For nearly four decades, Joe Theismann has been quite a presence in the world of football, both on and off the gridiron. A 12-year NFL veteran, the legendary “Number 7” now offers pro football commentary on ESPN and is a much sought-after motivational speaker. He is also the author of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Understanding Football Like a Pro.
Despite Theismann’s vast knowledge of football, however, like most men, prior to being diagnosed with an enlarged prostate (EP), he was still confused and naive about the condition that affects 50% of men over age 50 and 90% over 80. In fact, a recent survey found that only 10% of undiagnosed men are very familiar with the signs and symptoms of an enlarged prostate.
“Before being diagnosed, I simply accepted going to the bathroom frequently as coming with the territory for hitting 50,” admits the football legend, who says his diagnosis was part of a routine exam. “After speaking with my doctor, I learned that I had an enlarged prostate and that ignoring it could make my symptoms worse.”
Without treatment, an enlarged prostate can lead to serious, long-term problems including the inability to urinate—a serious medical condition known as acute urinary retention—and/or the need for prostate surgery. In severe cases, the bladder and kidneys may become damaged.
It’s also important to note that enlarged prostate is a progressive condition. Over time, the prostate can continue to grow and urinary symptoms may worsen as the bladder loses the ability to empty itself.
While the symptoms vary, an enlarged prostate essentially causes a change in urinary habits. The most common symptoms include frequent and urgent urination; a weak or interrupted urine stream; and getting up to urinate more often at night. “I found out later that I had symptoms I didn’t know were actually symptoms,” offers Theismann.
“The mentality of a male is if it’s not falling off, I don’t need to get it fixed,” says the former all-pro quarterback, “but I’m saying be pro-active and take care of yourself.”
Diet and exercise are great, says Theismann noting he’s always been health conscious. “I don’t eat red meat, coffee or chocolate, but the truth is that this is part of getting older,” says the energetic 56-year-old who reasons, “It may be part of the aging process, but you don’t have to live with it. There are medications you can take.”
Enlarged prostate may be treated with prescription medications like Avodart, which is what Theismann has found to be helpful. Avodart can reduce the size of an enlarged prostate, improve urinary symptoms and reduce the risk of more serious problems such as prostate-related surgery and acute urinary retention.
“I wasn’t looking for a BandAid. I was looking for a solution,” says Theismann. “But just because I’m taking a certain medication and a friend is taking something, that doesn’t mean it’s right for you.” He advises all men to be examined by their doctor and heed professional advice. “I can’t emphasize enough that any time you take any medication you should talk to your physician to see if this is a good thing for you,” he adds.
As the national spokesperson for “EP in America,” a campaign to educate men about enlarged prostate, Theismann is encouraging men to take control and address their health.
“I know millions of guys are experiencing symptoms and I just want them to take the time to go to the doctor,” he says with sincerity. “You’re not doing this for Joe Theismann. This is not something I’m telling you to do for me. You owe it to yourself to get the best out of life.
“Men almost always go out of their way to avoid a doctor’s appointment, but I’m talking about the quality of life, not just health,” says the football great. “I’m a public person and I’m willing to go out in public and talk about something that is very private. If I’m willing to go out publicly, I certainly hope men can make an appointment with their doctor and in the privacy of his office get examined,” he continued. “I want to make everybody aware that it’s not taboo to talk about it.”
Theismann is even making a plea to women, suggesting they approach this topic with their husband, boyfriend or significant other by saying, “I love you very much and care about you, and by the way I made a doctor’s appointment for you.” Do whatever it takes to create an awareness for men that this problem exists, he implores. “After all, women can get a guy to do just about anything,” jokes Theismann.
But prostate health is no joke. So, if you’re still not convinced or you can’t get over being a little squeamish about visiting your doctor, Theismann recommends first making a visit to www.prostatecare.com. A comprehensive guide, the website offers important information about the symptoms of an enlarged prostate, as well as a better understanding of the condition and treatment options. There’s also help with the questions you should ask your doctor.
“There’s nothing embarrassing about wanting to improve the quality of your life,” says Theismann. “To improve your life, you would do whatever it takes, and this is something that takes such little effort.”
Annual Prostate Check-Up
The American Urological Association (AUA) recommends that men have a yearly prostate check-up beginning at age 50. African-American men or those with a family history of prostate cancer should begin these tests at age 40.
An annual prostate check-up should include a discussion of symptoms, a digital rectal exam and a PSA test. The PSA test is a simple blood test that measures the level of PSA, a substance produced by the prostate, in a man’s blood. While the PSA test is generally used as a screening tool for prostate cancer, non-cancerous conditions like enlarged prostate and prostatitis—a painful inflammation of the prostate that can be caused by bacteria—can also elevate PSA levels.
Some studies have shown that PSA levels can be used as a marker for predicting which patients are at increased risk for enlarged prostate disease progression and long-term problems including acute urinary retention and the need for surgery due to an enlarged prostate.
