WHAT IS THE PROSTATE?
Men are usually unaware of their prostate until it causes trouble. The prostate is a walnut sized gland that produces a fluid added to semen during ejaculation.
By 50, most men experience some prostate enlargement which can become a serious problem if it interferes with urination. It is important to be aware of the symptoms of prostate problems so that a minor problem does not become a major disease.
WHAT KINDS OF PROBLEMS OCCUR?
There are 3 main prostate problems:
1.
Benign Prostate Hypertrophy
2. Prostatitis
3. Prostate Cancer
1. BENIGN PROSTATE HYPERTROPHY (BPH)
The tissue inside the prostate gland thickens to an extent that the flow of urine slows or shuts off. The urine then is retained in the bladder causing an uncomfortable feeling.
Symptoms may include:
*frequent
need to urinate at night
*increased urgency to urinate
*difficult start of urination
*low pressure flow
*dripping/dribbling that is excessive
*"full" feeling
*blood in the urine or semen and/or inability to achieve an erection
Treatment includes:
*catheterization
through the penis to drain urine from the bladder and surgery to
remove restricting tissue.
*Medicine may help some people.
2. PROSTATITIS
Prostatitis is an infection of the prostate gland. The acute form occurs most often in men between 20-30 years of age. The chronic form most often occurs in men 30-50 years old.
Symptoms of prostatitis may include:
*pressure
*fever
*discharge from the penis
*frequent urination
Treatment includes:
*oral
antibiotics
*drainage by catheterization or surgery
3. PROSTATE CANCER
Prostate cancer becomes increasingly common after age 60. The cause of this cancer, which may spread slowly or quickly, is uncertain. Early signs of prostate cancer are usually unnoticeable. Therefore annual rectal exams and lab tests are very important after the age of 50. If there is a family history of prostate cancer, exams and tests are recommended after age 40. If the cancer goes undetected and untreated, it may spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system.
Symptoms may include:
*pain
and swelling in the pelvic area
*painful, slow-starting urination
*nausea and vomiting
*weight loss
*fatigue
Treatment may include:
*surgery
*radiation and/or chemotherapy to stop the spread of cancer
*hormone therapy to slow its spread
HOW COMMON IS
PROSTATE SURGERY?
Almost 50% of all men with prostate problems require surgery. There are two methods most commonly used for benign conditions which are safe and have little risk of complication. They are usually performed under general or spinal anesthesia.
A Transurethral Resection (TUR) is done when only small tumors or simple BPH exists. The physician inserts a tube through the urethra and removes the thickened tissue. No incisions are involved making recovery easy.
Larger growths or tumors require a surgical prostatectomy. An incision is made into the prostate and the enlarged part of the prostate is removed.
AFTER PROSTATE
SURGERY-FOR BENIGN PROSTATIC ENLARGEMENT
A small percentage of people have decreased potency.
Sterility (the inability to father children) is generally the only certain result of prostate removal. Sperm empties into the bladder instead of through the urethra, feeling and pleasure are not affected.
Please ask your primary care doctor for advice and information about prostate problems.
Additional
health information is also available through the MGH
Health Information Center
(906)225-4950 or 1-800-562-9753, ext.4950.
Questions -