Prostate Problems: Signs

The prostate is a chestnut sized gland that is found only in males. It is located in the male reproductive system, at the neck of the urethra. The most important function of the prostate gland is that it produces and stores seminal fluid that makes up 30% of the semen. The prostate also contains a system of valves that help in directing semen to the urethra during ejaculation.

The size of the prostate gland remains same from birth till puberty. After that, it grows quickly and almost doubles in size. And by the time the man reaches 60 years of age, the prostate gland grows significantly, which is the onset of problems related to the gland. Therefore, we see that prostate problems are commonly found only in older men. The three major prostate problems are prostatitis, benign prostate hyperplasia and prostate cancer. Let us have a look at prostate problems and treatment.

Prostate Problems: Signs and Symptoms
The following are the signs of major prostate problems. Except slight differences, majority of the prostate problems signs are similar in all the related diseases.

Prostatitis
Prostatitis is the inflammation of the prostate gland. It is categorized into four major types, viz., acute bacterial prostatitis, chronic bacterial prostatitis, chronic pelvic pain and asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis. All these types of prostatitis can be treated through medication. The following are the symptoms of prostatitis.

• Burning sensation during urination
• Pain during urination
• Frequent urination
• Pain or discomfort in penis
• Painful ejaculation
• Chills
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fever

Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH)
Benign prostate hyperplasia or BPH, is a non-cancerous condition where the prostate gland swells as a result to normal aging process. This condition occurs as the old cells do not die out and the new cells continue to grow. This results in enlargement of the prostate gland. In an early stage, BPH signs can be minimized by change in diet and lifestyle. For a more advanced stage, surgeries like Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) or laser procedures are used to treat benign prostate hyperplasia. BPH prostate problems signs are mostly related to the bladder. They include:

• Difficulty starting urine
• Weak flow of urine
• Feeling that the bladder is not completely empty
• Frequent urination (specially at night)
• Pain during urination
• Bladder irritability

Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the most common types of cancer observed in older men, which is also a major cause of death. However, the exact cause of prostate cancer is unknown. The causes and treatment of prostate cancer depend upon which part it has spread to. Radiation or radical prostatectomy can effectively help in treating prostate cancer. Sadly, there are no signs of prostate cancer when it is in its initial stage. The symptoms become more prominent only when the cancer spreads beyond the prostate gland. The following are the early symptoms of prostate cancer:

• Frequent urination (especially at night)
• Difficulty starting or stopping urination
• A painful or burning sensation during urination or ejaculation
• Blood in urine or semen
• Dull pain or stiffness in the pelvis, lower back or upper thighs
• Loss of weight and appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fatigue

Risks for prostate problems can be reduced by having a healthy diet and good hygiene. Similarly, maintaining proper weight, drinking adequate amounts of fluids, and having a high-fiber diet helps in lowering the risk of prostate problems. Older men should have a regular medical checkup to find the possibility of prostate problems.

As observed above, difficulty in urination and ejaculation are the most prominent and common prostate problems signs. One should be aware of them, specially in older age. If you observe these signs, you should consult the doctor immediately.