📝 You’ll discover lots of things about your dick… And others’ too!
🎞️ With little videos about…
• The difference in size between “flaccid” and “erect”…
• How men masturbate…
• And many other things!
THE THEORY
Penis Size and Fingers
Did you know that the length of your fingers could indicate the size of your penis ? 🖐️ If your index finger is shorter than your ring finger, your penis tends to be larger. On the other hand, if your ring finger and index finger are similar in length, your penis is likely to be smaller.
I can already see you looking at that hand you’ve always had but never thought it could have anything to do with your dick !
Average Penis Size
The average penis size varies by continent and country. In the United States, a study from Indiana University revealed that the average erect penis measures 14.2 cm in length and 12.2 cm in circumference. When erect, penises can range from 4 cm to 26 cm.
Yes, « ERECT » ! Don’t forget that !
Yet, according to measurements, the size of your penis is most likely completely within the average range (between 7 and 18 cm flaccid and between 10 and 20 cm erect). The various responses also show that what your partners think about your penis has nothing to do with its actual size. It’s your own fears that are linked and keep coming back to your mind in the form of : My dick is too small !
Measuring the Penis Correctly
Like all boys, you’ve measured your penis ! Yes, I saw you !!
But did you measure it correctly ? Because there’s only one valid method.
If done wrong, there go a few precious centimeters, and your anxieties come rushing back !
But researchers have often realized that some studies relied on self-reporting by men who measured themselves, and therefore… it wasn’t perfectly reliable !
Researchers from the Institute of Psychology and Neuroscience in London decided in 2015 to compile measurements taken by healthcare professionals following a standardized measurement procedure. These included both circumference (at the base or mid-shaft) and length, based on 20 different studies, totaling 15,521 men from various Western countries.
To measure penis length correctly, do it from the pubic bone to the tip of the glans, on the top side of the penis. Studies show that penis size is not correlated with other body characteristics like weight or foot size.
THE RESULTS
The average length of a flaccid penis (at rest) is 9.16 cm, and 13.12 cm when erect.
The average circumference of a flaccid penis is 9.31 cm, and 11.66 cm when erect. Moreover, extreme sizes are much less common than previously thought. For example, only 5 men out of 100 have an erect penis longer than 16 cm.
I think Adam (Eve’s husband) was already wondering if his dick was big enough !
But was he wondering if Eve found it pretty?
Because the appearance of the penis also matters.
Sorry, gays ! The American study was based on responses from women, and here’s their ranking :
- Overall appearance
- Length
- Circumference
- Pubic hair
- Position and shape of the meatus
The Perception of Penis Size
Anxiety About Size
Many men are anxious about the size of their penis, even if they are within the average range. A study showed that 30% of men are dissatisfied with the size of their penis, even though most are within the norm.
Micro-Penises
A micro-penis is defined as a penis shorter than 7 cm when erect. Only 0.006% of the male population is affected. Size is all in your head !
Oftentimes, we’re not objective about the size of our dick !
You can be “well-endowed” and think you’re not, and conversely, have a not-so-big one and proudly show it off in the gym showers.
We’re not in the realm of “rationality” but rather “emotion.”
But where does this fear in men come from ?
Researchers, of course, have looked into this question and went back to their tools to measure all those pretty dicks ! Lucky researchers ! Are they hiring ?
Penis Size Among Homosexual Men
The self-esteem of homosexual men is often directly related to the size of their penis, according to psychologist Liesbeth Woertman from Utrecht University.
According to her, most gay men believe that having a big dick would be ideal.
Size Differences
Homosexual men, on average, have a penis that is 0.84 cm longer and 0.38 cm wider than heterosexual men. This difference could be due to prenatal hormonal variations.
Sexologist Alfred Kinsey—you’ve heard of him, right ? Well, this doctor (well, not just him !) measured 5,122 penises in the 1950s ; that’s huge ! And in 1999, California State University compiled all these numbers and published “The Relationship Between Sexual Orientation and Penis Size.” Bold, isn’t it ?
Sexual Practices
Men with a smaller penis tend to be more passive, while those with a larger penis are often more active. However, these preferences can vary.
Increasing Penis Size
Want a bigger one ?
It’s probably one of the top Google searches !
Safe Methods
• 🍎 **Losing Weight**: Reducing fat around the pubic area can make the penis appear larger.
• 🏥 **General Health**: Avoiding conditions like hypertension and diabetes can improve erection quality. (Remember, an erection is blood flowing into the cavernous bodies of the penis, causing it to swell. If conditions like high cholesterol, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease impair blood flow, the erection may be reduced.)
• ✂️ **Grooming** : Trimming the hair at the base of the penis can make it look bigger.
Methods to Avoid
Be cautious with products sold online that promise to increase penis size. Always consult a doctor before trying new methods.
All that for this !
The male orgasm lasts 6 seconds…
7 200 !
That’s the number of times you’ll cum (on average) in your life !
And 2 000 times while masturbating!
“Blood Penis” or “Flesh Penis” ?
The “blood penis”, which lengthens and expands during an erection, and the “flesh penis”, which always looks big but doesn’t grow much larger when erect.
Approximately 79% of men have a blood penis, and 21% have a flesh penis.
Now, let’s tackle a question that raises a lot of curiosity !
What’s the relationship between flaccid penis size and erect size ?
There’s no general rule. Just because you have a relatively small one at rest doesn’t mean it won’t be super big when erect, and we all know dicks that are decently sized at rest but won’t grow disproportionately when erect just a little, you know !
The change varies greatly among men, ranging on average from 0.6 cm to 8.9 cm of growth.
In the end, it’s better to have a small one than a big one !
About 12% of flaccid penises gain a third or less of their size with an erection, and about 7% double in size.
I know, you love numbers when we talk about your dicks !
The smallest dick ever measured was 0.99 cm…
The longest was 33.02 cm !
Winter is cold, brrr !
The penis can shrink up to 50% in length and 30% in width when exposed to temperatures below 10°C. The blood vessels contract, limiting blood flow to the penis and causing it to shrink.
This retraction phenomenon is actually a beneficial result of evolution.
The body is programmed to conserve heat and energy. In the cold, it concentrates its resources to maintain blood flow to the core, where vital organs are located. To do this, the body reduces blood flow to its extremities like the hands, feet, and penis. At the same time, the testicles retract and rise closer to the body to stay warm as well. As most men know, penis retraction can also be triggered by cold water.
SIZE AGAIN !
Everything is relative ! To know where you stand, you need to compare yourself ! And for most men, that means the locker room showers, but nowadays, especially porn films, which young boys have access to at an increasingly early age and which will represent the norm for them, particularly in terms of dick size.
- 1 in 10 men think their penis is too small.
- 2 in 10 men think it’s big!
- The other 7 say they’re average, but 5 would like a bigger one !
- So, 6 out of 10 men are dissatisfied and would like a larger penis!
When I get hard, I get hard !
Erections
Types of Erections
There are nine types of erections, each with its own characteristics and durations :
- 🌟 Classic Erection: Occurs before sex, when you need it.
- 🌞 Morning Erection: Greets you upon waking and prevents you from relieving your bladder.
- 🌙 Evening Erection: Occurs when you’re trying to fall asleep.
- 👻 Phantom Erection: Comes without apparent reason and disappears quickly.
- 🏃 Sports Erection: Occurs during physical exercise.
- ⏳ Long-Lasting Erection: Persists without apparent reason.
- ⏰ Never-Ending Erection: Lasts more than 4 hours and requires medical attention.
- 🏃♂️ Marathon Erection: No break, starts again immediately after ejaculation.
- 🏆 Legendary Erection: Ultra-powerful, making you feel particularly virile.
Duration of Erections
The average erection lasts between 30 and 45 minutes. However, prolonged erections may require medical consultation.
A bit of geometry !
- The Angle of Erection:
- 0 degrees is when it’s perfectly vertical, almost pressed against the stomach !
- 90 degrees is when it’s just horizontal.
( 🎞️ You’ll see both cases in the videos… 🎞️)
Distribution of Erection Angles :
- 5% of men: 0 to 30 degrees
- 30% of men: 30 to 60 degrees
- 30% of men: 60 to 85 degrees
- 10% of men: 85 to 95 degrees
- 20% of men: 95 to 120 degrees
- 4% of men: 120 to 180 degrees
GETTING HARD : The 5 Phases of an Incredible Mechanism !
- The penis responds to the request of the stimulated brain, which releases nitric oxide, triggering the relaxation of the two cavernous bodies.
- Simultaneously, the artery carrying blood to these chambers doubles in diameter, and blood flow to the penis increases 16-fold.
- The cavernous bodies begin to fill with blood, absorbing up to 8 times the amount they contain when flaccid.
- Crushed by the pressure of the chambers, the veins responsible for carrying blood away from the penis narrow.
5. Unable to evacuate its blood, the penis swells and stiffens, quickly reaching its fully erect state.
Erectile Dysfunction
Prevalence
Erectile dysfunction affects millions of men worldwide. It can be caused by various factors, including health issues like hypertension and diabetes.
- Approximately 4% of men in their 50s and nearly 17% of men in their 60s experience a total inability to achieve an erection.
- After 75 years of age, this rises to 47%.
Given our aging population, this is becoming a public health issue. Erectile dysfunction can negatively impact a man’s well-being, relationships, and quality of life. It is estimated that by 2027, around 300 million men worldwide will experience erectile dysfunction.
“Nocturnal Penile Tumescence”
Sounds fancy, doesn’t it ?
It’s getting hard at night and waking up with a boner !
It’s not linked to erotic dreams. If you wake up with an erection, it’s because waking up often occurs at the end of a REM sleep phase.
We don’t fully understand this mechanism. It’s thought to help maintain penile health.
Do you wake up hard in the morning ?
Nature works well—the cavernous bodies of the penis (those little areas where blood flows, causing an erection) need oxygen. A spontaneous reflex erection brings it. This happens for about 3 hours every 24 hours !
Often during sleep, we don’t notice anything ! Except in the morning, when we wake up with a hard dick !
Well, not always ! And that’s okay ! Young men panic when they don’t wake up hard !
They got hard during the REM sleep phase, of course, without noticing, but by the time they woke up, the phase had passed… until tomorrow morning !
Where does our pleasure come from ?
From the glans ! And the back-and-forth motions we perform on it… Even without an erection, yes !
Viagra was discovered completely by accident!
The pharmaceutical company Pfizer was trying to develop a drug for hypertension or angina. The test subjects realized they were having erections…
The success was immediate, and sales skyrocketed worldwide.
With hindsight, we now know that Viagra is safe but may not be prescribed for certain conditions, such as :
- A heart attack within the last 6 months or a recent stroke.
- Unstable angina.
- A physical condition making it impossible to walk briskly (at 5 km/h) or climb two flights of stairs in 10 seconds.
Treatments
Viagra® and its generic sildenafil, like all other drugs in the same family (tadalafil Cialis®, vardenafil Levitra®, avanafil Spedra®), are prescription medications. Before prescribing, the doctor assesses cardiovascular risk. Do not buy them online, you can’t even be sure what they really contain.
However, online services offered by doctors have emerged, providing prescriptions and selling these products through official pharmacies after a video consultation. This is also based on your honesty, if you hide heart problems from the doctor, they’ll never know since they don’t know you and don’t physically examine you.
These medications have some side effects, but nothing serious. For example, tadalafil (Cialis®) can cause heartburn or esophageal discomfort.
How long before… and how long does it last ?
- Sildenafil (Viagra®): Takes effect in 1 to 1.5 hours and lasts 8 hours. This gives you a 7-hour “window of opportunity.” Be careful – a heavy meal or alcohol can delay absorption. Your choice !
- Vardenafil (Levitra®): Has a much faster effect and takes longer to be eliminated. It can even work the next day.
- Tadalafil (Cialis®): Holds the record for its long duration of action. Online, it’s called the “weekend pill” because its effects can last up to 3 days.
- Avanafil (Spedra®): Said to be the fastest treatment, taking effect in just 15 minutes. Another record !
Tadalafil is eliminated very slowly and allows for continuous treatment, while the others are taken as needed before intercourse. Tadalafil can be taken daily and is very useful for couples who find it hard to plan or who miss the spontaneity of sex. If a man has urinary issues, tadalafil also has a urinary effect by acting on the prostate. It thus has a dual effect: sexual, as it makes erections easier (including at night), and urinary, with a clear improvement in urinary symptoms related to prostate enlargement.
Important reminder : With all these products, there must be sexual stimulation with a partner for an erection to occur. If you’re alone in front of your mirror, you probably won’t get hard !
Masturbation
Masturbation Techniques
- 🔄 The Edge Method: Masturbate until you’re on the brink of ejaculation, then pause. Repeat this process for more intense orgasms.
- 🍒 Involve Your Balls: Stimulate the testicles for more powerful orgasms.
- 🏋️♂️ Change Positions: Try different positions to vary sensations.
Ejaculation
For you, does ejaculation and orgasm (i.e., pleasure) go hand in hand ? Yet a man who has had his prostate removed will no longer ejaculate but will retain the pleasure of orgasm… It’s clear that they must not be exactly the same thing ! But since they happen at the same time, we don’t make a distinction. In summary, orgasm is in the mind, ejaculation is below the belt !
For sperm, the speed is limited to 45 km/h! This powerful jet is part of the reproductive mechanism (to adhere to the woman’s uterine cervix). It’s true that for gay men, it could be slower! But it’s pleasing to see it gush out in a powerful jet !
Not everyone agrees on the existence of the famous P-spot (P for prostate). Like the G-spot in women, stimulating or massaging the prostate before an orgasm could intensify and bring it forward. It has been verified that for some gay men, there is a kind of anal pleasure due to the back-and-forth motion of the penis (or fingers or a dildo) of their partner while being sodomized. Some passive partners manage to ejaculate this way, without anything stimulating their penis (neither hands nor mouth…). This can be referred to as a “prostate orgasm.”
Meanwhile, your testicles are working ! They never stop !
They produce “androgens,” among which is the famous testosterone (or male hormone). After 50, they too will start to tire and produce less. But still enough so that we men don’t experience menopause ! Thanks to the pituitary gland, we maintain a constant level of testosterone. It is associated with libido but is useful in many other functions.
Often, patients are treated for depression, with the negative side effects of antidepressants on their sexuality, when they are actually suffering from a testosterone deficiency. Prescribing testosterone in this case would be beneficial for their “pseudo-depression” and restore their deficient libido !
Be careful ! Consult a specialist doctor who will monitor various parameters during your treatment. Never self-medicate with testosterone ! This is common among gym enthusiasts wanting to gain muscle mass. How many have ended up with miniature testicles over the years ?
Benefits of Masturbation
Go to the limit… (« Edging »)
A quick jerk-off in 5 minutes is usually fine. But the “edge” method can help you achieve more intense orgasms. Masturbate until you’re on the brink of ejaculation, and take a short pause, just enough time for the erection to soften a bit. Then repeat the process. Do this three or four times before orgasm, and you’ll have deeper and more powerful ejaculations.
Involve Your Balls !
There are almost as many specific nerve endings in the testicles as in the penis. Don’t neglect them. While individual preferences and sensitivities play a big role in what men enjoy, many discover an untapped source of stimulation and more intense orgasms by rhythmically tugging on their testicles before ejaculation.
Test Different Positions…
If you usually masturbate lying on your back, try sitting. If you normally sit on a chair, try kneeling or lying on your side. Like any change, it might seem silly at first, but it’s worth a try.
Switch Hands!
You’ve probably already incorporated your non-dominant hand into your solo act. You might have even tried the mythical “stranger” technique, sitting on your hand until it falls asleep, then using it to simulate the feeling of someone else doing the work. But you can use your opposite hand more creatively. For example, you can hold your penis against your stomach with one hand while quickly sliding a few fingers up and down the underside of your shaft. Just like changing positions, unusual maneuvers can break the monotony.
While masturbation is one of the most common human activities, studies on the subject are surprisingly few. Yet, considerable amounts of sperm are released into the environment every day ! Let’s try to calculate this amount, based on the results of the rare research on masturbation.
Preliminary Survey
- Masturbation: Men vs. Women
The sociology department of the University of Chicago revealed in 2007 that 61% of adult men admit to masturbating (compared to 38% of women). Since the question was asked face-to-face, it is likely that the number is actually higher, especially among women.
Frequency
In 2010, a study by the Kinsey Institute at Indiana University showed that:
- 25% of men aged 18 to 59 masturbate several times a month to several times a week.
- 20% masturbate 2 or 3 times a week.
- 20% masturbate more than 4 times a week.
According to another study by the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine in 2002, students may masturbate a dozen times a month.
Quantity
We also know (see, for example, the research of Dr. Charles Lindemann of Oakland University) that 1 ml of sperm contains 20 to 100 million spermatozoa, and that an ejaculation produces between 2 and 5 ml of sperm. Therefore, an ejaculate contains at least 40 million spermatozoa. Finally, it is estimated that in 2017, there were 2.3 billion men over 18 on Earth.
Result :
60% of 2.3 billion = 1.38 billion who masturbate 12 times a month = 16.26 billion ejaculations per month × 40 million spermatozoa = 650 trillion spermatozoa per month, divided by 30 days…
22 trillion spermatozoa per day.
If we consider that certainly more than 61% of adult men masturbate, and that teenagers under 18 do too, the number is certainly even higher.
This calculation serves no purpose but will make you shine in society !
“It’s Huge.”
Men always claim that their penis is bigger than it actually is. In reality, if a man claims his member is “huge,” it is probably just above average. If he insists it is “above average,” it means it is ordinary. As for “average,” that means “tiny.” If a man completely shrugs off the size, it may mean his penis is too small to be detected without a microscope !
The Big Lie Men Tell About Their Penis
“I’ve never measured it, I don’t care.”
The only lie bigger than “it’s huge” is the claim that it has never been measured. Whether in middle school, high school, or daycare, every man has at some point taken a ruler, tape measure, or toothpick and never forgotten the result. Men know their length (and circumference) down to the millimeter.
Modern sexology research now considers masturbation an important and positive part of human sexual behavior. It is proven that masturbation is a crucial link to good health, mainly by strengthening the individual’s confidence in achieving sexual release and relaxation, and by offering a positive addition to a plethora of other human sexual activities. It is also proven that people who masturbate regularly are generally more satisfied with their sex life than those who do not.
Toys such as vibrators
Man’s ability to develop techniques for masturbation is limitless. In the case of penile stimulation, some uncircumcised men prefer to pull the foreskin forward and backward over the glans, while others engage in penile caresses, gently pressing under the glans or around the base of the penis to tighten the skin on the penile shaft or scrotum.
Lubricant or massage oil is a supplement to increase pleasure, both during stimulation of the frenulum (the string on the underside of the glans present in uncircumcised men) or as an aid to create more pleasant friction of the entire penis for circumcised men.
Other techniques include tightening the pelvic floor muscles in conjunction with masturbation or using sex or anal plugs. In a broader perspective, clothing, soft objects, food, or playing with heat and cold (or hot sauce and ice cubes, alternately) can become elements of increased pleasure. Moreover, supplements to masturbation are often pornography and/or other representations of sexuality in words and graphic images.
Some men, particularly as they age, may experience erectile dysfunction and may not enjoy masturbation as often or as effectively as in previous years. Others with limited access to human sexual partners may develop atypical masturbation patterns, after which exposure to sexual activity with a partner may result in delayed ejaculation or orgasm inhibition.
These problems can often be resolved by engaging in specific sexual coaching, conducted by sex educators and sex therapists with specialized sex education and competence in human sexuality issues.
Unless there are psychological or physical disorders, masturbation is generally a lifelong activity and often the last to be present in an individual’s life, long after partners are no longer available or desired.
Men jerk off a lot because it’s easy !
Anywhere ! You’re with him at a restaurant, he goes to the bathroom, jerks off, and comes back to finish his meal !
The Church has always condemned masturbation. In the 8th century, it is found in books, cited as one of the greatest sins. Onan, this character from Genesis, had been killed because he had spilled his seed on the ground.
He gave his name to onanism as a synonym for masturbation, but in fact, Onan had not masturbated ; he had withdrawn from his partner before ejaculation, his seed being intended solely to impregnate a woman, and being considered lost in the eyes of the Church, this made him a murderer…
Closer to our time, it was doctors who established theories that masturbation was dangerous to health, even capable of causing madness, or even death ! Like in 1758, the Swiss doctor Simon-André Tissot.
Fortunately, nowadays, masturbation is considered an important and positive part of human sexual behavior.
Masturbation is an important and positive part of human sexual behavior. It boosts self-confidence and improves sexual satisfaction.
Conclusion
The penis is a complex and fascinating part of male anatomy. Understanding its characteristics and techniques to enhance sexual satisfaction can greatly improve the quality of life. Don’t forget to consult a doctor for any questions or concerns about your sexual health.
The Prostate
Don’t Immediately Think “Cancer”
First, What Is Its Purpose ?
You might say, well, sperm comes from my balls !
Not exactly ! Along with the seminal vesicles, the prostate produces 95% of the volume of semen. The testicles account for only 5% !
Prostate Size
Let’s talk fruits ! (Doctors talk in grams, but this is more visual !)
- 🌰 Normal Size: A chestnut
- 🍎 Moderate Enlargement: An apple (about 30 cm³)
- 🍊 Medium Enlargement: An orange (about 50 cm³)
- 🍈 Significant Enlargement: A grapefruit (over 50 cm³)
Role of the Prostate
It helps us reproduce… but we’ll see that’s not all it does, you might already know…
Urinary Problems
The prostate usually starts causing issues around the age of 50. Although it has no role in urinary function, it can still cause urinary problems in men.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
As it “swells” over the years, it compresses the small canal through which urine passes (the urethra) and weakens the urine stream. The key word here is “benign”!
When to See a Doctor?
If urinating doesn’t interfere with your social life, there’s no need. However, if, for example, you scope out the restrooms at the cinema and choose a seat near the aisle, it’s advisable.
Actually, we always talk about the prostate, but it’s more of a bladder issue ; the two are closely linked.
Diagnosis and Treatments
The urologist will start by asking you to fill out a questionnaire for urinary issues, the IPSS: “International Prostate Score Symptom.”
If you don’t consult, you won’t know what your bladder is going through ! It can take up to 15 years to show its discontent!
It will become a “fighting bladder.”
The urethra canal will narrow more and more, so as your stream weakens, you’ll push, and the bladder will “muscle up,” which can lead to urinary infections (prostate, testicles, etc.).
When the bladder muscle becomes completely inoperative, I won’t describe what can happen : urinary leaks, diapers, urinary catheter, even kidney damage, etc.
In summary, if your urologist says you have an enlarged prostate (also known as an adenoma or BPH, it’s the same thing) and you have no urinary issues, leave your prostate alone !
If you have only minor issues, phytotherapy will suffice. Supplements made from saw palmetto or African plum.
Be very wary of all products advertised online that promise to restore the prostate of your 20s! Some can be dangerous.
At the next stage
If urine struggles to flow, if you need to push to empty the bladder, or in case of a fighting bladder, the urologist will prescribe alpha-blocker medication (like 10 mg alfuzosin, which relaxes the prostate’s muscle fibers, widens the urethra, and helps urine flow better. This is a treatment that must be followed carefully, not interrupted (risk of urinary retention), and can be taken long-term, even for life.
There are also finasteride and dutasteride, which reduce prostate size. The main drawback of these very effective drugs, which act on testosterone, is that they can cause sexual issues like decreased libido.
Finally, you’ve all heard of Viagra for erectile problems. It was recently discovered that another molecule with the same indication, tadalafil, under the brand CIALIS or others, has beneficial effects on the urinary system at low doses.
If all else fails, surgery for BPH may be necessary…
Prostate Resection
The classic procedure is transurethral resection of the prostate.
The surgeon will insert an instrument through the urethra (yes, through your penis…), but don’t worry, you’ll be asleep ! And they will, in a way, scrape the prostate without removing it, to widen the canal.
For Very Large Prostates, Abdominal Surgery is Required.
Many men dread or postpone the intervention because they know that, regardless of the type, ejaculation will be altered. This means that semen will no longer exit as usual but will be redirected inward (to the bladder) and become invisible. However, this will not affect the orgasm (pleasure), which will still be present.
Most procedures are now performed using lasers. There are several types:
- Green-light laser, which vaporizes prostate tissue. The laser beam in contact with the prostate turns it into vapor. This type of laser reduces the risk of bleeding, thus transfusions, and shortens hospital stays, making it possible to perform as an outpatient procedure.
- Holmium laser, for larger prostates (sometimes with risks of urinary incontinence).
- Thulium laser.
Blood in Semen ?
Don’t panic, consult a doctor, but don’t immediately think of cancer ! Most of the time, it will be an acute inflammation.
Treatments
- Phytotherapy: For mild issues, dietary supplements based on saw palmetto or African plum.
- Alpha-Blocker Medications: Like 10 mg alfuzosin, which relaxes the prostate’s muscle fibers, widens the urethra, and helps urine flow better.
- Finasteride/Dutasteride: Aim to reduce prostate size but can cause sexual issues like decreased libido.
- Surgery: In severe cases, transurethral resection of the prostate or laser surgery may be considered.
And What About Cancer ?
Prostate Cancer
The urologist will first conduct preliminary exams (blood test, rectal exam) and will want confirmation through prostate biopsies. The biopsy results will confirm a prostate cancer diagnosis.
If you are diagnosed with prostate cancer at 70, you will likely die from something else. Its progression is slow, especially when discovered in an elderly individual.
Let’s discuss the diagnosis.
You’ve heard of PSA, “Prostate-Specific Antigen.” Naturally, PSA, an enzyme, liquefies semen to facilitate sperm movement. This protein is also present in the blood. The PSA level in the blood will increase with prostate disease.
Caution ! Always discuss the PSA level with your doctor, as it can be very anxiety-inducing. The result can vary for many reasons (not necessarily related to cancer).
For example, cycling, ejaculating, undergoing a rectal exam, prostate massage, or anal intercourse can elevate PSA levels.
Prostate cancer often progresses slowly and may cause no issues for years.
Diagnosis relies on biopsies and the Gleason score.
If cancer is found, the cells will be classified using the Gleason score, with “grades” from 1 to 5. Only your urologist or oncologist can determine the severity of the tumor. Sometimes very aggressive with metastases, most do not progress severely.
How Are Biopsies Performed?
The doctor will insert an ultrasound probe into the anus and, under local anesthesia, use a large needle to collect about a dozen very small pieces of the prostate according to a precise plan of the different prostate zones. These will then be analyzed under a microscope in anatomical pathology.
Surgery: Radical Prostatectomy
Not long ago, men would become incontinent and impotent.
Adjacent to the prostate are “strips” responsible for erection. The surgeon’s skill lies in preserving these tiny shreds. Today, prostatectomy is robot-assisted, helping to maintain patients’ erections.
Radiotherapy Coupled with Hormonal Treatment, Known as “Castration”
This is a more comprehensive treatment; however, it can lead to late-onset impotence and make surgery impossible due to tissue degradation in irradiated areas. It also has adverse effects on libido and erection.
Brachytherapy
Less commonly used but can be effective. In cases of metastases, there is no benefit in treating the prostate itself. Hormonal treatments are used, and fortunately, oncologists have many molecules to control the cancer for years.
Cancer Treatments
- Surgery: Radical prostatectomy, often robot-assisted.
- Radiotherapy: Coupled with hormonal treatment but can cause side effects like impotence.
- Brachytherapy: Less used but can be effective.
- Hormonal Treatment: In metastatic cases, hormonal treatments can control cancer for years.
And That Famous Rectal Exam ?
Dreaded by many men, for others, it’s a simple formality !
Don’t imagine the doctor will make you assume a submissive position, on all fours on the exam table ! Most of the time, you’ll lie on your back, feet flat, and knees bent. The doctor will then slowly insert a gloved, lubricated finger into your anus, pressing upward to feel the prostate, checking for any hard masses and evaluating its size.
It will be very brief, and yes, some might say, unfortunately !
The Famous Study on 21 Ejaculations per Month!
In 2016, the scientific journal European Urology conducted a study on 32,000 men over 18 years, including 3,800 cases of cancer, counting their number of ejaculations (masturbation or sexual intercourse). Those who ejaculated at least 21 times a month reduced their risk of prostate cancer by 20% ! The storage of semen was mentioned as potentially unfavorable, but nothing has been proven !
That being said, don’t hesitate to ejaculate more than 21 times a month—it can only do you good !
