As we age, our bodies undergo changes that can lead to new or worsened health problems. For example, men over 50 are at an increased risk of developing prostate problems. The prostate is a small gland located just below the urinary bladder in men. It produces some of the seminal fluid that helps transport sperm. Although the prostate is not a part of the reproductive system, it still plays an important role in a man’s sexual health.
While some of these problems can be checked by a doctor and monitored, others require more care. That’s where assisted living comes in. Here are five ways assisted living in South Valley, NM can help seniors with common prostate problems.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
BPH occurs when the cells of the prostate begin to grow uncontrollably. This can cause the gland to enlarge and pressure the urethra, making urination difficult and often painful. BPH is a common condition that affects men as they age, and it is not usually associated with any underlying health conditions. However, BPH can lead to urinary retention and kidney damage if left untreated. If you have BPH, assisted living can help you by providing proper medication management or monitoring you for urinary retention.
Prostatitis
This is an inflammation of the prostate gland that bacteria or other infections can cause. It’s important to treat prostatitis because it can lead to serious health problems such as sepsis (a potentially life-threatening condition caused by infection). Symptoms of prostatitis include feeling pain during urination, fever, and chills. If you have prostatitis, assisted living can help you by providing antibiotics or other medications to treat the infection and monitor your condition.
Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
Seniors with Erectile dysfunction will have difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse. ED affects millions of men worldwide and can be caused by a number of different factors, such as diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and stress. If you have ED, assisted living can help you by providing access to treatments such as oral medications, vacuum devices, or injectable medications.
Erectile dysfunction (ED) can often be accompanied by anxiety or depression, so it’s important to have emotional support available. The staff at assisted living facilities are trained to provide this type of support, and they can also connect you with resources like therapy or counseling if needed.
Peyronie’s Disease
This is a condition where the tissue in the penis becomes hardened and forms plaque deposits that cause curvature of the penis during erections. Peyronie’s disease occurs in about 5% of men and usually affects men over 40. If you have Peyronie’s disease, assisted living can help you by providing access to treatments such as oral medications and injections into the plaque deposits.
Conclusion
The prostate gland is an important part of a man’s sexual health, but it’s also susceptible to a number of problems as men get older. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the United States. It’s important to catch prostate cancer in its early stages because it can be successfully treated if caught early enough. However, prostate cancer is often asymptomatic, making it difficult to detect without proper screening.
Fortunately, assistance is available to manage the medical conditions at assisted living facilities. If you or a loved one are experiencing any symptoms associated with these conditions, please don’t hesitate to contact us for help.
