LGBT Prostate Cancer Support

Prostate problems and diagnosis

What can go wrong with your prostate? 

The three most common prostate problems are: 

- an enlarged prostate: this is the most common prostate problem 
- prostatitis: an inflammation  or infection of the prostate
- prostate cancer

Tests for prostate cancer

Information about all the tests for prostate cancer are covered in more detail by others, for example Macmillan and Prostate Cancer UK. 

However, as biopsies can have more impact on men who have sex with men we cover those here. 

Biopsies and anal sex

Biopsies are just one of the tests that are done to find out if you have prostate cancer. The others are covered in more detail elsewhere. Biopsies are small samples that are taken from inside the body, which are then analysed. Special mention is made here because, if you are a man who has sex with men, you need to be aware of the effect that biopsies can have on your ability to have sex, particularly if you are the "bottom" / "passive" / "receptive partner".

Most of the information that is available tells you to wait a week before having sex after you've had biopsies. This might not be enough time for you to heal up completely inside.  Therefore, if you are a man who has sex with men and are the "bottom" / "passive" / "receptive partner" you might need to wait longer. Some health professionals advise 6 weeks. At the time of writing, we do not know of any definitive advice.

Biopsies and cum

For many men who have sex with men the display of "cum" when having an orgasm is an essential part of sex. After biopsies you should not ejaculate for at least a week - ask your doctor for the advice that applies in your case. The first time that you cum after having biopsies you are likely to have blood in your semen. For some men there is just a little, for others there is a lot. In most cases this is normal, but if you have blood clots in your semen after biopsies you should seek medical advice. 

Sources: This information is based on details contained in "Prostate Facts For Gay and Bisexual Men" published by Prostate Cancer UK and on the personal stories of some of the men attending the monthly meetings of the LGBT Walnut group.

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