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PROSTATE PROBLEMS
The prostate is a gland found only in men. It is about walnut size and is located below the neck of the bladder surrounding the bladder outlet or urethra. Its job is to secrete a milky fluid which becomes part of the semen and nourishes the sperm.
As men age, the prostate gland enlarges. This may take many years. For the majority of men this does not create any difficulties but for some this enlargement can cause
urinary symptoms such as a slow and/or interrupted stream; difficulty starting to pass urine; increased need to pass urine more frequently; a feeling of incomplete emptying; and, in some cases, loss of urinary control, that is, incontinence.
The most common prostate problem in men under 50 is inflammation or infection, which is called
prostatitis.
Most prostate problems respond well to
prostate treatment. Prostate enlargement is another common problem. Because the prostate normally continues to grow as a man matures, prostate enlargement, also called
benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH, is the most common prostate problem for men over 50. Older men are at risk for prostate cancer as well, but it is much less common than BPH.
While it's true that some men with prostate cancer also have BPH, that
doesn't mean that the two conditions are always linked. Most men with
BPH don't develop prostate cancer. However, because the early symptoms
are the same for both conditions, you should see a doctor to
evaluate
these BPH symptoms.
Sometimes, different prostate problems have similar symptoms. For example, one man with prostatitis and another with BPH may both have a frequent, urgent need to urinate. Other men with BPH may have different symptoms. For example, one man may have trouble beginning a stream of urine, while another may have to get up to go to the bathroom frequently at night. A man in the early stages of
prostate cancer
may have no symptoms at all. This confusing array of symptoms makes a
thorough medical examination and testing very important. All men over 50 should have a
PSA Test.
By itself, BPH is not a serious condition, unless the symptoms are so
bothersome that you can't enjoy life. But BPH can lead to serious
problems. One problem is urinary tract infections.
If you can't urinate at all, you should get medical help right away.
Sometimes this happens suddenly to men after they take an
over-the-counter cold or allergy medicine.
In rare cases, BPH and its constant urination problems can lead to
kidney damage.
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