Penile Rehabilitation
Dr. Gittens' penile rehabilitation protocol maximizes the chances of having a recovery to functional erections after treatment of prostate cancer. There are over 185,000 new cases of prostate cancer diagnosed yearly. The majority of men who are treated either undergo a radical prostatectomy, or some form of radiation therapy. These treatments are effective, but damage the nerves, blood vessels and the muscles of the penis, which leads to some form of erectile dysfunction in up to 90% of men. Permanent erectile dysfunction may be avoided by beginning a penile rehabilitation program. Dr. Gittens' program starts either weeks before your prostate cancer treatment, or can begin after treatment has been initiated. To increase your opportunity for erections after prostate cancer, an active approach to treatment should be taken.
Monthly Men's Health Newsletter
by Dr. Gittens
Rite of passage
In today’s society, milestones are not the same as they once were. We no longer have to journey into the wilderness and chase down the largest bear, or prove our rite of passage with a bloody duel. Today, for men of an older age, the rite of passage has become the rectal exam. Prostate cancer is the most common malignant non-skin cancer among men in the United States, and the second leading cause of male cancer deaths. There is much debate over the topic and the screening. Nonetheless, according to the American Urological Society, screening should be performed. This consists of an examination of the prostate by placing a finger in the rectum, and a blood test called a PSA. PSA stands for Prostate Specific Antigen, which is a protein, produced by the prostate. Your primary care provider may refer you to an urologist if your PSA is elevated or if it increases at an abnormal rate.