It is crucial to take our health seriously, whether by being proactive about visiting the doctor, by doing relevant self-exams, or simply by learning about the health issues that directly affect us. For the men out there, there are two types of cancers, prostate and testicular cancers, which can directly affect us among other cancers. Yet, many might not know much about them.

If prostate and testicular cancers are detected early, they are highly curable. That’s why routine screenings for these diseases are considered an important part of the preventive health plan. Screening is looking for cancer but before experiencing any symptoms helping to find it at an early stage. The value of a screening test does not depend on its ability to detect a disease only, but on its ability to improve a person’s outcome considering both the duration and quality of life.

Several tools can be used to diagnose genitourinary cancers, including a physical exam, a digital rectal exam, blood tests, imaging, and biopsies. Before suggesting any tests, doctors will take into account your symptoms, results of the physical exam, and other medical conditions or family history.

Screening for Prostate Cancer

The older you get, the more likely to get prostate cancer. Age is considered one of the primary risk factors for prostate cancer. There are no known causes of prostate cancer and no single, simple test to detect it. It is believed that both digital rectal examination (DRE) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests are essential screenings for early detection of prostate cancer. Most cases are diagnosed through annual screening which is recommended for all men with age over 50.

The family history of Prostate cancer and the Ethnic group can be a factor to screen the prostate cancer earlier, from the age of 40.

When should you begin to get screened for prostate cancer? Your doctor will consider multiple factors before suggesting the time to start screening, but the first choice will likely be a PSA test which is the best available tool for prostate cancer screening. This PSA test measures how much of prostate-specific antigen is present in the blood.

If your PSA score is in the abnormal range, you may be recommended to repeat the PSA test. If the levels are still high, you might be recommended one of the newer prostate cancer screening tests available today. These tests can help better assess the risk for prostate cancer and determine whether a biopsy is necessary. 

Screening for Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer is a common cancer that affects younger men. Yet, many are unfamiliar with the disease and how easily to detect it. There are no clear causes of this cancer, but men who have had an undescended testicle are at higher risk. 

The best screening is a clinical examination with a possible Testicular ultrasound to detect even a smaller early tumor. Also in some scenarios can be felt by self exam or buy chance.

Urology Clinic in Dubai!

If you are looking for prostate and testicular cancer screening, visit Dr Anis Haddad clinic in Dubai London Clinic on Jumeirah road , one of the best urology clinic in Dubai. Our specialist Dr. Anis’s goal is to provide you with the information, treatment, and care you deserve.

The post CANCER SCREENING FOR TESTIS AND PROSTATE first appeared on Best Urology Doctor in Dubai | Dr. Anis Haddad.

Varicoceles are very common. In fact, they are the most common cause for male factor infertility, accounting for up to 40% of cases. However, they are found in nearly 16-17% of all men. Although they do not cause a health risk, they can result in deterioration of fertility over time, in addition to the pain episodes.

A varicocele might result in low sperm production, poor testicles development, or other problems that may eventually cause infertility. The good news is that there are treatment options such as surgery which may be recommended to address these complications. So, how does a varicocele cause infertility? But before that…

What is a Varicocele? 

A varicocele is an enlargement of the veins, known as the pampiniform plexus, in the scrotum. One theory of explaining varicoceles is that the valves in the spermatic cords’ veins, which carry blood from the testicles, stop working efficiently.

Why this happens is not entirely clear. However, these valves should always allow blood to flow toward the heart. Faulty valves can disrupt the blood flow and the blood pools rather than moving smoothly on. Eventually, this build-up of blood might cause the vessels to dilate. 

Most people having a varicocele usually experience no symptoms at all. While some might experience mild discomfort during certain activities, it doesn’t result in serious or long-term health problems. 

Many men having varicocele, can be young and living in a hot country.

The Link Between Varicocele and Infertility

It has been suggested that varicocele -mediated infertility is not caused by a single factor but is the result of the synergy of genetic and other molecular factors, such as hypoxia, oxidative stress, and nutrient deprivation.

There is an association between varicoceles and developing infertility. Reduced sperm count, decreased sperm motility, and increased the number of deformed sperm are all related to varicoceles. Experts believe that varicoceles result in infertility by raising the temperature in the scrotum and decreasing the production of sperm.

A recent meta-analysis of previous studies has found evidence that treating a varicocele might improve fertility, especially if the cause is unknown.

How to Reverse Varicocele -mediated Infertility?

A varicocele often doesn’t need to be treated. For a man having infertility, surgery to correct the varicocele might be a part of the treatment plan.

The aims of varicocele repair are to alleviate pain in symptomatic cases and to improve testicular function, semen parameters, and pregnancy rates in couples with male infertility accompanying varicocele. 

Varicoceles can be reversed through surgical procedures or a minimally invasive treatment option. These treatments are designed to reduce the pressure in the varicose veins which form the varicocele. Varicocelectomy is a surgical procedure in which the veins causing the varicocele are tied off, which can alleviate the varicocele and improve fertility or semen quality for in vitro fertilization.

The good news is that your diagnosis of male infertility due to varicocele doesn’t always mean you will never be a father. Today, there are treatment options that are available to reverse varicoceles and may increase your chances of conception. Treatment is usually quick and effective in dealing with the challenges of varicocele-mediated male infertility.

The post TESTICULAR VARICOCELE AND EFFECTS ON FERTILITY first appeared on Best Urology Doctor in Dubai | Dr. Anis Haddad.