The prostate is an important gland to reproduction. This gland produces secretions that nourish the sperm cells and make the pH of seminal fluid optimal for survival of these cells. Unfortunately, the gland is prone to many diseases that range from, inflammatory conditions to infections to tumors. The risk increases as we grow older. It is important to learn about these conditions that affect prostate health if you are to handle them effectively.
Prostatitis is a condition that is characterized by low abdominal pains, frequency in urination and painful urination. This condition is commonly caused by bacteria but there are cases in which no organism is isolated. Urine analysis is required to identify the exact organism that is responsible. Commonly used antibiotics include ciprofloxacin, oral metronidazole and doxycycline for simple infections. Intravenous drugs such as ceftriaxone is used in the case of severe infections.
Prostatic cancer and benign prostatic enlargement (or simply, BPE) are some of the major causes of hospital visits among men aged 40 to 70 years. In the early stages, it is quite challenging to differentiate the two on clinical assessment only. Only histological examination of biopsy specimens would do that. Predisposing factors include, among others, prolonged use of alcohol, smoking and a positive family history. Being less invasive, BPE tends to have better prognosis after treatment.
In the early stages of prostatic cancer, affected persons will typically complain of difficulties in passing urine, a weak stream of urine, occasional pain on voiding and tend to feel that they have not completely emptied their urinary bladders. In advanced cases, the tumor tends to metastasize both to local and distant structures. Organs that are in close proximity include the urinary bladder and the rectum. When the rectum is affected, patients will have difficulties in passing stool and will constantly get constipated.
Involvement of distant organs may also be noted as a result of metastatic spread. Bones of the spine and the pelvic girdle are commonly affected and these would manifest as pain in the affected area. Spine involvement is a feared complications as it is a common cause of paraplegia. These complications will be easily detected using an X-ray or a CT scan image.
The good news about both prostatic cancer and benign prostatic hypertrophy is that they can be diagnosed fairly early. This can only be achieved if men at risk go for constant medical checkups. This includes all men above the age of forty years and a little younger for those that have a positive family history. At least one checkup annually is sufficient.
In the follow up, the doctor will have an opportunity to evaluate your risk. This is done by taking a medical history that is focused on the voiding habits. The presence of symptoms suggestive of either cancer or BPE is queried. A physical examination then follows and this is centered on the digital rectal examination to evaluate the shape, size and consistency of the gland.
The main investigations that are requested for are an ultrasound of the organ either through the abdominal or rectal route and a determination of PSA levels. PSA levels are proportional to the activity (and by extension, the size) of the prostate. When the levels are moderately elevated, BPE is suspected and when markedly raised, cancer is probable. Treatments will be guided by these findings.
Prostatitis is a condition that is characterized by low abdominal pains, frequency in urination and painful urination. This condition is commonly caused by bacteria but there are cases in which no organism is isolated. Urine analysis is required to identify the exact organism that is responsible. Commonly used antibiotics include ciprofloxacin, oral metronidazole and doxycycline for simple infections. Intravenous drugs such as ceftriaxone is used in the case of severe infections.
Prostatic cancer and benign prostatic enlargement (or simply, BPE) are some of the major causes of hospital visits among men aged 40 to 70 years. In the early stages, it is quite challenging to differentiate the two on clinical assessment only. Only histological examination of biopsy specimens would do that. Predisposing factors include, among others, prolonged use of alcohol, smoking and a positive family history. Being less invasive, BPE tends to have better prognosis after treatment.
In the early stages of prostatic cancer, affected persons will typically complain of difficulties in passing urine, a weak stream of urine, occasional pain on voiding and tend to feel that they have not completely emptied their urinary bladders. In advanced cases, the tumor tends to metastasize both to local and distant structures. Organs that are in close proximity include the urinary bladder and the rectum. When the rectum is affected, patients will have difficulties in passing stool and will constantly get constipated.
Involvement of distant organs may also be noted as a result of metastatic spread. Bones of the spine and the pelvic girdle are commonly affected and these would manifest as pain in the affected area. Spine involvement is a feared complications as it is a common cause of paraplegia. These complications will be easily detected using an X-ray or a CT scan image.
The good news about both prostatic cancer and benign prostatic hypertrophy is that they can be diagnosed fairly early. This can only be achieved if men at risk go for constant medical checkups. This includes all men above the age of forty years and a little younger for those that have a positive family history. At least one checkup annually is sufficient.
In the follow up, the doctor will have an opportunity to evaluate your risk. This is done by taking a medical history that is focused on the voiding habits. The presence of symptoms suggestive of either cancer or BPE is queried. A physical examination then follows and this is centered on the digital rectal examination to evaluate the shape, size and consistency of the gland.
The main investigations that are requested for are an ultrasound of the organ either through the abdominal or rectal route and a determination of PSA levels. PSA levels are proportional to the activity (and by extension, the size) of the prostate. When the levels are moderately elevated, BPE is suspected and when markedly raised, cancer is probable. Treatments will be guided by these findings.
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