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What do I do if my husband can't get hard?

If erectile issues are happening frequently, see a urologist (who is like a gynecologist for the penis, testes and prostate). Urologists specialize in issues related to these organs. ED issues can motivate a person to see a doctor for a checkup.

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You may notice use of the bathroom more frequently. The urine stream may be less powerful, and it may take longer than usual to empty the bladder. Looking for a restroom very often during a two-hour trip? This may be a sign of an enlarging prostate treatable with medication. “All of these observations can be important warning signs of prostate issues, which may become more common with increasing age. Prostate enlargement is observed in many men over time and can be effectively treated by a variety of approaches,” says Michael Leapman, MD, a Yale Medicine urologist who practices at Yale Cancer Center at Smilow Cancer Hospital. There are two kinds of prostate issues that can occur and should be checked for: Enlarged prostate: An enlarged or swollen prostate, also called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a very common condition. It affects half of men by age 50 and 90 percent by age 80. The prostate is involved in both urinary and sexual function, and while not life-threatening, BPH can significantly impact quality of life. In addition to causing both sexual and bathroom issues, the problem can occasionally be uncomfortable for those who have it, especially when seated because of the prostate’s location (below the bladder). “Both BPH and erectile issues are more common as men age,” says Yale Medicine urologist Thomas Buckley, MD. Although the exact nature of the relationship is unclear, recent studies show that with BPH symptoms, there is a higher incidence of erectile dysfunction (ED). “Many of the treatments for BPH can have an impact on sexual function and satisfaction,” says Dr. Buckley. “So, it is crucial to discuss sexual function with your urologist before undertaking any treatment for BPH." Prostate cancer: Prostate cancer affects 1 in 7 men. To detect prostate cancer, a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is measured through a blood test. PSA is a protein produced exclusively by prostate cells. "The American Urological Association suggests that men ages 55 to 69 consider prostate cancer screening via a PSA blood test, based on their individual values and preferences," says Dr. Leapman. It’s a good discussion to have with a doctor. Also, there is an increased risk of prostate cancer—in people who have prostate cancer in their families or who are African American—this population should have this talk with their doctor sooner, between ages 40 and 54. What can be done: For symptoms from an enlarged prostate, newer BPH treatments are now available. One is called UroLift, according to Daniel Kellner, MD, a Yale Medicine urologist who performs this procedure. The minimally invasive treatment is done in the doctor’s office on an outpatient basis. It solves the problem of a blocked urethra by inserting a tiny implant that pushes the enlarged prostate out of the way. No prostate tissue is removed, and the procedure takes about an hour. The other is called HOLEP, also performed by Dr. Kellner. At present, he is the only doctor in Connecticut to perform this procedure, which essentially removes most of the prostate without an incision. It is done completely with a scope.

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Other BPH treatments your doctor may consider include:

Medications

Other Surgical options

Prostatic artery embolization

GreenLight Laser

Because enlarged prostate affects men to varying degrees, a urologist can help men weigh the pros and cons of each treatment and select the right one. For some prostate cancers that are slow-growing, doctors may recommend not treating initially because the cancer is often not life-threatening. When treatments are needed, they include surgery, radiation, or androgen deprivation therapy. Side effects of treatment can include urinary incontinence and impotence (but there are treatments to restore these issues if they occur). This is why doctors often take a “wait and watch” approach when a man is diagnosed with prostate cancer that is classified as “low in aggressiveness.” Almost all prostate cancer is curable if identified early on.

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