A man’s pelvic health issues can raise real concerns for the woman or partner who loves him. For example:

• Men are 24% less likely than women to have seen a doctor in the past 12 months
• Men are concerned about sexual function, yet few take steps to remedy (or even address) problemsⁱ
• About 1 man in 7 will be diagnosed with prostate cancer—meaning there are a lot of partners and loved ones out there who will be affected by these diagnoses. Are you one of them?

Prostate cancer is especially worrisome. The word “cancer” itself raises fear, and information on the internet can be confusing and overwhelming. This page is devoted to the partners, family members, and friends who care deeply about a man facing prostate cancer or any other pelvic health issue.

Men’s health issues change as their bodies age.

Just as women’s bodies go through mid-life transition, so do men’s bodies. Three important changes occur as men enter their middle-age years:

Prostate basics

The walnut-size prostate gland is literally at the core of a man’s pelvic health. It’s tucked away in a protected location because it plays an important role in male fertility. The gland secretes fluid that nourishes sperm and carries it out of the penis in the form of semen during ejaculation. Prostatic muscles help propel this fluid through the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the penis) as it passes through the gland.

This illustration shows how the prostate gland is nestled directly below and against the bladder, in front of the rectal wall. In addition, the outermost tip of the prostate gland (the apex) adjoins the tiny muscle group that controls urination. This group, the external sphincter, is at risk of damage during prostate cancer surgery (radical prostatectomy) as well as late-onset damage from exposure to radiation.

Finally, the small “bundles” of nerves and blood vessels that control erectile function are directly in contact with both sides of the prostate where it sits at the base of the penis inside the pelvic bed. These delicate structures, called the neurovascular bundles (NVBs), are extremely sensitive to any disturbance such as a prostate needle biopsy or prostate cancer surgery and radiation.

The proximity of the prostate to the NVBs and external sphincter helps explain why most conventional treatments have the potential for urinary and sexual side effects such as incontinence and erectile dysfunction. While such side effects can be short-term, in many cases they linger for 12-24 months—and in a few cases, can be permanent.

His prostate problems affect those who love him, too

Whether you are his wife, partner, family member, or close friend, what affects the man you care about affects you, too. Here are just a few of the natural responses to your man’s prostate symptoms and problems, especially prostate cancer:

• He’s turned into a stoic person and won’t talk about his feelings (feeling shut out)
• He hates going to the doctor. Should I have made him go sooner? (guilt)
• He doesn’t seem as interested in sex lately (feeling invisible, undesirable)
• He says he doesn’t need my help, or argues with the resources I find (feeling useless)

On the other hand, a health threat can be an opportunity to grow closer:

• Honest communication about worries and fears
• Active listening and reflecting back what the other person is saying
• Recalling past stressful times and how you successfully teamed up
• Strategizing ways to split up tasks such as internet research, getting referrals, setting appointments, etc.
• Attending medical appointments together

Take heart! There’s much that you as a loving partner or significant other can do to help the man in your life achieve total wellness and live longer. The Sperling Prostate Center is your team for excellence in men’s pelvic health.

Leading men’s health specialists through imaging and image-guided treatments

Intimacy and emotions go hand-in-hand with healthcare decisions, so it’s vital that both of you have thorough, accurate information and a caring medical team.

At our Center, men’s pelvic health and prostate cancer diagnosis begin with noninvasive advanced imaging as a revolutionary first step in detection. Clear, high-resolution identification of male health problems is a key to treatment choices that ultimately feel right. Dr. Sperling explains imaging results and next steps so you and your loved one can fully understand them. At every step, we take to heart the concerns, circumstances and unique needs of each patient and his partner.

Consultations are available in our Florida office where Dr. Sperling and his expert staff welcome and support our patients and their loved ones.

The Sperling Prostate Center difference

Detection and diagnosis

Symptoms of male pelvic disorders, prostate cancer, and low testosterone raise concerns as much—if not more so—for the partner. Just as a man’s self-image and confidence are connected with his physical and sexual well-being, what affects him influences his love relationships and needs for care.

Symptoms often overlap among BPH, inflammation, infection (prostatitis), chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS), and prostate cancer. Lab tests give clues. Imaging fills in the details.

How are we different?

We transform detection and diagnosis into an art as well as a science, thanks to powerful 3T multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) and real-time MRI-guided targeted biopsies. Dr. Sperling is an internationally recognized authority in using mpMRI to identify specific tissue characteristics that highlight prostate disorders. Studies show that experience makes a difference, and Dr. Sperling is a leading global expert.

Unlike conventional urology TRUS biopsies that use ordinary ultrasound or “fusion,” with mpMRI Dr. Sperling is able to rule suspicion of prostate cancer in or out before proceeding to biopsy. In many cases, no biopsy is necessary. He can also determine if non-cancerous conditions exist (e.g. BPH, prostatitis, chronic pelvic pain syndrome, etc.).

If Dr. Sperling determines that a needle biopsy is warranted, he uses real-time in-bore mpMRI guidance to target the suspicious area directly. Unlike a standard biopsy method using 12-14 (or more) needles, a real-time MRI-guided biopsy has the highest rate of accurate diagnosis with the fewest needles. Learn more about the benefits of real-time mpMRI-guided biopsies.

Rest assured. The Sperling Prostate Center team is here to put a partner’s mind and heart at ease.

What if someone you love has prostate cancer?

If a needle biopsy results in a diagnosis of prostate cancer, it is natural that prostate cancer partners feel overwhelmed, worried and confused. Whole-gland prostate cancer treatments have sexual and urinary risks, sometimes long-term, that can impact your relationship, intimacy, and quality of life.

How are we different?

Unlike conventional whole-gland surgery or radiation, the Sperling Prostate Center offers a precise, targeted prostate cancer treatment called Focal Laser Ablation (FLA). For appropriate patients, this outpatient procedure ablates (destroys) a cancerous tumor plus a margin of safety around the tumor. FLA preserves sexual and urinary function in order to preserve total quality of life. Learn more about the FLA procedure.

Another important benefit of minimally invasive FLA is its minimal interruption into the lives of patients and their partners. With its reduced procedure time and a very brief recuperation, there’s no lengthy “medical vacation” travel—though South Florida is a lovely place to linger for a few extra relaxing days.

Prostate cancer treatment – what can we expect?

Today’s prostate cancer patients and partners typically turn to internet information. Some of what they learn raises anxiety about two treatment risks: incontinence and erectile dysfunction (ED). It’s hard for a partner to be reassuring about not having to wear diapers or be unable to perform sexually when she shares these fears.

While no prostate cancer treatment can guarantee absolute freedom from cancer for life, or a return to normal urinary and sexual function, the Sperling Prostate Center’s FLA patients have had no permanent post-treatment urinary or sexual side effects to date. In addition, should cancer recur, all treatment options remain open.

Thus, a patient’s partner can expect to support his treatment choice with confidence during preparation and procedure.

Post-treatment expectations

When it comes to recuperating immediately after FLA, enjoying a low-key 24 hours together makes a partner’s caregiving much easier. Over a few post-treatment days, aftercare quickly diminishes as both of you follow our recovery protocol and return to normal activities.

Can Focal Laser Ablation treat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?

Dr. Sperling originally pioneered FLA as a treatment for localized prostate cancer. He discovered that after FLA for prostate cancer, a number of his patients who also had BPH-related urinary problems reported that their urinary symptoms had faded away due to less prostate volume following ablation.

Dr. Sperling realized that FLA could treat BPH as effectively as prostate cancer. Thanks to mpMRI’s ability to depict the most problematic BPH areas, men with BPH can experience relief without medication or more invasive procedures. Dr. Sperling is able to use MRI guidance to direct FLA strategically for durable relief of urinary blockage.

Monitoring for Active Surveillance and Testosterone Replacement Therapy

The Sperling Prostate Center provides mpMRI for noninvasive monitoring of two major men’s health concerns.

1. For men with insignificant prostate cancer that does not require immediate treatment, Active Surveillance is an option. It is essential that candidates be carefully qualified for this choice, including a baseline mpMRI scan. Dr. Sperling will determine the periodic monitoring protocol using blood work and additional mpMRI imaging to watch for possibly dangerous tumor changes. Dr. Sperling also recommends lifestyle changes that can protect against cancer aggression, including diet, exercise, and stress management techniques.
2. For men with low T for whom Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) is appropriate, especially if there is a history of prostate cancer, a combination of periodic mpMRI and bloodwork can monitor for any suspicious prostate changes, indicating a need for further testing.

About our Medical Director Dan Sperling, M.D., D.A.B.R.

Dan Sperling, MD is a world-renowned specialist in prostate imaging, diagnosis, and treatment. He is only practitioner in North America with this specialized combination of advanced technology, proprietary imaging techniques, and expert interpretive skill. He is a leader in the diagnosis of prostate tumors through the use of image guided technology, specifically, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) which he uses for tumor localization, biopsy, prostate mapping and treatment planning. Meet Dr. Sperling »

ⁱGalbraith ME, Arechiga A, Ramirez J, Pedro LW. Prostate cancer survivors’ and partners’ self-reports of health-related quality of life, treatment symptoms, and marital satisfaction 2.5-5. 5 years after treatment. Oncol Nurs Forum. 2005 Mar 5;32(2):E30-41.