The prostate gland surrounds the urethra, a tube that has two jobs — carrying urine from the bladder through the penis when men urinate and carrying semen out upon ejaculation. Normally, the prostate is the size of a walnut and
The prostate gland surrounds the urethra, a tube that has two jobs — carrying urine from the bladder through the penis when men urinate and carrying semen out upon ejaculation.
Normally, the prostate is the size of a walnut and adds milky white, slightly acidic fluid to make up about 50 percent of the semen volume.
For men under the age of 50, the most frequent prostate problem is prostatitis, which is inflammation or irritation of the prostate gland.
In this condition a man may have to urinate more often, feel a burning sensation upon urinating or just generally feel run down with a little fever.
Inflammation anywhere in your body is a sign that your body is fighting an infection or repairing an injury. In bacterial prostatitis an antibiotic can take care of the problem, however, most cases of prostatitis are not bacterial in nature. They may be the result of kidney stones, cancer or even unknown causes.
Prostate enlargement is another issue that is quite common, although this usually occurs in men over the age of 50.
The symptoms start much the same, with frequent and difficulty in urination. This is because as the prostate gland grows it starts to squeeze the urethra and cuts off urine flow midstream.
Usually, the flow of urine is weak and intermittent with benign prostate enlargement (hyperplasia). Men feel as though they still have to go even though they just went. There can be a small amount of blood in the urine and many times there is leaking and dribbling of urine.
This can be particularly troublesome at night time when sleep is disturbed with a need to urinate, only to find a less than satisfactory output.
BPH is not a sign of prostate cancer, although some men who have prostate cancer also have BPH.
Most men who have BPH do not develop cancer, however, since the early symptoms are similar for both conditions, it is important to get your symptoms checked out by your doctor.
Although BPH is not in and of itself a serious condition, it is troublesome and can lead to urinary tract infections and, as it could be signs of something more serious, it is important for you to see your doctor.
The familiar and dreaded digital rectal exam is usually the first test required. This allows the physician to feel the size and condition of the prostate gland. A blood test called a PSA (prostate specific antigen) may be called for.
A high PSA may mean that you have prostate cancer, but the test is not perfect. It may just mean that you have a benign (non-cancerous) prostate enlargement.
Other imaging and flow study methods may be used as well. BPH can be treated with “watchful waiting” if the symptoms are not severe. There are also medicines that will help shrink or relax the prostate gland to help prevent it from blocking the urethra.
There are also a number of non-surgical procedures that are done by going up through the urethra. Finally, there are surgical methods that can be done through the urethra to remove some of the prostate gland. A total (radical) prostatectomy is used in definite prostate cancer cases, as it is the only way to stop the cancer from spreading.
For men who have partial (curettage) removal of the prostate tissue, total bladder and sexual recovery is usual. For those who have a total prostatectomy, there may be longer lasting sexual or bladder difficulties.
Prostate cancer is the most common cause of death from cancer in men over the age of 75. It is rarely found in men younger than 40 years old. Men at higher risk are those who have had a father or brother with prostate cancer, those who are over 60 and those of African-American descent.
Other risk factors include having exposure to Agent Orange, excess alcohol consumption, exposure to cadmium, high animal fat diets and those who work as painters, tire plant workers or farmers. Prostate cancer is less common in vegetarians.
The symptoms of prostate cancer are much the same as for BPH, but if there is pain in the lower back and pelvic bones it may mean that the cancer has spread. A biopsy is needed to definitively show cancer. Treatment will depend on several factors including your overall health. Surgery to remove the entire prostate gland is likely to stop the spread of cancer. If it has already spread, treatment may include hormone therapy and chemotherapy, on the advice of your doctor.
As with most conditions, the best course of action is prevention. Live a good, healthy life, limiting alcohol consumption, fatty meats and exposure to poisons. Get out and exercise, breathe clean air and eat healthy, nutritious foods. Keep smiling and see your doctor annually for check ups!
• Jane Riley, M.S., B.A., C.P.T., C.N.A., can be reached at janerileyfitness@gmail.com, 808-212-1451 or www.janerileyfitness.com.
