Men's Health Seminars Scheduled
A condition that affects 30 million men would usually be a topic everyone talks about. But when it comes to some men’s health issues, such as erectile dysfunction, or ED, talking isn’t easy.
That is why Penn Highlands Healthcare is hosting a free Men’s Health Seminar to discuss ED. Attendees have the choice of 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 24, or Thursday, Feb. 15, at the Central Resource Center, 204 Hospital Avenue, DuBois, located next to Penn Highlands DuBois West.
Dr. Anuj Chopra, board-certified urologist with Penn Highlands Urology, will lead this educational program.
Spouses and partners are welcome to attend. “This is something a couple can go to together. The worst part of ED is the effect it has on relationships,” Chopra said. “ED can add stress to a relationship or end it,” Chopra said.
Men may not want to confront the problem and get help. They may feel angry or embarrassed. Either partner may withdraw from the relationship instead of addressing the issue. Some partners may not understand what is happening and think there is something wrong with them.
“This is an organic disease,” Chopra said. “There is a misconception that there is something wrong with you. It’s nothing to be embarrassed about. One in two men will experience ED in their lifetimes.”
Studies show over 80 percent of ED cases are caused by a treatable physical disorder. Diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol are common causes. Even a perfectly healthy man can develop ED after a brain or spinal cord injury. ED can be a side effect of certain medications, too.
Chopra will discuss the symptoms and causes of ED, as well as treatment options ranging from prescription medications to penile implants – an option available locally.
Implants are custom-fitted devices that are surgically implanted to allow you to obtain an erection when desired. They are undetectable to the naked eye, so one’s partner will not know a man has it unless he tells.
Chopra uses Coloplast implants for his patients. He is qualified to perform the procedure and offers the implant surgery.
Why get an implant? According to Coloplast information:
• Patient satisfaction rates. Studies indicate 93.8 percent of men were moderately or completely satisfied with their penile prosthesis choice, far outpacing satisfaction levels for pills and injections.
• It’s discrete. A penile prosthesis is not noticeable.
• It only takes a brief, outpatient surgical procedure.
• Minimal recovery time. Every man is different, but a typical recovery time after a prosthesis implant procedure is two to three weeks.
Penile implants are generally covered by most insurance plans, including Medicare.
To learn more, attend the free seminar. “There is no need to be embarrassed. Millions of other men are in the same situation. Why let it stop you from coming forward to learn more?” Chopra added.
To attend, please RSVP with your name, phone number and number attending to 814-375-INFO (814-375-4636) by Jan. 22 for Jan. 24 and by Feb. 12 for Feb. 15.