For men with advanced prostate cancer, a key goal of treatment is to reduce testosterone levels as low as possible.

This is often accomplished by hormone therapy. Although hormone therapy is used to reduce testosterone levels, it can sometimes initially increase testosterone through a surge instead.

A testosterone surge results from a type of hormone therapy known as Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists, including leuprolide. This surge, also called a flare, may stimulate tumor growth and cause painful and potentially dangerous symptoms in some men such as bone pain, urinary retention and neurological damage. I

n addition, the therapeutic benefits of GnRH treatment may be delayed.

Doctors take steps to counteract testosterone surge; risks may be reduced by prescribing an additional medication known as an antiandrogen, which blocks the negative effects of testosterone surge. While risks are reduced, though, they are not eliminated.

There is, however, a novel treatment option that reduces testosterone levels immediately, without any testosterone surge and without the need for an additional medication to block surges. FIRMAGON® (degarelix for injection) is a GnRH antagonist and gives men with locally advanced prostate cancer an important treatment alternative in their quest to beat advanced prostate cancer.

FIRMAGON provides surge-free reduction in testosterone in 96 percent of men by day three of treatment.

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer, as well as the second leading cause of cancer death, in American men. About one man in six will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime; one in 35 will die of the disease. For men with advanced prostate cancer, particularly metastatic disease, lowering testosterone levels is an important goal of treatment.

This is because testosterone affects the growth of the prostate and any cancer cells that may be present. One way to lower testosterone is hormonal therapy (HT).

For more information about prostate cancer, talk to your doctor and visit www.firmagon.com

© 2010, Mensvita – Anti Aging and Health Portal for men. All rights reserved. On republishing this post you must provide link to original post.

According to research recently reported in the New England Journal of Medicine, a prescription drug used in the treatment of prostate enlargement may significantly reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer.

Avodart which is developed and manufactured by pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline has announced the company’s intention to seek approval from the US Food and Drug Administration to expand use of the drug to include the right to market the drug as a risk reduction measure to men who are at an elevated risk of developing prostate cancer.

The drug is believed to reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer by nearly a quarter.

Avodart is already available on the market which will enable doctors to prescribe it to those at risk for developing the potentially fatal disease. Many insurance companies will not be willing to cover the cost of the treatment at nearly $3.25 per pill without FDA approval in fighting prostate cancer. Finasteride is the generic drug form of the medication and is available at a cheaper cost.

Prostate cancer is among the top most predominate cancers diagnosed in men. An estimated 192,000 men are diagnosed with the disease each year. Countless others remain undiagnosed and their condition realized until after death from other causes. Nearly 27,000 men die each year as a result of prostate cancer.

© 2010, Mensvita – Anti Aging and Health Portal for men. All rights reserved. On republishing this post you must provide link to original post.

For all men who want to prevent prostate cancer:  Drink coffee and work out!

New studies have shown that Coffee is good for prostate cancer. WedMD reports on a study presented this at the American Association for Cancer Research.

The study showed men who drank more coffee were almost 60 percent less likely to develop advanced prostate cancer than the guys who steered clear of java.

Researchers analyzed info from the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study. The data included coffee drinking habits of around 50,000 men from 1986 to 2006.

Researchers believe it’s not just caffeine in coffee that offers prostate cancer prevention because men who drank decaf had similar results.

Here’s a downloadable booklet, Nutrition, Exercise and Prostate Cancer

© 2009, Mensvita – Anti Aging and Health Portal for men. All rights reserved. On republishing this post you must provide link to original post.

Most people who hear the phrase “anal prostate massage” will not have a positive reaction to the idea. The prostate in males is considered analogous to the G-spot in females.

Many heterosexual men consider the stimulation of the anal region to be an activity that only homosexuals engage in, and are therefore likely to be disgusted by the idea of anal stimulation.

A lack of sex education in early childhood in Western cultures may cause males to be unaware of the muscles in the pelvic floor and to clench them more easily during lovemaking, or cause a chronic stress condition in these muscles.

Such practices may limit the sexual experiences of males and cause premature ejaculation, leading men to believe that extended lovemaking without ejaculation is an impossibility.

Massaging of the prostate has been practiced for centuries in all cultures, and in a variety of ways. It has been used to correct sexual dysfunction and to increase blood flow and sex drive.

Massaging the prostate gland, or “milking” as it is commonly called, increases blood circulation to the pelvic region and thus carries more oxygen and nutrients to the entire area.

Articles in current medical literature suggest that prostate massage can be used as a treatment for:

* Chronic inflammation of the prostate (prostatitis)
* Infertility (sterility)
* Benign prostatic enlargement (hypertrophy of the prostate)
* As a preventative measure

A quick intro to prostate massage

Bild: © Adam Borkowski – Fotolia.com

© 2009, Mensvita – Anti Aging and Health Portal for men. All rights reserved. On republishing this post you must provide link to original post.

Prostate cancer affects many men each year, bringing with it uncertainty and fear. But, there are ways in which the risk of prostate cancer can be lowered and moderate exercise is a method that can help.

Recently, research has found that men who get regular, moderate exercise may have a lower risk of developing prostate cancer. This research information also includes fast-growing, aggressive tumors.

From research conducted recently, researchers found that with a group of 190 men who had biopsies done for prostate cancer, those who committed to moderate exercise, were less likely to be diagnosed for the disease. The exercise that the men did in the research study was three to six hours of walking per week; an exercise routine that is safe and effective for most men.

Of course, these research findings don’t prove that exercise prevents prostate cancer but they do offer information that may encourage men to become more active. In addition, the research study also showed that the men who were diagnosed with prostate cancer, 51 percent of them–sedentary patients– had a more aggressive cancer; while those who had been somewhat active—just 22 percent of them had the aggressive cancer.

These facts are helpful and insightful because exercise has been found to also lower blood levels of testosterone and other hormones that might possibly stimulate prostate tumor growth. And, exercise helps to stimulate the immune system and natural antioxidants in the body—all of which may prevent the development of prostate cancer. But what makes this research study particularly helpful and informative, is that to lessen the prostate cancer risk, something as simple as moderate exercise has been found to be beneficial and in some ways, healing and possibly preventing prostate cancer!

And, it has been speculated recently that being overweight, over the age of 50 or having other medical conditions are factors that may also be associated with higher risks for prostate cancer. In particular, being overweight or obese has been found to be contributing factors in other types of cancers, giving credence to the importance of losing weight and eating healthier foods such as salads, fresh fruits and vegetables, fish and any dietary supplements that might help prevent cancers of all sorts.

Picture: © Kurhan – Fotolia.com

© 2009, Mensvita – Anti Aging and Health Portal for men. All rights reserved. On republishing this post you must provide link to original post.

A new study reveals the health benefits of cranberries. Over 30 nutrition scientists were on hand at a recent conference to discuss the new findings. The findings included the anti-adhesion properties and antibacterial properties. They also promised further research into the anti-aging and anti-cancer qualities.

Cranberries have long been used as a treatment for urinary tract infections. The antioxidants and proanthocyanidins, also known as PACs have shown they can also protect against the e-coli bacteria. E-coli is the cause for more than 95% of the reported UTIs. The PACs in the cranberries work as anti-adhesives, making it harder for the bacteria to infect our cells and cause an infection. Drinking a 16oz glass of cranberry juice cocktail, provided eight hours of protection against the harmful bacteria.

The same principle is applied to other areas of the body. The stomach, small intestine, and oral cavity can also benefit from the cranberry PACs. Drinking cranberry juice can protect against gum disease and cavities. There is hope that the cranberry juice can also help protect against foodborne e-coli strains, which can be life threatening.

There have also been studies done with animals to test how useful cranberries are to achieving good cardiovascular health. The study involved feeding animals a high fat diet and two doses of cranberry juice cocktail. A second group was only fed the high fat diet. Preliminary findings indicate the animals that were given the cranberry juice had decreased atherosclerotic development. This is being attributed to the antioxidants in the cranberries.

There are a number of ongoing studies to determine the effectiveness cranberries may have against certain cancers. Studies at this point have found that breast, colon and prostate cancer may benefit from the intake of cranberry juice cocktail. More studies will need to be conducted to confirm these results.

Picture: Cranberry bog from [1], Image Number K4414-14. A coastal Washington cranberry bog. Photo by Keith Weller.

© 2009, Mensvita – Anti Aging and Health Portal for men. All rights reserved. On republishing this post you must provide link to original post.

Since the introduction of Viagra into the mainstream market in the late 1990s, erectile dysfunction has become an acceptable subject to talk about amongst friends and with sexual partners.

Men have benefited from this subject being brought to light. There are a number of major health concerns that are related to erectile dysfunction. The subject is much easier to talk about with doctors, and doctors are able to do further tests that could ultimately save a man’s life.

According to a study by the Mayo Clinic, up to 30 million men may experience erectile dysfunction. Diabetes and cardiovascular disease are just some of the medical problems that lead to erectile dysfunction. With treatment of the underlying cause, men may return to a normal, healthy sex life. Some men, may need the extra help that Viagra or other oral medications can provide.

Men that are taking medication for other medical illnesses may actually be experiencing side effects that are causing the erectile dysfunction. These are known side effects and a doctor may be able to switch medications to relieve the problem.

Men undergoing treatment for prostate or rectal cancer may experience erectile dysfunction. Unfortunately, the Prostate Cancer Foundation has reported that 50% of prostate cancer patients who undergo external radiation, may have erectile dysfunction for up to two years after treatment. As soon as treatment is finished, the patient needs to start erectile dysfunction treatment. The sooner the better.

Men that are being treated for high blood pressure or high cholesterol may not be able to get the benefits of an oral medication used to treat erectile dysfunction. They can be dangerous when used with certain medications.

There are other treatments available for the men who are unable to take the classic Viagra type medicine. An alternative is an injection of vasodilators into the penis using an applicator. This type of treatment has little to no side effects. A doctor will be able to explain the options available and whether a person is a candidate for those options. Not every treatment will be right for every man. Underlying health conditions are a major facto in deciding the best way to go.

Picture: © MAXFX – Fotolia.com

© 2009, Mensvita – Anti Aging and Health Portal for men. All rights reserved. On republishing this post you must provide link to original post.

You might be surprised to learn that over 80 percent of men know little to nothing about prostate health. A startling statistic considering there are many different kinds of prostate problems a man can experience. Cancer is just one potential prostate health concern, other important issues to watch for include:

* Benign prostatic hyperplasia: a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate that can cause difficulty urinating
* Prostatitis: an inflammation of the prostate gland
* Erectile dysfunction: the inability to achieve and/or maintain an erection
* Urinary incontinence: the inability to control urination

For one week this month the Prostate Conditions Education Council (PCEC) will be coordinating Prostate Cancer Awareness Week (PCAW), which provides free or low-cost screenings to thousands of men across the United States.

Prostate problems are common in men age 40 and older, but I advise all men to pay attention to the signs and symptoms of these prostate conditions.

Get checked for these conditions as part of your yearly prostate cancer screening. When it comes to your health, early detection is always best.

Although prostate cancer is one of the most prevalent forms of cancer among American men, it is also one of the most treatable. But if you don’t know you have the disease, how can you begin to treat it?

Since screening is crucial to saving lives, we recommend that all men over the age of 45 years and high risk males over the age of 40 years – including those with a family history of prostate cancer and African-American men who are twice as likely to develop the disease – get screened for prostate cancer yearly.

To find a PCAW screening site near you and for more information on prostate cancer, please visit www.prostateconditions.org or call toll free 866-4PROST8.

© 2009, Mensvita – Anti Aging and Health Portal for men. All rights reserved. On republishing this post you must provide link to original post.

Life Stages: the 60s

The 60s can be a good time in your life. If you have kids, they are probably grown and out of the house, and perhaps grandchildren have entered the picture. This is a time in your life where you may be free to do the things you enjoy, but never had time for.

It is important, however, to keep in mind that taking good care of yourself may help you live a longer, more productive, more pain-free life.
It is important that you stay active at this age. Staying active can help you maintain flexibility and strength, help keep your bones, brain, and mind healthy, and help you keep excess pounds off. Walking is an exercise almost anyone can do.

Any amount of time spent exercising is better than spending no time exercising. This may be a good time to take up a new sport or leisure activity such as tai chi, yoga, bocci ball, or depending on your fitness level, perhaps taking up softball, bowling, or hiking. Always check with your doctor before starting any new activity or exercise program.

If you have aches and pains, discuss these with your doctor. Sometimes anti-inflammatory drugs or other drugs will be prescribed, but keep in mind there are sometimes alternatives to drugs such as acupuncture and mind/body exercises.

Lifting weights is a good activity to add to your exercise program if okay-ed by your doctor. You tend to lose muscle and bone density as you age, and lifting weights will help slow both of these processes as well as help you lose and/or maintain your weight, as muscle burns more calories than fat.

Exercise is good for the mind, as it helps to create and maintain brain connections, as well as helps to ward off depression. Socializing is also an excellent way to help keep a sharp mind and healthy brain. If you feel depressed for over two weeks and are having other depressive symptoms such as not sleeping, over-eating or not eating, feelings of worthlessness, or any feelings of self-injury or suicide, it is important that you see your doctor immediately, as in most cases, depression is treatable with drugs and/or therapy.

Volunteering is a good way to stay active, meet new people, and feel productive, while giving to others.
Other health issues to be aware of at this age are colon/rectal cancer, other cancers, diabetes, cardio-vascular disease, hearing and vision problems, and any other health issues that may run in your family. Loss of libido and hair loss are often concerns which you may want to discuss with your doctor, but they are not usually life-threatening problems.

You are basically the same person as you were before turning sixty. At this stage in life you will have losses to cope with, but hopefully you have gained wisdom through life and are well equipped to deal with them. Getting older is a time to do the things you want to do, not a time to focus on what you can no longer do.

Stay active, eat a healthy diet, maintain a healthy weight, and stay socially active. Research has shown that those who are more socially active and have more support and spend more time giving to others and interacting with others, generally live longer, and are generally happier and healthier.

To ensure ongoing health, the screening tests below are recommended.

Picture: © Justin Paget – Fotolia.com

Read Part One: Life Stages: the 50s

© 2009, Mensvita – Anti Aging and Health Portal for men. All rights reserved. On republishing this post you must provide link to original post.

Your Body at Age Fifty

Men and woman go through many stages of life. Reaching the age of fifty brings new health concerns to a man who had, up to now had been busy working to help feed and clothe his family that he neglected to heed the warnings to get a checkup by a doctor at least once a year.

There are many health issues that become important at this age. One in particular that might have up to now been neglected is having the prostate gland examined. This is one of the easiest areas to be tested as it only takes a blood test and a simple rectal exam. By neglecting these simple tests you might have been walking around with prostate cancer at an advanced state. Prostate cancer can kill if not found and treated in its earliest stages.

Another area that might cause a problem at this stage of life that a man is too embarrassed to ask his physician about is Erectile Dysfunction. Many men are too embarrassed to discuss it and so they ignore it. He makes all kinds of excuses to his wife for his lack of sexual interest.

He might say he is just too tired, and turn over and ignore her when she tries to lure him sexually. Others make sure they are too busy to go to sleep when his wife goes to bed in the hopes of finding her already asleep. Most of the time the inability to get and maintain an erection is due to stress but one will never know until he gets a physical and discusses his problem honestly with his doctor. Today, there are pills to take for those who suffer from erectile dysfunction but they should not be taken until a complete physical has been taken.

Reaching the age of fifty is the time to enjoy life and remain active. A healthy and proper diet is essential to prevent weight gain and to lower the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Heart health become more important at this age. Cut back on foods that are high in cholesterol. Have your blood pressure checked regularly either by a doctor or the blood pressure machines found in most drug stores. Hypertension is the ‘silent killer’ so keep ahead of it by regular checkups and a proper diet.

While a glass of wine a day is recommended do not drink more than 2 units of alcohol at day to keep your liver healthy.

Cut out or cut down on smoking. Smoking can lead to lung cancer and heart disease. The fact that you are already into your fifties is no excuse for you to continue smoking. Stopping at any age will benefit your health.

Make sure you stick to a healthy diet. Include a variety of fresh fruits fish, vegetables and salads using a dressing of olive oil instead of the higher caloric dressings. Cut back on your intake of animal fats. These fats tend to clog the arteries and cause a heart attack that can be fatal.

Not all is doom and gloom at the age of fifty. Many men in this age group are and will continue to be hearty, healthy, active and more fit that men half their age. With very little effort this could be you.

Many men who have not already had their midlife crisis at 40, might experience it in their fifties. Suddenly it might disturb them as they suddenly wonder if ‘this is as good as it gets’. This is when they might get restless and attempt to turn back the clock in their quest for inner satisfaction. Some might make outlandish purchases that a younger man might make. Others have an affair with a younger woman in search for renewed sexual excitement. Frustration might lead to him drinking, smoking or overeating. He might even turn to pills to give him a calming effect.

Understand that the fifties are not the end of your life. For some it is just the beginning. See this as a new and exciting stage that can open new doors for you. This is the time to set new challenging and exciting goals. Use your lifetime experiences to help others. Teach an adult education class subjects you are well versed in. Learn something new. Do things you have always wanted to do but never had the chance to do until you reached the age of 50.

Have these screening tests during your fifties and you could cut out a good deal of problems later in life.

Picture © Image Ination – Fotolia.com
Read Part Two: Life Stages: the 60s

© 2009, Mensvita – Anti Aging and Health Portal for men. All rights reserved. On republishing this post you must provide link to original post.