Erectile dysfunction, also known as impotence, is characterized by a man’s inability to get and maintain an erection for intercourse. Research from the Cleveland Clinic (CC) estimates that erectile dysfunction is experienced by 40% of males over age 40, and 70% of males 70-years of age and older. The CC also notes that males with other existing health conditions (i.e., diabetes and heart disease) are often more prone to impotence. While the majority of men will experience erectile issues infrequently, impotence is not considered an issue that requires medical attention unless it becomes a regular occurrence. Ongoing erectile problems can indicate an underlying health issue (i.e., endocrine disease, such as diabetes and neurologic conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease). Also, impotence can lead to undue anxiety and significantly impact a patient’s self esteem and personal relationships. The most common and ongoing symptoms of erectile dysfunction include: 1. Difficulty getting and maintaining an erection 2. Other sexual issues — including delayed or premature ejaculation. 3. Decreased sexual libido — or loss of interest in intimacy. If you suffer from these symptoms frequently, talk to your family doctor. As mentioned, several underlying health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, depression, and diabetes, as well as the medications used to treat these conditions, can cause erectile issues to occur and may be the first indicator that your health is compromised.

Men who suspect they have erectile dysfunction (ED) or impotence should talk to their doctor immediately. To diagnose impotence, your doctor will typically ask a series of questions and take stock of your medical history. A physical exam, in which your doctor examinations your penis and testicles and tests for nerve sensation, is commonplace in order to diagnose erectile dysfunction, and before treatment can be recommended. Further testing may be necessary if you suffer from a chronic health condition (i.e., diabetes) or your doctor suspects an underlying condition may be present, including: Psychological assessment – Anxiety and/or depression are common mental and emotional causes of erectile dysfunction. Urinalysis – A urine test can help pinpoint underlying health factors, like diabetes. Blood sample – A blood test may be conducted to check the patient for the presence of low testosterone, cardiovascular disease, or diabetes. Simulated erection test – This test stimulates blood flow to cause an erection by injecting drugs into the penis. Ultrasound – Image testing can is conducted with a transducer to check for issues with blood vessels and blood supply to the penis. Depending on the above mentioned tests, your doctor can determine the cause of your impotence and if an underlying health issue is the cause, and offer these common treatment options:

Lung cancer is called the “silent killer” for good reason. This cancer can often strikes silently, meaning some patients experience few and only mild symptoms until the advanced stages of the disease when the prognosis is negative. A scary thought when you consider that roughly 212,584 Americans, 111,907 of them men, are diagnosed with lung cancer each year, according to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While the early warning signs of lung cancer can be mild or almost non-existent, it’s vital that you bring any unusual symptoms to your doctor’s attention immediately so the cancer can be diagnosed as early as possible when treatment is typically more successful. Some treatment options include Zepzelca, Alecensa, Rybevrant, and ROS1 tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) or ROS1 inhibitor, OPDIVO (nivolumab) combined with YERVOY (ipilimumab). If you’re thinking of donating to some organizations, the best cancer foundations to donate to are American Cancer Society (ACS), National Cancer Institute (NCI), Susan G. Komen for the Cure, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Cancer Research Institute (CRI), and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). The most typical early warning symptoms of lung cancer are as follows: 1. Persistent cough A cough that does not go away should always be concerning, particularly if it only gets worse with time.

Much can change in a decade, including treatments for certain types of cancer. Lung cancer is no exception with scientists continuing their tireless work on new advancements in the research of cancer tumor growth, targeted therapies, and emerging fields of cancer research (i.e., immunotherapy) that are able to diagnose lung cancer earlier, and provide successful treatment even in the advanced stages of the disease. These recent therapies are having a significant effect on the survival of lung cancer patients: Targeted therapies Cancer researchers at Ohio State University’s Comprehensive Cancer Center, are making advancements in targeted therapies designed to analyze the genetic makeup of cancer, and limit the genetic mutations that drive cancer cell growth. As such, new and more precise molecular tests are being developed so proper treatment can be mapped for the patient at the point of diagnosis to improve the success of their cancer therapy. Combined chemotherapy Recent clinical trials over the past few years are making chemotherapy drugs (and chemo and radiation used together) safer and more effective by studying patterns of the specific genes within the cancer cells. Ongoing lab studies are testing the response of chemo drugs (i.e, carboplatin and gemcitabine) on once thought unresponsive tumors (with high levels of ERCC1 and RRM1 proteins).

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (or BPH) refers to an enlarged prostate gland. BPH stands for benign prostatic hyperplasia, or enlarged prostate gland, a common condition among aging males. In fact, BPH occurs in 50% of all men between 51- and 60-years of age, while approximately 90% of males 80-years and older have enlarged prostates. An enlarged prostate can be troublesome in nature because it squeezes and narrows the urethra and causes the bladder to become weak, sensitive, and unable to empty completely, leading to urinary retention and frequency. Benign prostatic hyperplasia, hence the name, although benign in nature (or non-cancerous) doesn’t increase the risk of cancer development, even though BPH and cancer can develop in patients simultaneously. Throughout a man’s life, the prostate gland will undergo 2 growth periods —the first occurs during puberty when the prostate typically doubles in size. The second growth period (when BPH can also develop) occurs at approximately 25-years of age and can continue to growing with age. Urinary retention (when the bladder doesn’t fully empty) should be considered extremely concerning because it can leave a patient at risk for several health issues, including: Urinary incontinence Acute urinary retention (or the inability to urinate) Blood in the urine UTIs (or urinary tract infections) Bladder stones Permanent bladder damage Damage to kidneys Therefore, the following symptoms of an enlarged prostate or BPH should be brought to the attention of a medical professional as soon as possible: