6 Common Diseases that Affect the Prostate
The prostate is a small gland in the male reproductive system, found just below the bladder. Its primary role is to produce the fluid that nourishes and protects the sperm, but it also impacts urinary and sexual functions. As men age, the prostate may undergo changes that can lead to various health concerns and conditions. To maintain one’s health and well-being, it’s important for men to be aware of the potential issues that can affect the prostate and keep it from functioning well. To that end, here are some of the most common prostate diseases that you should keep an eye on:
Prostate Cancer
Between 2017 and 2021, a total of 6,917 cases of prostate cancer were recorded in Singapore, making it the most prevalent cancer among males in the country. Prostate cancer refers to the abnormal growth of cells in the prostate gland, often forming a tumour. While the exact cause of prostate cancer is not fully understood, factors such as age, family history, ethnicity, as well as lifestyle habits may increase the risk for the disease. Depending on its stage and aggressiveness, treatment options for prostate cancer can include active surveillance, surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, or chemotherapy.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Also known as an enlarged prostate, benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH is a noncancerous condition characterised by the enlargement of the prostate gland. It is common in older men and can cause urinary symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, weak urine flow, and incomplete bladder emptying. Most experts believe that the condition is related to hormonal changes that men undergo as they age, though its exact cause is yet to be determined. The treatment options for BPH include medications to relax the prostate muscles or reduce its size, minimally invasive procedures, and surgery in severe cases.
Prostatitis
The inflammation or infection of the prostate gland or prostatitis can cause a range of symptoms including pain or discomfort in the pelvic area, difficulty urinating, and flu-like symptoms. There are different types of prostatitis, which include acute bacterial prostatitis, chronic bacterial prostatitis, and asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis. The type and severity of the condition affect available treatment options, which can include antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, alpha-blockers, and lifestyle modifications.
Prostatic Abscess
A prostatic abscess is a collection of pus within the prostate gland, usually caused by bacterial infection. As such, it can lead to symptoms such as fever, chills, pelvic pain, difficulty in urinating, and blood in the urine. A prostatic abscess is typically treated with antibiotics to eliminate the infection, though some cases may require drainage procedures.
Note that prostatic abscesses are relatively rare. However, they require prompt medical attention to prevent complications such as sepsis.
Prostate Stones or Prostatic Calculi
Prostate stones, also known as prostatic calculi, are small mineral deposits that form in the prostate gland. They usually don’t cause any symptoms and are often only discovered incidentally during medical imaging tests. In some cases, however, prostate stones can lead to urinary symptoms such as pain or difficulty in urinating. Treatment for prostate stones may not be necessary unless they cause symptoms, in which case medications or procedures to remove the stones may be recommended.
Prostate Infarction
It’s also possible for blockages to impede the blood flow to the prostate gland. This condition is called prostate infarction and it can lead to tissue damage and cell death. Among the symptoms of prostate infarction are pelvic pain, difficulty in urinating, and blood in the urine. Treatment options can include pain management, antibiotics if there is an underlying infection, and supportive care.
Common Symptoms Associated with Prostate Diseases
Diseases of the prostate gland share some common symptoms, such as the following:
- Frequent urination
- Urgency to urinate
- Weak urine stream
- Difficulty starting or stopping urination
- Incomplete bladder emptying
- Pain or discomfort in the pelvic area
- Blood in the urine
- Erectile dysfunction
- Changes in sexual function or libido
- Flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, fatigue)
It’s possible for these symptoms to vary depending on the specific prostate condition and its severity. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, consult with a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and management.
Preventing and Treating Prostate Gland Diseases
The early detection of prostate disease is crucial for better outcomes and improved prognosis. Among the most common ways of detecting prostate cancer and other diseases that can affect the prostate gland are prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing and digital rectal exams (DRE). Through prompt detection, health experts can provide timely intervention and implement appropriate treatment strategies.
Ultimately, it’s important for men to prioritize regular health check-ups as they age or if they have risk factors such as family history or certain lifestyle habits. By staying informed, proactive, and engaged in their health, men everywhere can take steps towards early detection and better management of prostate diseases.
