Understanding Your Aging Prostate

Prostate problems in men encompass a range of conditions that can affect the prostate gland. In adult men, prostate problems have become increasingly common these days. Research has shown that men over the age of 50 have a higher risk of developing prostate problems than men below that age bar.

Even though Cancer is not the most common prostate problem, there are still other problems related to the prostate which men gravely suffer from. Prostate problems are very common in older men. About 1 in 3 men over the age of 50 will have BPH, another complication of the prostate gland. And when it comes to Prostate cancer, about 1 in 9 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.

What Is A Prostate:

The prostate is a gland found in men which produces the fluid that becomes part of semen. The prostate lies low in the body — in front of the rectum and below the bladder (where urine is stored). It surrounds the tube that carries urine away from the bladder (urethra). In younger men, the prostate is about the size of a walnut, but it slowly grows larger as men get older.

Types Of Prostate Problems:

There are mainly three types of prostate problems found in men. They are:

• Prostate Cancer
• Prostatitis
• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Prostate Cancer:

Prostate cancer is a form of cancer that develops in the prostate gland of men. It is one of the most common types of cancer, and usually grows slowly and is confined to the prostate gland, where it may not cause serious harm. However, other types are aggressive and can spread quickly to cause metastasis.

There are several factors that can cause prostate cancer in men such as older age, family history, obesity, etc. About two out of every three men with prostate cancer are over age 65. It’s not clear what exactly causes prostate cancer, but when it’s detected early, it has the best chance for successful treatment. Some of the commonly found symptoms of prostate cancer are as follows:

• Frequent need to urine, especially at night.
• Weak urine flow or decreased force in the stream of urine.
• Pain or burning while urinating.
• Loss of bladder and bowel control.
• Painful ejaculation and erectile dysfunction.
• Blood is semen or urine.
• Pain in the low back, hip or chest.

There is no surefire strategy to prevent prostate cancer. Although, your risk can be decreased by maintaining good health as you age or by taking steps to correct current health issues. Here are some ways you can reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer:

• Balanced Diet: Avoid trans fats and saturated fats. Focus on healthy fats such as omega-3 fatty acids from nuts, seeds, and fish. Incorporate a wide variety of produce, including plenty of leafy greens. The antioxidant lycopene, which is plentiful in cooked or processed tomatoes, has been shown in some studies to slow the growth of prostate cancer cells.
• Green Tea and Soy: Clinical trials have suggested that soy may lower PSA levels and that green tea may help men who are at high risk for prostate cancer lower their risk.
• Avoid charred meat: Charred meat, from frying or grilling at high temperatures, may produce a chemical compound that leads to cancer.

Prostatitis:

Prostatitis is an infection in the prostrate caused by bacteria, which causes inflammation in the prostate glands. It is a common condition that can cause discomfort and pain in the pelvic region. There are four main types of prostatitis:

• Acute bacterial prostatitis: This is a sudden and severe form of prostatitis that is caused by a bacterial infection. It usually starts all of a sudden and can cause fever, chills, pain while urinating, or pain in the lower back and between the legs.
• Chronic bacterial prostatitis: This is a long-term form of prostatitis that is caused by a bacterial infection, and keeps coming back time after time.
• Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS): This is a chronic form of prostatitis that is not caused by a bacterial infection.
• Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis: This is a form of prostatitis that does not cause any symptoms.

Prostatitis symptoms can range but frequently involve urinary issues like frequent urination, urgency, discomfort or burning during urination, and trouble entirely emptying the bladder. Sexual dysfunction and pain in the lower back, genitalia, or pelvic region are other potential symptoms.

Treatment for prostatitis depends on the type of prostatitis. Acute bacterial prostatitis is usually treated with antibiotics. Chronic bacterial prostatitis may also be treated with antibiotics, but other treatments may also be necessary. CPPS is often treated with a combination of medications, lifestyle changes, and physical therapy.

Although there is no foolproof way to prevent Prostatitis from happening, here are some preventive measures to reduce the risk of getting Prostatitis:

• Safe and Protected Sex: STIs, or sexually transmitted infections, can occasionally lead to prostatitis. You can lessen your risk of contracting an STI by using a condom during intercourse.
• Consume plenty of fluids: By doing so, you’ll be able to wash bacteria out of your bladder and keep your urine diluted. It is advisable to consume 8 glasses of water every day.
• Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods: These substances can irritate your bladder and prostate, making you more likely to develop prostatitis.
• Reduce obesity or overweight: Excess weight can put pressure on your prostate, increasing your risk of prostatitis.
• Stress Management: Stress can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to infection. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, yoga, or meditation.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH):

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), also known as Prostate Gland Enlargement, is a condition when the prostate gland grows to an unhealthy size. It’s also called an enlarged prostate and becomes more common with age. Although the gland grows in size, it’s not cancerous in the case of BPH.

The prostate gland, which is located below the bladder and surrounds the urethra, may undergo noncancerous growth, leading to the compression and narrowing of the urethra. This can result in various urinary symptoms such as frequent urination, difficulty starting and stopping urination, weak urine flow, and the feeling of incomplete bladder emptying. It is the most common prostate problem in men over the age of 50.

In most cases, BPH typically does not result in significant health issues. However, if the illness is severe, it may result in renal issues, bladder damage, and urinary tract infections. It affects up to 90% of men over the age of 80. The treatment for BPH is usually based on the severity of the symptoms and the patient’s overall health. There are a number of treatments available for BPH. Some common treatments include:

• Medications that shrink the prostate or relax the muscles around the urethra.
• Surgery to remove part of the prostate.

Do Prostate Problems Cause Other Problems?

Yes, a prostate problem may cause other problems, such as:

• problems having sex
• a UTI
• feeling stressed due to chronic pain
• inflammation in areas near your prostate
• bladder stones
• kidney failure

Diagnosis:

Your doctor will know if you have a prostate problem based on the following:

• your medical and family history
• a physical exam, including a digital rectal exam of your prostate
• tests on your urine, blood, and lower urinary tract
• ultrasound
• prostate biopsy

Therefore, if you seem to face any of the aforementioned symptoms related to the prostate, it is advisable to consult a doctor right away. It has been noticed that patients who seek treatment in the early days of diagnosis of any prostate problem have seen better chances of early recovery. Hence, prostate problems require medical attention and proper diagnosis to determine the appropriate treatment options for each individual case.

Similar read : How To Handle Terrible Burning Feeling Of UTI

Disclaimer:

No information on the blog, regardless of date, should ever be considered as a substitute for direct medical advice from your physician or other qualified clinician.