The fear of prostate cancer isn't just about survival—it’s about the life that comes after. Will I have an erection again? Will I leak urine? These are the questions that keep men awake at night, yet the answers in the doctor's office are often rushed or incomplete.

In this episode, Dr. Chovanec, associate professor of oncology, breaks down the medical evidence behind post-surgical recovery. We dive deep into the reality of "nerve-sparing" surgery, why recovery can take up to 24 months, and the specific strategies—like penile rehabilitation and pelvic floor physiotherapy—that can change your outcome.

• The Nerve Truth: Why 70-80% of men may still require assistance for erections even after "perfect" surgery.

• Neuropraxia: Understanding the "temporary shutdown" of nerves and the timeline for recovery.

• Continence Realities: Why 80-90% of men regain control, and how to ensure you are in that majority.

• Active Recovery: Why you shouldn't be passive—the role of Tadalafil, Sildenafil, and Kegel exercises.

• Decision Making: How to balance cancer risk with your quality-of-life priorities.

• [FREE] Pre-Biopsy Checklist: Take this to your urologist to ensure no question goes unasked. https://drchovanec.kit.com/30968ddb5c

• [GUIDE] The PSA & Biopsy Organizer: A structured, printable guide to help you navigate your results and decisions. https://chovano.gumroad.com/l/luikhi

Connect with the community: Share your story in the comments or on social media. Your experience might be the lifeline another man needs today.

#drchovanec #prostatecancer #menshealth #oncology #survivorship #shorts

Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your physician regarding your specific health situation.

What you will learn:Resources for Your Journey:

Episode Description

If you logged into your patient portal tomorrow and saw your PSA rising, what would be your next move? Most men—and many doctors—panic and rush straight into a blind biopsy. As an oncologist, I see this mistake every day. In this episode, I’m taking off the white coat to share my personal playbook. If my own PSA spiked tomorrow, here is the exact 4-step sequence I would follow to protect my health, demand the right context, and avoid unnecessary procedures.

In this episode, we cover:

• Step 1: Confirm – Why you must wait 2-6 weeks to rule out "noise" (like recent workouts, ejaculation, or lab errors).

• Step 2: Context – How prostate size changes the game and why you need to know your "PSA Density."

• Step 3: The Map – Why a multiparametric MRI (and understanding your PI-RADS score) is an absolute deal-breaker before any needle touches the prostate.

• Step 4: The Target – The crucial difference between throwing darts blindfolded and getting an MRI-guided fusion biopsy.

• The PREVENT Trial – Why you should ask your doctor about a transperineal biopsy instead of a transrectal one to reduce the risk of severe infection.

You deserve the exact same standard of care that a doctor would demand for himself. Do not let fear choose your next step.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

• 📥 Download my optional payed 14-Page PSA Guide: chovano.gumroad.com/l/luikhi

Episode Description

Most men are never told the full truth about prostate cancer screening.

When a single PSA test comes back high, the medical "conveyor belt" often kicks into high gear, moving you straight toward a biopsy without a second thought. This is what I call the Biopsy Trap.

In this episode, I explain why a reflex biopsy can lead to "battleship medicine"—a blind sampling approach that can miss aggressive cancer or, worse, find low-risk "turtle" cancers that trigger unnecessary panic and life-altering overtreatment.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why you should never agree to a biopsy based on just one PSA result.

• The "Escape Routes": How MRI, biomarkers, and risk calculators provide a modern sequence for smart decision-making.

• The 2 specific questions you must ask your urologist to pause the conveyor belt.

• How to differentiate between a "clinically significant" cancer and one that can be safely watched.

I’ve organized the exact testing sequences and modern tools which are discussed free in my videos and podcasts into an optional payed 14-page PSA Guide. It includes:

• The Blueprint: A step-by-step breakdown of how to read your lab results.

• The Context Framework: How clinicians use prostate size, your PSA trend, and MRI to reveal what a single number cannot.

• The Decision Matrix: Understanding when a biopsy is truly the right move.

Download the Guide Here: chovano.gumroad.com/l/luikhi

Disclaimer: I am a medical oncologist, but I am not your doctor. This episode is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician.

#drchovanec #zdravievhrsti #prostatecancer #highPSA #menshealth

Free PSA & Biopsy Guide

You’ve been told your PSA is “normal” because it’s under 4.0.

But what if that number doesn’t tell the full story?

For decades, men were reassured that anything below 4.0 ng/mL was safe. Today, we know that prostate cancer risk is far more nuanced. PSA must be interpreted in context — including age, prostate volume, PSA density, and changes over time.

In this episode, I explain:

• Why the 4.0 cutoff is outdated
• What PSA density actually means
• When a rising PSA matters — even if it’s “normal”
• Who should consider MRI before biopsy
• How to avoid the common PSA interpretation traps

If you want to understand your PSA results clearly before your next doctor’s visit, this episode will help you connect the dots.

This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not replace individual medical advice.

Many people notice symptoms like blood in the stool or changes in bowel habits and assume it’s “just hemorrhoids” or something benign. Most of the time, that assumption is correct — but sometimes, it’s exactly how colon cancer gets missed.

In this episode, I walk through the most common warning signs of colon cancer that people tend to ignore, explain why early colon cancer is often silent, and clarify when symptoms should not be explained away.

We discuss:
• How hemorrhoids and colon cancer bleeding can look similar
• Why right-sided colon cancers may cause anemia without visible blood
• Which changes in bowel habits actually matter
• When fatigue and unintentional weight loss are warning signs
• The difference between FIT stool testing and colonoscopy
• When a negative stool test is not enough

Colon cancer is one of the few cancers that can often be prevented — but only if it’s recognized early and investigated properly.

This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not replace care from your own doctor. If you have symptoms, please talk to a healthcare professional.

I’m Dr. Chovanec. Thanks for listening.

Prostate supplements are a multi-billion dollar industry — and many men take them hoping to protect their prostate or lower their cancer risk.

In this episode, I explain what the evidence actually shows. We talk about vitamin E, saw palmetto, vitamin D, lycopene, green tea extracts, and why “natural” doesn’t always mean safe or helpful.

I also discuss an important lab-testing issue that can mislead PSA results, and why understanding your PSA matters more than adding another supplement.

This episode is about separating reassurance from evidence — and helping men make informed decisions about their prostate health.

You can’t control your age.
You can’t control your genetics.
But you can control what you eat — every single day.

In this episode, Dr. Chovanec, a medical oncologist, explains the practical nutrition strategy he discusses with patients concerned about prostate cancer risk and rising PSA levels.

This is not about fad diets or selling supplements.
It’s about the chemistry of food — and how what you eat can create an environment where cancer cells either thrive or struggle to survive.

Foods to LIMIT (the risk side):
• Why heavily charred meat isn’t just flavor — it’s chemistry
• How high dairy intake relates to IGF-1 and aggressive disease
• Why liquid sugar fuels inflammation and growth signals

Foods to PRIORITIZE (the protection side):
• How cruciferous vegetables support DNA repair
• Why green tea can shift your metabolic environment
• The tomato “trap” — and the one preparation method that actually matters

“Food will never replace medical care, but it does shape the environment of your body. You can start small — just swap one food this week.” — Dr. Chovanec

🎥 Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vMnlGW7oOdw
🔔 Subscribe for science-based prostate health updates.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always discuss dietary changes with your healthcare provider.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

We are told the PSA test is a simple lifesaver. But for 12 out of 13 men, it can lead to a "trap" of unnecessary biopsies, anxiety, and permanent side effects.

In this episode, Dr. Michal Chovanec reveals the hidden risks of prostate cancer screening that most doctors don't have time to explain. You will learn why a "high number" doesn't always mean cancer, and the exact protocol to follow to protect yourself from overtreatment.

Topics covered:

• The Trade-Off: Why saving 1 life often means harming 12 others.

• The "48-Hour Rule": How cycling or even sex can give you a false cancer scare.

• The New Standard: Why you should demand an MRI before a biopsy.

• Reading the Results: Understanding PSA Velocity (Speed) and Density.

⚠️ Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with your physician.

Did this episode help you? Please rate the show ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ to help us reach more men with evidence-based oncology education.

Watch the visual version with charts on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@drchovanec?si=A8kBYvsKG3QeMuEY

Prostate Cancer, PSA Test, Mens Health, Oncology, Dr Michal Chovanec, Biopsy, MRI, Medical Education, Urology, Cancer Prevention, Zdravie V Hrsti