Nutrition & Exercise To Support Recovery From Treatments
Nutrition and exercise can play a major role in helping you to recover from treatments.
Eating a balanced diet with lean protein, fresh fruits and vegetables and healthy fats can help your body heal more quickly.
Additionally, engaging in regular physical activity like walking or yoga can help improve your overall well-being.
Hopkins Medicine created this breakdown of an adequate diet for cancer patients to act as a starting point.
Diagnosis Of Prostate Cancer
If your doctor thoughts that you may have prostate cancer, he will first ask you about the symptoms to get a rough idea of the problem. After this, one or more of the following examinations may be done:
- PSA test: The PSA test is a blood test that looks for a certain protein known as prostate-specific antigen. This protein is produced inside the prostate. Small amounts of it enter the bloodstream. Having high levels of PSA might, but doesnt necessarily, mean that someone has prostate cancer. Other things can lead to an increase in PSA levels too
- Transrectal ultrasound : Ultrasound is used to check the size and shape of the prostate gland. This involves gently inserting an ultrasound device about as wide as a finger into the rectum
- Tissue sample : The only way to find out whether there actually is cancerous tissue in the prostate is by taking a tissue sample. Ten to twelve tissue samples are usually taken to be examined under a microscope, where they can be checked for cancer. The most commonly used approach is called fine needle aspiration. Like TRUS, this involves gently inserting an ultrasound device into the rectum. There is a fine needle inside the device. The needle is pushed through the wall of the rectum and into the prostate, where it is used to remove samples of tissue. The ultrasound helps guide the needle to the right place. This procedure is done using a local anaesthetic, or, in some rare cases, a brief general anaesthetic.
Counselling And Sex Therapy
Talking to your partner about your erection difficulties can help. Or it may help to talk to a close friend if you are not in a relationship.
Counsellors or therapists can help if youre worried about anything to do with your sex life and sexuality. You can be referred by your GP to a counsellor or therapist within the NHS. You might need to go on a waiting list to see them.
Talk to your GP to find out what is available in your area. Your local hospital or your local Erectile Dysfunction Clinic might have this service.
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Causes Of Sexual Problems
While many men experience sexual issues following prostate cancer treatment, these issues are not often due to prostate cancer itself.
Most prostate cancer symptoms involve problems with expelling urine due to enlargement of the prostate gland. This enlargement begins to inhibit the urethra carrying urine out of the body. Urinary symptoms should not affect a persons sex life, however.
More active treatments for cancer, such as surgery, radiation therapy, or hormone therapy, may lead to sexual dysfunction.
Nerves that run close to the prostate gland control erections. Surgery that completely removes the prostate gland carries a risk of erectile dysfunction for this reason.
This type of surgery is usually only suitable for men with aggressive prostate cancer that is likely to grow or spread. Younger men with prostate cancer might also choose it, however.
In these surgical cases, a nerve-sparing prostatectomy aims to avoid damage to the erection-controlling nerves. Nevertheless, nerve-sparing operations are not always possible.
While reducing the risk of erectile dysfunction, this type of treatment may not deal with the cancer fully and may leave behind some cancerous tissue.
Surgery carries the greatest risk, but other treatment methods for prostate cancer can also affect sexual activity.
Treatment options with a risk of erectile dysfunction include:
Brachytherapy has a lower risk of erectile dysfunction than other types of radiation therapy.
Contact Tampas Best Mens Health Clinic For A Sexual Health Consultation And Treatment Plan
Its important to remember that prostate cancer can be treated successfully in many cases. With the right treatment and support, you can overcome this disease.
So, if youre concerned about prostate cancer or have any of the symptoms, dont hesitate to contact the team at Prestige Mens Medical Center now to schedule an appointment to have a consultation with an experienced and specially trained medical staff. We are Tampas leading mens clinic providing ED therapy, PE therapy, Acoustic Wave therapy, hormone therapy, and much more.
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Tips For Maintaining A Healthy Sex Life
If loss of sexual function occurs after prostate cancer treatment, several options can help a person find pleasure in sex again or return to normal sexual function.
Researchers and counselors offer advice to those who wish to pursue an active sex life during and after prostate cancer.
Here are some of their tips.
Swelling In The Legs Or Feet
Swelling in the legs and feet may occur when prostate cancer spreads to the lymph nodes in the pelvis. The lymph nodes are part of the lymphatic system, which collects excess fluid from body tissues and organs, filters it, and returns it back to the bloodstream. When cancer cells enter lymph nodes and block lymph drainage channels, fluid can build up and lead to swelling.
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Tips For Talking With Your Partner
Feeling less of a desire to have sex or having trouble getting an erection may affect your relationship. Try to be as open with your partner as you can. Here are some tips:
- Bring your partner with you to doctors visits. Being part of the conversation may help them understand what youre experiencing.
- Listen to your partners concerns, too. Remember that this issue affects both of you.
- See a therapist or a sex therapist to help you work out any issues that are affecting your sex life.
- If sex is a problem right now, its possible to fulfill each other sexually in other ways. Cuddling, kissing, and caressing can also be pleasurable.
What Is Erection Restoration
UCLA HealthThe Mens Clinic offers a penile rehabilitation program for men after prostate cancer therapy. You do not have to have your cancer care through UCLA Health to see the specialists at The Mens Clinic. The idea of penile rehabilitation is to optimize blood flow to the erectile tissue as it is recovering from surgery or radiation therapy.
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Overview Of Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer accounts for approximately 15% of all new cancer diagnoses among men worldwide, and the burden of disease continues to increase globally.
Prostate cancer is cancer that occurs in the prostate, a small walnut-shaped gland in men that produces the seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm.
Prostate cancer is the second most common type of cancer among men worldwide. Prostate cancer is rare among men younger than 40, with increased prevalence in patients older than 65. Family history and race are also risk factors associated with this disease.
About 1 man in 7 will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime. Usually, prostate cancer grows slowly and is initially confined to the prostate gland, where it may not cause serious harm. However, while some types of prostate cancer grow slowly and may need minimal or even no treatment, other types are aggressive and can spread quickly.
Sex And Erection Problems After Treatment For Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer treatments can affect your sex life. Some treatments can damage the nerves that you need to get an erection. Other treatments can affect the levels of hormones needed to get and maintain an erection.
Even if you can’t get a full erection, you can still have a sex life. There are several treatments that may help you but not everyone chooses to have treatment. Treatments might include:
- drug treatments such as tablets and creams
Sex therapy and counselling can also help. Speak to your doctor or specialist nurse if this is something you think might help.
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Therapy For You And Your Partner
Sex therapy, couples therapy and support groups are important resources for people whove undergone prostate cancer treatment and their partners. Sex can often be an uncomfortable topic, especially if you or your partner are experiencing changes in sexual behavior and are unsure of how to communicate your feelings. If youre experiencing shame or embarrassment, or feel like youre inadequate, please know that these side effects of prostate cancer treatment are common and treatable with the right tools and therapies.
Some therapeutic options that can be beneficial after your treatment include:
Our goal is to make sure you live the longest, healthiest and most fulfilling life possible, says Dr. Bole. We treat cancer to protect your life, then we help get back your quality of life. If intimacy and intercourse are important to you, we can help you get back to experiencing those again safely.
Damage To The Nerves Used During An Erection
Radical prostatectomy can damage the nerves you need to get an erection. Nerve sparing surgery can help lower this risk. But not everyone is suitable for this type of surgery. Nerve sparing surgery means that your surgeon removes the cancer without cutting or damaging the nerves. But if your cancer is growing close to the nerves, they will have to remove them.
Some men will get back their ability to have erections. But this can take anything between 3 months to 3 years. And some men will need help to get an erection for the rest of their lives.
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How Can I Have Safe Sex During Treatment
Often, having safe and protected sex is fine during treatment but you should check with your provider. If you are not interested or feeling well enough to have sex, there are other ways to be intimate. Hugging, holding hands, and massages may feel good and be comforting. It is important to talk with your partner about how you are feeling and what you are comfortable with.
- If you had surgery on your pelvic area , you may need time to heal before having sex that involves penile stimulation or vaginal or rectal penetration .
- If you are being treated for oral cancer, use caution during oral sex. If you have mouth sores , dont give oral sex.
- If your blood counts are low, you should not have sex. You are at risk for infection if your blood counts are low.
Tips For Making Sex More Comfortable
- You have to talk to your partner. Tell them if you are too tired or uncomfortable for intercourse. Use I statements. For example, I love you and want to feel close to you. Id feel better if we cuddle tonight.
- Kissing, touching, cuddling, or massaging can be intimate and help us feel close to our partner.
- Ready to try having sex again? Set the mood- what sparked romance for you and your partner before cancer? Music, a romantic meal, or an evening out? Relax and donât pressure yourselves to have sex. Take your time, enjoy each other, and most of all, talk to each other.
- Cancer surgery may make some positions painful. Get creative. Try different positions to find what is best for you and your partner. For example, if being on top during penetration is painful, try lying on your sides.
- Your provider may refer you for pelvic floor physical therapy. This can help rehab the muscles in your pelvis and may make sex more comfortable after treatment.
- Changes to your appearance can be very hard to cope with. It is okay to set boundaries about where and when touching is ok, wearing clothing during sex, or covering up certain parts. What matters is that you feel comfortable in your own skin. It is also okay to say no or stop at any time. Talk with your partner before sex about how your body has changed and how this makes you feel.
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Take Time To Understand Prostate Cancer
It is important to understand what prostate cancer is and how its treated so that you can make informed decisions about your own care.
Talk to your doctor about the diagnosis, the type of cancer, recommended treatments and side effects for your unique case and in general.
This will help you better prepare for any treatments or surgeries that may be necessary.
What Health Professionals Might I See
We say you can speak to your doctor or nurse, but you may find other health professionals can help as well. It could be those listed here, or others you see.
Urologist
A surgeon who specialises in problems with the urinary and reproductive systems, including prostate cancer.
Specialist nurse or clinical nurse specialist
A nurse who specialises in caring for men with prostate cancer. They may be the health professional you see most. They can support you and answer questions.
Radiographer
A health professional who takes scans or gives radiotherapy. They also check how well the treatment has worked and do follow-up checks.
Andrologist
Sex therapist
An expert with specialist training in the causes and treatment of sexual problems. They may have a background in medicine, nursing, psychology, or mental health.
Physiotherapist
A health professional who can help with mobility and provide exercises to help improve fitness, ease pain, or strengthen muscles. You might see a physiotherapist to help you do pelvic floor muscle exercises.
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Ask Your Doctor About Solutions
Patients should not be shy about discussing intimacy issues with their doctor. He or she may be able to prescribe medications to help. Certain medicationssuch as sildenafil , tadalafil or vardenafil are typically tried first. But these drugs may not help men achieve an erection if the nerves responsible are not healthy. In fact, the medications only work for a small percentage of men in the first few months after surgery, according to a 2017 study published in the International Journal of Sexual Health.
While regaining erectile function is not possible for all men treated for prostate cancer, it is important to remember that an erection is just one aspect of a satisfying sex life. Intimacy is another major component, one that may become more important as sexual relationships become more difficult after cancer treatment.
Treatment Options For Ed After Prostate Cancer Treatment
Sex is often different after prostate cancer treatment, but it can still be enjoyable. Treatments for ED are often focused on penetrative intercourse, says Dr. Bole. But the sexual experience is often not just about penetration. We work with you to discuss your goals for sexual health or intimacy with a partner.
Treatments for ED include:
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Treatment Options For Prostate Cancer
Depending on the stage of your cancer, there are a variety of treatments available.
Surgery is often used to remove or shrink tumors, while radiation therapy can also help eradicate cancer cells.
Hormone therapy can be used to reduce hormone levels and slow down tumor growth.
Additionally, medical advances continue to present more effective treatments for prostate cancer.
The best treatment option for you will completely depend on your unique health factors and the reality of your diagnosis.
Your Thoughts And Feelings
![Prostate Specific Antigen [PSA] & Prostate Cancer Diagnosis](https://www.prostateprohelp.com/wp-content/uploads/prostate-specific-antigen-psa-prostate-cancer-diagnosis.jpeg "Prostate Specific Antigen [PSA] & Prostate Cancer Diagnosis")
Changes to your body and your sex life can have a big impact on you. You may feel worried, unsatisfied, angry and some men say they feel like theyâve lost a part of themselves. There are ways to tackle these issues and find solutions that work for you.
Getting support
If you are stressed or down about changes to your sex life, finding some support may improve how you feel. There are lots of different ways to get support.
You are not alone. A lot of men, with and without prostate cancer have sexual problems. Talking to other men who have had similar experiences can help.
- Our sexual support service is a chance for you, or your partner, to talk to one of our Specialist Nurses with an interest in helping with sexual problems.
- Our one-to-one support service is a chance to speak to someone whoâs been there. They can share their experiences and listen to yours.
- Our online community is a place to deal with prostate cancer together. You can talk about whateverâs on your mind. Anyone can ask a question or share an experience.
- Our Specialist Nurses can answer questions and explain your treatment options. You can also email or chat online with our nurses.
- Get in touch with your local prostate cancer support group.
Trained counsellors
Counsellors are trained to listen and can help you find your own ways to deal with things. Many hospitals have counsellors or psychologists who specialise in helping people with cancer â ask your doctor or nurse if this is available.
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Does Ed Improve After Prostate Cancer Treatment
While prostate cancer treatment can cause erectile dysfunction, overall healing statistics vary after surgery. Following treatment, ED symptoms will may improve, and there is a possibility that you will regain sexual functionality. For instance, reports show that after nerve-sparing prostatectomy, 40%-50% of men with intact nerves returned to their regular sexual function within a year.
The rates depend on each persons pre-treatment function, age, and the doctors skills. So its crucial to find experienced doctors for your treatments. However, even if your ED doesnt improve with time, there are other ways you can reclaim your sex life.