The prostate plays a vital role in reproduction. It produces secretions that alter the PH of seminal fluid as well as providing nourishment for sperm cells. There are a number of important aspects on prostate health that you should know. The organ is affected by a wide range of diseases that include infections, inflammatory conditions and tumors. The prevalence of all these conditions is higher among the older generation.
One of the commonest conditions that affect the gland is known as prostatitis. The commonest cause of this problem is an infective process. Many different species have been isolated in urine samples of persons that have this problem. In a few cases, however, microbial organisms are not usually found. In severe cases, intravenous antibiotics such as ceftriaxone and metronidazole are used. Less severe cases usually respond to oral metronidazole, doxycycline and ciprofloxacin.
Benign prostatic enlargement (BPE) and cancer of the prostate are common conditions among the ages of 40 to 70. The two conditions are very similar in symptoms especially in the early stages. It may not be possible to differentiate the two on clinical assessment alone initially. The predisposing factors include, a positive family history, prolonged alcohol consumption and smoking among others. BPE usually has better outcomes because it is more of an abnormal enlargement rather than a cancer.
In the early stages of prostatic cancer, affected persons will typically complain of difficulties in passing urine, a weak stream of urine, occasional pain on voiding and tend to feel that they have not completely emptied their urinary bladders. In advanced cases, the tumor tends to metastasize both to local and distant structures. Organs that are in close proximity include the urinary bladder and the rectum. When the rectum is affected, patients will have difficulties in passing stool and will constantly get constipated.
The spine and the pelvic bone are the common distant metastatic sites and these will result in severe bone pain. Severe disease causes paraplegia and patients will more often than not be confined to wheelchairs for their entire lives. Radiological images are needed to determine whether or not there is bone involvement.
The good news about both prostatic cancer and benign prostatic hypertrophy is that they can be diagnosed fairly early. This can only be achieved if men at risk go for constant medical checkups. This includes all men above the age of forty years and a little younger for those that have a positive family history. At least one checkup annually is sufficient.
A number of things will be done during the checkup. A medical history will be taken as relates to your micturition habits and this will be followed by a comprehensive physical examination. The main focus here will be the digital rectal examination that is aimed at determining the size, shape and consistency of your prostate.
Investigations that aid in making a definitive diagnosis include PSA level determination and ultrasound evaluation. Modest increases in PSA suggest BPE and marked increases are a feature of cancer. The levels have to be correlated with clinical findings. The doctor will formulate a management plan that may involve pharmacotherapy or surgery or both as determined by the results.
One of the commonest conditions that affect the gland is known as prostatitis. The commonest cause of this problem is an infective process. Many different species have been isolated in urine samples of persons that have this problem. In a few cases, however, microbial organisms are not usually found. In severe cases, intravenous antibiotics such as ceftriaxone and metronidazole are used. Less severe cases usually respond to oral metronidazole, doxycycline and ciprofloxacin.
Benign prostatic enlargement (BPE) and cancer of the prostate are common conditions among the ages of 40 to 70. The two conditions are very similar in symptoms especially in the early stages. It may not be possible to differentiate the two on clinical assessment alone initially. The predisposing factors include, a positive family history, prolonged alcohol consumption and smoking among others. BPE usually has better outcomes because it is more of an abnormal enlargement rather than a cancer.
In the early stages of prostatic cancer, affected persons will typically complain of difficulties in passing urine, a weak stream of urine, occasional pain on voiding and tend to feel that they have not completely emptied their urinary bladders. In advanced cases, the tumor tends to metastasize both to local and distant structures. Organs that are in close proximity include the urinary bladder and the rectum. When the rectum is affected, patients will have difficulties in passing stool and will constantly get constipated.
The spine and the pelvic bone are the common distant metastatic sites and these will result in severe bone pain. Severe disease causes paraplegia and patients will more often than not be confined to wheelchairs for their entire lives. Radiological images are needed to determine whether or not there is bone involvement.
The good news about both prostatic cancer and benign prostatic hypertrophy is that they can be diagnosed fairly early. This can only be achieved if men at risk go for constant medical checkups. This includes all men above the age of forty years and a little younger for those that have a positive family history. At least one checkup annually is sufficient.
A number of things will be done during the checkup. A medical history will be taken as relates to your micturition habits and this will be followed by a comprehensive physical examination. The main focus here will be the digital rectal examination that is aimed at determining the size, shape and consistency of your prostate.
Investigations that aid in making a definitive diagnosis include PSA level determination and ultrasound evaluation. Modest increases in PSA suggest BPE and marked increases are a feature of cancer. The levels have to be correlated with clinical findings. The doctor will formulate a management plan that may involve pharmacotherapy or surgery or both as determined by the results.
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