Below the Moustache blog series
Rouge Valley Centenary
In
sickness as in health, significant others play a key role in recognizing and
helping their partners cope with illness, especially true when prostate
problems arise. Often it’s the sleep-deprived partners who question why trips
to the bathroom several times each night have become the new norm and encourage
their partner to visit their family physician to discover the reason for the
change in pattern.
Sleep
isn’t always the only thing interrupted. Because the prostate contributes to a
man’s sexual wellbeing, physical changes to the prostate can trigger emotional
responses amongst couples. When a man is diagnosed with prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or
prostate cancer, the degree to which it affects his partner is proportional to
the level of intimacy the couple shares. Partners, like the men themselves, can
feel a sense of loss when sexual activity declines so it’s important for couples
to remain open and supportive with each other during diagnosis and treatment.
Changes
in a couple’s relationship may depend on the severity of disease and the length
of treatment required. In many cases, sexual side effects are minimal and short
term. Conditions such as BPH can have a wide range of symptoms and can be
treated with medication or surgery. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the RVHS Foundation was
able to contribute $250,000 to enhancing our men's health program, including a
new surgical laser at each campus to treat BPH through a minimally invasive
procedure.
The
GreenLightTM laser, a type of photoselective
vaporization, can eliminate prostate tissue that blocks the urinary tract while
sealing blood vessels to minimize blood loss. This new treatment – often performed
as a day surgery procedure and available now at each Rouge Valley hospital
campus - reduces a patient’s risk and recovery time, so he can get back to the
business of living life to the fullest much faster.
Treatment
for prostate cancer can be more demanding and require a longer recovery period.
In these cases, couples may benefit from relationship counselling if there are
long-term sexual side effects. Open communication can help a couple remain
emotionally intimate.
Illness
or injury never solely affects a man; health issues also affect the people
closest to him. It is important for partners, family members and friends to
recognize the vital role they play in helping the men in their lives recognize,
treat and recover from men’s health issues.
Related links --
- View Dr. Klinghoffer’s video
- Dr. Greg Trottier’s ‘Mo’ Food for Thought
- Dr. Jeffrey Spodek’s Early detection of prostate cancer can save lives
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