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 one of the common conditions that affect the gland. It is a condition in which the gland is inflamed for one reason or another. Bacterial infections are the most frequent cause but in some cases no organism has been isolated in urine specimens. In the severe forms of the condition, intravenous drugs are needed. These include intravenous metronidazole and ceftriaxone. The less severe cases will usually respond to oral medication such as oral metronidazole, ciprofloxacin and doxycycline.
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.
The early cancer symptoms are mainly related to voiding of urine. Patients will typically complain of having urgency, frequency of urination, a weak stream and a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying. These are the same symptoms seen with BPE. As the condition progresses, other organs in close proximity such as the bladder and the rectum are affected. Involvement of the rectum leads to frequent bouts of constipation.
Involvement of distant organs may also be noted as a result of metastatic spread. Bones of the spine and the pelvic girdle are commonly affected and these would manifest as pain in the affected area. Spine involvement is a feared complications as it is a common cause of paraplegia. These complications will be easily detected using an X-ray or a CT scan image.
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.
During the follow up, the doctor will ask questions relating to your voiding habits. He will seek to establish whether you are passing urine more frequently, whether or not you have noticed some blood in the urine, presence or absence of pain and so on. It is therefore mandatory to ensure that you keep track of all these voiding habits. You will then be subjected to a physical exam that will include a digital rectal examination to establish the size of the organ.
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 one of the common conditions that affect the gland. It is a condition in which the gland is inflamed for one reason or another. Bacterial infections are the most frequent cause but in some cases no organism has been isolated in urine specimens. In the severe forms of the condition, intravenous drugs are needed. These include intravenous metronidazole and ceftriaxone. The less severe cases will usually respond to oral medication such as oral metronidazole, ciprofloxacin and doxycycline.
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.
The early cancer symptoms are mainly related to voiding of urine. Patients will typically complain of having urgency, frequency of urination, a weak stream and a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying. These are the same symptoms seen with BPE. As the condition progresses, other organs in close proximity such as the bladder and the rectum are affected. Involvement of the rectum leads to frequent bouts of constipation.
Involvement of distant organs may also be noted as a result of metastatic spread. Bones of the spine and the pelvic girdle are commonly affected and these would manifest as pain in the affected area. Spine involvement is a feared complications as it is a common cause of paraplegia. These complications will be easily detected using an X-ray or a CT scan image.
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.
During the follow up, the doctor will ask questions relating to your voiding habits. He will seek to establish whether you are passing urine more frequently, whether or not you have noticed some blood in the urine, presence or absence of pain and so on. It is therefore mandatory to ensure that you keep track of all these voiding habits. You will then be subjected to a physical exam that will include a digital rectal examination to establish the size of the organ.
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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