Your Complete Guide To Prostate Diseases & Treatments

The prostate gland is an organ part of the male reproductive system. It is about the size of a walnut and is found at the base of the bladder. It has the urethra running through it, which then produces  a fluid alkaline in nature, that gives nourishment to sperm  as it leaves the urethra in the form of  semen ejaculate.

The prostate undergoes two main growth spurts. The first is fueled by the sex hormones released by the testes during puberty, Prompting the prostate to reach an average weight of 20 grams. And the second growth spurt begins in men as they enter their thirties.

Prostate Diseases

Males in their in fifties and above have around 25 per cent chance of developing a prostate condition or a simple benign enlargement, with an increase to 50 per cent once they reach 70 years. the early stages of prostate disease patients may have no symptoms.

If you are in your 50s or 60s, you might start to have concerns so booking with the urologist to check if there is a need for regular checkup if you need to have your prostate gland checked and, if so, how often. Family history of prostate disease strongly predisposes to a higher risk of getting it, talking to your doctor earlier can mean better health outcomes on the long run.

Types Of Prostate Disease

The three common forms are its inflammation (prostatitis), non-malignant enlargement of the prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH) and prostate cancer. A person may experience one or more of these conditions.

Three of the commonest types are prostatitis it corresponds to inflammation then there is  BPH which is benign prostatic hyperplasia this one is the non-cancerous growth and lastly the prostate cancer.

Inflammation of the prostate (prostatitis)

it can affect men of any age, more common in younger men (30-50). they are:

• bacterial prostatitis – acute or chronic bacterial infection
• non-bacterial prostatitis – chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) this is causes severe pain and inflammation

mostly, the cause of prostatitis is unknown. Bacterial prostatitis responds well to antibiotics that can get into the prostate.

Non-bacterial prostatitis (CPPS) is the most common form of prostatitis and is which hard to manage. Symptoms could vary from one to another. There is no single exclusive test to diagnose it, so your doctor will need to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms before getting to its diagnosis.

Possible causes of CPPS include:

• Pervious bacterial prostatitis infection
• irritations caused from some chemicals
• A nerve problem connecting the lower urinary tract
• problems in the floor of muscles of the pelvis.
• Abuse i.e. sexual
• chronic anxiety issues.

Non-Malignant enlargement of the prostate (BPH)

Non-Malignant enlargement or growth of the prostate, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), its common in the older age group men. It is usually life threatening, but can drastically affect the quality of life.

The enlargement of the prostate gland (which surrounds the top of the urethra) causes the urethra to constrict, by putting pressure on the base of the bladder. This can lead to obstruction (blockage) in the outflow of urine.

Obstructions may show up as lower urinary tract symptoms that sometimes result in the urine staying back in the bladder when it’s meant to be released. When this happens suddenly, it’s called acute urinary retention. Could be very painful and is usually relieved temporarily by inserting a thin tube (a catheter) to release the urine.

Ongoing Chronic retention, which is not as common, outcomes are often dangerous, painless accumulation of urine in the bladder. An uncommon form of chronic urinary retention is associated with high bladder pressures, which can be damaging to kidney functions.

Prostate cancer

Prostate cancer typically affects males of 50+years. An average of 16,000 citizen is diagnosed each year. The etiology remains unknown, although advancing age and family history are predisposing factors.

In the early stages, the cancer cells are confined to the prostate gland. With the more aggressive types of prostate cancer, cancer cells may metastasize (travels) enter the vascular and lymphatic systems early and spread to other parts of the body where they may develop secondary tumors, particularly in the bones.

Presenting Symptoms

Early on, prostate disease may or may not be associated with symptoms. The symptoms of prostate disease depend on the condition, include:

• difficulty urinating, also trouble starting the flow of urine
• increase frequency urinating, especially at night
• feeling as though the bladder can’t be fully emptied
• painful urination
• blood in the urine or blood coming from the urethra passed not while urination.

Blood in the urine isn’t always related to prostate. Always go seek a physician if blood is in your urine.

Diagnosis

Prostate disease is diagnosed using a variety of tests, including:

• physical examination, includes digital rectal examination (DRE), where the doctor inserts a gloved finger into your rectum to palpate the size of your prostate
• blood test for prostate specific antigen (PSA test)- always asked to be done by doctor.
• mid-stream urine (MSU) test to look for infection or blood in the urine.
• ultrasound scans and urinary flow studies
• biopsies of the prostate.

Treatment for prostate disease

prostatitis may be treated antibacterial drugs and supportive treatments, depending on the type.

Treatment for BPH may include medications to relax the smooth muscle of the gland or to decrease the size of the prostate, and surgery to produce a permanently widened channel in the part of the urethra that passes through the prostate.

Treatment for prostate cancer is made to fit individuals according to symptoms . The nature of the cancer, other health problems the person may have, and their wishes will all be taken into account.

Criteria of the management for prostate cancer include:

• active surveillance (includes biopsies take to track the growth and frequent testing)
• prostatectomy (removal of the gland) as a surgery option
• Radiation- radiotherapy
• ablation treatments the high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU)
• hormonal therapy (androgen deprivation therapy)
• chemotherapy
• watchful waiting/non invasive(monitoring the growth).

Contact Us

Contact AkayLife of you need to find quality medical care for affordable prices for your prostate problems. Or if you suspect you have prostate problems, you can contact us for online consultation.

Heads Up

This is just a brief overview on the prostate and appropriateness will vary between individuals, therefore ensure that you seek professional guidance. Please do not use the information here as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or other professional healthcare providers if you have inquires or think that you might be suffering seek immediate medical attention it should not be delayed or dismissed nor should medical treatment as a result pf information on this post.

Medical information is always changing so the information on this post should not be considered to be UpToDate complete or your only source and shouldn’t be relies on solely at your risk