What men want to know (but are afraid to ask)
Men typically do not like to talk about their health. That’s probably why men are less likely than women to schedule an annual checkup and more likely to avoid the doctor when faced with a medical concern. To help raise awareness of men’s health issues, urologists Propa Ghosh, MD, and Abraham Knoll, MD, are answering questions about prostate problems, kidney stones, erectile dysfunction and other urological issues that often arise as men age.
When Should I Be Screened for Prostate Cancer?
There are no early warning signs for prostate cancer, so it is important for men to be screened regularly. The American Urological Association recommends a yearly PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test and a digital rectal exam beginning at age 40. Men with a family history of prostate cancer or other risk factors should be screened earlier.
Does an Elevated PSA Mean I Have Cancer?
Not necessarily. A lot of things can raise your PSA. While an abnormal level may indicate prostate cancer, it can also result from something less serious, such as urinary retention or prostate inflammation. A urologist can find the cause.
How Is Prostate Cancer Treated?
Thanks to advances in medicine, patients have many treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and other therapies. Depending on your age and stage of disease, your doctor may even recommend watchful waiting. Our goal is to treat the cancer most effectively while minimizing the impact on your quality of life.
How Many Times a Day Should I Urinate?
It is normal to urinate three or four times during the day while sleeping through the night. Urine should be voided in a strong, steady stream, and you should feel “empty” when you’re done. Weak or more frequent urination could signal an underlying medical problem, such as an enlarged prostate or obstruction.
Should I Worry if I See Blood in My Urine?
Possibly. There are several conditions that cause blood in urine. Most of them are benign, such as kidney stones and infections. However, blood can also be a sign of bladder or kidney cancers. If you see blood in your urine, promptly schedule an appointment with a urologist.
How Do I Know If I Have Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones may cause back pain that radiates into the groin, blood in urine and/or frequent urination – although those symptoms may be related to other conditions, and some stones do not trigger symptoms. A radiology test will confirm your diagnosis. While most kidney stones do not require treatment, a urologist may need to remove larger stones by performing a minimally invasive procedure. You can lower your risk for developing kidney stones by staying hydrated and reducing your intake of sodium and animal protein.