Category: Prostate Cancer

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common yet often unspoken challenge for many men. Despite the availability of effective treatments, many hesitate to seek help, allowing the problem to persist. Addressing ED isn’t just about restoring function—it’s about reclaiming confidence, intimacy, and overall quality of life. Let’s break the stigma and explore how penile implants can provide a lasting solution.

The Hidden Struggle: Why ED Goes Untreated

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is more common than many realize, affecting over 50% of men between the ages of 40 and 70. Yet, despite its prevalence, many hesitate to seek help. Understanding that millions of men face the same challenge can be the first step toward breaking the silence and finding a solution.

Effective treatments for ED have been available for decades, but stigma and discomfort often prevent men from addressing the issue. ED is simply a medical condition—the inability to achieve or maintain an erection long enough for intercourse. It’s not a reflection of one’s masculinity, nor is it something to feel embarrassed about.

According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), untreated ED can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and a loss of confidence. This can create a cycle where avoidance makes the issue worse over time. The good news is that solutions exist, and taking action can restore not just function, but confidence and quality of life.

Taking Charge: Solutions for Erectile Dysfunction

Once a man decides it is time to take action to solve his ED problem, there are several answers and solutions. Start by talking with an experienced urologist at Cleveland Urology Associates for your options.

Penile Implant for Erectile Dysfunction

The gold standard for ED is the inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) with a satisfaction rate greater than 90%. An inflatable penile device can be implanted in a minimally invasive outpatient procedure. It consists of two inflatable prostheses inside the shaft of the penis, a pump hidden in the scrotum, and a reservoir of saline in the lower abdomen. Everything is completely under the skin.

To work the device you squeeze the pump and saline fills the cylinders giving you an erection. You are in control.

What Are the Benefits of a Penile Implant?

The benefits are life changing:

• It will restore sexual function.
• It is discreet. No one will know about it unless you tell them.
• You can customize your erection.
• There is no change to sensation, orgasm, or ejaculation.
• Only you, the board certified urologists at Cleveland Urology Associates, and whoever else you tell will know you finally made the decision to solve your ED issue. No stigma, no shame, and no more erectile dysfunction, just an improved quality of life.

Schedule a Consultation in Cleveland, OH

Take action and contact the board certified urologists at Cleveland Urology Associates at (440) 891-6500 to learn more about penile implants or other ways to solve an ED issue.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men, but when detected early, it is often treatable, with many patients going on to live long, healthy lives. Understanding the early signs of prostate cancer, recognizing the risk factors, and knowing when to seek medical advice are essential steps in improving the chances of successful treatment.

Below, we take a look at the key symptoms of prostate cancer, the risk factors involved, and the diagnostic tests that can help detect the condition early.

What is Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer is cancer that begins in the prostate, a small walnut-shaped gland that produces seminal fluid, which nourishes and transports sperm. Prostate cancer is typically slow-growing and may not cause significant symptoms in its early stages, which is why early detection is so important. There are different types of prostate cancer, but most cases are adenocarcinomas, which begin in the glandular cells of the prostate.

While prostate cancer can be serious, especially when it spreads beyond the prostate, many men with early-stage prostate cancer can be successfully treated with surgery, radiation, or other therapies.

Early Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

Recognizing the early signs of prostate cancer can help ensure that you seek medical attention sooner, potentially leading to better outcomes. Some of the most common symptoms associated with prostate cancer include:

• Frequent Urination: This is especially noticeable at night, a condition known as nocturia. Frequent urges to urinate may indicate an enlarged prostate or other issues related to prostate health.
• Difficulty with Urination: Men with prostate cancer may experience trouble starting or stopping urination. The urine stream may be weak or interrupted, and it may take longer to empty the bladder fully.
• Painful Urination or Ejaculation: Pain or a burning sensation while urinating or during ejaculation can be a sign that the prostate is affected.
• Blood or Semen In Urine: Blood or semen in the urine is a concerning symptom that should be investigated immediately.
• Persistent Pain in the Lower Back, Hips, or Pelvis: Pain in these areas can sometimes indicate that the cancer has spread beyond the prostate, but it can also occur in the early stages. Any unexplained or persistent pain should be taken seriously.

Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer

Certain factors can increase a man’s risk of developing prostate cancer. Understanding these risk factors can help guide decisions about screenings and preventive measures:

• Age: Prostate cancer is most commonly diagnosed in men over the age of 50. The risk increases significantly with age, with men over 65 at higher risk.
• Family History: A family history of prostate cancer can increase your chances of developing the disease. If a father or brother has had prostate cancer, you may be at greater risk.
• Genetics: Some inherited genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations, have been linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer.
• Race: African American men are at higher risk for prostate cancer, and they tend to be diagnosed at younger ages and with more aggressive forms of the disease.

When to See a Urologist

If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, or if you fall into a higher risk category, it’s important to consult with a board-certified urologist at Cleveland Urology Associates. Early detection of prostate cancer is key to successful treatment, so don’t hesitate to seek medical advice.

Even if you don’t have noticeable symptoms, it’s still important for men over the age of 50 (or younger if they have risk factors) to discuss screening options with their doctor. Regular screening can help detect cancer before symptoms appear, potentially leading to earlier, more effective treatments.

Diagnostic Tests for Prostate Cancer

Several diagnostic tests are used to confirm the presence of prostate cancer and assess its severity:

• PSA Test (Prostate-Specific Antigen): The PSA blood test measures the level of PSA, a substance produced by the prostate. Elevated PSA levels can be a sign of prostate cancer, although other conditions, like benign prostate enlargement, can also cause high PSA levels.
• Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): In a DRE, the doctor physically examines the prostate by inserting a gloved finger into the rectum to feel for any abnormal lumps or hard areas on the prostate.
• Biopsy: If the PSA test or DRE suggests prostate cancer, a biopsy may be performed. During this procedure, small tissue samples are taken from the prostate and examined under a microscope to confirm the presence of cancer.

Prostate Cancer Screening in Cleveland, OH

Recognizing the early signs of prostate cancer and understanding the risk factors involved can make a significant difference in the outcome of treatment. If you experience symptoms like changes in urination, pain, or blood in urine or semen, don’t wait to contact the board-certified urologists at Cleveland Urology Associates at (440) 891-6500.

Regular screenings and consultations with a urologist are key to early detection, which is crucial for the successful management of prostate cancer. If you are at higher risk for prostate cancer, be proactive in discussing your scr

You just received the C word diagnosis. You are shocked, frightened, and wary. Is that it? Do I simply believe everything I am being told and do what they say? Or should I get a second opinion for my prostate cancer diagnosis? 

Continue reading “Should I Get a Second Opinion for My Prostate Cancer Diagnosis?” →

Although there is still limited information about the underlying risk factors for COVID-19, it is widely believed that certain patients with underlying conditions are at higher risk for contracting the virus and for severe complications. The link between COVID and prostate cancer has some overlap.
Continue reading “The Link Between COVID And Prostate Cancer” →