​Frequently Asked Questions​

Many men dislike talking about erectile dysfunction. Despite this taboo, it’s quite common. One study estimated that more than 50% of men over the age of 40 have some degree of ED.¹

Your urologist will ask you about your medical and sexual history. Following this consultation, they may order additional tests to identify the cause of your erectile dysfunction and recommend the most appropriate treatment for your needs.

The risk of developing erectile dysfunction is twice as high in patients with an enlarged prostate (also known as benign prostatic enlargement or BPE).² Erectile dysfunction is also a known side effect of some treatments for BPE, so if you are undergoing BPE treatment, you may be more likely to experience episodes of impotence.

Surgical treatments for erectile dysfunction are an option, but oral medications are a common first step. These medications don’t work for everyone so, if you don’t respond to oral medications, your urologist may recommend other impotence treatment options such as pump devices, injections, and penile implants. Find out more about penile implants.

There are many different factors that can cause male incontinence including: advancing age, an enlarged prostate, and prostate cancer treatment. Identifying the cause of your incontinence will help identify appropriate treatment options.

Your urologist will ask about your symptoms to help determine the type of male incontinence you have. For example, if you find yourself suddenly needing to urinate with no warning, you may have urge incontinence which can be caused by damage to the bladder’s nerves or surrounding muscles. Your urologist will help you to determine the cause of your incontinence so that you can get the right diagnosis and recommended treatment options.

Your urologist will look at your medical history and symptoms and may perform a physical exam to diagnose your male incontinence. They will usually ask you to provide a urine sample for analysis and you may need further tests such as x-rays or blood tests.

There are a range of treatment options for male incontinence. Your urologist will recommend a treatment based on their diagnosis of the cause of your incontinence issues. Treatment options may include making positive lifestyle changes – such as reducing alcohol intake and maintaining a healthy weight – or using devices like penile clamps. If you are looking for a longer-term option, you may wish to consider incontinence treatments like the male sling system or an artificial urinary sphincter.

The prostate grows naturally with age. It is very common for men over the age of 50 to have an enlarged prostate.This enlargement rarely becomes a serious health problem, but because the prostate surrounds the urethra near your bladder, an enlarged prostate can interfere with your ability to urinate.

No. Having an enlarged prostate does not mean you have prostate cancer. It does not even mean that you are more likely to develop prostate cancer. However, since the symptoms of both conditions can be similar, it is important to have your urologist check you to be sure.

Prostate enlargement is one of many reasons why you might need to get up at night to urinate.The need to urinate at night could also indicate a urinary tract infection or inflammation of the prostate (prostatitis) and there are also non-medical reasons. You should make an appointment with your urologist to discuss your symptoms and what you can do to improve them.

There are a few things that could increase your risk of having an enlarged prostate, including your age, certain medical conditions, and yes, having a family history of the condition.

There are several ways to treat prostate enlargement. While surgery is one option, you should talk to your urologist to find out which treatments may be best to suit your condition and goals.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer affecting men, with the number of prostate cancer cases predicted to rise to 2.9 million annually worldwide by 2040.

Prostate cancer primarily affects men over the age of 50, with the most common age to be diagnosed being between 70 and 74 years old. However, it can affect anyone at any time. People who have a family history of prostate cancer, breast cancer or ovarian cancer could be at greater risk. Black men are also more likely to develop the disease.

Some of the tests you may need to confirm a diagnosis of prostate cancer include:

• a physical exam
• a digital rectal exam
• a PSA blood test that checks for a specific antigen that’s made by cells in the prostate gland
• a biopsy, which is where a small sample of prostate tissue is removed and looked at under a microscope

There are a range of different treatments for prostate cancer, including radiation therapy, chemotherapy, cryotherapy, surgery, hormone therapy and more advanced, less-invasive treatments. Your healthcare provider will work with you to find the most suitable treatment for prostate cancer based on your individual circumstances.

The most common treatment option for prostate cancer is radiation therapy. There can be side effects. Many of the side effects of radiotherapy for prostate cancer are caused by radiation affecting the healthy cells near the prostate. You can help to reduce any damage to these healthy cells by using a product such as a hydrogel spacer.