Managing Prostate Cancer in Elderly Patients: A Guide for Families
How to manage prostate cancer in the elderly? Hello, Dr. Hsu: My father is 81 years old and has recently experienced frequent urination with a prickling and burning sensation in his lower abdomen. He underwent an ultrasound examination at the hospital, which showed that his prost...
Dr. Xu Weikai Reply:
Mr. Gao: Hello, actually, whether to perform a biopsy or even whether to proceed with treatment should depend on the opinions of the patient and their family. Age is a consideration, but it is not the only factor. Let me first outline my general principles: 1. For patients under ...[Read More] Managing Prostate Cancer in Elderly Patients: A Guide for Families
Understanding Prostate Issues: Common Concerns and Questions Answered
Prostate issues, seeking advice again! Dear Dr. Hsu, First of all, I am very grateful for your thoughtful response amidst your busy schedule! As you mentioned, my previous doctor also stated that a bladder puncture should not cause any sexual dysfunction and should not affect ur...
Dr. Xu Weikai Reply:
Hello, the absence of semen may be due to aging or blockage of the ejaculatory duct after a biopsy, and fibrosis simply describes a phenomenon, similar to how skin heals and forms a scar; clinically, this can be referred to as fibrosis. Additionally, in the case of prostate cance...[Read More] Understanding Prostate Issues: Common Concerns and Questions Answered
Understanding Prostate Health Issues: Symptoms, Treatments, and Concerns
Prostate issues? Dear Dr. Hsu, I have been experiencing prostate issues for the past three to four years at a teaching hospital in Taipei. My PSA levels have consistently been elevated, ranging from 5 to 7, with a free PSA ratio around 11. My prostate size is approximately 40 gr...
Dr. Xu Weikai Reply:
A concerned citizen: Hello, I empathize with your situation. Prostate biopsy does carry a very small risk of sepsis. Additionally, a bladder puncture should not cause any sexual dysfunction and is unlikely to affect urination. Urinary issues would only arise if there were pre-exi...[Read More] Understanding Prostate Health Issues: Symptoms, Treatments, and Concerns
Understanding Painless Hematuria: Causes and Concerns for Seniors
Painless gross hematuria? Hello Dr. Lee: My uncle lives alone, so I am asking on his behalf. I have already researched a lot online. My uncle is 63 years old and experienced painless gross hematuria for four days at the end of June this year. He went to the hospital for an abdomi...
Dr. Li Yilun Reply:
Hello, inquiring person regarding your uncle: First of all, there are many causes of painless hematuria, and it is truly impossible to make a diagnosis based solely on your description. It is still necessary to recommend that you take your uncle to the hospital for a proper diagn...[Read More] Understanding Painless Hematuria: Causes and Concerns for Seniors
Understanding Transrectal Ultrasound Accuracy for Prostate Health
Transrectal Ultrasound Examination of the Prostate Hello, doctor. I apologize for asking again, but I would like to inquire about the accuracy of transrectal ultrasound examinations for the prostate. I previously underwent a transrectal ultrasound at Wan Fang Hospital, where the ...
Dr. Xu Weikai Reply:
All tests are merely references and not absolute. For most individuals, they can serve as reference values, but they may not necessarily apply to everyone. In other words, while the PSA levels for most people fall between 0 and 4, indicating benign conditions, some individuals wi...[Read More] Understanding Transrectal Ultrasound Accuracy for Prostate Health
Understanding Elevated PSA Levels and Prostate Health Concerns
Elevated PSA levels and prostate issues? Hello Doctor, I am 31 years old. During a health check-up in April this year at New Taipei City Keelung Hospital, my PSA level was found to be 6.0. However, I did not have any discomfort, except for an incident a few months ago where I not...
Dr. Xu Weikai Reply:
PSA: Generally, PSA levels stabilize after about three months. Therefore, drawing blood too early typically does not result in significant changes. Additionally, elevated PSA levels can be caused by various factors, including ejaculation, constipation, diarrhea, prostate cancer, ...[Read More] Understanding Elevated PSA Levels and Prostate Health Concerns
Understanding Stage 2 Prostate Cancer: Treatment Options for Seniors
Stage II Prostate Cancer Prostate cancer, diagnosed as stage II after hospital examination, and the patient is currently 80 years old. I would like to know which treatment option is better among surgery, chemotherapy, and medication, or if there are other effective treatment meth...
Dr. Liu Jiaju Reply:
Prostate cancer generally progresses more slowly compared to other cancers. Given that patients are often older, if aggressive treatment is considered, radiation therapy is recommended, as it has good efficacy and tolerability for patients. If the patient's overall health is...[Read More] Understanding Stage 2 Prostate Cancer: Treatment Options for Seniors
Understanding Elevated PSA Levels: What You Need to Know at 34
Questions about PSA levels? Hello Dr. Zhou, I am 34 years old. During my health check-up, I found that my PAS value is 4.3. What does this elevated value signify? How can I further confirm whether there is indeed an issue with my prostate? What are the other possible causes for t...
Dr. Zhou Xinpei Reply:
A PSA level higher than 4 ng/ml can typically be attributed to: 1. Recent urinary tract infection, 2. Benign prostatic hyperplasia, 3. Potential underlying prostate cancer. Therefore, it is recommended that you promptly visit a urology clinic for a professional examination, inclu...[Read More] Understanding Elevated PSA Levels: What You Need to Know at 34
Understanding Harnalidge Side Effects and Prostate Health Concerns
Prostate issues 2 I apologize for the inconvenience, doctor. The day before yesterday, I visited a urologist. The doctor prescribed Harnalidge. After taking it for two consecutive nights, I woke up several times during the night with an erection. This did not happen before I star...
Dr. Xu Wencang Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, Harnalidge may enhance erectile function in a small number of patients and is considered safe for the body. For benign prostatic hyperplasia, in addition to symptom inquiry, a urinalysis is typically performed, along with prostate cancer scree...[Read More] Understanding Harnalidge Side Effects and Prostate Health Concerns
Understanding Androcur: Duration of Effectiveness in Prostate Cancer Treatment
Issues related to medication use? Hello Director Liu: My uncle is a terminal prostate cancer patient with metastases to the ischium, femur, and lymph nodes. The doctor has prescribed "Androcur" to manage his condition. I would like to ask you, Director Liu: "What i...
Dr. Liu Jianting Reply:
The medication used is effective in controlling the condition, but the duration of its effectiveness will depend on the extent and progression of the disease. Of course, if the results are not satisfactory, there are other medications that can be added for enhancement. Please clo...[Read More] Understanding Androcur: Duration of Effectiveness in Prostate Cancer Treatment
Health Tips for Men's Wellness: Zinc, Selenium, and Hormone Support
Greetings? Hello Dr. Hsu, I suddenly recalled the devastation caused by the 88 Flood. I hope everything is safe in Taitung, where you are located. I am writing to extend my greetings and hope that your office and the community are all safe! I apologize for the delayed message. ...
Dr. Xu Weikai Reply:
Fisherman: Hello, seeing your warm greetings makes me feel that there are still people in Taiwan with a sense of humanity. Currently, four trees have fallen at home, but everyone is safe, thank you for your concern. Regarding the health supplements you mentioned, I personally bel...[Read More] Health Tips for Men's Wellness: Zinc, Selenium, and Hormone Support
Understanding DHEA Supplements for Men's Health and Aging Issues
Nutritional Supplements and Maintenance In recent years, my physical condition has deteriorated. In addition to experiencing widespread aches and pains, I have also been unable to achieve proper blood flow and function, which has left me quite confused. Recently, I learned about ...
Dr. Xu Weikai Reply:
Fisherman: Hello, DHEA and similar health supplements do not have sufficient clinical evidence to support their effectiveness in improving bodily functions. Therefore, they can only be classified as dietary supplements and cannot be considered medications. As for their therapeuti...[Read More] Understanding DHEA Supplements for Men's Health and Aging Issues
Understanding Frequent Urination: Causes and Concerns in Daily Life
Frequent urination..? Hello Doctor: 1. If I feel the urge to urinate every hour during work hours (approximately drinking 1600 CC), does that count as frequent urination? 2. After my lunch break, I only drink about 100 CC of water, but I feel a strong urge to urinate just a few m...
Dr. Cai Zongyou Reply:
Hello: The normal bladder capacity for an adult is approximately 350 to 400 milliliters. If we consider an average daily fluid intake of 2000 milliliters, the normal frequency of urination should be about five to six times a day. Therefore, if the number of times one urinates in ...[Read More] Understanding Frequent Urination: Causes and Concerns in Daily Life
Understanding Prostatitis: Risks, Symptoms, and Long-Term Effects
Prostatitis Hello, doctor. I would like to ask, two years ago I had prostatitis, and I still occasionally experience testicular discomfort, lower back pain, and prostate pain as lingering symptoms. I'm concerned whether this prolonged condition increases my risk of developin...
Dr. Lin Wenxu Reply:
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to respond to your question and provide the following advice: Your symptoms may indicate certain conditions that require further differential diagnosis. It would be advisable for you to visit our Urology Department in person fo...[Read More] Understanding Prostatitis: Risks, Symptoms, and Long-Term Effects
Understanding Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Risks, Prevention, and Treatment Options
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) Hello Doctor: My father is your outpatient. He has an issue with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). I saw in the FAQ section that BPH can be a precursor to cancer; is this true? How can we prevent it and maintain health? Is my father at risk of...
Dr. Liu Jianting Reply:
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer are two different conditions. Typically, in urology, physicians will measure the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels to help classify these conditions. It is likely that the doctors at the hospital where your father is bei...[Read More] Understanding Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Risks, Prevention, and Treatment Options
Understanding Urination Issues: A Young Man's Concerns and Symptoms
Urinary problems Hello, Doctor: I am a 20-year-old male, and I have been troubled by a problem for many years. The issue is a bit lengthy, but I hope you can read it all! When I urinate, I have to wait about 10 to 15 seconds before I can start. However, I do not experience burnin...
Dr. Xu Weikai Reply:
Oh, my God: Hello, your issue may be more complex and requires more information. You can keep a record of your daily water intake and urination times/amounts, and when possible, provide this information to your physician or ask again for a more accurate diagnosis. Furthermore, be...[Read More] Understanding Urination Issues: A Young Man's Concerns and Symptoms
Is Masturbation Good or Bad? Understanding Its Impact on Men's Health
Is it good or bad? Hello, Dr. Hsu. I have the following questions: 1. Is masturbation good or bad? Some advocate for it, while others oppose it. Some say that moderate masturbation can reduce the risk of prostate cancer. What is your opinion on this? 2. What is considered "...
Dr. Xu Weikai Reply:
Hello, 1. Is masturbation good or bad? This question is subjective and has no standard answer. Personally, I believe that since it is a private matter and does not affect others, it is better than committing crimes due to unfulfilled desires. 2. What do you mean by moderation?...[Read More] Is Masturbation Good or Bad? Understanding Its Impact on Men's Health
Prostate Cancer Screening: Considerations for Patients on Anticoagulants
Prostate cancer screening Dear Dr. Hsu, Thank you very much for your previous enthusiastic response. I would like to ask you again about my father, who must take anticoagulant medication long-term and cannot discontinue it. If he needs to undergo prostate-related examinations, s...
Dr. Xu Weikai Reply:
Lin: Hello, a typical urological examination includes blood tests for PSA and Free PSA, as well as ultrasound. Since these procedures do not cause significant wounds, there should be no issues with anticoagulant medication interference. During outpatient visits, it is generally i...[Read More] Prostate Cancer Screening: Considerations for Patients on Anticoagulants
Understanding Prostate Enlargement with Calcification: Key Concerns and Next Steps
Benign prostatic hyperplasia with calcification? Hello Doctor: My father has had a long-standing issue with kidney stones. Two months ago, he was diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia accompanied by calcification. Since benign prostatic hyperplasia can be a precursor to can...
Dr. Xu Weikai Reply:
Lin: Hello, it is generally recommended to wait at least six months after undergoing cardiac catheterization before discussing the management of kidney stones for safety reasons. If a stone obstructs the urinary tract and causes hydronephrosis, immediate intervention is necessary...[Read More] Understanding Prostate Enlargement with Calcification: Key Concerns and Next Steps
Understanding Elevated PSA Levels: When to Consider a Biopsy?
PSA (Prostate Hello Doctor: My husband is 33 years old. His PSA levels have been over 8 in two consecutive blood tests, with a one-year interval between the tests. He visited a doctor in November last year and took medication for four weeks, but his PSA levels remained over 8, wi...
Dr. Xu Weikai Reply:
Hello, PSA is currently a valuable tool for screening prostate cancer, but it is also often overused. In your husband's case, a PSA level of 8 is slightly elevated. It is recommended to go to a larger hospital for a retest and to request further analysis of the PSA, which me...[Read More] Understanding Elevated PSA Levels: When to Consider a Biopsy?