LiveWorld Transcripts

Houston Chronicle presents

Urologist Irving Fishman
"Ask the Doctor": Prostate

June 13, 2000

Urologist Irving Fishman chats about various conditions including prostate cancer, erectile disfunction, Bent Spike Syndrome and their treatments.

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HoustonChronicle: Welcome to Ask the Doctor! The purpose of the Ask The Doctor chats is to provide general information, and is in no way intended to be construed as medical advice for any visitor's specific disease or condition. The intent is to increase a participant's knowledge about a general disease or condition. For treatment of your specific condition, please see your personal physician. This forum is not intended to be used in emergency situations. If you are uncertain of the urgency of your problem or condition, contact your personal physician or the nearest hospital for assistance. Welcome to Ask the Doctor! HoustonChronicle.com and the Talk City Network are proud to present our special guest for today, Dr. Irving J. Fishman, M.D. Welcome Dr. Fishman!

Dr. Fishman: Good evening. Welcome to the chat. I'm a urologist here at Texas Medical Center. I welcome your questions on the field of urology.

Concerned: Over the past year or so, I've had to get up in the middle of the night to urinate. This has never happened before. I'm in my mid-40s. Any advice?

Dr. Fishman: The first thing is to decrease the fluid consumption before you go to bed. Also, if you are eating any irritative or spicy substances in your dinner, stop doing that. If you have to get up more than once a night, you should consult with your urologist about the possibility of an enlarged or inflamed prostate. There are medications that can correct the problem including organic medicines such as saw palmetto, which is available in most health food stores.

Blueyes: Is circumcision necessary today for health reasons?

Dr. Fishman: That's a very debatable subject but the facts are that patients or individuals who have circumcisions in their childhood do not suffer from penile cancer. The incidence of penile cancer is much higher in males who do not undergo circumcision. There is much debate about the subject. However, facts are facts.

Jimi: I've been considering getting a penis enlargement. I've also heard of men getting little metal balls inserted into their penis to enhance sensation. What are the complications associated with these procedures, and what is the practicality of getting the second one done?

Dr. Fishman: With regard to your question on penile enlargement, this should be assessed by a competent urologist. At this point in time, there are very few individuals doing successful penile augmentation without the need for surgery. I would first follow that road before subjecting myself to surgical procedures which have a high incidence of failure. With regards to the implantation of stainless steel or silicon balls underneath the skin of the penis, this apparently has been a very popular item during the Vietnam War and apparently Saigon has many facilities that would provide this service. The risks associated with implantation of any devices are local infections, localized pain and chronic irritation. There are many non-surgical techniques to increase stimulation and enhance arousal. Therefore, I do not suggest that you follow the surgical route.

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