Men, Take Charge of Your Health
Urologists do more than treat prostate troubles. They improve men’s daily lives, especially for those over 40 and beginning to experience urinary or sexual issues, no matter how minor. As experts in men’s health, they know how to discuss, address, and prevent urinary and sexual dysfunctions, putting you at ease and giving you solid solutions.
SLV Health’s Urology Clinic now treats more men and women than ever with the addition of Daniel Sours, nurse practitioner (NP), full-time urology provider since January 2022. With Daniel’s empathetic presence and urology expertise, the clinic tackles sensitive issues men face.
Take the prostate for example. Typically, young men have a prostate the size of a walnut. As men age, it grows to the approximate size of a golf ball. In older men, it might grow to the size of a tennis ball or larger. This growing prostate could be cancerous but is usually benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlarged prostate that makes urinating a frustrating task.
Prostate cancer affects 1 in 8 men during their lifetime, with the risk increasing rapidly over age 65. Thankfully, with treatment, the 5-year survival rate of prostate cancer patients is 99%, and the 15-year survival rate is 95%. This is because it is a very treatable and typically slow-growing cancer.
As for sexual dysfunction, about 1 in 10 men in their late 40s and early 50s experience declining libido and erectile dysfunction while nearly two-thirds of all men over age 45 experience one or both.
SLVH’s urology clinic can check your testosterone levels with a blood test and, if necessary, prescribe a testosterone replacement usually covered by insurance.
The urology team also addresses erectile dysfunction with treatments such as medications, pelvic floor exercises, lifestyle improvements, and counseling.
Here are five recommendations to charge into better health today.
Early treatment: Call SLVH’s urology clinic or your primary care provider for an appointment if any symptoms of urinary or sexual dysfunction develop. Daniel also recommends yearly urology visits and PSA testing after you turn 50.
Hydration: One of Daniel’s top tips for good urinary health is to stay hydrated. Hydration helps prevent many chronic issues and is particularly helpful in kidney stone prevention. If you are prone to kidney stones, Daniel recommends 2 – 3 liters of water daily.
Urination: It may sound simple, but urologists recommend using the restroom when you need to. Holding urine for too long injures the bladder. On the other hand, running to the restroom frequently or waking more than twice nightly by an urge to void is a sign of urinary troubles, typically related to the prostate for men. If you’re experiencing this or any other abnormal urinary symptoms, call Daniel for an appointment.
Exercise: For numerous reasons, consistent exercise is proven to build a healthy body and mind. It reduces the risk of diseases like prostate cancer and infections, improves mental wellness, and increases testosterone levels. The best way to start an exercise routine is to do any energetic movement you enjoy, even for just 5 -10 minutes.
Diet: According to The Prostate Cancer Foundation, a healthy diet helps prevent illness and disease, including cancer. Current research recommends avoiding highly processed foods and eating a diet rich in colorful fruits and vegetables, leafy greens, and healthy fats and oils found in food like fish, nuts, and avocados.
Urinary and sexual health issues are treatable. As Daniel says, “Come and see us before things become problematic.” With or without a referral, you can call today for an appointment at 719-589-8063. The urology clinic is located at 2115 Stuart Ave, Alamosa.
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