I am trying to get my prostate removed as a preventative / precautionary measure due to a massive family history of prostate cancer (and breast cancer which is linked).

The pandemic has delayed that, I think.

Does anyone have any advice on how to convince a urologist I am serious about pursuing removal instead of just monitoring until there is a problem?

Most likely, you will have to undergo a comprehensive examination, and then, since you are healthy, you will be offered to undergo periodic check-ups.

Take care of your body, its parts are very well connected. Why do you need unreasonable "prevention"?

Maybe I was not clear. When I said “massive” family history of cancer, I meant it.

I don't have the links, but some time ago, I read a couple of articles online about preventative surgery related to cancer.

One story was about a lady who had a history of breast cancer in her family and also had the genes for it. She had a preventative mastectomy.

The other story involved thyroid cancer in the males of a family. The father had survived thyroid cancer, and doctors found the gene in both of his young sons. One of the boys had his healthy thyroid removed, while the other didn't. I believe one of the doctors was quoted as saying that the thyroid was a "ticking time bomb" for the men of this line.

I think this is what OP is getting at here.

Stumpycoon (imported) wrote: Fri Sep 17, 2021 1:53 am Maybe I was not clear. When I said “massive” family history of cancer, I meant it.

You will continue to be offered check-ups and nothing will be done until there is something which needs doing. When something shows up, then start being insistent on the removal. Also be prepared for no more ejaculation from your body when you do it. You're essentially having the "pump" removed should you proceed.

Hi. I also was in a similar position. My father, his brother and his brothers son all died of pc within 9 months of it being diagnosed. I have repeatedly high PSA tests. I had one of 14, and was told I would 90% have PC and a biopsy would determine my Gleason and course of action. The biopsy found nothing. I told my urologist I knew all the complications and probable permanent side effects, but I wanted it removed. Not a chance in hell! I would have to be diagnosed with PC before they would offer any treatment, and prostatectomy was not a first choice. I brought up cases of women having hysterectomies and mastectomies as prophylactic measures, but I couldn't find a urologist who would even discuss it. I contacted some gender reassignment clinics, and again no one would consider doing it.

Good luck.

I understand and get where you are coming from. However when it comes to gentian area and urology one hits a barrier on treatment. I practically begged to get a very painful testicle removed due to Orchalagia. Not both just one and told no absolutely not due to the risk of maybe going down the TRT path.

I have a very huge risk of colon cancer due a family history and showing in the genes. My Dad had precancerous polyps before Alzheimer’s took him horribly, his brother dies of it, their mother died in her early 30’s of it and her mother the same. Told I have a family history of a very aggressive colon cancer and my risk is at 100%. After I had abdominal surgery to remove part of my colon my surgeon after learning my family history offered without me asking to remove the remaining colon to reduce my cancer risk. I had just had my colostomy reversed from the prior surgery and didn’t want to live my remaining years with a bag. So I’m off to living of being tested biannually, colonoscopy, to keep me in an early warning phase.

I bet your docs are not as willing and relying on the PSA tests and biopsies instead of allowing you to get a prostatectomy

I checked with a couple of experts on prostate cancer treatment. Their response was that prostatectomy is a very invasive surgery with lots of potential complications. Recovery time may be very long and painful. It's difficult to preserve the nerves that run through it, resulting in a high rate of sexual dysfunction. Urinary leakage is quite possible, resulting in the need to wear an adult diaper or a catheter and urine bag afterwards. (All of this is also true for one of my cousins who insisted on the surgery, despite the warnings from his doctors.) Watchful waiting may well be your best option.

Well... you've come to the right place, only looking to remove the wrong part.

I'm not a doctor, but removing a prostate because you might get cancer is likely not your best solution.

I suggest medical castration as testosterone is associated with enlarged prostates and cancer which is why doctors recommend Orchiectomy to help prevent enlargement and cancer. Here is a link to help you do additional research.

https://prostatecancer.net/treatment/orchiectomy

A good alternative to prostactomy is lowering your testosterone levels either via orchiectomy or chemical castration. During my short chemcastration trial my PSA level dropped 10 fold. Although PSA was not close to any problematic level, it still dropped significantly, and remained at 25% lower level even after a year after return of usual testosterone levels.

Over a longer period of castration prostate will shrink considerably. It is well known fact that in chinese eunuchs prostates had shrunk to such a small size that often times they weren't palpable.