What is a prostate gland?
The prostate is a small gland that is found only in the male body. It is placed below the bladder and surrounds the urethra (the urine-carrying tube that goes through the penis). The prostate is helping with the semen production and it makes the fluid that carries the semen from the testicles. The prostate gland grows with age. When a prostate is healthy this process goes without any problems. However in some male patients enlarged prostate tends to compress the urethra, thus making urinating difficult and sometimes painful, as well as causing a benign condition, known as prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
The main symptoms for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) are:
• Frequent urination
• Burning and painful sensation
• Erectile disfunction
• Weak stream
• Uncomfortable feeling as if the patient is unable to get all urine out
Inflammation of the prostate, known as prostatitis, is often caused by various bacteria. A prostate infection is rarely a serious condition on it’s own, but if you experience any of the symptoms listed below, you should see a medical professional in order to rule out possible complications:
• Pain while urinating
• Pain while ejaculating
• Fever
• Chills
• Pain in the pelvic area
• Cloudy urine
• More frequent need to urinate
Prostate cancer
Prostate cancer usually has no visible symptoms in early stages, which makes it hard to diagnose timely, but it is discovered easy with a screening lab test (prostate specific antigen PSA). Prostate cancer can cause obstruction of urine flow and be mistaken for a number of other conditions of the prostate gland.
Treatment of prostate cancer is often complex. Medical professionals consider patient's age, health, and how widespread the tumor is. Each treatment is unique, but some of the options are, as follows:
• Conservative treatment
• Surgical operation
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Hormone therapy
Usually a successful treatment will combine some of the options depending on the patients’ needs and doctor’s order.
Useful facts about prostate problems:
• The prostate is a gland and is a part of the male reproductive system. It wraps around the male urethra and is placed near the bladder.
• Identifying prostate problems early is the best way to reduce risk.
• Prostate problems are very common after 50 years of age.
• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), acute and chronic bacterial prostatitis, and chronic prostatitis (non-bacterial) are common prostate gland problems.
• Prostate cancer is very common in male patients over 50.
• Prostate cancer is most definitively diagnosed by biopsy.
Examination
Initial prostate studies may include:
• a rectal exam
• ultrasound
• lab test for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels
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