Prostate Disorders

The prostate is a male gland surrounding the urethra that produces fluid for semen. It starts as a walnut-sized gland in young men and grows larger with age. The fluid it produces contains sugars, proteins, and chemicals that aid sperm survival. In women, the paraurethral gland, known as the female prostate, is located near the urethra and releases fluid during orgasm, similar to the male prostate.

BPH

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the enlargement of the prostate gland in older men, leading to difficult urination. Symptoms include frequent urination and hesitancy to start. Severe cases can cause painful or impossible urination due to urethral constriction. BPH is typically treated with medication, but surgery such as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) may be necessary. TURP involves removing excess prostate tissue blocking urine flow through the urethra. The procedure lasts 30 to 60 minutes under general anesthesia.

Prostatitis

Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate gland, causing painful and frequent urination, lower back pain, body aches, and sometimes fever. The disease is divided into infective prostatitis, caused by bacterial infection, and non-infective prostatitis, due to various causes. Infective prostatitis is diagnosed through urine and semen analysis, treated with anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics. Non-infective prostatitis includes congestive prostatitis, where semen-like discharge occurs during urination in sexually active men. The condition resolves in a few months, but warm baths can help reduce inflammation. If symptoms persist, consultation with a urologist is recommended. Treatment for non-infective prostatitis involves medications, physiotherapy, light therapy, and sometimes surgery. Understanding the type of prostatitis is crucial in determining the appropriate management.

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is a common disease in older men and can be life-threatening if not detected early. Symptoms may include pain, urinary problems, and sexual dysfunction. A blood test for Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) can help diagnose the cancer, but a biopsy is needed for confirmation. Treatment options and prognosis depend on the stage of the cancer, the patient’s health, age, and PSA levels. Prostate cancer can spread through tissues, the lymph system, or the blood, so further tests are done to determine if cancer has metastasized. Early detection and treatment are crucial for a better chance of recovery from prostate cancer.