Men's Health Archive

Whether or not to continue PSA testing after age 70 depends on many factors, but especially a man's family history of prostate cancer and how comfortable he is about getting a biopsy or treatment if the test results suggest possible cancer.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia, also known as an enlarged prostate, occurs in about 50% of men by age 60. It can lead to urination problems like a hesitant, interrupted, or weak urine stream; dribbling after urinating; a feeling that the bladder does not completely empty; and more frequent urination, especially at night. Medication and lifestyle changes are the first-line treatments, but if these don't work, men can choose from several types of surgery or less-invasive procedures to help manage symptoms.

For men with erectile problems, taking one of the four medications available can produce an erection 70% of the time.

Men's sex drive can wane and fluctuate with age, but that does not mean they still cannot enjoy a healthy and satisfying sex life. The goal to working with a changing sex drive is to focus more on the non-physical side of sex, which can help reignite the sexual spark for both people in the relationship. Examples include more romantic touching with your partner, communicating about each other's needs, and experimenting with different sex routines and practices.

After a man has had a radical prostatectomy, sometimes the level of the antigen PSA rises again later, meaning cancer may have returned. A study found that the normal therapy given when this happens is more effective when combined with other forms of treatment.

Unsweetened cocoa powder has variable amounts of health-promoting flavanols, depending on how it is processed. Fruits and vegetables are better sources of these compounds, which may improve blood pressure and blood sugar.

A 2022 study suggests that men who follow active surveillance for low-grade prostate cancer can manage stress and anxiety about their condition by following a high-intensity interval training program.

Active surveillance allows men with low- or intermediate-risk prostate cancer to avoid temporarily the side effects of invasive therapies, but men often feel anxious about their cancer. Emerging evidence suggests there may be a middle path between no treatment and aggressive therapies.

Premature ejaculation is common in older men, especially in a new sexual relationship. Partners can help the issue by trying the "stop-start" and "stop-squeeze" methods. Men also can ask their doctor about using an antidepressant that has delayed orgasm as a side effect.

Prostate cancer can progress over long durations, and if a man's tumor has features that predict slow growth, he can opt for active surveillance instead of immediate treatment. But when the time for treatment comes, up to a third of men still decide against it. Now, a new study finds that for some of these men, treatment can be safely delayed.