The prostate plays a vital role in reproduction. It produces secretions that alter the PH of seminal fluid as well as providing nourishment for sperm cells. There are a number of important aspects on prostate health that you should know. The organ is affected by a wide range of diseases that include infections, inflammatory conditions and tumors. The prevalence of all these conditions is higher among the older generation.
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.
Benign prostatic enlargement, BPE and Prostatic cancer are a common cause for hospital visits in men. The symptoms for both conditions are similar and it may be difficult to differentiate the two except in advanced cases. Both conditions affect men between the ages of 40 and 70 but cases affecting younger men have been documented. . Predisposing factors include smoking, prolonged alcohol consumption and genetic factors. Prostatic cancer is invasive and tends to have worse outcomes.
Most of the early symptoms of prostatic cancer are related to voiding of urine. Patients will notice changes in the frequency of urination, there will also be urgency, dribbling, a weak stream of urine and a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying. These symptoms are also seen among patients suffering from BPE. As the cancer continues to advance, other organs near the gland including the bladder and the rectum are also affected.
The spine and the pelvic bone are the common distant metastatic sites and these will result in severe bone pain. Severe disease causes paraplegia and patients will more often than not be confined to wheelchairs for their entire lives. Radiological images are needed to determine whether or not there is bone involvement.
Although it is not possible to prevent all the cases of BPE and cancer, there is a role for early detection and intervention. Men who are the age of forty and above are advised to go for annual medical checkups to determine whether they are at risk or have early disease. For men that have a positive family history, the same may be required at a younger age.
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.
Investigations that aid in making a definitive diagnosis include PSA level determination and ultrasound evaluation. Modest increases in PSA suggest BPE and marked increases are a feature of cancer. The levels have to be correlated with clinical findings. The doctor will formulate a management plan that may involve pharmacotherapy or surgery or both as determined by the results.
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.
Benign prostatic enlargement, BPE and Prostatic cancer are a common cause for hospital visits in men. The symptoms for both conditions are similar and it may be difficult to differentiate the two except in advanced cases. Both conditions affect men between the ages of 40 and 70 but cases affecting younger men have been documented. . Predisposing factors include smoking, prolonged alcohol consumption and genetic factors. Prostatic cancer is invasive and tends to have worse outcomes.
Most of the early symptoms of prostatic cancer are related to voiding of urine. Patients will notice changes in the frequency of urination, there will also be urgency, dribbling, a weak stream of urine and a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying. These symptoms are also seen among patients suffering from BPE. As the cancer continues to advance, other organs near the gland including the bladder and the rectum are also affected.
The spine and the pelvic bone are the common distant metastatic sites and these will result in severe bone pain. Severe disease causes paraplegia and patients will more often than not be confined to wheelchairs for their entire lives. Radiological images are needed to determine whether or not there is bone involvement.
Although it is not possible to prevent all the cases of BPE and cancer, there is a role for early detection and intervention. Men who are the age of forty and above are advised to go for annual medical checkups to determine whether they are at risk or have early disease. For men that have a positive family history, the same may be required at a younger age.
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.
Investigations that aid in making a definitive diagnosis include PSA level determination and ultrasound evaluation. Modest increases in PSA suggest BPE and marked increases are a feature of cancer. The levels have to be correlated with clinical findings. The doctor will formulate a management plan that may involve pharmacotherapy or surgery or both as determined by the results.
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