The prostate is an important gland to reproduction. This gland produces secretions that nourish the sperm cells and make the pH of seminal fluid optimal for survival of these cells. Unfortunately, the gland is prone to many diseases that range from, inflammatory conditions to infections to tumors. The risk increases as we grow older. It is important to learn about these conditions that affect prostate health if you are to handle them effectively.
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 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.
Most of the early symptoms of prostatic cancer are related to voiding of urine. Patients will notice changes in the frequency of urination, there will also be urgency, dribbling, a weak stream of urine and a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying. These symptoms are also seen among patients suffering from BPE. As the cancer continues to advance, other organs near the gland including the bladder and the rectum are also affected.
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.
The good news about both prostatic cancer and benign prostatic hypertrophy is that they can be diagnosed fairly early. This can only be achieved if men at risk go for constant medical checkups. This includes all men above the age of forty years and a little younger for those that have a positive family history. At least one checkup annually is sufficient.
A number of things will be done during the checkup. A medical history will be taken as relates to your micturition habits and this will be followed by a comprehensive physical examination. The main focus here will be the digital rectal examination that is aimed at determining the size, shape and consistency of your prostate.
Investigations that are important include ultrasound examination and determination of the PSA enzyme levels. A modest rise in the level of this enzyme is suggestive of benign prostatic enlargement. Very high levels are in keeping with prostatic cancer. Based on the findings after the physical, the imaging studies and the PSA levels, the doctor will either prescribe some drugs or will advise you on the need for surgery
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 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.
Most of the early symptoms of prostatic cancer are related to voiding of urine. Patients will notice changes in the frequency of urination, there will also be urgency, dribbling, a weak stream of urine and a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying. These symptoms are also seen among patients suffering from BPE. As the cancer continues to advance, other organs near the gland including the bladder and the rectum are also affected.
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.
The good news about both prostatic cancer and benign prostatic hypertrophy is that they can be diagnosed fairly early. This can only be achieved if men at risk go for constant medical checkups. This includes all men above the age of forty years and a little younger for those that have a positive family history. At least one checkup annually is sufficient.
A number of things will be done during the checkup. A medical history will be taken as relates to your micturition habits and this will be followed by a comprehensive physical examination. The main focus here will be the digital rectal examination that is aimed at determining the size, shape and consistency of your prostate.
Investigations that are important include ultrasound examination and determination of the PSA enzyme levels. A modest rise in the level of this enzyme is suggestive of benign prostatic enlargement. Very high levels are in keeping with prostatic cancer. Based on the findings after the physical, the imaging studies and the PSA levels, the doctor will either prescribe some drugs or will advise you on the need for surgery
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