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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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 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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