The prostate, although small in size, can be the source of a number of serious health issues, especially in older men. Maintaining overall health requires an understanding of these issues, their symptoms, and available treatments. Common prostate issues, their symptoms, causes,
and treatment options will be discussed below.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): Refers to a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland which is common in older men, with symptoms usually appearing after age 50 (Devlin et al., 2020). The symptoms of BPH include frequent urination, especially at night; difficulty in starting urination; intermittent or weak urine stream; and not being able to empty one's bladder fully. The precise source of BPH is unknown, though age-related hormonal changes are believed to be a contributing factor (Langan, 2019). BPH is treated with medications, including alpha-blockers and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, which can help to reduce symptoms (Devlin et al., 2020; Langan, 2019).
Prostatitis: Refers to an acute or chronic inflammation of the prostate, with symptoms including pain in the pelvis, groin, or genitals; flu-like symptoms in acute cases; and painful or difficult urination (Sharp et al., 2010). This condition is caused by a bacterial infection (in the case of acute bacterial prostatitis) or factors like nerve damage and immune system disorders (in the case of chronic prostatitis). Prostatitis is also linked to prostate cancer (Abdel-Meguid et al., 2009). Prostatitis is treated with antibiotics (for bacterial prostatitis) and anti-inflammatory agents for symptom relief and physical therapy for chronic pelvic pain (Sharp et al., 2010).
Prostate Cancer: is one of the most prevalent cancer in men that may start off only affecting the prostate gland before growing slowly (Rawla, 2019). The symptoms of prostate cancer include difficulty urinating; blood in the semen or urine; erectile dysfunction; and pain in the chest, back, or hips in advanced stages (Whiting et al., 2016). The risk factors for prostate cancer include age (with the risk increasing after age 45); family history (having a father or brother with prostate cancer); and diet and lifestyle (high-fat diet and obesity may increase risk) (Rawla, 2019). Prostate cancer treatment includes active checks for slow-growing cancers; prostatectomy for removal of the prostate; radiation therapy; hormone therapy to reduce testosterone levels that promote cancer growth; and chemotherapy and immunotherapy for advanced cases (Trewartha & Carter, 2013).
Conclusion
Prostate issues, ranging from benign conditions like BPH to more serious concerns like prostate cancer, are significant health considerations for men, particularly as they age. Awareness of symptoms and early detection through regular medical check-ups are crucial for effective management and treatment. Advances in medical treatments offer various options to manage and treat these conditions, emphasizing the importance of medical guidance and a healthy lifestyle in promoting prostate health.
References
Abdel-Meguid, T., Mosli, H., & Al-Maghrabi, J. (2009). Prostate Inflammation Association with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Prostate Cancer. Saudi Med J, 30(11).
Devlin, C. M., Simms, M. S., & Maitland, N. J. (2020). Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia- What Do We Know? BJU International, 127(4).
Langan, R. C. (2019). Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. Primary Care: Clinics in Office Practice, 46(2), 223–232.
Rawla, P. (2019). Epidemiology of Prostate Cancer. World Journal of Oncology, 10(2), 63–89.
Sharp, V. J., Takacs, E. B., & Powell, C. R. (2010). Prostatitis: Diagnosis and Treatment. American Family Physician, 82(4), 397–406.
Trewartha, D., & Carter, K. (2013). Advances in Prostate Cancer Treatment. Nature Reviews Drug Discovery, 12(11), 823–824.
Whiting, P. F., Moore, T. H. M., Jameson, C. M., Davies, P., Rowlands, M.-A., Burke, M., Beynon, R., Savovic, J., & Donovan, J. L. (2016). Symptomatic and Quality-of-Life Outcomes after Treatment for Clinically Localised Prostate Cancer: a Systematic Review. BJU International, 118(2), 193–204.
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