Category: News

There seems to be a link between Peyronie’s disease, low T, and erectile dysfunction, but it’s not entirely clear which comes first. The decreased rigidity, which naturally comes with ED, may be a risk factor for penile fractures, trauma, and Peyronie’s disease. Let’s learn more about the relationship between Peyronie’s, low T, and erectile dysfunction.

Some Definitions

Urologists report that Peyronie’s disease, low T, and erectile dysfunction are three of the most common issues that they treat.

Low T refers to low testosterone. This sexual hormone deficiency is a condition which affects many men. There are ways to treat it, and the urologists at Nashville Men’s Health can help.

Erectile dysfunction, or ED, is the inability for a man to get and maintain an erection strong enough and long enough to have sexual intercourse. Many men report they have ED prior to Peyronie’s disease. Millions of men suffer from this, and it usually is associated with age, although young men can have it as well.

Peyronie’s disease is a condition where fibrous scar tissue and plaque develops on the penis leading to a curved painful erection possibly from an injury. In many cases you can feel it under the skin as flat lumps or a band of hard tissue. Peyronie’s disease symptoms may appear suddenly or develop gradually. The penis may become shorter or bend to the right, left, downward, or upward.

Causal Relationships

Can any one of these conditions lead to one or the other two? In some cases, yes.

Erectile dysfunction and/or low T can result in Peyronie’s disease. When you have ED and it is difficult to maintain a rigid penis during sexual intercourse, it is possible to injure the penis leading to Peyronie’s. In addition, low T can contribute to difficulty maintaining an erect penis.

ED and low T can exacerbate Peyronie’s disease if someone already has it.

Low testosterone and Peyronie’s disease can eventually lead to erectile dysfunction. When a man does not have sufficient testosterone, it lowers his sex drive. Peyronie’s disease makes sexual intercourse painful, so the combination may cause a man to find sex less desirable.

There are multiple physical, psychological and emotional issues at play here. It takes an expert to sift through the causes of each, diagnose the condition(s), and decide upon a successful treatment plan.

Visit Nashville Men’s Health to determine the cause or causes of ED, low T, or Peyronie’s disease and develop a plan to improve the quality of your sexual life. Call (615) 250-9395 to schedule an appointment at our office in our men’s health clinics throughout Nashville.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men, but when detected early, it is often treatable, with many patients going on to live long, healthy lives. Understanding the early signs of prostate cancer, recognizing the risk factors, and knowing when to seek medical advice are essential steps in improving the chances of successful treatment.

Below, we take a look at the key symptoms of prostate cancer, the risk factors involved, and the diagnostic tests that can help detect the condition early.

What is Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer is cancer that begins in the prostate, a small walnut-shaped gland that produces seminal fluid, which nourishes and transports sperm. Prostate cancer is typically slow-growing and may not cause significant symptoms in its early stages, which is why early detection is so important. There are different types of prostate cancer, but most cases are adenocarcinomas, which begin in the glandular cells of the prostate.

While prostate cancer can be serious, especially when it spreads beyond the prostate, many men with early-stage prostate cancer can be successfully treated with surgery, radiation, or other therapies.

Early Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

Recognizing the early signs of prostate cancer can help ensure that you seek medical attention sooner, potentially leading to better outcomes. Some of the most common symptoms associated with prostate cancer include:

• Frequent Urination: This is especially noticeable at night, a condition known as nocturia. Frequent urges to urinate may indicate an enlarged prostate or other issues related to prostate health.
• Difficulty with Urination: Men with prostate cancer may experience trouble starting or stopping urination. The urine stream may be weak or interrupted, and it may take longer to empty the bladder fully.
• Painful Urination or Ejaculation: Pain or a burning sensation while urinating or during ejaculation can be a sign that the prostate is affected.
• Blood or Semen In Urine: Blood or semen in the urine is a concerning symptom that should be investigated immediately.
• Persistent Pain in the Lower Back, Hips, or Pelvis: Pain in these areas can sometimes indicate that the cancer has spread beyond the prostate, but it can also occur in the early stages. Any unexplained or persistent pain should be taken seriously.

Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer

Certain factors can increase a man’s risk of developing prostate cancer. Understanding these risk factors can help guide decisions about screenings and preventive measures:

• Age: Prostate cancer is most commonly diagnosed in men over the age of 50. The risk increases significantly with age, with men over 65 at higher risk.
• Family History: A family history of prostate cancer can increase your chances of developing the disease. If a father or brother has had prostate cancer, you may be at greater risk.
• Genetics: Some inherited genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations, have been linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer.
• Race: African American men are at higher risk for prostate cancer, and they tend to be diagnosed at younger ages and with more aggressive forms of the disease.

When to See a Urologist

If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, or if you fall into a higher risk category, it’s important to consult with a board-certified urologist like Nashville Men’s Health. Early detection of prostate cancer is key to successful treatment, so don’t hesitate to seek medical advice.

Even if you don’t have noticeable symptoms, it’s still important for men over the age of 50 (or younger if they have risk factors) to discuss screening options with their doctor. Regular screening can help detect cancer before symptoms appear, potentially leading to earlier, more effective treatments.

Diagnostic Tests for Prostate Cancer

Several diagnostic tests are used to confirm the presence of prostate cancer and assess its severity:

• PSA Test (Prostate-Specific Antigen): The PSA blood test measures the level of PSA, a substance produced by the prostate. Elevated PSA levels can be a sign of prostate cancer, although other conditions, like benign prostate enlargement, can also cause high PSA levels.
• Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): In a DRE, the doctor physically examines the prostate by inserting a gloved finger into the rectum to feel for any abnormal lumps or hard areas on the prostate.
• Biopsy: If the PSA test or DRE suggests prostate cancer, a biopsy may be performed. During this procedure, small tissue samples are taken from the prostate and examined under a microscope to confirm the presence of cancer.

Prostate Cancer Screening in Nashville, TN

Recognizing the early signs of prostate cancer and understanding the risk factors involved can make a significant difference in the outcome of treatment. If you experience symptoms like changes in urination, pain, or blood in urine or semen, don’t wait to contact the urologists at Nashville Men’s Health, at (615) 250-9370.

Regular screenings and consultations with a urologist are key to early detection, which is crucial for the successful management of prostate cancer. If you are at higher risk for prostate cancer, be proactive in discussing your screening options and potential next steps.