5 Quick Facts About Prostate Health

1. Regular ejaculation can help protect against prostate cancer.

A number of research studies have been conducted on this topic including one by The Journal of the American Medical Association and another published in European Urology which observed the sexual  

habits of 32,000 participants and determined that those with a higher rate of ejaculation were less likely to have prostate tumors. Specifically, the study found that those who ejaculated at least 21 times a month had a 33% lower risk of prostate cancer than those that didn't. We may be able to help with that…

2. Urine flow is a good indicator for prostate problems, but not the only one.

A lot of folks have heard about the common indicator: when what was once a strong stream has dwindled to a weak trickle, there may be an issue. But this change can occur for a number of reasons including infection, inflammation, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is a non-cancerous enlargement of the organ.

Not only that, but prostate cancer doesn't always affect the urinary stream until the disease is advanced, so it isn't a reliable indicator on its own.

Other symptoms to look out for are more frequent nighttime urination, dribbling before or after urinating, and a consistently weak urine flow. Less common symptoms include pain in the testicles, erectile dysfunction, or the presence of pain or blood when passing urine. Staying aware of any bodily changes can help with early detection.

3. There may be a contributing genetic factor in those diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Although the cancer may appear in those with no family history, information from the American Cancer Society suggests that there is a 1 in 3 chance in those that have a family member with the disease. This can increase up to 83% if multiple family members have been diagnosed and particularly if the relatives were young when the cancer was found.

5.  Nearly 100 percent of those diagnosed with prostate cancer while the cancer is in early stages are still alive five years after diagnosis.

This is critical and we cannot reiterate enough that this is why early detection is vital. Because there are often no consistent or noticeable symptoms of prostate cancer while it is still in the early stages, screenings can be helpful. Particularly in those who have family members affected by the disease. The American Cancer Society suggests screenings at age 50 for those at average risk, age 45 for those at a higher risk (such as those who have affected family members and African Americans folks), and age 40 for those with more than one family member affected at an early age.

Having conversations with a health care provider at roughly these ages can help prepare folks for the screenings and figure out what decisions are best for them.

And finally...

4. There is a robotic butt that assists medical students in learning to perform prostate exams

And it’s name is Patrick…

Currently housed at the University of Florida, 'Patrick' is an innovative learning tool that allows medical students to perform simulated exams and delivers instant feedback about everything they’re doing. The robot has four sensors to let them know if the pressure is too soft or they haven't covered the whole prostate.

The physical component is paired with a virtual patient whom students interact with to conduct doctor-patient conversations about medical history.

We find this to be interesting as a lot of folks’ concerns with being screened have to do with comfort; even those comfortable with their physician may not be comfortable with the DRE (digital rectal exam) procedure. That and honestly, an AI butt named Patrick is just awesome.

For an introduction to the prostate and myths and misconceptions (specifically about the more pleasurable side of the gland), check out our previous blog entries.