Changes on PSA test confusing to many

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People often think that cancer screening is a crucial part of a long, healthy life. In many cases, this can be true. However, a recent announcement from the United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends that healthy men no longer undergo Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood tests.

PSA blood tests measure the level of PSA in a man’s blood. A high level of PSA could potentially be a sign of prostate cancer. Hence, the new PSA recommendation from this government task force comes as a shock to many, as this test used to be considered the gold standard in early prostate cancer detection and treatment.

Yet medical experts now believe that tests often can cause unnecessary pain in patients who might otherwise not even develop prostate cancer. A certain level of PSA in the blood is normal and won’t necessarily lead to the development of cancer, and even though PSA testing can help to detect small tumors, it has not been shown to have a long-term effect in combating aggressive and fast-growing cancers. And sadly, early detection of such aggressive cancers does not appear to make treatment any more successful.

Does this mean that ignorance is bliss when it comes to prostate cancer? Of course not. We should all do everything we can to lead long, healthy lives, and this goes for men and their partners as well. Studies have shown that women often lead the household when it comes to making healthy choices as a family and orchestrating doctor’s visits, so it is often a good idea to take the reins and speak up if you feel your partner is neglecting his health. But, at the same time, we have to keep in mind that medical research is constantly growing, so it is no surprise that certain tests and techniques fall under scrutiny and beg for improvement.

Currently, this is where we stand with the PSA test. It is very limited in its scope in that it has not been shown to save lives or protect men from aggressive cancers, and additionally, it leads to invasive and sometimes traumatic treatments that aren’t always necessary. PSA testing often can lead men to undergo cancer treatments as a safety measure, especially as many doctors recommend an aggressive and complete attack method when it comes to rooting out any potential sign of cancer.

Unfortunately, the flip side of these safety precautions is that aggressive cancer treatments often come too late and with other health ramifications that can have a devastating effect on a man’s sexual and reproductive health. While there are nerve-sparing prostate surgeries, many men suffer from erectile dysfunction and impotence following these treatments. Thankfully, patients have a few treatment options. For instance, many surgeons have patients take drugs like Viagra immediately following surgery to promote healing and blood flow with some success.

Other treatments may include injections, pumps and even implants, but the more aggressive the cancer and treatment, the worse the sexual prognosis is. Hence, it is important to be sure that your doctor has a strong post-operative recovery program with nurse practitioners or other medical professionals available to you for consulting as you try different sexual health recovery options.

Additionally, research has found that men who engage in regular sex are less likely to suffer from prostate cancer, as ejaculation helps to release toxins from the body and promote healthy functioning. A healthy life is one that includes sexual pleasure, and men shouldn’t have to choose between the two. Luckily, medical research is progressing every day, and if you are suffering from sexual side effects, you have options. Talk to a doctor and commit to a happy, healthy life — inside and outside the bedroom!