Prostate Health 101: What Every Man Needs to Know

The prostate is a small gland located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It wraps around the urethra, the tube responsible for carrying urine and semen out of the body. As men age, the prostate often enlarges, which can lead to various health concerns.

Symptoms of Prostate Problems

If you experience any of the following symptoms, it's important to see a doctor:

Frequent urination Nocturia-frequent rising up during sleep to urinate Blood in urine or semen Pain or burning during urination Painful ejaculation Chronic pain in the lower back, hips, pelvic or rectal area, and upper thighs Dribbling urine Common Prostate Conditions There are several prostate conditions unrelated to cancer. These include: 1. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia :

BPH is a very common condition among older men wherein the prostate becomes enlarged but isn't malignant. The following are possible treatment options:

Watchful Waiting (Active Surveillance): In cases where symptoms are not that serious, your doctor may just advise waiting awhile without pursuing treatment.

 

1. Medications: These are helpful in shrinking the prostate or loosening the muscles around it to alleviate symptoms.

• Surgery: When nothing else works, surgery to relieve urine flow may be suggested.
• Other Treatments: Radio waves, microwaves or lasers may be applied to destroy surplus tissue of the prostate.

2. Acute Bacterial Prostatitis:It is a bacterial infection that can develop rapidly. It is characterized by fever, chills, and painful urination. Most of the cases are easily treatable with antibiotics and some pain medication prescribed for pain relief.

3. Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis: This condition occurs in several recurring infections that might be challenging to treat. Long-term antibiotic therapy may be indicated; however, other forms of treatment should be discussed with your doctor.

4. Chronic Prostatitis (Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome):This is an ongoing problem, often involving pain in the lower back, groin, or at the tip of the penis. Treatment may combine medication, surgery, and lifestyle modification. Be sure to discuss possible side effects with your doctor.

Prostate Cancer 

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men accross the world. Risk factors for this cancer include:

• Age: The risk is higher among men over the age of 50.
• Race: The highest rates come from African Americans, followed by Whites, Hispanics, and Native Americans. The lowest rates are found in Asian Americans.
• Family History: A family medical history within one's first-degree relatives may boost this risk.
• Diet: A diet rich in fat can increase the chances of developing prostate cancer.

Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer 

In order to find out if your symptoms are because of cancer, your physician will take your history and do a physical examination. This may include the following:

• DRE: a digital rectal exam, in which a doctor feels the size, firmness, and texture of the prostate.
• Blood tests to check the level of PSA, or prostate-specific antigen
• Urine test for further analysis
• Ultrasound for clear imaging of the prostate

If the early examinations indicate the possibility of cancer, a urologist can conduct a biopsy-a small amount of prostate tissue is taken and checked for cancerous cells.

PSA Testing Earlier, it was considered that PSA tests should be conducted yearly after the age of 50 years or earlier in cases where the risk is high. However, in 2018, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) revised its guidelines, recommending that men aged 55 to 69 discuss the benefits and risks of PSA testing with their doctor. Routine PSA testing is not recommended for men over 70. PSA tests, along with a physical exam, can help diagnose prostate issues. For men with a history of prostate cancer, PSA testing is also used to monitor for recurrence.

Treatment Options for Prostate Cancer 

Before starting treatment, you may want to consider getting a second opinion. Discuss all treatment options with your doctor, including potential side effects. The right approach for you will depend on variables such as the cancer's stage, your age, and your general health. Common treatments include:

Watchful waiting (active surveillance): If the cancer is not bothersome, you may decide not to be treated right away but instead be followed closely by your doctor and nurse. Surgery: The most common surgery is to remove the whole prostate and some tissue around it. Other less invasive surgeries can be used to kill the abnormal cells in the prostate.

Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells. Radiation can be delivered externally or by placing radioactive pellets near the tumor.

Hormone therapy medication reduces testosterone levels and may be used in combination with other treatments, particularly if cancer has spread.

Prostate health remains an important feature in men's life, and early detection and treatment of prostate problems may improve the quality of life. Always consult your doctor for further action in case of any symptoms or concerns.