Prostate: Most Common Urological Issue in Men
The urinary system in a human body consists of many vital organs including kidneys, bladder, urethra etc. They conduct the important function of managing and eliminating the waste from the body. Urological issues are experienced by people irrespective of their age or gender. One of the most common urological problem in men especially older men is that of prostate. This walnut sized gland is located near the bladder just in front of the rectum. The urethra is a tube that carries the urine and runs from bladder to the penis through prostrate right in the middle.Prostate is a small gland in men which produces a fluid that, together with sperm cells from the testicles and other fluids, makes semen. For a small sized organ like prostate, it seems to cause a lot of concern as there are no severe symptoms experienced in onset of any of the problems.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Normally prostrate gland grows with age and usually without difficulty. But when the prostrate gland gets enlarged to an unhealthy/ abnormal size the condition is called as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). A person feels the urge to urinate frequently when the prostate gland is enlarged as this puts extra pressure on urethra. The cause may be age , family history or erectile dysfunction. The best way to treat is through medications and if needed surgery. We need to watch out for symptoms such as frequent urination, difficulty in getting a stream of urine going.
Prostatitis
Prostatitis is abnormal swelling or inflammation in the prostrate and is cured normally through medications
Prostate Cancer
Prostate is one of the major causes of cancer deaths in men. This is different from BPH or prostatitis. When the cells in the gland start growing uncontrolled and abnormally , it can develop into a cancer. Detecting early is the key to successful treatment , the treatment methods being surgery chemotherapy and radiation. The symptoms include pain while urinating or ejaculating , fever and chills , pelvic pain, urge to urinate frequently etc.
Choosing a healthy lifestyle including diet rich with fruits and vegetables and low in saturated fat, good hygiene can make a difference in the long term. Those above the age of 50 must get their prostate checked periodically so as to keep a tab.
Dr. Yogesh Sovani
Associate Consultant, Urology
