3 Key Takeaways:
- Understanding the way the prostate grows and functions is key to managing prostate health issues.
- Common prostate health issues can usually be managed with medication, however in some cases in-office procedures or surgical interventions may be necessary.
- Advanced treatments for prostate cancer are available, including robotic prostatectomy, radiation therapy, and high-intensity frequency ultrasound.
In the realm of prostate health, understanding the way this gland grows and functions is key. As pointed out by Dr. Billy Vanasupa, a prominent Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine in St. Augustine, FL, “the prostate starts to grow after the age of 40, no rhyme or reason, it just does.” Suffice to say, each man’s prostate develops at a different pace. Some could experience prostate issues as early as their 40s, while others may notice problems well into their 80s or 90s.
The onset of prostate-related health issues, however, typically commence in the late 50s or early 60s. These could manifest in various ways: slowing of the urinary stream, difficulty in urination, frequent need to urinate, particularly at night. All of these symptoms, according to Dr. Vanasupa, are closely related to the prostate. Hence, understanding its location and how it influences urinary behavior is crucial in managing these issues.
Managing Prostate Health Disorders
The majority of patients dealing with prostate health issues, as per Dr. Yaser Bassel, a board-certified Urologist in Palm Harbor, FL, and Tampa, FL, are grappling with benign diseases, especially benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH. Often, diseases of this nature can be tackled with medication.
However, in cases where medicines prove less effective, in-office procedures or even surgical interventions may become necessary for managing BPH. Furthermore, addressing prostate health also encompasses battling malignant diseases like prostate cancer, which is usually discovered during prostate cancer screening involving the PSA blood test and digital rectal exam.
Advanced Prostate Cancer Therapies
As Dr. Bassel further elucidates, treatments for prostate cancer have also evolved with technology. “Treatments for cure range from robotic prostatectomy, radiation therapy, and now there’s some newer technologies such as high-intensity frequency ultrasound at our disposal,” he expounds. More advanced therapies for prostate cancer that has metastasized are also available, broadening the scope of options for patients.
Secure Your Prostate Health with Advanced Urology Institute
Living with prostate health issues can be challenging. The discomfort, the uncertainty, and the relentless search for solutions can sometimes feel overwhelming. In these moments, you need a team of expert urologists at your side—professionals who understand your struggle and can guide you every step of the way. Advanced Urology Institute, the largest urology practice in Florida, is a team of experts dedicated to helping you navigate your prostate health issues.
From routine screenings to advanced procedures, our team goes the extra mile to ensure you receive quality care. With offices in St. Augustine, Tampa, and Palm Harbor, FL, you have access to some of the state’s leading urologists right in your backyard. Isn’t it time you put your prostate health first? Let us help you take the first step.
References:
- “Robotic Prostatectomy | Johns Hopkins Medicine.” https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/robotic-prostatectomy.
- “What Is Screening for Prostate Cancer? – CDC.” https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/prostate/basic_info/screening.htm.
- “Screening Tests for Prostate Cancer – American Cancer Society.” 4 Jan. 2021, https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/prostate-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/tests.html.
Transcription:
Billy P. Vanasupa, DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine at St. Augustine, FL):
Yeah, I tell my patients that the prostate starts to grow after the age of 40, no rhyme or reason, it just does. Some prostates grow faster than others. Some patients will have prostate problems in their 40s, others will have prostate problems in their 80s or 90s.
And usually, it’s people in their late 50s, early 60s who start having some urinary issues, slowing of their stream, pushing to go, having to go back after 10, 15 minutes, not feeling emptying, getting up at night time.
So a lot of those symptoms are related to the prostate and I typically will show on the diagram where the prostate is and how it affects the urination, how it affects the bladder.
I go over the various treatment options, which we start with medicine first, of course, checking for PSAs, screening tests for prostate cancer, and unfortunately, you can’t avoid that digital rectal exam. So I check for the prostate, for nodules, anything like that.
Yaser S. Bassel, MD (Board Certified Urologist at Palm Harbor, FL and Tampa, FL):
Most patients that come to us with regards to prostate health issues, the majority of them are dealing with benign disease, and in particular, something called benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH.
And oftentimes, those types of diseases and those types of symptoms can be addressed with medication. And then beyond that, there are treatments for the benign prostate hyperplasia that include in-office procedures, and then beyond that, surgical procedures as well.
The other spectrum is malignant prostate disease, which is prostate cancer, and typically, that’s found with prostate cancer screening. And we use the PSA blood test for that and also digital rectal exam to detect prostate cancer, oftentimes in asymptomatic men.
And typically, treatments for cure range from robotic prostatectomy, radiation therapy, and now there’s some newer technologies such as high-intensity frequency ultrasound at our disposal.
Beyond that, there are also new advanced prostate cancer therapies for prostate cancer that has gone outside of the prostate as well.
