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PELVIC HEALTH PROBLEMS can affect both men and women. However, men are far less likely than women to discuss these problems freely and openly with their healthcare provider—whether due to embarrassment or the misconception that pelvic-health issues are just part of the natural aging process.
According to Suketu Patel, MD, of the Mercy Health Radiation Oncology Center at Mercy Health – Perrysburg Hospital, symptoms such as erectile dysfunction or changes in bladder or bowel habits can be warning signs of more serious problems, and men’s reluctance to acknowledge and discuss them is a huge barrier to getting the timely, effective treatment they need.
Among these potential underlying conditions is prostate cancer. Dr. Patel notes, “Prostate cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers in our nation and the world. In fact, one in eight men will be affected by prostate cancer in their lifetime, and the sooner it can be detected and treated, the better the outcome is likely to be.”
Dr. Patel further explains that the most common first symptom of prostate cancer is an issue with urination, for example difficulty initiating urination, frequent urination, urgency, leakage, or a weak urine stream. Erectile dysfunction and pain with intercourse are also potential warning signs of the disease.
Rather than wait for symptoms to arise, men are encouraged to get screened for prostate cancer so it can be identified at the earliest, most treatable stage. Though imperfect, a simple blood test to check the level of prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, is an important screening tool that can be helpful in detecting prostate cancer early on. “Of course, effective screening also involves being up to date in seeing your doctor and reporting any symptoms you might be experiencing,” Dr. Patel adds.
Specific recommendations for PSA testing vary from source to source, but the United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends testing between the ages of 55 and 69 and then discontinuing testing after age 70. “But a fair number of people are still getting diagnosed at a later age, so it’s important to discuss what’s appropriate for you with your doctor. Also, the risk of prostate cancer is higher for men with a family history of the disease as well as for Hispanic and African-American men. If you’re in a high-risk group or have a family history, your doctor might want you to start getting screened at a younger age, between 40 and 45,” Dr. Patel says.
Prostate cancer is highly treatable, and Mercy Health offers the highest quality care and state-of-the-art treatment options for patients diagnosed with the disease. For example, the Mercy Health Radiation Oncology Center now has the option of using SpaceOAR™ Hydrogel for men preparing to undergo radiation treatment. SpaceOAR is a polyethylene gel that is injected between the prostate and rectum to create a temporary barrier that reduces the radiation dose delivered to the rectum and helps maintain regular rectal function with minimal side effects. The gel is then absorbed naturally by the body within about six months of the procedure.
Dr. Patel explains, “When performing radiation treatments, you’re essentially targeting the inside of the body from the outside, which can irritate surrounding structures and tissues. In the case of prostate cancer, that includes the rectum and the bladder. We’ve been able to do a good job protecting the bladder by having patients keep it full by drinking water prior to treatment, but until recently, patients often experienced symptoms such as rectal irritation, or diarrhea during treatment. Now, using SpaceOAR, we can keep the rectum away from the treatment field, minimizing the risk of side effects. SpaceOAR also allows us to treat with a higher radiation dose each day, thereby reducing the total treatment time from six to eight weeks down to just two weeks. That means patients lose less time at work and can get back to their normal activities and hobbies much faster.”
Men in our community who experience issues related to pelvic floor muscle dysfunction are also encouraged to take advantage of the Mercy Health Physical Therapy Pelvic Health Program. In this comprehensive, individualized men’s-health program, offered at Mercy Health – Perrysburg Outpatient Rehabilitation and Therapy as well as at Mercy Health – Sunforest Outpatient Rehabilitation and Therapy, highly trained pelvic health physical therapists help patients strengthen and improve coordination of pelvic floor muscles (the group of muscles that work together to allow for normal bladder, bowel, and sexual function) to gain more control over symptoms and reclaim their quality of life.
Urinary or fecal incontinence, overactive or weak bladder, urinary retention, constipation, pelvic-organ prolapse, and post-prostatectomy recovery are just some of the conditions that can be improved through this program. “Pelvic floor rehab is important for both men and women, especially if they’ve had surgery. We also know that a big part of men’s health is how they feel after treatment, so we make sure any symptoms such as urinary incontinence are addressed and controlled,” Dr. Patel states.
Though men are often reluctant to discuss a problem like prostate cancer—along with the fears and emotions associated with the disease and its treatment—many find it easier to open up and speak candidly when surrounded by others who have been through the same experience. The Mercy Health Prostate Cancer Support Program was developed to fulfill this vital need.
Facilitated by a prostate cancer survivor, the support group is open to all prostate cancer survivors as well as their spouses and partners. Meetings are held on the fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Mercy Health – St. Anne Hospital in Conference Room 1 (located on the third floor).
Prostate Cancer Support Program participants have the opportunity to learn about the diagnosis, treatment options, side effects, and ways to cope with prostate cancer, as well as to share their questions and concerns with others in the group. In addition, guest speakers will share medical information throughout the year to help survivors understand exactly what they’re facing.
For more information on the Mercy Health Physical Therapy Pelvic Health Program, please call 419-251-8788 (Perrysburg) or 419-251-1121 (Toledo). To learn more about the Mercy Health Prostate Cancer Support Program at Mercy Health – St. Anne Hospital, please call Roger Augustyniak at 419-476-2755.
