Men's health

It is well known that men often do not visit their GP's with their medical problems. Prostate and erection problems are common but men tend to put up with their symptoms, often too embarrassed to do anything about them. As with a lot of conditions it is important to have these symptoms assessed properly. Early diagnosis and treatment can lead to improved outcomes. 

At  Derbyshire Medical Limited, we understand the importance of this and urge you to seek advice regarding any symptoms that you may have.

In discreet, private surroundings with a sympathetic male doctor, we aim to help.  

The Prostate

The prostate is a small gland approximately the size of a walnut which is situated at the base of the bladder in men. It surrounds the first part of the tube (urethra) which carries urine from the bladder to the penis. The prostate makes a thick clear liquid which forms part of the semen. The function and growth of the prostate is controlled by testosterone ( the male sex hormone) which is made by the testes. Because of its position within the body the only way to initially assess the prostate is by a rectal examination using the doctors gloved finger. This is normally not painful but can feel a little uncomfortable. The prostate can be affected by three main problems; prostatitis ( infection/inflamation), benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH)(enlargement) and prostate cancer.

Prostate Symptoms

The prostate enlarges gradually after about the age of 50 years. About 1 in 3 men over 50 have symptoms related to an enlarged prostate. As the prostate gets bigger it may cause narrowing of the first part of the urethra. This may partially obstruct the flow of urine from the bladder. This can lead to "obstructive symptoms" such as:

• Poor stream. The flow of urine is weaker and it takes longer to empty your bladder.
• Hesitency. You may have to wait at the toilet for a while before the urine starts to flow.
• Dribbling. Some urine may trickle out after you have finished at the toilet.
• Poor emptying. You may have the feeling of not quite emptying your bladder.

The enlarged prostate may also "irritate" the urethra and lower bladder causing

• Frequency (passing urine more often than normal). This can be a very irritating symptom especially if it happens at night. Getting up several times at night is a common symptom and is called "nocturia".
• Urgency. This means you have to get to the toilet quickly when you "need to go".

Usually the symptoms are mild to begin with. However over months or years they can become more troublesome and severe. Not all urinary symptoms in men are due to an enlarged prostate. In particular if you pass blood in the urine or semen, or have pain it may be due to another condition. If you have any of these symptoms it is wise to seek medical attention early. By the age of 70, about 8 out of 10 men will have a significantly enlarged prostate. It is a very common problem so do not hesitate to seek advice.

Prostate Cancer

The number of men diagnosed with prostate cancer in the UK is increasing. According to recent figures prostate cancer is now the commonest cancer affecting men, excluding non- melanoma skin cancer. Nearly 32,000 men were diagnosed in the UK in 2003. Out of every 100 cancers diagnosed in men , 23 are prostate cancers. With so many men having enlarged prostates and prostate-related symptoms it is very important to have a screening assessment of your prostate to eliminate the possibility that your symptoms are due to prostate cancer rather than benign enlargement ( ie age related ).

PSA Testing

PSA ( prostate specific antigen) is a protein produced by all prostates and is an indicator of prostate activity. The level can be raised if the prostate is enlarged; is infected (prostatitis) or cancerous. An abnormal rectal examination and / or a high PSA indicates the need for further investigation.

Testicular Cancer

Thankfully cancer of the testicles( testes) is quite rare. It accounts for about 1-2% of all cancers in men. There are approximately 2000 new cases per year in the UK. The number is rising, but with early detection and new improved treatments the chance of recovery is high, the survival rate being around 95%. Cancer of the testicles is most common in young men and it is the biggest cause of cancer-related death in 15-35 year old men. It is important for all men to check their testicles regularly. At Derbyshire Medical we will tell you what symptoms to look out for and how to examine yourself and check for problems.

Erection problems

There are approximately 3 million men in the UK with an erection problem. There are many underlying conditions such as undiagnosed diabetes, high blood pressure, nerve problems, poor circulation and psychological factors that can cause erection difficulties. It is therefore very important to have a full assessment to rule these out.