Urology health conditions

Erectile dysfunction, or ED, refers to the inability to get or keep an erection long enough to have sex.

Despite the social stigma attached to the condition, it is common and estimated that more than 50% of men aged 40-70 years are affected by the condition.¹ The risk of experiencing ED increases with age, although lifestyle and health factors can also play a part in its development.  

While positive lifestyle changes like maintaining a healthy weight, eating well and getting plenty of exercise, can help to reduce your risk, there are also erectile dysfunction treatments that can help restore your sex life. These include medications, intraurethral suppositories, penile injections and penile implants.

Most common symptoms

• Inability to get or keep an erection
• Low self-esteem
• Depression
• Loss of intimacy in your relationship

Incontinence can be taboo to talk about but is common. It is estimated that urinary incontinence affects 10% of the European population.²

There are various types of incontinence, from stress incontinence caused by weakened pelvic floor muscles, or urge incontinence which is when you have an overwhelming need to urinate. There are a range of reasons for incontinence, and it is a common side effect for many people following prostate cancer surgery.

Fortunately, there are a range of things that can help reduce the effects of incontinence and help restore your confidence. These range from lifestyle changes to medical treatments.

Most common symptoms

• Leaking urine when you cough, sneeze, laugh or exercise
• A sudden unstoppable urge to pass urine
• Dribbling urine when you try and empty your bladder

Benign prostate enlargement, or BPE, is a common condition affecting men over the age of 50. It’s characterised by an enlarged prostate, but it is not cancer and it is rarely a serious health problem. It’s also known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, or BPH.

There are various treatments for BPE, and lifestyle changes may also help improve your condition. Surgery is a possibility, but usually recommended for moderate to severe cases of BPE that have not responded to other treatment.

Most common symptoms

• Frequent need to urinate
• Difficulty starting to pee
• Difficulty fully emptying your bladder

Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer and accounts for one in every 14 cancers diagnosed globally.³

The prostate is a small, walnut-sized gland that sits underneath the bladder and around the urethra. Prostate cancer occurs when cells within the prostate grow in an uncontrolled way. Some prostate cancers develop very slowly, while others grow quickly and are more likely to spread. Early prostate cancer typically does not cause symptoms, which can make it difficult to detect.  

There are different approaches to prostate cancer treatment, and these depend on your individual diagnosis. These range from surveillance to surgical intervention. Depending on the type of treatment, there can be some side effects, but there are options available to help you manage these.

Most common symptoms

• Urinary problems can develop such as leaking urine or a sudden urge to pee
• Pain and unexplained weight loss 
• Erection problems
• Blood in urine or semen