Some diseases can occur only in men. This page provides information about the treatment options for these 'male diseases':
- Erectile dysfunction (impotence)
- Benign prostatic hypertrophy (prostate enlargement)
Erection Problems
About one in seven men has ever suffered from erectile dysfunction. The decision aids below discuss a number of treatments to deal with this.
Benign prostatic hypertrophy
An enlarged prostate is often benign. A benignly enlarged prostate is not life-threatening. However, it can cause annoying urinary symptoms, such as frequent urination, a weak urinary stream and incontinence. If these symptoms are severe, then the enlarged prostate can be treated with drugs or surgery. Various types of drugs are available. Some types cause the prostate to shrink. Other types enlarge the space around the prostate, so that the urinary symptoms disappear. In case of surgery, there are also several options. For example, the surgery can be carried out via the urinary tube ('urethra') or via the abdominal wall.
Decision aids for male diseases
For both male diseases, guidelines exist with recommended treatments. These guidelines, however, leave room for your own preferences. To help you form your own opinion, you will find a list of decision aids at the bottom of this page. These decision aids will give you more information about the various treatment options for male diseases and their pros and cons. They are intended to assist you and your doctor, so that you can make a good decision together.
Please always visit a doctor if you have urinary symptoms
It is important to report problems with voiding or continence to a doctor. Although urinary symptoms in older men are often caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia, these symptoms should always be discussed with a doctor so that other causes can be excluded. So even if you decide that you do not want any treatment for your urinary symptoms, you should inform your doctor.
Erection disorder (OHRI): multiple decision aids about the treatment methods EN
NHS: benign prostate enlargement, treatment options EN
Benign prostate enlargement (OHRI): multiple decision aids about the treatment options EN