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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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