The Hospiten Group emphasizes the importance of regular urology checkups to prevent and detect some of the most common prostate problems, including benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, and prostate cancer.
Urologist Alejandro Cumming from the Hospiten Group states that with appropriate preventive measures, 90 percent of prostate cancer cases can be detected in time for successful treatment. Prostate cancer is the most common form for men and the second most deadly.
The prostate gland is responsible for producing the seminal fluid that allows sperm to travel. To care for this important gland, some key habits are: Visiting the urologist for annual checkups, controlling weight, reducing dietary fat, maintaining good urination habits (not delaying urination and drinking enough liquids), avoiding tobacco, and moderating alcohol consumption. Following these guidelines strongly reduces the risk of experiencing prostate problems, which typically affect more than half of men over 50.
Urologist Alejandro Cumming of Hospiten Cancun and Hospiten Riviera Maya emphasizes the need to raise men’s awareness about the importance of preventive healthcare. Routine visits to the urologist and early detection are men’s best weapons against prostate cancer, the second most deadly form of cancer for men.
"Men should incorporate regular visits to the urologist, just as women have incorporated gynecological checkups as part of their health protection," says the urologist.
Today, besides early detection, there are new effective treatments using less invasive methods, such as laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, which can save patients with this type of cancer while avoiding unpleasant sexual or urinary side effects, adds Dr. Cumming.
The recommended age for an initial prostate checkup is 50 years old unless there is a family history of prostate problems; in this case, checkups should begin promptly at age 45. Dr. Alejandro Cumming emphasizes that at any age, anyone experiencing urinary discomfort (urinary difficulty, frequent need to urinate, pain, or bleeding during urination) should consult a urologist.
Besides cancer, other prostate problems frequently affect males over 50 years old, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia, which involves an enlargement of the prostate. This problem gradually appears with age and affects over 50 percent of men at 60, increasing to 90 percent for men aged 85 and above.
This condition is usually treated with medication, but surgery may be needed when a patient’s problem doesn’t respond to medicine. Fortunately, Dr. Cumming explains that "Minimally invasive treatment is now available, such as prostate vaporization with Green Laser, which allows for very rapid recovery, short hospital stays, and avoids the feared side effects that conventional surgery may cause."
Prostatitis, caused by inflammation of the prostate gland, is another common problem that affects about half of men during their lifetimes. Unlike the previous disorders, prostatitis is not directly related to the patient's age. Younger men affected by this condition typically seek medical advice due to uncomfortable symptoms such as frequent or difficult urination, groin pain, and pain or burning during urination or sexual intercourse. Again, the key to appropriate treatment is early diagnosis by a skilled urologist.