Elevated PSA
prostate cancer treatment Des Moines
by Fawad Zafar M.D

Understanding Elevated PSA Levels: Causes, Diagnosis, and Management

Understanding Elevated PSA Levels: Causes, Diagnosis, and Management

Introduction:

Prostate-Specific Antigen, or PSA, is a protein produced by the prostate gland. It plays a crucial role in the liquefaction of semen. While a certain level of PSA in the blood is normal, elevated PSA levels can be a cause for concern. In this blog post, we will delve into the various aspects of elevated PSA, including its causes, diagnosis, and management.

What is PSA, and Why Does it Matter?

PSA is a protein produced by the cells of the prostate gland. It is released into the bloodstream and can be measured through a blood test. Typically, a small amount of PSA is present in the blood, but elevated levels may indicate various prostate conditions, including prostate cancer.

Causes of Elevated PSA:

Prostate Cancer:

One of the primary concerns associated with elevated PSA is the possibility of prostate cancer. Increased levels of PSA may suggest abnormal growth or activity of prostate cells, potentially indicating the presence of cancerous cells.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH):

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate, can also lead to elevated PSA levels. This condition is common in aging men and can cause urinary symptoms.

Prostatitis:

Inflammation of the prostate, known as prostatitis, is another factor contributing to elevated PSA. Prostatitis can be caused by bacterial or non-bacterial infections and may result in an increase in PSA levels.

Recent Ejaculation or Physical Activity:

Activities such as ejaculation or vigorous exercise can temporarily elevate PSA levels. It is advisable to avoid these activities in the 48 hours leading up to a PSA test for more accurate results.

Diagnosis:

PSA Blood Test:

The primary method for detecting elevated PSA levels is through a simple blood test. A PSA test measures the amount of PSA in the blood and helps in assessing the health of the prostate.

Digital Rectal Examination (DRE):

In addition to the PSA test, a digital rectal examination may be conducted. During this procedure, a healthcare provider assesses the size, shape, and consistency of the prostate gland by inserting a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum.

Prostate Biopsy:

If elevated PSA levels persist, a prostate biopsy may be recommended to determine whether the abnormal PSA levels are indicative of prostate cancer. A small tissue sample is taken from the prostate gland for further examination.

Management:

Active Surveillance:

For cases where prostate cancer is detected but is slow-growing and not causing symptoms, active surveillance may be recommended. This involves regular monitoring through PSA tests, DRE, and sometimes imaging, without immediate aggressive treatment.

Medications:

Medications, such as those used to treat BPH or prostatitis, may be prescribed to address specific underlying causes of elevated PSA levels.

Surgery:

In cases where prostate cancer is aggressive or causing significant symptoms, surgical interventions, such as a prostatectomy, may be recommended to remove the prostate gland.

Radiation Therapy:

Radiation therapy, either external beam or brachytherapy, is another treatment option for prostate cancer. It involves targeting cancer cells with high-dose radiation to eliminate or shrink the tumor.

Lifestyle Changes:

Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management, can contribute to overall prostate health. It may also help manage conditions like BPH.

Conclusion:

Elevated PSA levels can be indicative of various prostate conditions, ranging from benign to malignant. It is crucial to understand the underlying causes and work with healthcare professionals to determine an appropriate course of action. Regular screenings, healthy lifestyle choices, and prompt medical attention can play a significant role in managing and addressing elevated PSA levels. If you have concerns about your PSA levels, consult with a healthcare provider for personalized guidance and appropriate diagnostic measures.

urologist
by Fawad Zafar M.D

Menopause And Bladder Control

Menopause And Bladder Control

Menopause is typically a medical condition that is confined to women. It is an age related natural condition when estrogen which is the female reproductive hormone is no longer secreted by the female body. Traditionally, menopause has been associated with ageing women, normally in their forties but in recent times, even younger women in their late thirties or early thirties are also entering the perimenopause or menopause phases. Until now menopause was a problem only among females but doctors are observing the same problem among ageing men as well, with the only difference being in the reduction or halting of secretion of testosterone instead of estrogen.

Does Menopause Affect Bladder Control?

Both men and women can suffer from menopause and both can also struggle with bladder control. Ageing men and women usually do not have the same level of bladder control that they have in their younger days. As an urologist in Des Moines would put it, with age and several other physical deteriorations, the bladder tends to lose its elasticity and tends to get weak. It doesn’t manage to exert the same pressure, either to hold liquid or to pump out urine.

Bladder control is a problem among males and females and is mostly an age related problem but it has been found that menopause can trigger the worsening condition of the bladder. Estrogen secretion in women and testosterone or androgen secretion in men keep the bladder healthy. As estrogen and testosterone production deteriorates and eventually stops, the bladder tends to get bloated. As the outer membranes of the bladder expand, the muscles around it lose the ability to exert enough pressure inside the bladder, thus leading to several problems.

Should you be experiencing any trouble with bladder control during or after menopause, you must consult with an urologist in Des Moines.

There are many symptoms of worsening bladder control. There would be infrequent urination, trouble urinating, a sense of incomplete urination would be prominent and one would have trouble holding back urine. The symptoms may worsen during the night. While an urologist in Des Moines would diagnose the problem and offer medications, there are some things that you can do on your own back home.

What Else Causes Bladder Control Problems in Older Women?

All factors that may trigger bladder control should be checked, such as consuming too much liquid, tea, coffee, alcohol and anything that may make the situation worse. Also, menopause itself has to be addressed if it is one of the causes or the primary cause for worsening bladder control. There are hormone therapies for men as well as women which can delay the onset of menopause, can stave it off for a long time or can manage the symptoms of menopause and prevent it from affecting other bodily organs.

What Treatments Can Help You Regain Bladder Control?

Menopause is likely to impact bladder control and with age some other factors like medications, nerve damage or infections can worsen the situation. Speaking with an urologist in Des Moines and addressing menopause and bladder control should be opted for as soon as practically possible.

Bottom Line: No one needs to suffer the embarrassment of urinary incontinence.

prostate cancer treatment Des Moines
by Fawad Zafar M.D

How to Prevent Prostate Cancer

How to Prevent Prostate Cancer

Approximately 1 in 6 U.S. men will be diagnosed with have prostate cancer in their lifetime, which may be leaving you wondering what you can do to reduce your risk. According to urologist Des Moines Dr. Fawad Zafar, many of the contributing factors can be prevented and controlled through lifestyle changes and healthy living.

Following are some ways you can improve your prostate health and prevent prostate cancer.

Eat foods that fight cancer. Eating cancer-killing foods is a simple way to improve your health. Your urologist Des Moines also suggests eating plenty of broccoli, kale and cabbage, which are rich in cancer-fighting compounds.

Get screenings. Getting early and regular screening tests can help you to monitor your prostate health and take action quickly if anything concerning is found. Early treatment increases your chances of beating this disease.

Drink green tea. Green tea is one of the best drinks for prostate health and studies have shown that men who drink it have a reduced risk of prostate cancer.

Avoid foods that can contribute to prostate cancer. Foods such as red meat, sugar, artificial sweeteners, and fried foods are linked to an elevated risk for prostate cancer.

Avoid chemicals and toxins. There are chemicals and toxins in the environment that can elevate your risk for prostate cancer. Your urologist Des Moines suggests buying organic foods to avoid the effects of pesticide.

Reduce your stress level. Your urologist Des Moines believes that stress activates a response from the immune system that starts the uncontrollable cell mutation that has been associated with prostate cancer. Search for different methods to find what helps you reduce stress most effectively.

Take supplements to reinforce prostate health. For the best prostate health, take supplements that have been proven to help support your immunity and maintain a healthy prostate.

Exercise more often. Studies show that exercising more can put you at a reduced risk for prostate cancer. The best exercises for prostate health include those that are moderate. In fact, recent studies found that performing at least three hours of vigorous activity each week lowers your risk of dying from prostate cancer by over 60%.

Maintain a healthy weight. Men who are obese are at an increased risk for prostate cancer. Research shows a link between being overweight and being at a higher risk for prostate cancer.

Eat fish that is high in omega-3 fatty acids. A study performed in Sweden revealed that men who ate fish rich in omega-3 at least once per week enjoyed lower risk of prostate cancer compared to men who don’t.

Take control of your prostrate health now – call the office of urologist Des Moines dr. Fawad Zafar today to schedule a confidential consultation.

urologist
by Fawad Zafar M.D

Don’t Ignore These Subtle Symptoms!

Men are famous for ignoring their health problems, and complaining about their aches and pains somehow seems to make them seem like less of a man. And according to urologist Des Moines Dr. Fawad Zafar, that’s one reason men are much more likely than women to avoid going to the doctor.

In fact, research shows that three out of four people who have not seen a doctor in more than five years are men. Men scoff at going to the doctor because it makes them appear dependent needy. And while this attitude is admirable in some other areas of life, it can be fatal when it comes to health.

Following are some subtle symptoms men should never ignore or dismiss:

A lot of men take a laxative to relieve their constipation. But this condition can be a sign of a tumor in the lower bowel that is stopping waste from exiting the body. If the constipation remains for more than a few days a visit to your urologist Des Moines is in order.

Painful urination. This is nothing to ignore, as it may be a symptom of an enlarged prostate or prostate cancer.

Odd-looking freckles. Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men and women alike, and the rates are skyrocketing. A strange-looking freckle or mole that you noticed recently or that is irregular in shape should always be checked out by your urologist Des Moines.

Chronic indigestion. Occasional heartburn is nothing to be concerned about, but if you suffer from chronic acid reflux at least two times per week you may be suffering from gastro-esophageal reflux, which can lead to inflammation, bleeding, and ulcers of the esophagus. In some cases it can even cause esophageal cancer.

Unquenchable thirst. Constant thirst can signal diabetes. Other symptoms include frequent urination, extreme hunger, unexplained weight loss or gain, nausea, and blurred vision.  Every man should get a simple annual blood test at his urologist’s office to measure glucose levels and diagnose diabetes.

Erectile dysfunction. A recent study indicated that men who suffered from ED in their 40s or 50s were 50 times more likely to experience heart trouble later in life than those who don’t. So if you suffer from ED, you should have a thorough cardiac exam.

While snoring can be an annoyance — especially to a bed partner – it can also be a sign of sleep apnea, so if you snore regularly you should see a doctor.

If you are suffering from any of these symptoms – don’t wait – call the office of urologist Des Moines Dr. Fawad Zafar today to schedule a confidential consultation.

prostate cancer
prostate cancer treatment Des Moines
by Fawad Zafar M.D

Prostate Cancer Awareness Can Save Your Life

Awareness of prostate cancer could save your life, and ignoring it definitely won’t make it go away. In fact, according to urologist Des Moines Dr. Fawad Zafar, about 90 American men die every day from prostate cancer, which equates to 30,000 each year.

Prostate cancer is the most commonly identified cancer in males, with almost a quarter of a million diagnoses expected this year. There are 2.5 million people currently living with this disease, which is equal to the entire population of Chicago.

Urologist Des Moines urges men to face the possible existence of prostate cancer rather than having it sneak up unexpectedly. Prostate cancer typically has no obvious symptoms in its beginning stages, but if diagnosed early, patients have nearly a 100% chance of being alive 5 years later.

There are two easy ways your urologist Des Moines can check for early stage prostate cancer.

1.  He can draw blood and run a simple test to check for elevated levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA).

2.  He can perform a digital rectal exam (DRE).  Yes, your urologist will stick his finger up into your rectum because that’s the area where the prostate is located. It’s definitely not a fun exam and it’s true that it can be uncomfortable, but it definitely beats the prospect of undetected prostate cancer!

Neither test requires any form of medication or radiation entering your body.

Interestingly, the letters from the two different tests – PSA and DRE – can be combined to form the words SPARED, meaning you have the tests done, thereby increasing your chances of being spared, or increase the chances of a cancer SPREAD by not having the tests performed.

If either of these tests comes back irregular, your doctor will order further steps, and your chances of beating prostate cancer (if you actually have it) immediately get better. So it’s worth a little discomfort, don’t you think?

Treatment of Prostate Cancer

Referred to by many as robotic surgery for prostate cancer, da Vinci Prostatectomy is a robot-assisted, minimally invasive surgery that is quickly becoming the preferred treatment for removal of the prostate following an early diagnosis of prostate cancer.

In fact, research reveals that da Vinci Prostatectomy may be the most effective and least invasive prostate surgery performed today.

If you would like testing for prostate cancer, call the office of urologist Des Moines Dr. Fawad Zafar today to schedule an appointment.

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