Medical Questions » Prostate Gland Questions » Question No. 818
| Question: | My old friends are too embarrassed to see a doctor about their prostate problems, and several of them have poor flow when they urinate. Others are very worried about the side effects of prostate surgery such as impotence. ! have recently had prostate surgery with no problems. Please tell others about this problem. |
| Answer: | You have put the problems of men' s health in a nutshell. The golden rule is ' If in doubt, check it out.' Prostate cancer is certainly a significant problem in older men, but may occur in men as young as 40. The main symptoms are difficulty in starting the flow of urine, and then instead of a jet of urine, a dribble that splashes on your shoes instead of the porcelain.
There are other causes for these symptoms other than cancer, particularly an enlarged prostate gland which is not cancerous, but the only way to find out for sure is to be examined by a doctor.
The examination will consist of an examination by the doctor placing a gloved and lubricated finger through the anus (back passage) to feel the gland, and a blood test. If there is any suspicion of a problem, further tests such as an ultrasound scan, will be performed.
If a prostate cancer is found early, it can be removed. There may be side effects of surgery such as impotence and difficulty in controlling the urine flow, but these are more common if a bigger operation is necessary for an advanced cancer.
If impotence occurs, there are tablets and injections available that will enable the man to have a normal erection and sex life.
Remember, if delay in making the diagnosis because you do not go to a doctor leads to complications, or even premature death, the only person to blame is yourself.
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