Impotence

Most men occasionally experience problems achieving an erection. However, for one in ten, impotence becomes a chronic condition. It has been estimated that 10 million men in the US are impotent. Erection problems can be caused by illness, drugs, depression, or a vicious cycle of stress and anxiety. Whatever the cause, erection problems can undermine a man's self confidence and erode his relationship with his partner. The first step a couple can take to restoring a pleasurable sex life is to seek professional help. Diagnosis begins with a thorough history, physical examination, and laboratory tests. They physical causes of impotence are numerous. Medically prescribed drugs are the most common physical cause and include cardiac medications, antihypertensives, sedatives, and peptic ulcer drugs. There are common medical conditions that often cause impotence. These are blood flow abnormalities (such as hardening of the arteries and high blood pressure), nerve abnormalities (such as diabetes, stroke, spinal cord injury and pelvic surgery), and hormonal abnormalities (such as kidney disease, liver disease, thyroid problems, and diminished hormone production by the testicle). About have of impotence is cause by or aggravated by psychological problems, including depression, stress, and performance anxiety. It is important to realize that almost all impotence can be treated successfully If the cause is psychological, sex and or marriage counseling re indicated. If the cause is physical, treatment may be either medical or surgical.

General Impotence is the inability to obtain or keep an erection of the penis to complete intercourse. There are several forms of impotence, depending on the cause. Psychological causes of impotence can include stress, depression or fear of failure. Physical causes of impotence can be alcoholism, diabetes, drug addition, poor circulation, or damage to the urethra. Various drugs may also cause impotence including certain anti-hypertension drugs, anit-depressants and tranquilizers. Treatment of impotence depends on the underlying cause, severity of the impotence and the individual. Forms of treatment may include medication, surgery or the combination of the two. It is important for you to know impotence is a common condition and help is available. For further information about impotence, please consult a physician.

Prostate Cancer

Beginning at about age 40, hormonal changes may result in enlargement of the prostate, a condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH. Problems with urination start when the enlarged prostate grows into the urinary tube, producing an obstruction. The symptoms of obstruction include, hesitation in starting to urinate, low urinary pressure and flow, a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying, and the need to urinate several times at night. Cancer of the prostate usually developed in the outer part of the prostate, and does not usually cause any symptoms until it has spread outside the gland. It is important to realize that cancer of the prostate does not usually cause any disturbance in urination and can only be detected early by having a regular physical examination. Every man over the age of 50 should have an annual examination to make sure the prostate is not cancerous. The annual examination includes a digital rectal examination and PSA blood test. Both are accomplished quickly with little or not discomfort. While most problems can successfully be treated, cancer of the prostate can only be cured it if is detected very early, at a time before any symptoms have developed.

As a result of aging, prostate enlargement is very common in men over age 45. The enlarge prostate may also be caused by infection or by small noncancerous tumors that grow inside the gland. Enlargement of the prostate gland can obstruct the normal passage of urine. Consequently, the symptoms of prostate enlargement include difficult urination, dripping after urination and the urge to urinate frequently. If these symptoms appear, a doctor should be consulted and a physical exam scheduled. Because prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer among American men, the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society recommend a digital rectum exam for all men over 40. This is especially important if you are black or if anyone in your family have had prostate cancer. You may be at a higher risk for the disease. Prostate cancer can be treated at all stages, however, the earlier it is detected, the more that can be done.

Vasectomy

Vasectomy is the surgical sterilization of a man. It's a 20-minute outpatient procedure that's nearly 100% successful. After a local anesthetic is injected in the scrotum (SKRO-tum), an incision is made in each side of the penis. The vas deferens, which carries sperm is snipped in two places and tied. Then the incision is sutured. The suture material dissolves, so the stitches do not need to be removed. The doctor may advise a day's bed rest following the procedure. Since live sperm can still be ejaculated for a number of months, other birth control is necessary until it's medically confirmed that the ejaculate is free of sperm. After vasectomy, there's usually not change in sexual functioning. Ejaculation still occurs, and sex glands continue to function as usual. Since reversal operations are difficult. Costly, and often don't success in restoring fertility, sterilization should be considered permanent.

Every year, about ½ million men in the United States choose to have a vasectomy. A vasectomy is a simple and safe outpatient surgical procedure in which the tubes that carry sperm are cut and tied to make a man sterile. Using a local anesthesia, a small incision is made in the scrotum. A vasectomy is commonly done as an office procedure, and takes about twenty minutes. Potency or sexual activity is not affected by the procedure. Male hormone production from the testicles will remain the same as will the amount of fluid ejaculated during an orgasm. By and large, the only aspect of a many's lie that will change, will be his ability to father a child. Some urologists are currently using a new method to perform the vasectomy called the no scaple technique. Because the procedure is relatively new, men should specifically ask about this type of vasectomy. After the operation, a couple is instructed to use a reliable form of birth control for about six weeks until tests show that all sperm has been cleared from the tube. For more information about vasectomy, please consult a physician.