum - a water vapor treatment. According to Utah Southwestern Medical Center, "The Rezum device is inserted, a needle is deployed, and vapor is injected into the prostate for nine seconds. This vapor disperses between cells, then cools, releases heat, and gently disrupts the prostate's cells. Because of the initial swelling, a catheter is then inserted, which will remain for two to five days." Though a few practitioners call it "minimally invasive," the need for catheterization rather takes it out of the "minimal" realm. At least in my opinion.
31 comments:
Whoa.
So much info! The rotorooter example made me make an appointment with my doctor, because I want to be on top of this.
The idea that the bit that gives so much pleasure can be so problematic blows my mind.
XOXO
Sorry, but I am not affected by these issues and have not sought to find solutions to them.
Hugs and bisous, my darlings chéris Jean and Pat.
This is a short video of one of the current TV show doctors having prostrate problems. He does have a solid recovery. He goes on the show and is very honest about being peeing less at night, better sexual function and feeling over all better.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hMLEqZppVU&t=29s
I'm currently taking a pill for the prostate. As for UroLift: I know one man who had that done and it was not successful for him. As for TURP: I know a couple of men who have had that done and they are happy with the results.
no experience, sorry!
@ Six - They can be problematic over a lifetime. Very happy you are going to get things checked out. It's more important than many guys know. XOXO
@ david - Thanks for the video. I'm sure it will help many in addition to the OP.
@ Rick - Remember Lord Patrick? He had TURP and it destroyed his ability to get a hard-on. Glad your friends have seen success with it.
There's another fairly new procedure called "aquablation." With aquablation, which is done under general anesthesia, both of your exits will be temporarily repurposed as entrances: one for the camera/robot to guide the surgeon's manipulation of the instrument, and the other for the instrument to shoot steam into the overgrown prostate to shrink it. The promoters of this procedure claim it will improve your BPH symptoms, but leave you still able to get a boner and still able to shoot a load. It's less invasive than some of the other older procedures, although you do get a catheter for a few days. My procedure was canceled due to local covid situation, but I am looking forward to getting it done when the pandemic allows. Anyone seeking BPH treatment should google it.
I have no advice to offer as this one is out of my jurisdiction.
But I think you offered some good feedback and tips Pat. What would we do without you????
@ anonymous, February 1, 2022 at 1:50 PM - Thanks for providing the extra information.
For any procedures like this I'd first talk to my doctor, who may have a first step treatment, and then let my doctor refer me to a good urologist. They treat so many men they know what works and what doesn't. But it seems to me this is something that you would want to be on the offense. hugs and bisous.
I am not familiar with any of this. It was an interesting read.
I did pills for a few years with little help. In July 2021 I had the Urolift procedure and for me at least it was like night and day!!! I was able to fully empty my bladder and stopped trying to pee every half hour without feeling I ever fully "went". I don't have any problems with getting an erection or cumming. I am aware that everybody will have slightly different results, but I am pleased with my decision.
Well, this is unfortunate. I have always assumed that one could keep the prostate healthy through proper diet, plenty of water, avoiding: excess coffee, alcohol, processed foods, fast food. And exercise. Is that not the case? Is the prostate going to become unhealthy no matter what we do? I read an article a while back about things one can put in one's diet to help ensure the prostate health... is that just wishful thinking?
I'm going through a bout of this at the moment. I tried Urivarx herbal remedy capsules last year when I was being treated for a small prostate cancer and they helped me pee after a while. Urologist had also diagnosed an irritated bladder and gave me a low-acid diet app (ICN food list) to deal with urge incontinence and multiple night-time peeing. Thought I was through it but apparently I'd back slid to my favorite high acid foods, like orange juice, tomato sauce, and chocolate chip ice cream - have to reform! I just received a new order of the capsules and have started taking them to assist. There's a scheduled PSA test in a few weeks and a one -year follow-up with the Cancer docs, so I've got that base covered. You don't appreciate how amazing the body functions when you're younger, but at age 79 there are always a few little things out of whack...
I had a bladder inspection done a while back where the urologist inserted a scope inside my penis and up into my bladder. It was the most GOD AWFUL, FUCKINGLY PAINFUL thing I have ever had to endure! NEVER EVER EVER again will I let some idiot with some mid evil device come near me!
I am going on some vague understanding that if I masturbate a few times a week (I am 60 now), that will go a long way to keep the pipes clean and the prostate from getting irritated. What are the benefits of masturbating on the prostate?
@ Upton - There are plenty of foods and supplements that will help stave off prostate issues, perhaps slow down the normal growth. Keep doing what you're doing!
@ Rad - A urologist wanted to do that on me. It's to see if there are any cysts in the bladder. I opted not to do it. By the sound of your comment, I am glad I opted out.
Yes, ejaculating does help the prostate. It's thought by the medical community that semen and retained prostatic fluids over time are toxic to us. Thus the warnings to cum at least twice per week to lower the risk of prostate cancer. So, by all means, keep masturbating!
I don't have experience with prostate problems because I had none - then I had prostate cancer. So I can answer any questions about the diagnosis and how the recovery from a radical prostatectomy went.
The question for this was mine, and all this frank sharing is great! I’m still researching.
My first recommendation is that every guy over 50 do the LUTS quiz (Lower Urinary Tract Syntoms) with their annual checkup. The most important question on the short list is whether you’re willing to live the rest of your life with troubles we — as guys — don’t often discuss! I wish someone had given it to me years ago as my dribbling and drooping began.
Second, ask for a regular PSA test so that you have a baseline and trend. A single number (mine is low) isn’t quite enough.
I’ll report back as my BPH journey continues!
@ Utah Jock - Did your surgeon manage to save the nerve bundle? My brother's surgeon referred him to a sex therapist to teach him how to get a hard-on. What's your experience with that been?
I lost one nerve from the left side, where the tumor was. That's 75% of the nerves. It took about five or six months before I had a boner hard enough for penetration. I wake up every morning with a good chubby. To get a boner ''on demand'' quickly, I use a cock ring or chemistry or both. It's also easier the longer you go between organisms.
@ Peter - Thanks for sharing the information, and please do keep us informed on your journey. I've never heard of the Quiz. I'll have to go check that out. And the suggestion to get that Baseline PSA is a very good one!
@ Utah Jock - Despite the tools needed for an on demand boner, it's good news. It gives others proof there's hope for a sex life after prostatectomy.
And I didn't write my comment very well. I lost one nerve of four, or 25% of the nerves leaving me with 75%.
I asked the original question and really appreciate the responses. My reading has led me to two suggestions: Every guy who worries about his dripping or drooping should fill out a LUTS a survey for his doctor. And We should know that our PSA is not a single number, but a measure over time. My cystoscope is schedule for early March and I’ll report back…
@ Peter - Thank you. I've been looking for a sample of the Quiz / Survey and can't find one online. Any chance you have access to it and could share it with me?
https://www.browardurologycenter.com/pdf//ipss.pdf
@ Peter - Thank you!!!
Follow-up: After finally getting in for a cystoscopy, I was:
-- amazed something that large could fit up the uretha, and thankful for the numbing agents,
-- told that my prostate tissue doesn't appear to be blocking the uretha, and I could see that for myself on the screen, and
-- shown that my bladder retains urine when I think it's empty.
So I'm back on the waiting list for the GP, and still tired of dripping and drooping.
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