Treatment for Enlarged Prostate Based on Severity of Symptoms
Amy Krambeck, M.D., Urology, Mayo Clinic

BPH is a medical term for the enlargement of the prostate gland that occurs as men age. Many options exist to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), including watchful waiting, medications, nonsurgical therapies, and surgery. Treatment for BPH is based on the severity of symptoms.

Medical Checklist for Healthy Men in their 30's
Philip Hagen, M.D. - Mayo Clinic Medical Edge

There's no need to be embarrassed about being an infrequent visitor to your doctor's office. At your age, if you are healthy and not taking regular medication, you don't need much health care. But it is wise to focus energy on staying healthy and developing habits that will keep you healthy for many years.

Medical Memo - Hearty Humor
Harvard Men's Health Watch

Mark Twain may have exaggerated a bit when he claimed that "Humor is mankind's greatest blessing." Still, a chuckle a day may help keep the doctor away and perhaps help stave off heart attacks and strokes.

Ten Commandments of Cancer Prevention
Harvard Men's Health Watch

Despite grim statistics, doctors have made great progress in understanding the biology of cancer cells, and they have already been able to improve the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. But instead of just waiting for new breakthroughs, you can do a lot to protect yourself right now.

Vegetarian Diets & Potential Health Benefits
Harvey B. Simon, M.D. - Harvard Men's Health Watch

Most people who choose vegetarian diets are motivated by their personal philosophies, ethical beliefs, or religious convictions. But health certainly is a factor, and if a vegetarian eating plan is constructed properly, it can be an asset to health.

Statins & Prostate Cancer
Harvard Men's Health Watch

The most optimistic information about statins and prostate cancer comes from observational studies, which are less persuasive than randomized clinical trials. And the studies also differ in the doses and duration of statin therapy, the particular statin drugs used, and the characteristics of the population being studied. Still, though the results are far from conclusive, they raise hope that statins may reduce the risk of prostate cancer. And there are biologic mechanisms that could explain this effect.

Genetic Screening for Prostate Cancer
Harvard Men's Health Watch

Genes regulate the growth, multiplication, and death of all human cells. In some cases, abnormal genes are passed down from parent to child. If genes are responsible for cancer, then therapies that target genetic abnormalities should be beneficial.

Proscar & Osteoporosis
Harvey B. Simon, M.D. - Harvard Men's Health Watch

I am 76 years old, and I've had an enlarged prostate for at least 10 years. I've been taking Proscar for about a year, and it seems to be helping quite a bit. I have not noticed any side effects, but I'm worried that if the medicine reduces testosterone levels enough to shrink my prostate, it will also give me osteoporosis. Should I change medications?

Allergic Rhinitis: Your Nose Knows
Harvard Men's Health Watch

It's easy to dismiss hay fever as a minor nuisance. But call it by its proper name, allergic rhinitis, and you'll be on the way to recognizing it as a legitimate medical problem. Add the fact that it affects about one of every five Americans and drains the economy of about $2 billion a year, and you'll see that it's an important problem indeed. Fortunately, it's also a problem that responds very well to treatment.

Sexuality & Seniority
Harvard Men's Health Watch

For many men, sexuality is one of the things that change over time. It's usually a gradual, almost imperceptible process that begins in middle age. Whereas most older men retain an interest in sex, it's generally a far cry from the preoccupation with sex that's so common in youth. Although interest is retained, desire tends to wane. And even when the spirit is willing, the flesh may be weak.