Prostate information

BPH…a non-cancerous enlarged prostate
The prostate is a walnut sized gland specific to men that manufactures a major portion of the ejaculate (semen). It is located just below the bladder and the urethra (water channel) goes right thru it. Imagine the prostate gland being similar to a donut with the water channel analogous to the hole in the donut. The larger the donut, the smaller the hole in the donut. Similarly as the prostate enlarges (commonly known as BPH) the water channel becomes restricted slowing the flow of urine.

The bladder is basically a hollow muscle the function of which is to store urine, then compress and empty completely. As with other muscles, the bladder can become somewhat stronger as the prostate begins to enlarge. However as the prostate continues to grow the bladder can become irreversibly damaged without proper evaluation and treatment of the enlarging prostate.

Learn more about your prostate health by answering the following seven questions. Whether your symptoms are mild, moderate, or severe, it is recommended you schedule an appointment with Dr. Young at Urology Associates of Lake County to evaluate your symptoms and discuss appropriate treatment options.

Treatment options:
Flomax, Uroxatrol, Hytrin, and Cardura belong to a group of medications known as alpha blockers. These medications help relax the prostate during urination, allowing the water channel to become larger thus increasing the flow of urine. Used alone to treat BPH these medications must be taken forever; however the prostate may continue to grow making them less effective or even ineffective over time.
Avodart, Proscar, and Finastride belong to a group of medications that attempt to shrink the prostate. It may take up to six months for them to be clinically effective and they must also be taken for a lifetime.
Prostiva RF therapy is an in-office procedure performed by Dr. Young that effectively treats the restriction of the urethra by the enlarged prostate. The procedure takes less than 30 minutes and only requires minor sedation (valium and a pain pill) along with local anesthesia. Rarely will a patient need re-treatment or be required to resume medications for BPH.

To learn more about Prostiva RF therapy click http://www.medtronic.com/prostiva/patient/what-is-prostiva-rf-therapy.html , or contact the office of Urology Associates and request a nationally distributed DVD featuring Dr. Young regarding this therapy.
Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer in early (potentially curable) stages generally has no symptoms. Therefore the American Urological Association recommends an annual PSA blood test and prostate examination for most men beginning at age 50. However if you are African-American or have a close family relative with prostate cancer, annual screening should begin at age 40. Call the office of Urology Associates of Lake County and schedule an appointment with Dr. Young to examine your prostate and measure your PSA.