The prostate is a small, walnut-sized gland located below the bladder and in front of the rectum in men. It surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine and semen out of the body.
Its main function is to produce seminal fluid, which nourishes and transports sperm during ejaculation. The prostate begins growing at puberty and continues to grow throughout life. While normal growth is harmless, excessive enlargement (benign prostatic hyperplasia) can cause urinary difficulties and other health issues.
The prostate has several important functions, including:
Produces a significant portion of the seminal fluid that mixes with sperm.
The fluid helps protect and support sperm motility.
Works in coordination with testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
Assists in controlling urine flow by surrounding the urethra.
Several health conditions affect the prostate, and understanding them is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is the enlargement of the prostate gland, common in older men. It can cause symptoms like frequent urination, weak urine flow, and difficulty starting or stopping urination. Though non-cancerous, it can impact daily life and may need treatment, including medications or surgery.
• Medications (Alpha-blockers, 5-alpha reductase inhibitors)
• Minimally invasive procedures
• Surgery in severe cases
Prostatitis is the inflammation or infection of the prostate gland, which can be caused by bacterial infections or other factors. It may require treatment with antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications.
• Acute Bacterial Prostatitis – A sudden bacterial infection requiring immediate treatment.
• Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis – Long-term bacterial infection with mild symptoms.
• Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CP/CPPS) – The most common form, often with no clear bacterial infection.
• Asymptomatic Inflammatory Prostatitis – No symptoms but detected through medical exams.
• Painful urination
• Pelvic pain
• Flu-like symptoms (in acute bacterial cases)
• Pain during ejaculation
Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the prostate gland, where abnormal cells grow and form tumors. It’s one of the most common cancers in men and can grow slowly or more aggressively. Early stages may not show symptoms, but it can be detected through screenings. Treatment options include surgery, radiation, hormone therapy, or chemotherapy, depending on the cancer’s stage.
• Age (higher risk after 50)
• Family history
• Obesity
• High-fat diet
• African American ethnicity (higher risk)
• Difficulty urinating
• Blood in urine or semen
• Erectile dysfunction
• Unexplained weight loss
• Bone pain (advanced stages)
• Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test
• Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)
• Biopsy
• Active Surveillance (for slow-growing cancer)
• Surgery (Radical Prostatectomy)
• Radiation Therapy
• Hormone Therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Immunotherapy
• Testosterone levels change with age, leading to prostate enlargement (BPH).
• The imbalance of testosterone and estrogen may cause abnormal growth.
• If a close family member has prostate cancer or BPH, the risk increases.
• High-fat, low-fiber diets are linked to prostate disorders.
• Obesity and lack of physical activity contribute to inflammation.
• Bacteria can enter the prostate through the urinary tract, leading to prostatitis.
A minimally invasive treatment for BPH that places small implants to lift and hold enlarged prostate tissue, preventing urethral blockage.
● Quick procedure (30 minutes or less)
● No cutting or removal of prostate tissue
● Faster recovery time
● Preserves sexual function
The prostate is a small, walnut-sized gland below the bladder that produces seminal fluid, which nourishes and transports sperm. It also surrounds the urethra, helping to control urine flow. As men age, the prostate can enlarge, leading to potential urinary problems.
Common prostate issues include Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), where the prostate enlarges and causes urinary problems, Prostatitis, an inflammation that causes pain and discomfort, and Prostate Cancer, which can grow slowly and may not show symptoms until more advanced stages.
Symptoms of prostate issues include frequent urination, weak urine flow, and pain in the pelvic area. Prostate cancer may have no symptoms early on, but advanced stages can cause blood in urine, erectile dysfunction, or bone pain. It’s important to see a doctor for proper testing if symptoms persist.
While prostate problems can’t be completely prevented, living a healthy lifestyle can help. This includes maintaining a balanced diet, staying active, avoiding excessive alcohol and smoking, and having regular prostate screenings after age 50 or sooner if there’s a family history.
Yes, prostate cancer is treatable, especially when caught early. Treatment options include surgery, such as robotic-assisted prostatectomy, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy, depending on the cancer’s stage and individual health factors.
Treatments for BPH include medications like alpha-blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, as well as minimally invasive procedures like UroLift (implanting small devices to lift prostate tissue) and Rezūm (using steam to shrink tissue). In more severe cases, robotic surgery may be recommended.
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