The prostate is an important organ in reproduction. It produces important fluids to nourish sperm cells during copulation. There are a number of important things on prostate health that you need to know. Diseases that commonly affect the organ are generally categorized as infections, tumors and inflammatory conditions. The incidence of these conditions increases with increasing age.
Prostatitis is a condition that is characterized by low abdominal pains, frequency in urination and painful urination. This condition is commonly caused by bacteria but there are cases in which no organism is isolated. Urine analysis is required to identify the exact organism that is responsible. Commonly used antibiotics include ciprofloxacin, oral metronidazole and doxycycline for simple infections. Intravenous drugs such as ceftriaxone is used in the case of severe infections.
Benign prostatic enlargement (BPE) and cancer of the prostate are common conditions among the ages of 40 to 70. The two conditions are very similar in symptoms especially in the early stages. It may not be possible to differentiate the two on clinical assessment alone initially. The predisposing factors include, a positive family history, prolonged alcohol consumption and smoking among others. BPE usually has better outcomes because it is more of an abnormal enlargement rather than a cancer.
In the early stages of prostatic cancer, affected persons will typically complain of difficulties in passing urine, a weak stream of urine, occasional pain on voiding and tend to feel that they have not completely emptied their urinary bladders. In advanced cases, the tumor tends to metastasize both to local and distant structures. Organs that are in close proximity include the urinary bladder and the rectum. When the rectum is affected, patients will have difficulties in passing stool and will constantly get constipated.
Distant organs may also be affected due to metastatic. The common areas in which these metastases will be found include the pelvis and the spine. As a result, bone pain in later stages of prostatic cancer is a common complaint. When a significant proportion of vertebral bodies is involved, paraplegia may ensue. X-ray and CT scan images of the spine and pelvis will help confirm these complications.
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.
In the follow up, the doctor will have an opportunity to evaluate your risk. This is done by taking a medical history that is focused on the voiding habits. The presence of symptoms suggestive of either cancer or BPE is queried. A physical examination then follows and this is centered on the digital rectal examination to evaluate the shape, size and consistency of the gland.
The main investigations that are requested for are an ultrasound of the organ either through the abdominal or rectal route and a determination of PSA levels. PSA levels are proportional to the activity (and by extension, the size) of the prostate. When the levels are moderately elevated, BPE is suspected and when markedly raised, cancer is probable. Treatments will be guided by these findings.
Prostatitis is a condition that is characterized by low abdominal pains, frequency in urination and painful urination. This condition is commonly caused by bacteria but there are cases in which no organism is isolated. Urine analysis is required to identify the exact organism that is responsible. Commonly used antibiotics include ciprofloxacin, oral metronidazole and doxycycline for simple infections. Intravenous drugs such as ceftriaxone is used in the case of severe infections.
Benign prostatic enlargement (BPE) and cancer of the prostate are common conditions among the ages of 40 to 70. The two conditions are very similar in symptoms especially in the early stages. It may not be possible to differentiate the two on clinical assessment alone initially. The predisposing factors include, a positive family history, prolonged alcohol consumption and smoking among others. BPE usually has better outcomes because it is more of an abnormal enlargement rather than a cancer.
In the early stages of prostatic cancer, affected persons will typically complain of difficulties in passing urine, a weak stream of urine, occasional pain on voiding and tend to feel that they have not completely emptied their urinary bladders. In advanced cases, the tumor tends to metastasize both to local and distant structures. Organs that are in close proximity include the urinary bladder and the rectum. When the rectum is affected, patients will have difficulties in passing stool and will constantly get constipated.
Distant organs may also be affected due to metastatic. The common areas in which these metastases will be found include the pelvis and the spine. As a result, bone pain in later stages of prostatic cancer is a common complaint. When a significant proportion of vertebral bodies is involved, paraplegia may ensue. X-ray and CT scan images of the spine and pelvis will help confirm these complications.
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.
In the follow up, the doctor will have an opportunity to evaluate your risk. This is done by taking a medical history that is focused on the voiding habits. The presence of symptoms suggestive of either cancer or BPE is queried. A physical examination then follows and this is centered on the digital rectal examination to evaluate the shape, size and consistency of the gland.
The main investigations that are requested for are an ultrasound of the organ either through the abdominal or rectal route and a determination of PSA levels. PSA levels are proportional to the activity (and by extension, the size) of the prostate. When the levels are moderately elevated, BPE is suspected and when markedly raised, cancer is probable. Treatments will be guided by these findings.
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