Prostate
The prostate is a walnut-sized gland located at the base of the urinary bladder and has an important role in the male reproductive system. The prostate gland produces alkaline fluid, which helps nourish sperm. Approximately 25% of men aged above 55 have prostate problems.
Types of Prostate Conditions:
There are three common conditions affecting the prostate; these include inflammation of the prostate gland (prostatitis), benign prostatic hyperplasia, and prostatic cancer.
Prostatitis:
Prostatitis is more common in adults between 30-to-50. Possible causes of bacterial prostatitis include bacterial infection, irritation of chemicals, damaged pelvic floor muscles, sexual abuse, or nerve injury. Two reasons can causeprostatitis:
If BPH is left untreated, it may lead to bladder stones. The doctor may suggest medication or surgical correction depending on the severity of benign growth
Bacterial prostatitis:
It can be acute (sudden onset) or chronic (long-term). Bacterial prostatitis responds well to antibiotics.
Non-bacterial prostatitis:
Also called chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS)is non-bacterial in originand is the most common prostatitis. Long-term pelvic pain without bacterial infection suggests CPPS.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH):
BPH is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. A study suggests it is more common, with 15-60% prevalence in men above 40. The likelihood of getting benign prostatic hyperplasia increases with age.
BPH growth can increase in size and press the urethra and affect the normal function of the urinary bladder. The symptoms that arise in this condition include:
- Difficulty urinating
- Weak urinary stream
- Dribbling after urination
- More frequent urination
- Difficulty emptying the urinary bladder
- Blood-tinged urine (hematuria)
Prostate Cancer:
Prostate cancer is the uncontrolled growth of the prostate or surrounding tissue cells. In America, prostate cancer is the second largest cause of death in men, with 1 dying out of every 41 men.
Causes of Prostate Cancer: The exact causes of the onset of prostate cancer are unknown. However, family history and age are considered the predisposing factors. In the early stage of prostate cancer, the cancerous growth is confined to the prostate area, while in severe cases, cancerous cells invade vessels and lymphatics, which spreads to other body organs.
Symptoms: Symptoms of prostate cancer are similar to other prostate conditions, including frequent painful urination, pain in the rectum, burning sensation while urination, and blood in the urine.
Doctors may prescribe surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy,hormone therapy, or immunotherapy, depending upon the severity of the condition.
If you are facing any of the symptoms mentioned above, don’t overlook them, instead, go through a proper medical examination. It is better to nip the evil from the bud. Prostatic conditions are treatable if they are diagnosed at an early stage. For any queries, information, and questions, contact us now