If you're a man over 50, you might be familiar with the challenges of an enlarged prostate. This walnut-shaped gland near your bladder tends to grow as you age, causing issues like a weak urine stream, trouble emptying your bladder, and frequent bathroom trips.
If you experience these symptoms, it's important to consult your doctor for proper evaluation. However, there are some simple changes you can make to ease urinary problems:
- Avoid drinking fluids 1-2 hours before bedtime.
- Limit fluid intake before going out or starting a journey.
- Urinate as soon as you feel the need.
- Follow a timed schedule for bathroom visits, even if you don't feel the urge.
- Take your time while urinating to empty your bladder completely, reducing the need for frequent trips.
It's also essential to avoid over-the-counter drugs like antihistamines and decongestants, as they can further slow your urine stream and hinder bladder emptying.
If you want to learn more about benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), its causes, symptoms, and treatments, check out "Living Better with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia," an online guide from Harvard Medical School.
Where you responsible for my partner's bladder infection?
When a woman has a normal bladder infection, the most typical type of urinary tract infection (UTI), her sexual partner does not need to be checked. UTI-causing germs are not transmitted by partners. Women's small urethras—the tube that removes urine from the bladder—make them more susceptible to UTIs. The region surrounding the urethra's end is covered in bacteria. In order to infect the bladder in women, these germs only need to travel a short distance from the urethral entrance. Even though you did not spread the bacteria, you might have had some impact. After sexual activity, some women experience UTIs. This is especially true when having sex that is intense or frequent. Changing sexual positions and encouraging her to urinate immediately after sexual contact may be helpful in these circumstances.
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You may have seen commercials and endorsements from different celebrities extolling the virtues of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). They contend that increasing testosterone levels improves men's sexual health and makes them feel stronger and younger.
All of that is great, but is TRT actually a strong anti-ageing remedy? Be sceptical of miracle claims, as with many others.
Although TRT won't immediately turn back the clock, increasing low testosterone levels in certain older men can help with some elements of their physical and mental health.
The lowdown on low T
The sex hormone known as testosterone is what gives males their masculine traits. It is secreted by the testicles and contributes to the development of classic traits such as a loud voice, facial hair, and the size and strength of the muscles. Also, it stimulates a man's libido.
300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) or more of testosterone is considered a normal blood level by medical professionals. A man's testosterone level starts to decrease around his mid-30s and decreases by roughly 1.6% annually, according to the American College of Physicians. Low testosterone is present in about 20% of men aged 60 and older; this percentage climbs to 30% in men in their 70s and 50% in men in their 80s.
Medications (particularly anabolic steroids) or damage to the testes, such as from an injury, an infection, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy, may cause a considerable drop in testosterone in addition to natural age-related loss.
Several blood tests may be necessary to get an accurate measurement because your testosterone level changes throughout the day. Since testosterone is at its highest between 7 and 10 in the morning, tests are frequently performed then. Any of the conditions and symptoms that follow can be brought on by low levels:
- depression
- decreased confidence
- unable to concentrate. disturbed sleep
- decreased bone and muscle mass
- increased body
- fatigue
- enlarged or sensitive breasts
- hot flashes or flushing
- fewer spontaneous erections due to reduced sex drive
- having trouble maintaining erections.
Even if your levels are below 300 ng/dL, doctors do not always prescribe TRT. The initial step is to ascertain whether any symptoms associated with low testosterone are actually related to another condition that is curable.
For instance, a poor diet, little exercise, and inadequate sleep may be the reason for symptoms like fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and decreased sexual drive. Erectile dysfunction can have negative side effects like stress, worry, and depression. " Fixing these issues only by increasing low testosterone levels won't work.
This research is still on the watch
Compared to men who did not take the meds, otherwise healthy men treated with prescription pharmaceuticals for erectile dysfunction experienced fewer heart-related issues.
Drugs like sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), and vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn) are referred to as PDE-5 inhibitors. They enhance blood flow by loosening arterial walls. Previous studies revealed that these medications could help men with diabetes or heart disease experience fewer heart issues.
Compared to men who did not take the meds, otherwise healthy men treated with prescription pharmaceuticals for erectile dysfunction experienced fewer heart-related issues.
Drugs like sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), and vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn) are referred to as PDE-5 inhibitors. They enhance blood flow by loosening arterial walls. Previous studies revealed that these medications could help men with diabetes or heart disease experience fewer heart issues.
Pay attention to your health.
You need to get back on track with healthy behaviours in order to recapture that youthful feeling. Let's examine how refocusing your attention on your health might make you feel much younger.
Begin your workout routine right away.
You could be mistaken in thinking that only young guys benefit from exercise, but this is not the case. Because it has the ability to keep you feeling young on the inside, physical activity is essential for guys of any age. Make it a goal to get some fresh air and exercise at least once a day for at least half an hour. You might begin your day by going for a jog or even by taking a long walk around the neighbourhood. Both of these options are great ways to get some exercise. You will feel instantly awake and energised for the day ahead if you carry out these steps.
You will experience positive feelings of well-being and self-assurance if you are able to maintain good physical health and get into better shape. This self-assurance will result in behaviours that are more helpful to the cause.
Keep yourself hydrated.
Consuming a lot of water will help hydrate your body and give you more energy. As your skin begins to glow and appear more moisturised, you will experience an increase in positive feelings about yourself. Maintaining a healthy level of hydration can assist in the prevention of wrinkles that are associated with ageing, which can make you look and feel younger.
Eat healthy food.
A significant number of guys are oblivious to the need to maintain a diet rich in quality, wholesome, and nutritious meals. Your craving for sweets could be satisfied by eating junk food, but in the long run, it will only make you less agile. Instead, stick to an eating plan that features plenty of healthy variety. Include in your diet some protein, some healthy fats, and some carbohydrates. Consume a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables to ensure that you obtain a sufficient amount of iron as well as other vitamins and minerals.
Find a happy medium between eating healthily and eating what makes you feel like the best version of yourself and keeps you feeling young. It's fine to indulge once in a while without feeling guilty. Grab some ice cream and spend time with your grandchildren, or gather some friends and enjoy some of your favourite snacks. If done in moderation, this activity can help you form and experience positive memories, bringing back a sense of being young again.
Quit Smoking
Holding on to harmful routines might hasten the ageing process. If you want to have the feeling of being younger, you need to give your body time to repair. If you haven't already done so, you really ought to give up smoking for this reason. Your skin will become loose and wrinkled as a result of the nicotine in cigarettes, in addition to the carbon monoxide that prevents your skin from breathing properly. Smoking lowers your resistance to illness and stops you from enjoying the benefits of youth and vitality. Giving up smoking will result in several beneficial improvements for your body.
Smile Frequently
According to research that was carried out in 2016, smiling might make a person appear and feel years younger. It was observed that men appeared to be of a more advanced age if they had a pessimistic expression on their faces, whereas those with upbeat expressions were recognised as being younger than their peers. Smiling helps maintain a healthy blood pressure and a positive mood, both of which contribute to a feeling of being more youthful.
Take control of your mental state.
According to a number of studies, your mental state directly affects the physical structure and function of your brain. Men who were older yet still regarded themselves as young had a younger brain than men who did not have this mindset, even if they were the same age. This demonstrates how important it is to have the perspective of a young person.
Meditate Regularly
Meditation is the single most effective strategy for restoring your sense of youth and vitality. The practise of meditation improves cognitive performance and helps to clear one's mind. Your anxiety can be brought under control, and your brain can be trained to make better choices, if you meditate for at least ten minutes every day. This life does not pause for anyone, and it continues on with its forward momentum. Therefore, you need to meditate in order to keep up with the fast-paced life that you lead. When you have your thoughts in order, you'll feel much better overall, as well as more youthful.
Bring back the memories of the good old days.
If you do some of the things you used to enjoy doing in the past, you won't feel as old. This comprises getting romantically involved and enhancing your existing intimate relationships. Males who have more intimate relationships both feel and look younger, according to a study by Dr. David Weeks. To keep oneself feeling young and fulfilled, it is essential to have a fulfilling sexual life. Intimacy with a spouse reduces feelings of anxiety and triggers the production of hormones that have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.
Get restorative sleep
Sleep helps improve cognitive processes and gives your body more stamina, which in turn makes you feel more youthful and active. You can get restorative sleep by doing things like slowing down early and avoiding snacking before bed, to name just a few of the things that can help.
Conclusion
No matter how old you are, it makes no difference. Men of any age can recapture the vitality and sense of youth they had in their younger years in a variety of different ways. Improving your routines in even seemingly insignificant ways can have a significant impact. It's time for you to have that youthful feeling back!
Infertility is a problem that happens to a lot of people. It affects up to one in five people trying to get pregnant in the US and 186 million people around the world. In many cases, a thorough medical evaluation can identify key contributing factors in a woman, a man, or both partners that might respond to treatment or call for tools like in vitro fertilization (IVF) to help with reproduction.
But in a lot of cases, there is no clear reason why someone can't have children. New research suggests that inflammation might be to blame for some of these cases. And if so, will a diet or way of life that reduces inflammation help with fertility?
Investigating the link between inflammation and being unable to have children
Many health problems, like heart disease, stroke, and cancer, have been linked to long-term inflammation.
Even though it's not clear what role it plays in infertility, some evidence suggests a link:
When there is inflammation, like an infection, endometriosis, or polycystic ovary syndrome, the risk of infertility is higher.
Systemic inflammation can affect the uterus, cervix, and placenta, which can make it harder to get pregnant.
Women with infertility who had IVF and ate a diet low in inflammation were more likely to get pregnant than infertile women who didn't follow the diet.
Firstly, I would like to say that most people draw conclusions about this topic from unexperimented and proven facts, which are based on some cultural beliefs that were never checked and have never been proven right.
Today, I will answer this question, which is one of the questions I get asked frequently. As a doctor, when analysing factors, you cannot leave out the contents. So, we will start by analysing the properties of Nzu.
Please keep in mind that Nzu is clay. So, what is clay?
Clay minerals (hydrous aluminium phyllosilicates, such as kaolin, Al2Si2O5(OH)4) are found in fine-grained natural soil material called clay.
Clays become plastic when wet due to a molecular film of water surrounding the clay particles, but they become hard, brittle, and non-plastic when dried or fired.
Although most pure clay minerals are white or light in colour, natural clays can have a wide range of colours due to impurities, such as a reddish or brownish colour from trace amounts of iron oxide.
Clay is the world's oldest ceramic material. Prehistoric humans discovered clay's useful properties and used it to make pottery. The first known writing medium was clay tablets, and some of the earliest pottery shards date back to around 14,000 BC. Clay (Nzu) is used in a wide range of modern industrial processes, including paper manufacturing, cement manufacturing, and chemical filtering. One-half to two-thirds of the world's population lives or works in buildings that use clay as a load-bearing structure, often baked into brick.
There are three types of clay: kaolinite, montmorillonite-smectite, and illite. Chlorite, vermiculite, talc, and pyrophyllite are also clay minerals. In these categories, there are about 30 different types of "pure" clays, but most "natural" clay deposits are a mix of these different types, as well as other weathered minerals. Rather than chemical or physical tests, X-ray diffraction is the most effective method for identifying clay minerals in clays.
What is the composition of clay?
Clay has high levels of iron, alkali metals, or alkaline earths. Aluminum hydrous-layer silicates, with magnesium and iron aluminosilicates present on occasion.
Alkali metals (lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, and cesium. Caustic metal oxides are formed when alkali metals react with air. When exposed to air at room temperature, the heavier alkali metals (rubidium and cesium) will spontaneously ignite.
Heat, hydrogen gas, and the corresponding metal hydroxide are produced when alkali metals react with water. The heat generated by this reaction has the potential to ignite the hydrogen or the metal itself, resulting in a fire or explosion. The heavier alkali metals will react with water more violently.
Alkaline earth are di-valent cations. Calcium and magnesium are common in ground water caused by water percolating through deposits of calcium and magnesium-containing minerals such as limestone, chalk, and dolomite. Ref: here.Both internally and externally, aluminium silicate can cause an allergic reaction. The compound irritates the skin when applied as a powder.
While no studies on internal consumption have been conducted, it is safe to assume that eating this powder can cause gastrointestinal distress. Keep in mind that aluminium silicate is used to keep materials from burning. It is not something you want inside of you. If you consume it, you will almost certainly vomit or need to go to the bathroom. Under no circumstances should you consume the powder. Ref: Naturalpedia.
Clay minerals are primarily composed of silica, alumina or magnesia or both, and water, but iron substitutes for aluminium and magnesium to varying degrees, and significant amounts of potassium, sodium, and calcium are also present.
There are 6 types of clay minerals: (1) kaolin-serpentine (kaolinite, halloysite, lizardite, chrysotile), (2) pyrophyllite-talc, (3) mica (illite, glauconite, celadonite), (4) vermiculite, (5) smectite (montmorillonite, nontronite, saponite), (6) chlorite (sudoite, clinochlore. These groups' information and structural diagrams are provided here.
My skin and menstrual cycle were affected by nzu, which is eating salted kaolin clay (geophagia). A lot of people reached out to me after reading my article on how nzu affected my skin and menstrual cycle. They asked how I was able to stop nzu addiction because they were also struggling. That’s why I’m sharing this article and urging everyone to read it.
You’ll be surprised at how many people struggle with this habit, and sadly, there’s no awareness to help reduce clay addiction. For those who don’t know, nzu is an edible clay eaten by people from different parts of the world. I used to think nzu was mostly eaten in Nigeria, but it’s not just a Nigerian thing. In Nigeria, it’s known by different names depending on the tribe, like ndom in Efik/Ibibio and eko in Bini/Edo, nzu in Igbo language and it’s also called calabash chalk. Generally, it’s edible clay.
Let’s dive into how to stop nzu addiction. Nzu addiction is common in Africa and other countries. In Nigeria, it’s overlooked because nzu isn’t categorized as a hard drug, and with everything going on, many health issues get ignored.
In this article, we’ll focus on how to break free from nzu addiction. I’ll cover the harm nzu causes to your body in another article. I’m being honest to give you a clear picture of how it starts and how to stop it.
Many young men, women, children, and even pregnant women eat clay. Some research claims clay is good for your health, but I don’t believe it. It’s contradictory to me. I don’t think the study was done right because it didn’t mention how much nzu matters or discuss its addictive nature, side effects, or health risks.
For many Nigerians, nzu addiction is inherited. For me, it started with errands to buy edible clay for my sister and seeing others eat it. For many kids, it’s their pregnant moms eating clay or seeing their family members eat it. A lot of people thought it was okay to eat nzu because they saw others doing it. This addiction also includes people with Pica, an eating disorder that makes them eat things with no nutritional value, like dirt, chalk, hair, paper, etc.
I started eating nzu at a very young age. If I remember correctly, I was about 6 years old. My friend’s mom was addicted to eating clay (nzu) and bought it in large quantities. She’d throw away the pieces she didn’t like in the field in front of her house. Since we were neighbors and I was friends with her daughter, we’d go and collect those pieces to eat. I started going there regularly and grew up eating nzu.
When I entered secondary school and moved into a boarding house, I began asking day students who came from home to help me buy edible clay almost every week. We’d sit down and eat the nzu together during our free time at the hostel. I even made friends just because they brought nzu to school. I started buying it myself too, since my father always gave me pocket money. By the time I finished secondary school, I had a severe craving or second-stage nzu addiction. When I went to university outside Nigeria, the main addictive cravings really kicked in.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Overcoming Nzu Addiction
Keep reading to learn how to stop nzu addiction.
I remember being at the metro station in Ukraine on my way to the university, and everywhere would start to smell of nzu. I’d have intense cravings and start imagining that the walls of the metro were made of nzu. I began asking around and buying from African shops in my city and other cities. I even asked people coming from Nigeria or any part of Africa to bring me salted clay (nzu). I even dreamed of starting my own nzu company and making mixtures to suit different people’s tastes, like strawberry, orange, and other fruit flavors.
I started adding nzu to my food, especially jollof rice. When my food was hot and steamy, I’d place the nzu under the food so the steam would heat the clay and mix its aroma with the jollof. The smell of the clay was so satisfying. I’d eat nzu and then drink very chilled iced water or hot coffee. Even with a limited supply of nzu, I would get really happy whenever someone gave me some and protect it like it was a precious stone. I’m not exaggerating.
I started getting advice from friends about how bad nzu is. Sometimes I’d take their advice, but other times I’d continue eating it. I even lied to them, saying I had stopped while I was still taking it. Eventually, I realized something was wrong because I would just sit and start perceiving the smell of nzu. My brain was recreating that smell, and I’d have an immediate urge to have it. I decided to stop, and here’s how I was able to achieve that.
You Need to Know That Radiation Therapy Elevates Risks for Future Cancers.
Although the risk is low, you should discuss it with your doctor.
Radiation is a standard treatment for localised prostate cancer, which refers to prostate cancer that is confined to the prostate gland. The long-term results for the majority of men treated in this manner are favourable. Radiation, like other cancer treatments, carries certain risks, including the potential for secondary cancers to develop in the body in the future.
Secondary cancers are characterised by meeting specific criteria:
They differ from the initial cancer a patient was treated for.
they are found in the irradiated area
They were not present prior to the start of radiation treatment
They manifest at least four years after the completion of treatment.
Historical evidence indicates that secondary cancers are uncommon. This conclusion has now been updated by a sizable study of men who received radiation therapy using modern radiation delivery methods.
After a median of nine years of follow-up, 3% of the men who were treated with radiation developed secondary cancers, compared to 2.5% of the men who chose other treatment options. In order of frequency of detection, the four most prevalent cancers were bladder cancer, leukaemia, lymphoma, and rectal cancer. The risk of developing these secondary cancers steadily increased over time, reaching a maximum five to six years after radiation therapy was completed.
Dr. Oliver Sartor, an oncologist at Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans who was not involved in the study, says men should discuss the possibility of secondary cancers with their physicians when evaluating treatment options.
Secondary cancers are characterised by meeting specific criteria:
They differ from the initial cancer a patient was treated for.
they are found in the irradiated area
They were not present prior to the start of radiation treatment
They manifest at least four years after the completion of treatment.
Historical evidence indicates that secondary cancers are uncommon. This conclusion has now been updated by a sizable study of men who received radiation therapy using modern radiation delivery methods.
Study findings and data
Between 2000 and 2015, researchers analysed data from 143,886 men treated for localised prostate cancer at Veterans Affairs medical facilities. The men ranged in age from 60 to 71 and were of various racial and ethnic backgrounds. 52,886 of them received radiation therapy within a year of their diagnosis. The remaining 91,000 men either opted for surgery over a comparable period of time or chose to have their cancers monitored and treated only when — or if — routine exams revealed progression.After a median of nine years of follow-up, 3% of the men who were treated with radiation developed secondary cancers, compared to 2.5% of the men who chose other treatment options. In order of frequency of detection, the four most prevalent cancers were bladder cancer, leukaemia, lymphoma, and rectal cancer. The risk of developing these secondary cancers steadily increased over time, reaching a maximum five to six years after radiation therapy was completed.
Dr. Oliver Sartor, an oncologist at Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans who was not involved in the study, says men should discuss the possibility of secondary cancers with their physicians when evaluating treatment options.
Researchers have identified a viable new treatment option for individuals whose PSA levels rise after radical prostatectomy.
Numerous men who undergo radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer live their entire lives without a recurrence of the disease. Twenty to forty per cent of them will suffer an increase in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) values within ten years of surgery. If the prostate has been removed, PSA levels in the blood should be undetectable, indicating that cancer may have returned. This is known as a biochemical relapse, and it is often treated with radiation to the prostate bed, where the prostate resided prior to its removal. This type of treatment, known as pelvic bed radiation therapy or PBRT, is frequently successful in reducing PSA levels to zero for years.
Now, a comprehensive study demonstrates that PBRT is even more beneficial when paired with other therapies. Men who experience a biochemical recurrence following radical prostatectomy may benefit from these findings.
Funded by the National Cancer Institute, almost 300 medical centres in the United States, Canada, and Israel participated in the SPPORT phase 3 clinical trial. Between 2008 and 2015, a total of 1,797 men with post-surgical PSA values between 1 and 2 nanograms per millilitre (ng/mL) were included.
Men’s Health Nutritional Tips
When it comes to nutrition, we all need the same things: food that gives us energy as well as vitamins and minerals. However, a healthy diet varies based on age and gender.
Men have a greater metabolism, more muscle mass, and a larger stature than women. As a result, compared to women, we require more calories and fibre throughout the day, as well as higher levels of some vital vitamins and minerals. Men have unique dietary requirements, such as maintaining adequate testosterone levels.
Before you go into particular nutrient recommendations, be sure your total calorie intake is under control. Men have larger calorie requirements than women, ranging from 2,220 to 3,000 calories per day on average. You may require more or fewer calories than this average, depending on your objectives.
Aim for 45–65 per cent of your total calories to come from carbohydrates, 10–35 per cent from protein to help maintain muscle mass, and the remaining 20–35 percent from fat to keep you satisfied.
Your calorie requirements will differ depending on your age, height, weight, degree of exercise, and gender. Because males have a faster metabolism than females, knowing your appropriate calorie intake is crucial.
Let's take a closer look at some of the most important nutrients for males so you can create a diet that keeps you healthy and happy.
Eat protein
For the average adult male, the current daily recommended intake (DRI) of protein is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight.
1 This suggestion, however, may be too low for guys who exercise regularly.
Consuming 20 to 40 grams of high-quality protein every three to four hours is sufficient, according to the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN), and helps promote muscle protein synthesis, healthy body composition, and gym performance.
"Well, what exactly is a 'high-quality' protein source?" you might wonder. All nine necessary amino acids are present in sufficient amounts in high-quality protein sources. "Complete proteins" is another name for them. Although most complete proteins come from animal sources, some plant-based proteins, such as soy and quinoa, do contain all essential amino acids.
Although whey protein products are often lactose-free, egg white protein or soy are excellent complete protein alternatives if you have a dairy allergy. If you're a vegan, seek soy-based protein powders or products that contain a blend of plant-based proteins, such as rice, pea, hemp, and chia seed, rather than a protein source that simply contains one of these ingredients.
Protein powders and bars are convenient to have on hand to ensure you receive enough protein, whether you're attempting to gain, decrease, or maintain your current weight.
Dietary fibre
The majority of us do not consume enough fibre on a regular basis. In fact, 97 per cent of men do not consume the recommended daily fibre intake of 28 to 34 grams.
There are two kinds of fibre to eat: soluble fibre and insoluble fiber.
Soluble fiber aids in the reduction of cholesterol and the control of blood sugar levels. Oats, beans, peas, barley, and apples are all good sources of soluble fiber.
Insoluble fibre improves intestinal health. Wheat bran, almonds, and vegetables, including cauliflower, green beans, and potatoes, contain insoluble fiber.
Dietary fiber is abundant in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. A high-fiber diet can aid with gastrointestinal motility, inflammation reduction, and heart disease prevention.
To gain the benefits of a high-fibre diet, try to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your daily diet. Consider taking a fibre supplement if you're having difficulties getting enough fibre from whole meals.
We're keeping an eye on this research.
A recent study shows that middle-aged men who worry or feel anxious a lot are more likely to have problems that make them more likely to get heart disease as they get older than their friends who don't worry as much.
The study, which began in 1975, comprised 1,561 men without cardiac disease with an average age of 53. All of the males took tests to see how worried they were and how neurotic they were, a personality trait linked to feelings of dread, grief, and rage. Researchers collected data on the men's risk of cardiometabolic disease (which includes heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes) every three to five years until they died or dropped out. Blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides, blood sugar, BMI, and a blood marker of inflammation were all measured.
A recent study shows that middle-aged men who worry or feel anxious a lot are more likely to have problems that make them more likely to get heart disease as they get older than their friends who don't worry as much.
The study, which began in 1975, comprised 1,561 men without cardiac disease with an average age of 53. All of the males took tests to see how worried they were and how neurotic they were, a personality trait linked to feelings of dread, grief, and rage. Researchers collected data on the men's risk of cardiometabolic disease (which includes heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes) every three to five years until they died or dropped out. Blood pressure, cholesterol, triglycerides, blood sugar, BMI, and a blood marker of inflammation were all measured.
I'm in a new sexual relationship and am surprised that I have premature ejaculation at the age of 63. My partner is accommodating, but it bothers me. What could be of assistance?
A. In older men, premature ejaculation is common, especially when starting a new relationship. Premature ejaculation can occur in men with erectile dysfunction (ED), who have difficulty getting and maintaining an erection. It's wonderful that your partner is so understanding, and it's in your best interests to be open about the problem and discuss your options together.
Premature ejaculation is defined as uncontrolled and unwanted ejaculation within a minute or less of penetration. This definition is too restrictive. Men must, of course, be realistic about their expectations for staying power. But a man should see his doctor if he keeps ejaculating before he wants to and it makes him feel bad.
However, there are two techniques that you and your partner can try right away that may be beneficial. The methods are known as "stop-start" and "stop-squeeze."
With a stop-start, you begin sexual intercourse and continue until you are close to orgasm. You stop all sexual activity until the feeling goes away, at which point you can start again.
A. In older men, premature ejaculation is common, especially when starting a new relationship. Premature ejaculation can occur in men with erectile dysfunction (ED), who have difficulty getting and maintaining an erection. It's wonderful that your partner is so understanding, and it's in your best interests to be open about the problem and discuss your options together.
Premature ejaculation is defined as uncontrolled and unwanted ejaculation within a minute or less of penetration. This definition is too restrictive. Men must, of course, be realistic about their expectations for staying power. But a man should see his doctor if he keeps ejaculating before he wants to and it makes him feel bad.
However, there are two techniques that you and your partner can try right away that may be beneficial. The methods are known as "stop-start" and "stop-squeeze."
With a stop-start, you begin sexual intercourse and continue until you are close to orgasm. You stop all sexual activity until the feeling goes away, at which point you can start again.
Prostate cancer can spread over time, and if a man's tumor has characteristics that indicate slow growth, he can choose active surveillance over immediate treatment. Men on active surveillance receive routine PSA blood tests and prostate biopsies and are only treated if cancer progresses or shows signs of increasing activity. However, when it comes to treatment, up to one-third of men opt-out. A new study has found that some of these men can safely put off treatment for a while.
The University of California, San Francisco researchers identified 531 men whose cancers progressed while they were under active surveillance. All of the men were initially diagnosed with Grade Group 1 prostate cancer, the lowest rung on a classification system that ranks cancers from low to high risk of aggressive spread. The biopsies of the men's tumors showed that they had moved into higher-risk grade groups, which are usually treated within an average of 25 months.
Within six months of their tumour upgrade, 192 men underwent prostate removal surgery. However, 125 men waited up to five years before having the operation, and 214 men chose not to be treated at all.
Embryo donation, which is when a family donates their "spare" embryos to a couple or an individual, is a realistic option for becoming a parent.
So, who's on the receiving end of this? This option appeals to people who are considering adoption as well as individuals or couples who require donated eggs, sperm, or both in order to conceive. Check out the following questions and problems if you fall into one of these groups.
A few topics to consider when deciding between embryo donation and adoption pregnancy. Some prospective adoptive parents pursue embryo donation because they want to experience pregnancy. This could be crucial for you. It could be a life event you've always wanted to have or one you've always wanted to share with a spouse or partner. Perhaps you're worried about having your kid carried by someone else. For example, prospective adoptive parents are frequently concerned that a birth mother's drug and alcohol use, as well as exposure to inescapable circumstances, may have an impact on their future child before birth.
timetable and budget. The epidemic exacerbated already steep drops in the number of newborns available for adoption. If you want to adopt a newborn, you'll probably have to wait two years or more. Embryos, on the other hand, are easy to get, and most embryo transfers happen within six months of deciding to get donated embryos.
Embryo donation is significantly less expensive than adoption. There will be a price, as well as costs involved with moving embryos from one facility to another and (depending on your medical insurance) costs associated with drugs and the embryo transfer if you go through an agency. While prices are significant and vary across the United States, fees for baby adoption are significantly greater than those for embryo donation.
When comparing embryo donation to adoption, the shorter wait time and lower fees are appealing, but it's crucial to remember that embryo donation may not always result in a live birth, whereas adoption—through a reputable agency—will bring a baby into your house.
What Is Acute Prostatitis
In men, the prostate is a walnut-sized gland located beneath the bladder. This gland produces a fluid that when combined with sperm forms semen. Because the prostate surrounds the urethra (the tube that transports pee from the bladder to the outside of the body), diseases that cause the prostate to expand or enlarge may press on the urethra, causing pain or difficulty urinating.
Prostatitis is an inflammatory condition that affects the prostate gland. Acute prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland that manifests itself suddenly. Acute prostatitis is caused by an infection, most commonly by bacteria that migrate up the urethra and into the prostate. Several of these bacteria are common pathogens found on and inside the human body. Other infections are spread sexually.
Prostatitis affects the majority of men who have a normal prostate gland, although the infection may be more prevalent in older men as the gland grows larger with age. Prostatitis and prostate cancer are not known to be associated.
Symptoms
Acute prostatitis is characterized by the following symptoms:
Urination causes burning or dribbling.
Having difficulty initiating the urine stream or being completely unable to pass urine at all.
Urine that is cloudy or contains blood.
Pain in or around the penis, in or around the scrotum, in the back, or in the rectum.
Chills and fever.
Symptoms are similar to the flu, such as muscular aches and general weakness.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will gently insert a finger into your rectum to examine your prostate. Generally, when the prostate is infected, it feels swollen. When slight pressure is applied to the gland, you may feel pain or have a strong urge to urinate. Additionally, your doctor will perform a general exam to determine whether the infection has migrated to other organs, such as the kidneys.
A urine specimen will then be examined for signs of infection, such as white blood cells and bacteria. Urine will typically contain white blood cells in a typical case of acute prostatitis. Additionally, blood tests may be performed to determine your kidney function and blood cell count. If your doctor suspects that your swollen prostate is causing urinary obstruction, he or she may perform an ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) scan.
Exercise may help reduce the progression of prostate cancer.
Men who are on active surveillance for prostate cancer may benefit from high-intensity interval training (HIIT). The researchers assigned 52 men (average age 63) to either a 12-week supervised treadmill HIIT program or to their usual exercise routine that did not involve high-intensity exercise.
HIIT involves performing a brief burst of activity at a near-maximum effort followed by a brief recovery time. After that, you repeat the sequence a certain number of times. The exercises consisted of two minutes of exercise at 85 to 95 percent of a person's VO2 max (the highest amount of oxygen the body can use during exercise), followed by two minutes of recovery at 40% VO2 max. Five to eight times, the pattern was repeated.
The researchers discovered that as compared to participants who performed their normal lower-intensity exercise, those in the HIIT group had lower PSA levels, lower PSA velocities (the rate at which PSA levels vary over time), and slower prostate cancer cell growth. Additionally, they possessed increased cardiovascular fitness. According to the study, men on active monitoring have a threefold increased risk of dying from cardiovascular disease than from prostate cancer. JAMA Oncology published the findings online on Aug. 19, 2021.
Pexel photo
Prostatitis is a common inflammatory condition that accounts for over two million doctor visits in the United States each year, but it receives little attention. Certain types of infections are caused by bacteria that are easily detectable and treatable with antibiotics. However, over 90% of the time, prostatitis symptoms (painful urination and ejaculation, pelvic pain, and sexual dysfunction) have no obvious cause. This condition is referred to as chronic nonbacterial prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome, abbreviated as CP/CPPS. Treatments are numerous. Antibiotics are sometimes prescribed first if the condition was preceded by a urinary tract infection. Additionally, they may recommend anti-inflammatory pain medications, stress-reduction techniques, pelvic floor exercises, and occasionally, drugs such as alpha-blockers, which relax the prostate and bladder muscles.
Acupuncture is another treatment option for some men. According to a 2018 review article, acupuncture has the potential to alleviate CP/CPPS symptoms without the side effects associated with drug treatments.
Now, results from a recently published clinical trial demonstrate that acupuncture-induced symptom relief is long-lasting. The findings, which were published in the prestigious journal Annals of Internal Medicine, are encouraging for people who suffer from CP/CPPS.
Acupuncture is a treatment that involves inserting single-use needles into "acupoints" throughout the body and manipulating them manually, with heat, or with electrical stimulation. The researchers at ten institutions in China randomly assigned 440 men with prostatitis to receive either real acupuncture or a control sham procedure in which the needles were inserted away from traditional acupoints for twenty sessions (over eight weeks).
Two common skin problems and solutions for men
Dry skin
Scaly patches (with or without redness), itching, and overall dryness are all signs of dry skin. Dry skin can occur at any time of year, from the intense heat of summer to the bitter cold of winter. Sun exposure wreaks havoc on the skin, causing it to become thinner and less able to retain moisture over time. Additionally, aging skin produces fewer natural oils that help keep the skin lubricated. The solution to common male skin problems: Dry skin and Athlete's foot
Treatment
The first line of defense is a moisturizer that uses water and lipids to soften and smooth the skin (fats). Certain moisturizers draw water to the skin and keep it there. Others work by coating the skin with a thick, impermeable layer that prevents moisture loss.
Jelly of petroleum.
This waxy, greasy substance prevents water loss while remaining non-clogging. It can be used alone or as an ingredient in a variety of moisturizers and ointments. Because petroleum jelly is water-free, it works best when applied while the skin is still damp from bathing.
Mineral lubricant.
Mineral oil achieves the same effect without leaving a greasy residue. Additionally, it should be applied while the skin is damp.
A recent study demonstrates that the alternate biopsy procedure for the prostate is more complicated.
A biopsy is often the next step if a screening test for prostate cancer indicates an abnormality. This is generally always accomplished in the United States by inserting a biopsy needle through the rectum into the prostate. Doctors can see the needle's path using an ultrasound machine. This treatment, referred to as transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) biopsy, carries a minor but growing risk of infections that are becoming increasingly resistant to current medications.
To further reduce infection risk, surgeons can thread the biopsy needle into the perineum, a region of skin between the anus and scrotum. This circumvents rectal bacteria. Additionally, these so-called transperineal (TP) biopsies enable improved access to the tip (or apex) of the prostate, which accounts for 30% of malignancies. They are, however, more painful for the patient. They were formerly performed exclusively in hospital operating rooms under general anesthesia.
Today, technological advancements enable doctors to do TP biopsies in their own offices under local anesthetic. And as a result of this progress, the urge to minimize infections through the use of this strategy is increasing.
Harvard researchers have compared the two approaches in terms of cancer detection and complication rates. The trial enrolled 260 men, all of whom were highly matched in terms of age, race, prostate-specific antigen levels, and other diagnostic results. Between 2014 and 2020, half of the men received TRUS biopsies and the other half received TP biopsies. All operations were conducted at a single medical practice. To prepare, all males in the TRUS group received prophylactic antibiotics according to established clinical standards. In comparison, only 43% of males in the TP group received antibiotics, which was consistent with physician recommendations.
When it came to finding cancer, 62% of TP patients were found to have it, whereas 74% of TRUS patients had it found. There were no significant variations in cancer detection rates. However, 15% of men with cancer in the TP group had apical tumors that the TRUS biopsies "may have missed," according to the study's authors.
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