How to Manage Painful Erections
Painful erections are usually more than a mild inconvenience. Learn what to do once it happens, including how the right treatment can help.
They say 40 is the new 30. You might feel like you still have your whole life ahead of you, but there’s no denying it: as you get older, your health needs change.
Your body has been through a lot over the years, and some of those changes increase your risk of health issues like enlarged prostate, prostate cancer, and sexual dysfunction.
The good news? Getting older doesn’t have to mean worsening health. Taking a proactive approach helps you identify any potential problems and ensure that they are properly treated before they seriously threaten your health.
As a urologist in La Jolla, California, Mike Hsieh, MD, specializes in men’s health. Our team is here to make it simpler to get the health care you need. So if you’re a man over 40, here’s why you should see a urologist regularly.
No matter how young you feel at heart, your body changes as you get older. These changes can put you at risk of some common health conditions, including:
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is an enlarged prostate. Your prostate gradually grows larger with age, and it may begin causing noticeable symptoms after age 40.
BPH can cause symptoms such as frequent urination, difficulty starting and stopping urination, and weak urine flow. BPH is not cancerous, but it can be uncomfortable and inconvenient.
About one-third of men experience moderate to severe BPH symptoms by age 60. As a urologist, Dr. Hsieh can diagnose your condition and provide treatment options to help alleviate your symptoms.
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men, and your risk increases as you get older — especially after age 50. About 60% of all prostate cancers are diagnosed in men over age 65.
Early detection is key to successful treatment. Unfortunately, prostate cancer doesn’t cause early warning signs. That means getting regular exams is the best way to protect your health.
At your urologist appointment, Dr. Hsieh can perform a digital rectal exam or a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test to check for signs of prostate cancer. If we detect cancer, we work with you to develop a treatment plan.
In addition to BPH and prostate cancer, Dr. Hsieh also checks your overall urinary and reproductive health. He can screen for common conditions, like urinary incontinence and kidney stones, to help you address any issues before they become more serious.
Along with your overall health, your sexual health may change as you get older. It’s not uncommon to experience changes in sexual function or performance. Low testosterone, erectile dysfunction, and even infertility are common issues that many men experience after age 40.
These issues can make you feel unlike yourself. Dr. Hsieh and our urology team are here to diagnose and treat any underlying conditions that may be causing these changes.
We check for signs of hormonal imbalance, along with other factors that could be contributing to your sexual dysfunction. When you visit the urologist regularly, we’re better able to monitor your health, track changes, and help you start treatment before problems get worse.
Whether it’s your prostate, urinary, or sexual health, early detection and treatment of potential problems can prevent more serious issues down the road. Don't wait until there is a problem — schedule regular visits with a urologist to maintain your urinary and reproductive health.
Is it time to schedule your next appointment? Call our La Jolla, California, office at 858-216-2561 or send us a message online today.
