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.
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.
Benign prostatic enlargement, BPE and Prostatic cancer are a common cause for hospital visits in men. The symptoms for both conditions are similar and it may be difficult to differentiate the two except in advanced cases. Both conditions affect men between the ages of 40 and 70 but cases affecting younger men have been documented. . Predisposing factors include smoking, prolonged alcohol consumption and genetic factors. Prostatic cancer is invasive and tends to have worse outcomes.
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.
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.
While it is not possible to prevent either the cancer or BPE, a lot can be done in the area of early detection. This will in turn help to start early treatment and to prevent adverse outcomes. All men at risk (between the ages of forty and above and those with a positive family history), should strive to have at least one medical checkup annually.
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.
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.
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.
Benign prostatic enlargement, BPE and Prostatic cancer are a common cause for hospital visits in men. The symptoms for both conditions are similar and it may be difficult to differentiate the two except in advanced cases. Both conditions affect men between the ages of 40 and 70 but cases affecting younger men have been documented. . Predisposing factors include smoking, prolonged alcohol consumption and genetic factors. Prostatic cancer is invasive and tends to have worse outcomes.
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.
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.
While it is not possible to prevent either the cancer or BPE, a lot can be done in the area of early detection. This will in turn help to start early treatment and to prevent adverse outcomes. All men at risk (between the ages of forty and above and those with a positive family history), should strive to have at least one medical checkup annually.
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.
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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