Male Breast Cancer

How to Recognize Male Breast Cancer

Knowing the signs and symptoms of male breast cancer could save your life or the life of a loved one. The best chances for treatment and ultimately survival occur when the disease is found in its earliest stages. If you are experiencing any symptoms or persistent breast changes you should report them to your physician.

Lie down and place your right arm behind your head. The exam should be performed when lying down because the breast tissue spreads evenly over the chest wall and is as thin as possible, making it much easier to feel all the breast tissue.

Use the pads of the 3 middle fingers on your left hand to feel for lumps in the right breast. Use overlapping circular motions of the finger pads to feel the breast tissue.

Use 3 different levels of pressure to feel all the breast tissue. Light pressure is needed to feel the tissue closest to the skin; medium pressure to feel a little deeper; and firm pressure to feel the tissue closest to the chest and ribs. A firm ridge in the lower curve of each breast is normal. If you're not sure how hard to press, talk with your doctor or nurse. Use each pressure level to feel the breast tissue before moving on to the next spot.

Move around the breast in an up and down pattern starting the underarm and moving across the breast to the middle of the chest bone (sternum or breastbone). Be sure to check the entire breast area going down until you feel only ribs and up to the neck or collar bone.

Repeat the exam on your left breast, using the finger pads of the right hand.

Examine each underarm while sitting or standing up and with your arm only slightly raised so you can easily feel in this area.

TIPS

The most common signs of breast cancer for both men and women are a lump, mass or thickening in the breast. Frequently the lump is painless. Other male breast cancer symptoms include but are not limited to:

• Skin dimpling or puckering.
• Development of a new inversion/retraction (the nipple turns inward) or indentation of the nipple.
‌• Nipple discharge.

How to Stop Premature Ejaculation

Premature ejaculation, or ejaculating before you or your partner wanted to, is a common problem that strikes most men at some point in their lives. Several factors can influence when ejaculation occurs, but it can be controlled with some forethought or, in extreme cases, medical intervention. Here are some strategies for help, listed from easiest to most difficult.

METHOD ONE: QUICK FIXES

Wear a condom

It sounds too simple to be true, but it works for a lot of men. Condoms reduce stimulation for most men, which should prolong the time before ejaculation.

• Steer clear of condoms that are marketed as extra thin. You can always upgrade to a brand that allows more stimulation later.

• Some condoms are coated with a slight numbing gel on the inside. This can help you put off ejaculation for longer without causing numbness to your partner. (Just make sure you know which side is where when you put it on.)

Use an analgesic (numbing) cream

The upside is that you'll feel slightly less sensation, which will delay ejaculation. The downside is your partner will suffer a loss of sensation, too. If you're interested in this option, make sure you clear it with your partner first.

Apply strategic pressure

Here are two quick ways to delay ejaculation in the middle of intercourse:

• Perineum pressure: Pressing on the perineum, a spot midway between your scrotum and your anus, will help to stop ejaculation because this spot reaches through to the prostate gland. It is the prostate that contracts and expands during orgasm and then expels the ejaculation fluid. Ask your partner to apply this loving pressure for you.

• Testes tug: When a man nears orgasm his scrotum rises up closer to his body. You can delay ejaculation by gently pulling your testes down and away from your body. Your partner can also do this for you.

METHOD TWO: TECHNIQUE CHANGES

Slow down intercourse

If you're feeling pressured to perform, you might rush to ejaculation before you're ready. Try these tips for bringing your anxiety down a notch:

• Take climaxing out of your expectations. Instead of viewing intercourse only as a means of achieving orgasm, reframe it as relaxing, pleasurable time with your partner that you'll enjoy regardless of ejaculation. Discuss this new mindset with your partner, so that he or she can stop pressuring you, intentionally or not.

• Think nonsexual thoughts. If you notice yourself getting too excited, stop and turn your attention to something decidedly unsexy, like rush-hour traffic, smarmy politicians, or the old classic, baseball. Only dwell on it long enough to give yourself a short break from arousal, maybe 5 to 10 seconds, then refocus your attention on your partner.

Try edging

Edging, or orgasm control, is the practice of maintaining a high level of sexual arousal while delaying ejaculation. It takes practice, but it gets easier over time.

Here are two methods recommended by the National Institutes of Health to stop premature ejaculation:-

• Stop-and-start method:- Have intercourse as usual until you feel yourself coming uncomfortably close to orgasm. Immediately and abruptly cease all stimulation for 30 seconds, then start again. Repeat this pattern until you're ready to ejaculate.

• Squeezing method:- Have intercourse as usual until you feel like orgasm is seconds away. Abruptly stop other stimulation and gently squeeze your thumb and forefinger around the part of the penis where the glans meets the shaft (or your partner could do this). After squeezing for a few seconds, pause all stimulation for another 30 seconds before resuming intercourse. Repeat this pattern until you're ready to ejaculate.

Change positions

Some intercourse positions put less pressure on the glans (or the most sensitive part of the penis). Here's what to do:
• Try "passive" positions:- Lie beneath your female partner, or try a side-by-side (or spooning) position.
• Avoid "active" positions:- Missionary and rear-entry positions place the most stimulation and friction on the glans, so consider taking them off the menu for now.

METHOD THREE: LONG-TERM FIXES

Do PC muscle exercises

Flexing and strengthening your pubococcygeus (PC) muscle can help you exert more control over ejaculation. (Note that these are also called Kegel exercises, which you might have heard about women doing. The muscle is the same in both sexes.)
• Locate your PC muscle :- Put one or two fingers right behind your testicles. Pretend that you are urinating, then try to stop the flow with a quick muscle contraction. That muscle you just used to stop the flow from the bladder is your PC muscle.
• Flex the muscle regularly:- Try to do 10 to 20 squeezes in a set, 2 or 3 times a day. Do a set whenever you're bored or stationary — like when you're sitting at your desk or in traffic. No one will be able to see that you're doing them.
Squeeze your PC muscle when you feel ejaculation coming on. Once the muscle is strong enough, you should be able to hold it off.

METHOD FOUR: MEDICAL INTERVENTION

Know when to see a doctor :- If you routinely ejaculate less than a minute and a half after beginning vaginal intercourse, and none of the above fixes have worked, it might be time to see a medical professional. You can visit a sex therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist for help.

Know what treatment options to expect :- The treatment that your doctor recommends will depend on your age, overall health and sexual history, but here's a rundown of the most common routes:
• A short-acting SSRI: Researchers suspect serotonin has an effect on ejaculation, and have found a certain class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors can help delay it. Dapoxetine is usually prescribed for this; FDA approval is pending in the US.
• Tramadol: A mild oral analgesic, Tramadol's been shown to increase serotonin levels, which can lead to greater ejaculation control.
• Clomipramine: A tri-cyclic anti-depressant, Clomipramine has been used to treat premature ejaculation for decades.
• Intracavernous vasodilator therapy: In extreme cases, your doctor might suggest injecting a vasodilator directly into your penis before intercourse. Though this is usually a successful option, it's not something to start lightly.

TIPS

• Keep in mind that erectile problems come and go, and this issue is most likely not permanent.
•‌ Additionally, most men gain more control over ejaculating as they get older. If you're still young, try not to worry too much — you'll probably grow out of premature ejaculation.

WARNINGS

Do not let your anxiety about premature ejaculation stop you having intercourse. Intercourse can be beneficial to people by lowering stress levels and has even been found to reduce the risks of prostate cancer in males.

IMPROVING YOUR PROSTATE HEALTH

The prostate is a small gland found in men, near their bladders. Many men experience prostate problems, and as they get older it is important to watch for signs of prostate cancer. There are many lifestyle changes that can be made in order to protect yourself from issues with your prostate. Be sure you know about any family history with cancer or prostate problems. Improve prostate health by eating healthy foods, keeping your weight in check and visiting your doctor regularly.

Eat well

Make sure your diet includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean protein and whole grains.
Include foods with a lot of lycopene, such as red peppers and tomatoes. Lycopene is what makes fruit and vegetables red, and has been proven as a cancer-fighting ingredient.
Eat fish with high levels of omega-3 acids, including salmon and tuna. These foods will help your prostate as well as your heart and immune system.
Increase the amount of soy you eat. The properties of soy, which is found in many vegetarian dishes, fight cancer. Trading cow's milk for soy milk is one way to get more soy into your diet.

Lose weight

If you are overweight, get yourself on a diet and exercise plan that will get you in a healthy range. Maintaining a healthy weight will keep your prostate healthy.

See your doctor regularly

Have your prostate examined every year. Talk to your doctor about any issues in your family history as it pertains to your prostate.
Discuss any symptoms you have experienced, including incontinence, impotence or if you have noticed an enlarged prostate.


Take zinc supplements

Most men do not get enough zinc in their diets, and supplements can help keep your prostate healthy. Zinc deficiencies have led to enlarged prostates. Take 50 to 100 milligrams of zinc per day to reduce an enlarged prostate. Be sure to discuss any supplements you are taking or thinking about taking with your physician.

Perform kegel exercises

Tighten the muscles around your scrotum and anus for a few seconds, then release. Do this exercise in 10 repetitions 5 times a day to improve your prostate health.

Try taking saw palmetto berry

This supplement has received mixed reviews from users and the medical field, so talk to your doctor before you try it. Some people believe it reduces inflammation and prostate enlargement.

Avoid alcohol

Limit the amount of caffeine you consume. Try to have only 1 cup of coffee per day.

Know the symptoms of a potential prostate problem

These include blood in your urine, pain when you urinate or have sex, low back pain or always feeling like you need to urinate. ‌

WARNINGS

Make sure you do not ignore prostate problems. If an enlarged prostate is not corrected, it can lead to more serious problems including urinary tract infections, kidney and bladder stones and other problems with your kidneys and bladder.

UNDERSTANDING THE MALE MENOPAUSE

How to Understand Male Menopause

Women may not be alone when it comes to suffering from menopause-like symptoms, and the medical community is now debating the emergence of what is being referred to as male menopause. You can learn how to understand male menopause by reviewing its time frame, its symptoms and its treatment options to determine if you might need to consult your physician for help for you or a loved one.

Reported Cause of Male Menopause

Doctors describe male menopause as a reduction in androgen, also known as testosterone, as men get older. This condition is also referred to as low testosterone. Low testosterone is associated with advanced age, but it can also occur with some diseases such as diabetes. Most men can produce sperm very late in life, so male menopause is a much more gradual process than female menopause, which occurs over a distinct, much briefer time period.

SYMPTOMS OF MALE MENOPAUSE

Males going through male menopause report feelings of weakness, depression, fatigue and sexual issues. In regards to sexual function, your testes may appear smaller, you may have a reduced amount of sexual desire, infertility and/or you may experience fewer spontaneous erections like those that occur in the middle of the night. The low testosterone levels affiliated with male menopause can sometimes cause insomnia.

Physical changes affiliated with male menopause can include a reduction in muscle bulk, decreased bone density and increased body fat as symptoms. Those affected may have swollen or tender breasts and/or experience hair loss. Hot flashes and loss of energy have also been described with male menopause.

Emotional changes that may occur with male menopause can include decreased motivation and/or self-confidence. Sadness, depression and loss of concentration may also occur.

POTENTIAL DIAGNOSIS

Visit your doctor to discuss symptoms and get an exam. Your doctor may run other tests to rule out any other conditions. Specific to the male menopause, your doctor can order blood tests to test your hormone level, including a blood testosterone level test.

TREATMENT

If your doctor determines that your testosterone levels are low, he or she may prescribe testosterone replacement therapy.

Testosterone replacement therapy does come with potential risks and side effects, though, including a higher risk of prostate cancer.

Alternately, your doctor may suggest lifestyle changes instead of, or in conjunction with, your hormone replacement therapy. These lifestyle changes may include an exercise program or a new diet.

TIPS

"Andropause" is another word that has been used synonymously with male menopause. Other terms to describe it include androgen deficiency of the aging male, testosterone deficiency and late-onset hypogonadism.

WARNINGS

The signs and symptoms described may be a result of other conditions such as a thyroid disorder, depression or excessive alcohol use, so consult a doctor for a formal diagnosis.