The prostate plays a vital role in reproduction. It produces secretions that alter the PH of seminal fluid as well as providing nourishment for sperm cells. There are a number of important aspects on prostate health that you should know. The organ is affected by a wide range of diseases that include infections, inflammatory conditions and tumors. The prevalence of all these conditions is higher among the older generation.
One of the commonest conditions that affect the gland is known as prostatitis. The commonest cause of this problem is an infective process. Many different species have been isolated in urine samples of persons that have this problem. In a few cases, however, microbial organisms are not usually found. In severe cases, intravenous antibiotics such as ceftriaxone and metronidazole are used. Less severe cases usually respond to oral metronidazole, doxycycline and ciprofloxacin.
Prostatic cancer and benign prostatic enlargement (or simply, BPE) are some of the major causes of hospital visits among men aged 40 to 70 years. In the early stages, it is quite challenging to differentiate the two on clinical assessment only. Only histological examination of biopsy specimens would do that. Predisposing factors include, among others, prolonged use of alcohol, smoking and a positive family history. Being less invasive, BPE tends to have better prognosis after treatment.
The early cancer symptoms are mainly related to voiding of urine. Patients will typically complain of having urgency, frequency of urination, a weak stream and a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying. These are the same symptoms seen with BPE. As the condition progresses, other organs in close proximity such as the bladder and the rectum are affected. Involvement of the rectum leads to frequent bouts of constipation.
The spine and the pelvic bone are the common distant metastatic sites and these will result in severe bone pain. Severe disease causes paraplegia and patients will more often than not be confined to wheelchairs for their entire lives. Radiological images are needed to determine whether or not there is bone involvement.
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.
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 aid in making a definitive diagnosis include PSA level determination and ultrasound evaluation. Modest increases in PSA suggest BPE and marked increases are a feature of cancer. The levels have to be correlated with clinical findings. The doctor will formulate a management plan that may involve pharmacotherapy or surgery or both as determined by the results.
One of the commonest conditions that affect the gland is known as prostatitis. The commonest cause of this problem is an infective process. Many different species have been isolated in urine samples of persons that have this problem. In a few cases, however, microbial organisms are not usually found. In severe cases, intravenous antibiotics such as ceftriaxone and metronidazole are used. Less severe cases usually respond to oral metronidazole, doxycycline and ciprofloxacin.
Prostatic cancer and benign prostatic enlargement (or simply, BPE) are some of the major causes of hospital visits among men aged 40 to 70 years. In the early stages, it is quite challenging to differentiate the two on clinical assessment only. Only histological examination of biopsy specimens would do that. Predisposing factors include, among others, prolonged use of alcohol, smoking and a positive family history. Being less invasive, BPE tends to have better prognosis after treatment.
The early cancer symptoms are mainly related to voiding of urine. Patients will typically complain of having urgency, frequency of urination, a weak stream and a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying. These are the same symptoms seen with BPE. As the condition progresses, other organs in close proximity such as the bladder and the rectum are affected. Involvement of the rectum leads to frequent bouts of constipation.
The spine and the pelvic bone are the common distant metastatic sites and these will result in severe bone pain. Severe disease causes paraplegia and patients will more often than not be confined to wheelchairs for their entire lives. Radiological images are needed to determine whether or not there is bone involvement.
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.
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 aid in making a definitive diagnosis include PSA level determination and ultrasound evaluation. Modest increases in PSA suggest BPE and marked increases are a feature of cancer. The levels have to be correlated with clinical findings. The doctor will formulate a management plan that may involve pharmacotherapy or surgery or both as determined by the results.
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