Loss of Erection and Incontinence From Prostatectomy and Radiation

The most common form of cancer in men is prostate cancer. It is more common in men above the age of 35 and even more prevalent in the group of 50-65 years. Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) levels which are found in the blood can be tested and used as a precursor to screen for the possibility of prostate cancer. Since its approval by the FDA, incidence rates for this disease are climbing higher in men these days as a result of various factors.

What is Incontinence?

Incontinence is an inability to control the flow of urine and leakage of urine occurs as soon as the urinary bladder collects urine or gets filled. Urinary Incontinence may have a great impact on the life style of the victim affecting their personal life. These people cannot lead a normal life as that of other persons; even sneezing or slight jerky moment can cause urine to leak out. Urine remains in the bladder as a result of urethral pressure which is higher than the bladder pressure. But prostatectomy or a surgery in the prostate gland can lead to urinary incontinence.

Radiation Therapy

A procedure in which a special type of wave is used is called as radiation therapy. Persons with prostate cancer can be administered with a stream of particles or radiation therapy to burn or "cook" the abnormal cancer cells in the prostate. When radiation is used at higher doses it can destroy the normal tissues along with cancer cells. This can cause damage to other organs leading to unwanted effects on the body. Some of the side effects of radiation therapy are fatigue, diarrhea, permanent rectal bleeding, loss of erection and urinary incontinence to name a few. In addition, radiation therapy can lead to permanent impotence which can also affect the quality of the victim's life.

Many men opt for radiation therapy as the treatment for prostate cancer. In several cases at the point when the patient cannot tolerate any more treatment, a referral to have surgery will be given.

Prostatectomy

Prostatectomy is a procedure performed to remove enlarged or malignant prostate from the body. Surgery of prostate is highly critical as it can affect the nerve endings that send signals between brain and penis for a normal sexual activity. This surgery can cause loss of erection and also incontinence causing stress, anxiety and depression. In most cases these unwanted effects far outweigh the risks of a slow growing cancer and is not considered to be an acute problem, posing no serious threat to the normal life of men. In very few cases an aggressive treatment such as this could be considered when the prognosis is poor. Although statistics still do not hold conclusive evidence to unanimously support that this choice ultimately affects mortality in a positive way.

As with the people who chose radiation as their treatment, many men who choose a Prostatectomy will also later be passed on to a Radiologist.

Protect your Prostate and Biological Functions

The American Cancer Society has advised that doctors need to educate their patients about the risks as well as the benefits of prostate cancer screening before blood is drawn. Concluding; be proactive, get the facts, have PSA screening done regularly and be sure to take responsibility into your own hands. After all you only have one life.

You can protect your prostate and biological functions, only if you are well aware of the diseases, treatments and the associated complications. Along with your physician, the PSA ZERO program will provide this vital education and awareness needed to preserve or restore your natural biological functions.

Along with your physician, the PSA ZERO program will provide this vital education and awareness needed to preserve or restore your natural biological functions. For prostate cancer related information, visit http://www.psazero.com

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