Vasectomy and Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer found in men, with over 230,000 men diagnosed in the United States every year. Although it is common, it is still one of the least well-known cancers and there are several myths circulating about symptoms and potential risk factors.
As with any disease, it is important to research, note which risks are significant, and do everything possible to help reduce your risk. Age, race and family history are all significant factors for developing prostate cancer. 1 in 7 men will be diagnosed in their lifetime, and if you have a family history, that chance increases to 1 in 3.
Previous studies have suggested that having a vasectomy is linked to developing prostate cancer later in life. In an article published in 2014, researchers claimed that undergoing a vasectomy amplified the risk for a prostate cancer diagnosis.
In 2016, a study was published in The Journal of Clinical Oncology and found that there is no connection between having a vasectomy and later developing prostate cancer, aggressive or otherwise. The researchers determined that there is no difference in rates of prostate cancer or morality between men who had vasectomies and those who had not. The study analyzed data from 360,000 men, which included 42,000 who had undergone a vasectomy.
Additionally, researchers at the Mayo Clinic conducted a study of over 15 million men who had a vasectomy and were followed for 24 years. The researchers used 3 decades of research and found no clear proof of a link between vasectomy and prostate cancer. This is not only the most recent, but largest study to date on a potential link between vasectomy and prostate cancer.
When men think about undergoing a vasectomy, they might have a few concerns: pain, anxiety about the procedure, and the possible effect on sex life. Fear of developing cancer as a result of this procedure is unnecessary, as studies have shown this is not a factor.
Steps that men can take to reduce their risk of prostate cancer include maintaining proper nutrition, visiting your doctor regularly, getting regular exercise, and if you are a smoker, quitting.
If you would like to learn more about prostate cancer prevention or prostate cancer treatment, contact Freedman Urology at 702-732-0282.
Erectile dysfunction is not only a frustrating issue for men, but it affects their partners as well. Women sometimes feel unattractive, angry and sad if their spouse is unable to perform. I always encourage men to bring their spouses with them to our office to discuss any of their erectile dysfunction issues. Women need to be supportive and understanding of the man's condition.
Women have a hard time understanding how men feel about their condition but need to encourage their spouse to seek treatment. Many times my patients can take erectile dysfunction medications like Viagra, Cialis or other pde-5 inhibitors with some success. These types of medications enhance blood flow through the penis. I find that if these aren’t working, then many men and women become discouraged but don't realize there are plenty of other treatment options including vacuum devices, intracorporal injections like trimix, or penile implants.
The only permanent solution for erectile dysfunction is a penile implant (IPP). Often women are uncomfortable with their spouses getting a penile implant. They may have anxiety about the procedure and they may be concerned about how their partner’s erection will feel when they are intimate. It is important to realize that having a penile implant isn’t just about having sex, it is about feeling whole again. Because the implant is contained within the body, sex can happen at anytime. It will change your relationship for the better. We have many happy male patients and their partners who are willing to share their personal stories with you. Please feel free to call our office so that we can schedule you an appointment today.
It is extremely hot this week in beautiful Las Vegas. It is also the start of kidney stone season for my patients. Did you know that according to the Journal of the American Medical Association, 26 million American adults have kidney stones1. Most people are unaware they have stones until they end up in the emergency room in extreme pain. Kidney stones often cause pain in the lower back, blood in the urine, and painful and frequent urination. The good news is that most kidney stones are preventable with some minor diet changes. Be sure to force fluids, avoid teas and foods that are high in oxalates, and avoid calcium supplements. For more information, check out one of my favorite resources for kidney stones and kidney stone prevention from the Mayo Clinic. If you think you might have a kidney stone, don’t ignore your symptoms. Call today for an appointment.
References
- Coresh et al. JAMA. 2007. 298: 2038-2047
It is estimated that erectile dysfunction affects up to 30 million men in the US. This condition is caused by numerous factors including but not limited to heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and psychological and neurogenic problems. It is seen more often in men who smoke or drink excessively. Some medications like SSRIs for depression can cause men experience problems maintaining an erection. Erectile dysfunction can be stressful for both yourself and your partner. If you one of these men who suffer from ED, it is important to understand that there are many treatment options.
The least invasive treatment is medications. There are numerous products on the market today that are safe and effective if used correctly. Due to the high cost of Cialis, Levitra and Viagra, many men have asked me about alternative non-prescription options. It is important to speak with your doctor before trying non-FDA approved supplements such as herbal Viagra to help with your erections. These types of products have not undergone clinical trial testing and are not regulated by the FDA. They are considered food additives. You should use these with caution and always disclose if you are taking them at the time of your consultation.
Other ED treatment options include injection therapy and vacuum constriction devices. Injection therapy requires extreme caution and it is important for men to learn and be comfortable with this technique before beginning use. Vacuum devices require patience and time and are not a good fit for everybody. The best long term permanent solution for ED is a penile implant.
The good news is that ED is treatable. If pills like Viagra, Levitra and Cialis don't work, call the office today to set up an appointment to find a treatment option to end your ED permanently.
As a Urologist, who has been performing the no scalpel/no needle vasectomy technique for over 30 years, I have noticed that most men are highly concerned about the post operative pain that is associated with the procedure. As more and more men rely on the Internet to do their vasectomy research, they come to my office full of questions regarding the horror stories that have surfaced. I understand that the scrotum is an extremely sensitive area on a man's body and there is quite a bit of anxiety that is associated with the procedure. Hopefully this blog can put some of your concerns to rest.
A Vasectomy procedure is a method of elective sterilization for men who do not wish to have any more children. The procedure is simple and is performed in-office most of the time.
The procedure itself takes about 20 minutes. You are numbed with local using the Madajet injector prior to making the puncture site. This should be the only uncomfortable part of the procedure. You may feel tugging, pressure and pulling, but nothing sharp. My staff and I do our best to try and keep your mind off of the procedure that is taking place, and will talk to you about many different topics. You are also able to bring music to calm your nerves as well. Before you know it, the vasectomy will be complete and you will be on your way home.
Most men find that the post operative pain following the no scalpel vasectomy is not as bad as the internet portrays. Most men are able to resume normal activities after a couple of days. Patients find that although the swelling following vasectomy is uncomfortable, it can be reduced by applying an ice pack and taking it easy for a day or two. You will be given a prescription for pain medication, but most men do not even fill it, as they state their pain is not that bad.
It is important to note if you have chronic scrotal pain to begin with, the pain will not go away or be eliminated after the vasectomy procedure and it may be best to schedule surgery under anesthesia.
All in all, yes you will have post operative pain after a vasectomy, but stop reading about patient horror stories on the Internet. It is my goal to make this permanent form of sterilization as comfortable as possible.