This topic has probably been discussed in the forum before, but I'd like to share an affirming experience with my doctor. I haven't discussed my use of Aneros with any of my friends, but yesterday I saw the doc for a physical exam and report on my recent lab work. (Thankfully, all is well in the health department!)
This was my third exam by the new family doctor I chose four years ago. He's young (mid to late 30s), very caring and has always been open to anything I wanted to discuss. Yesterday I took a deep breath and asked his opinion about the use of aneros. I told him that I had been waking up to pee about twice nightly and that in recent months my use of aneros seems to be helping. I didn't mention the other benefits and he didn't ask. He was familiar with aneros, but I didn't ask whether from personal experience ... maybe next time I will. 🙂 He said that if a prescription should become necessary in the future, he would write one, but he would prefer that I continue using aneros so long as it's working satisfactorily for me.
Following the digital exam, he said my prostate was in excellent health -- same as previous exams but always good to hear! If he saw a any conflict with my perfect prostate and the "need" for aneros, he didn't mention it. 🙂 BTW, one of the coolest things he does is to clean the lube off my butt -- the only doc who's ever done that for me. To me, it symbolizes the care and compassion he shows for all his patients. (As an Army doc before 2007, he was awarded two Bonze Stars in Iraq.)
So I'm feeling good today, thanks to a great health report from a totally cool family doctor -- and four hours last night with my instrument of "preventive care" lodged snugly in its warm and welcoming home!
Glad that your doctor was so positive and attentive, and glad that you are also in good health. I have half and eye on the health benefits of aneros use also, although we're talking just-in-case here, not that I have any problems at the moment.
Linum, I'm glad for your good health as well. And yeah, I too hope an ounce of prevention (applied regularly) is worth a pound of cure. 🙂
Me too. I am very pleased for you. Last week I asked my doctor to have a "look" at my prostate and he did the finger test. All was good, a little enlarged but in good condition. He too wiped off the lube. I didn't mention the aneros though.
Tomasheen, congrats on a healthy checkup, and having an attentive doctor as well.
I have discussed my Aneros use in detail with my GP doc and her visiting male student doctor. They acknowledged and approved.
I have taken my MGX into an appointment with my Urologist and illustrated the hands-free action using my hands LOL, as well as detailing the great relief from being up at night 3 to 5 times regularly due to BPH, now completely eliminated and sleeping happily through the whole night.
He agrees it is a very appropriate therapy device. I feel more comfortable dealing with my health reviews with them being fully aware of my practice. And yes, the studies suggesting that prostate massage is a positive benefit for prostate health are very encouraging. Thanks for your sharing your experiences.
Artform, thanks for sharing the confirming opinions of your doctors. I agree it's good to get everything "out in the open." My old GP was good in many ways, but I ultimately dropped him because he seemed to be simply "going through the motions." I wouldn't have felt comfortable discussing the use of Aneros or my sex life with him.
I'm curious. Have you had an aneros session near the same time as your blood work? Does the use of lube, or aneros itself effect your blood tests?
JJA, I had an Aneros session the night before the morning I had lab work done (blood and urine). That was a few days before my conference with the doctor, so he had my lab results in hand for the office visit, and all my lab results were good, with no red flags.
I did not use Aneros the night before the physical exam itself, but I don't think the doc would have noticed if I had, since he used ample lube for the digital prostate exam. He only became aware of my usage of Aneros because I informed him, and he approved my continued use.
JJA. I believe using a prostate massager within 24 hours of a blood test may raise the PROSTATE SPECIFIC ANTIGEN (PSA) level. I can't find the reference to this but it was noted on the web. I 'abstained' for 36 hours to be on the safe side because levels are age related. My result was 3.08 and well below the 6.51 threshold (PSA ratio of 28%), well below any worry level. (Any massage based raised level would not be a true indicator)
I suppose using an oil based lube or silicone within 8 hours there may be a smooth entrance for a digital examination! But then a lot of folk use the likes of Tea-tree cream etc. around 'the place' for niceness and freshness! I can't see how it would affect a blood test.
thanks Keoke. I thought some people on here have talked about worrying about long term side effects of lube because of entering the blood stream. I don't know if it happens or not.
Isvara, thanks for the info. In a quick google search, I saw suggestions that prostate massage and/or ejaculation, along with a number of other factors, could change PSA levels temporarily, so it seems logical to take that into consideration.
JJA, I don't know the possible effects of using the different lubes, but it's something I'd like more information on if someone has scientific knowledge. I'm currently having blissful results with Gun Oil silicone lube, with Vitamin E and aloe, but I'm always concerned about the long-term effects of any product applied to sensitive areas.
Very important.
I think there should be two Announcement threads at the top of the forum page.
1. Lube: What works for me. (subjective)
2. Lube: safety and research. (Knowledge base -objective)
The topics need to be split
Wording not quite right. They are major topics an seem to wind there way through many posts. Good to have it all in one or two places
Regarding Aneros play prior to a PSA test, you will see a variety of opinions on this here in the forum. My urologist of 20 years would generally give me a prescription for the test that was stamped with a warning to allow a minimum of 48 hours since my last ejaculation prior to taking the test. I have generally waited 3 to 4 days just to be sure. It is important to note that recent ultrasounds (sonograms), colonoscopy, cystoscopy and the urologist's DRE may all skew the results as well. Certain forms of strenuous exercise, particularly riding a bicycle for long periods of time is another factor to consider. I'm in the process of changing urologists now (my other doctor retired). I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to pre-screen her (I was there when my father visited her) and she seems to be on the same page with me in many respects. She has long thin fingers too (she caught me staring at them).....we had a good laugh about it! I'm looking forward to a frank discussion with her about the Aneros.
BF Mayfield
I have a well respected urologist who recommended against prostate massage when I brought up the Pro-State. He said ejaculation is all the prostate needs. I ignored the advice, used the aneros, and eliminated purging problems and getting up at night to pee.
Sadly, many urologist are benighted when it comes to the concept of prostate massage. Ironically at one time it was the standard of care for prostatitis. With the advent of the new classes of antibiotics that all changed. From that moment on, the allopathic approach became "we got the pill for whatever ails ya"! I'm happy to report that prostate massage is being rediscovered once more by many doctors.
Cheers,
BF Mayfield