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Prostate problems are becoming a common complication in older men. The prostate gland is present between the bladder and the rectum. It produces a fluid that plays an important role in male reproductive health. The fluid produced nurtures and transports sperm.
From benign growths to more serious concerns like inflammation and cancer, there are various problems associated with the gland. Thankfully, a spectrum of treatments is available targeting specific issues at hand. So let’s explore these common prostrate problems and address the solutions available to them.
What Are the Common Prostate Problems?
Various prostate-related diseases include:
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
- Prostatitis
- Prostate Cancer
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Benign or non-cancerous overgrowth of the prostate gland is termed benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This overgrowth interferes with the urinary tract and causes urinary problems, including frequent bathroom calls, a weak urine stream, and a feeling of incomplete emptying. However, there are numerous solutions present. Medications like alpha-blockers can help relax the muscles around the prostrate, reducing the constriction of the urinary tract. Hormonal changes that contribute to prostrate growth can be targeted using 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. In advanced cases, surgical intervention may be necessary. Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is a surgical method that involves the removal of excess prostate tissue. This widens the urinary channel. The same can be achieved with laser surgery with fewer invasions.
Prostatitis
Prostatitis includes inflammation of the prostate. It can have an infectious or non-infectious origin. Bacterial prostatitis can be treated typically using antibiotics to stop the microbial infection. In cases of non-bacterial prostatitis, a different approach is taken. This involves anti-inflammatory medications and lifestyle modifications. The anti-inflammatory medication serves as an agent to soothe the inflammation. Lifestyle adjustments, including stress management and dietary changes, can help with the symptoms.
Prostate Cancer
The formation of malignant growth or tumours within the gland is the hallmark of prostate cancer. The condition typically progresses slowly and remains restricted within the gland. In later stages, as the disease advances, it can spread to surrounding tissues. Various factors, including age, family history, and race, increase the risk of developing prostate cancer. The disease is more common among older men.
Treatment for prostate cancer requires a strategic approach. The selection of the treatment option depends on several factors, including
- The stage of the cancer
- The patient's overall health
- The aggressiveness of the tumour
Treatment options for prostate cancer that are available today are wide and include
- Prostatectomy
- Radiation therapy
- Hormone therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy
Consult a top urologist in Mysore if you need prostate cancer treatment.
Ways To Keep Prostate Problems At Bay
The following treatment and diagnostic methods can help in the treatment and early detection of prostate problems.
Prostate-specific Antigen Monitoring
PSA stands for Prostate-specific antigen. It is a blood test that uses prostate-related protein presence in blood to determine if there are any prostate complications. In cases with high PSA levels, it indicates the presence of prostate-related issues, which can be both malignant and benign. However, various factors play important roles in interpreting PSA results, like an individual’s age, family history, and overall prostate health in mind. Proper PSA-level monitoring and discussing it with doctors can help in the early detection of diseases and, therefore, fewer complications.
Lifestyle and Dietary Changes
Adapting certain lifestyle modifications can help in protecting and managing prostate problems. This includes maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet, regular exercise, and hygiene maintenance. Regulating alcohol consumption and caffeine further complements lifestyle adjustments. In addition to these measures, some studies have suggested that dietary supplements such as saw palmetto or beta-sitosterol can provide relief in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia symptoms. However, this remains a topic of further research. Regular check-ups and screenings are suggested so that the diseases can be identified and cured at the initial stages. Having knowledge about hygiene maintenance and various symptoms of prostate complications and communicating them openly with your doctors is key to avoiding any prostate-related diseases in men.
Consult our urology hospital in Mysore if you are experiencing symptoms of prostate cancer.
FAQ's
Prostate health becomes more relevant as men age; this includes the age group of 50 and over. Men with a family history of prostate problems also are at a higher risk.
In cases with normal age-related changes in urination, there is a gradual decline in urine stream strength, whereas BPH symptoms include much more persistent and worsening symptoms like increased frequency, urgency, or difficulty in initiating urination are a few indicators of BPH.
Although there are a few similarities between the symptoms of BPH and prostate cancer. BPH itself is not suggestive of cancer.
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