Thursday, May 7, 2009

Handle Impotence After Prostate Cancer

According to the Mayo Clinic, prostate cancer risk increases with age--men who are 50 years of age or older are much more likely to develop this condition. Symptoms of prostate cancer include pain while urinating or ejaculating, difficulty starting flow of urine, or partial incontinence. One surgical solution for prostate cancer is removal of all or part of the prostate gland, a procedure that can result in the side effect of impotence.


Instructions


Handling Impotence


1. Learn to cope with impotence psychologically in order to more fully accept its potential presence in your life. Although in an ideal world you would neither be afflicted with impotence or prostate cancer, the reality is that your decision was limited to removal of prostate cancer and the possibility of impotence or eventual death from the condition. You made the choice that allowed you to live, and while that will not heal the psychological pain of the impotence, remembering that should allow you to put things in perspective.


2. Practice pelvic floor exercises as a potential treatment for impotence. According to the medical health site NetDoctor.uk, practicing kegels by repeatedly contracting the pelvic floor muscles (the ones that halt your urine stream) might be able to help with some cases of impotence. Aim to complete 50 reps every morning and another 50 reps at night, building up to that goal slowly if you find that your pelvic floor muscles tend to tire easily.


3. Consider prescription medications and other treatment means for correcting impotence. Medications such as Cialis and Viagra can potentially help you achieve an erection. Additionally, other procedures such as penis pumps, implants, and injections can help to give back what prostate cancer has taken away. Consult with your physician to determine the viability of one or more of these types of treatment.







Tags: prostate cancer, pelvic floor, floor muscles, pelvic floor muscles, prostate cancer, that your, with impotence