Tag: Prostate Artery Embolization

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Enlarged Prostate

Erectile Dysfunction and an Enlarged Prostate- What’s the Connection?

We’ve all seen the commercials, and heard the jokes. Or maybe you are someone or know someone who’s used it. We’re talking about viagra, and more specifically Erectile Dysfunction. Fortunately, erectile dysfunction, commonly referred to as ED,  is no longer something that’s only whispered about within a relationship, or embarrassingly disclosed to a doctor. It’s an accepted issue, with accepted solutions. However, for those with an enlarged prostate, the solution might not be as easy as a prescription and a pill.

We already know that a man’s prostate continues to grow as he ages, making an enlarged prostate, or BPH, quite commonplace. However, sometimes, without proper treatment, an enlarged prostate can be problematic. An enlarged prostate can lead to many urinary symptoms and increased urinary infections, and yes, it can affect a man’s sex life.

A study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings looked at the link between common BPH urinary symptoms and sexual dysfunction. Researchers studied 2,115 men between the ages of 40 and 79, by having them complete a questionnaire about their sexual function and urinary tract symptoms every two years. What they found was that sexual function and severy of urinary tract symptoms had a definite inverse relationship. The more urinary problems, the less sexual function.

The study also found that the urinary tract symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate that were most associated with sexual dysfunction were:

  • A feeling of urgency
  • Needing to get up multiple times at night to urinate
  • A weak urine stream
  • Straining to start urinating

These urinary symptoms were all associated with:

  • Difficulty getting or maintaining an erection
  • The way men felt about problems with sexual drive, erection, and ejaculation
  • Sexual satisfaction problems

So the solution is to treat the BPH that is causing the urinary issues that are then leading to ED, right?

Yes, but it’s complicated.

Treating the enlarged prostate can be helpful when it comes to urinary issues and ED, however, not all treatments are created equal. In fact, some drugs that are used to treat BPH can actually cause ED and reduce sperm count. Proscar, for example, which is an anti-testosterone drug used to treat BPH has been linked to ED. In fact, studies have found that 3.7% of men using Proscar struggle with ED, and 3.3% report having diminished libido.

That being said, research has also discovered that there is a  positive correlation between drugs used to treat ED, like Viagra and Cialis, which can actually improve BPH and reduce urinary symptoms. It has also been shown that the drug Flomax, an alpha-blocker that relaxes the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier to urinate- can improve the symptoms of BPH with a lower risk of sexual side effects.

Another treatment option that can help solve problems with ED by reducing or even eliminating the symptoms of BPH, is Prostate Artery Embolization ( PAE).

This minimally invasive procedure, which we offer here at MidAtlantic Vascular and Interventional,  has a high rate of success, with over 90% of men experiencing relief in the first year. And unlike some of the other treatment options, PAE does not affect sexual performance.

If you are one of the many men that struggle with prostate conditions that are causing or contributing to ED, there is a solution.

Please call us today to talk about your treatment options.

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Enlarged Prostate

Preventing Summer UTIs

Summer is here, and with that comes sunny beach days, vacations, barbecues with family and friends, and an increase in Urinary Tract Infections.

Yep, you read that correctly. Each year, more than 8 million people are treated for urinary tract infections, and research shows that the majority of them happen in the summer. According to a report on LiveScience.com, one particular study tracked a 15% increase in diagnosed UTI cases when temperatures climb to around 80 degrees.

Why is this?

First, let’s look at what a UTI is.

A UTI is an infection that occurs when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra and travel up to the bladder. These bacteria are the result of e. Coli or other bacteria which can grow in the urine, affecting both the upper and lower urinary tracts. This includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. This bacteria thrives in warmer temperatures, making it more likely that the urinary tract will be exposed to bacteria during the summer months.

Common symptoms of a urinary tract infection include:

  • Frequent urination
  • A burning sensation when urinating
  • A strong, persistent urge to urinate
  • Cloudy, bloody, or strong-smelling urine
  • Pelvic pain or pressure in your lower abdomen
  • Fever or chills

It is estimated that about one-third of men with benign prostatic hyperplasia will develop urinary tract infections. The reason is, that when the prostate gets bigger, it can squeeze or partially block the urethra, which leads to problems urinating, such as the inability to empty the bladder completely. That stagnant urine can then act as a growth medium for bacteria, which can potentially lead to a UTI.

Given that BPH is most common in older men, this can also coincide with other problems, such as fecal incontinence. This occurrence can significantly increase the likelihood of developing a UTI. One way this can be avoided is to always wipe from front to back after going to the bathroom. This will prevent bacteria, such as ecoli, from having access to the urethra. Another contributing factor to UTIs is the long-term use of urinary catheters since using a catheter can also introduce bacteria into the bladder.

So what can be done to help prevent a UTI this summer?

Practice safe sex: Condom use can help prevent bacterial infections that are transmitted through sexual contact. As well as urinating after sex to clear out any bacteria that may have entered the urethra.

Don’t “hold it in”: Urinate when you feel the urge. Holding it in can lead to a collection of bacteria in the bladder or urinary tract.

Use good hygiene: Wipe from front to back after bowel movements, and wash your hands thoroughly afterward.

And a big one, when it comes to the summer months, is wearing the right clothing and drinking enough water. This means, instead of playing that game of beach volleyball in your wet swimsuit, which can promote bacterial growth, switch to a dry pair of shorts.

As for drinking enough water, this is critical for a number of reasons- one being, that dehydration can increase the likelihood of a UTI. So, in order to avoid dehydration, it’s important to sip cool drinks throughout the day. Not only can water help to prevent UTIs, but it also helps our blood to more efficiently transport nutrients and oxygen throughout the body. Even more, staying hydrated lubricates joints, keeps mucus membranes moist, and helps regulate not only our body temperature but also our heart rate and blood pressure.

Most UTIs are easily treated with antibiotics, depending on the bacterial strain, and do not cause significant complications. However, if left untreated, UTIs can cause many serious issues, most commonly, kidney infections. These infections can cause permanent damage, including reduced kidney function, scarring, and more. And, if the infection spreads from the kidney to the bloodstream it can even cause septicemia – which can be life-threatening.

If an underlying cause of a UTI is an enlarged prostate, treatment may be needed to avoid a recurring infection. Undergoing a procedure such as Prostate Artery Embolization, which we offer here at MidAtlantic Prostate Care, can improve lower urinary tract symptoms caused by a Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, thus helping you to avoid not only UTIs but other uncomfortable symptoms as well.

For more information, call us today at: 301-622-5360.

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Enlarged Prostate

To Stand or Not To Stand

Believe it or not, when it comes to urinating with prostate issues- sitting down may be the best choice.

According to research from the Leiden University Medical Centre in the Netherlands, “sitting down to pee allows for a more favorable urodynamic profile”. This means, roughly, the flow of uring is stronger which can help keep prostate symptoms at bay.

Researchers found that when men stand at a urinal, muscles around the lower abdomen, pelvis, and spine are activated- which can actually prevent proper and complete urination- and, in turn, adversely affect the prostate.

This kind of study isn’t new. The researchers stated that “Ever since men had the choice to urinate either standing or sitting, the optimal voiding position ( squatting) has been a topic of discussion.” However, they acknowledged that “Only a handful of studies have investigated the effects of voiding posture on urodynamic parameters by comparing the standing versus the sitting position.” Therefore they went further and conducted a meta-analysis of studies regarding Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms ( LUTS).

After analyzing a whopping 2,352 publications and 96 studies, the team was able to narrow down the material to the most viable studies.

What did they find?

They found that the findings were consistent across each study, saying “We found that in patients with LUTS the sitting position is associated with a trend towards a more favorable urodynamic profile.” The profile confirmed each measure they hypothesized about: When men with LUTS sat down to urinate, they did so faster, longer, at a greater pressure, and released more urine than men with LUTS who stood.

Sitting down to urinate is especially beneficial to older men with prostate problems. According to urologist Jamin Brahmbhatt M.D., in an interview published in the online publication Fatherly, “Men may start peeing sitting if their prostates are large and they need to help relax the pelvic muscles in an effort to help push the urine out.” As a result of emptying their bladders more effectively, these men can reduce the risks of cysts and a bevy of other health complications.

In Japan, a new study has shown that since the beginning of the pandemic more Japanese men than ever, are sitting down for relief. The study found that 70% of men sit, compared to 51% a few years back. There is also evidence to support a cultural change surrounding the habit in Germany, France, Sweden, The Netherlands, and Taiwan.

Though there are many health benefits to sitting versus standing, let’s not overlook another contributing factor as to why more men are sitting down to pee- many mothers and partners want them to. Why? It’s quieter, it’s cleaner, and they never have to tell you to put down the toilet seat, again.

So whether you sit or stand to urinate, is ultimately up to you. However, if you do have a prostate condition, or are struggling with LUTS, maybe give sitting down the old college try. It could help you feel better, sleep better, and… it could make your partner happy to never have to put the seat down again.

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Enlarged Prostate

Enlarged Prostate:  What’s Normal and What’s Not

signs of an enlarged prostate

One of the most common symptoms of an enlarged prostate is frequent urination.

Unless you’re drinking excessive amounts of water before bed, if you find yourself needing to urinate throughout the night, this could signal that you may be experiencing the effects of benign prostatic hyperplasia, also known as an enlarged prostate.

But what exactly is a prostate? And what does it have to do with urinating?

The prostate is a small gland that is part of the male reproductive system. It is responsible for aiding in the production of fluid that carries sperm from the testicles and helps to push semen through the urethra during ejaculation. The prostate is located below the bladder and in front of the rectum and surrounds part of the urethra.

Typically the prostate is about the size and shape of a walnut, however, as a man ages, it is normal for the prostate to become larger. Though it is normal for the prostate to grow, sometimes this growth can be excessive to the point where it can cause problems with urination.

This growth and its impact on urination are so common, that on average about 8 out of 10 men will eventually experience it. However, only around 30% will find these symptoms to be bothersome enough to consult their doctor.

The growth of the prostate is commonly referred to as benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH. Unfortunately, BPH can not be prevented, however, just like with the rest of the human body, diet, and lifestyle can definitely play a part in its health.

So what are the signs of an enlarged prostate, and when should an appointment be made with your doctor?

The most obvious sign of prostate enlargement is its impact on urination, especially at night. Some of the other symptoms you may experience are:

Straining to urinate.
Stopping and starting during urination.
Feeling the need to urinate when you don’t actually need to. Inability to empty the bladder completely.

It is important to see your doctor if you have symptoms of BPH, especially if you are under the age of 40. Although it’s fairly uncommon, it is possible for enlarged prostate to lead to serious problems such as bladder or kidney damage. If your symptoms are bothersome, your doctor will work with you to find a treatment that is best. This could be medicine, lifestyle changes, or in more extreme cases, surgery.

The bottom line, an enlarged prostate is common, and it is normal for the prostate to grow with age. However, if you are experiencing any discomfort or symptoms of an enlarged prostate, it is best to see your doctor.

An enlarged prostate is not the same as an infection or inflammation of the prostate, however, some of the symptoms can be similar. So the earlier these issues are detected and treated, the better.