Prostate Health Month!
September is Prostate Health Month! Prostate cancer is the 3rd most common form of cancer in America. That is why it’s important to know what the prostate is and recognize the symptoms that something is wrong early so that you can get treatment as soon as possible. Let’s start with the basics!
What is the prostate?
The Prostate is a walnut sized gland at the base of the bladder. The urethra passes through the center of the prostate on its way out to the penis which is why there are so many urinary symptoms associated with the prostate. The prostate also makes seminal fluid when you ejaculate AKA the liquid part that comes out with the sperm.
What are the symptoms that something is wrong with the prostate?
People will usually have some combination of these symptoms. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor or urologist about what you’re feeling. They will help you determine the next steps for testing!
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
It’s a long complicated name but all this translates to is “the prostate has gotten bigger but it won’t hurt you.” This is the most common health problem for men under 50 years old and it becomes more common with age.
As the prostate gets larger, it can put pressure on the bladder causing an increased urge to go to the bathroom. It can also make the opening to the urethra more narrow meaning the bladder needs to squeeze harder to empty the bladder causing symptoms like difficulty starting a urine stream or fully emptying the bladder.
Most people with a prostate will experience these symptoms at some point in their life! It should not limit your day-to-day activity or sexual activity. According to the American Cancer Society, there is no known link between BPH and prostate cancer so no need to worry about that.
Prostatitis
Prostatitis is also fairly common, about 50% of people with prostates will be treated for prostatitis at some point in their life. This just means that the prostate is swollen. It might be swollen because of an infection or this might be a chronic condition. If there is a bacterial infection, your doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics. It is not uncommon for people to have symptoms with no bacterial infection or to have continued symptoms after finishing the antibiotic prescription. This is where PT can help!
How can pelvic floor PT help with BPH and Prostatitis?
The pelvic floor muscles contract to support the pelvic organs and relax to allow you to go to the bathroom. Sometimes these muscles are disturbed by pain, infection, or inflammation and that causes dysfunction. This is why some people with prostatitis may continue to have symptoms after finishing their antibiotic prescription. A pelvic floor PT is specially trained to address the issues with urination that many folks with prostate issues face. We can also assess if the pelvic floor muscles are weak, tight, or uncoordinated and if this is contributing to your symptoms. While BPH and prostatitis are common, it doesn’t mean you have to live with the discomfort. We can help you reduce those symptoms.
Finally, Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men next to skin cancer. Factors that put you at an increased risk are being over 50 years old, African or Caribbean descent, and family history. It is especially important to know your family history because if a direct family member (parent or sibling) has had prostate cancer, your risk of prostate cancer doubles and you may need earlier screening. Screening tests for prostate cancer may include Prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood tests or a digital rectal exam, where a doctor puts a gloved and lubricated finger in your rectum to feel for the size and shape of the prostate.
If you are diagnosed with prostate cancer, there is a high likelihood that you will survive. This is dependent on the stage or how early the cancer is detected. This is why it’s important to address any concerns about prostate symptoms with a doctor as soon as you can. There are numerous treatment options including:
- Active Surveillance or Watchful Waiting
- Hormone Therapy or Androgen Suppression Therapy
- Radiation
- Chemotherapy
- Prostatectomy
LGBTQ Fact! Trans women still have their prostate even after gender affirmation bottom surgery. It is essential that you get screened regularly for prostate cancer, especially if you are at high risk or are experiencing symptoms. Estrogen hormone therapy may lower the risk of prostate cancer but three is not enough data to be certain.
How Can Pelvic Floor PT Help After Prostate Cancer Treatment?
After prostatectomy, surgical removal of the prostate, most people experience erectile dysfunction and incontinence or leaking of urine. A pelvic floor PT can assess your muscle strength and help you reduce or eliminate these issues after surgery. It is especially helpful if you are able to see a pelvic floor PT before surgery so we can assess your pelvic floor muscles before surgery and teach you any exercises you might need to prepare.
The most important factor is getting the pelvic floor muscles strong enough to control bladder function. Co-contracting the pelvic floor muscles while strengthening the hips with therabands is a good first step to take if you are on the waitlist to see a pelvic PT in your area.There are some products that can help with post prostatectomy leaking. For example, the penile clamp or the condom catheter can help with long standing incontinence that has not gotten better with consistent strengthening.
If you want to learn more, check out:
Prostate Health Guide
CDC – Prostate Cancer
American Cancer Society – Prostate Cancer
Listen to our Free Webinar
Post prostatectomy sexual function of gay and bisexual men
In September 2022 We gave a lecture to the APTA section on pelvic health about sexual function post prostatectomy and the unique considerations for men who have sex with men. There are well known health inequities for LGBTQ patients and teaching other health care providers is one small step to improve outcomes.
Learn about the Outer Anatomy
pelvic floor 101: a tour of the penis
You’ve learned all about the internal anatomy and the prostate. Now learn about the external anatomy of the penis. Knowing the medical terms for your anatomy helps you to communicate your symptoms to your medical team and get help faster.