A little background anatomy would not be bad.The prostate is a gland solely found in males and it's in the pelvic region.It performs essential roles in urinating and in semen formation.In urinating,a part of the urethra known as the prostatic urethra passes through to allow urine to drain.In semen formation,it produces secretions rich in carbohydrates to provide energy for the sperms.
Now,the gland is about a few grams at birth.It gradually enlarges as you grow which is physiologically normal.The gland makes an antigen called prostate specific antigen.Around age 40,the gland should be about 20grams.From that age onwards,if your gland grows bigger than what it is supposed to be,then your doctor may say you have a benign prostatic
hyperplasia(bph).This condition is not cancerous but a long standing one without treatment may transform intomalignancy.Your doctor may periodically need to check your prostate specific antigen levels which in conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia,it's high.Your doctor may need to do a digital rectal examination to ascertain the surface and landmarks of the prostate gland.You may need to take an abdominal ultrasound to really ascertain if the gland is enlarged.An enlarged prostate gland may present with urinary symptoms like straining to pass urine,pain when passing urine or total inability to urinate.
Next is prostatitis.This is an acute inflammation of the prostate gland mostly caused by infections,to be specific sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia and syphilis.It mostly presents with pain during urinating,discharges from the penis and pain around the pelvic region.Your doctor may take a swab of the penile discharges for bacterial culture and sensitivity.This helps to know the causative bacteria and the specific antibiotic to combat the disease.A sample of your urine may be taken for urine culture too.Prostatitis may lead to urethral strictures,that is,narrowing of the urethra which may prevent urine from flowing.In such cases,surgery must be done.
Lastly is prostate cancer.This is a malignant transformation or growth of the prostate gland.It mostly occurs in the peripheral zone of the gland.Risk factors are black race,alcohol,smoking and the like.It presents with pain and difficulty in passing urine.Your doctor may request for your prostate specific antigen levels which is normally high,a transrectal ultrasound guided biopsy of the prostate to take portions of the gland to stage the cancer or an abdominal ultrasound may be requested.Long standing prostate cancer can spread to other areas of the body like the seminal glands causing bloody semen.It can spread to the rectum causing bloody stools.Common site of metastasis is the vertebral column causing paralysis.It can spread to distant sites like the lungs and brain.Treatment depends on tumour staging.
Prevention of all prostate gland related conditions is regular checking of prostate specific antigen levels,reducing or avoiding alcohol and cigarette and abstainace from sex or using condoms if the need be.
Most importantly,if you notice any problem with passing urine as you used to,don't hesitate to contact your primary health provider for further assistance.
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Men