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.
Prostatitis is a condition that is characterized by low abdominal pains, frequency in urination and painful urination. This condition is commonly caused by bacteria but there are cases in which no organism is isolated. Urine analysis is required to identify the exact organism that is responsible. Commonly used antibiotics include ciprofloxacin, oral metronidazole and doxycycline for simple infections. Intravenous drugs such as ceftriaxone is used in the case of severe infections.
Benign prostatic enlargement, BPE and Prostatic cancer are a common cause for hospital visits in men. The symptoms for both conditions are similar and it may be difficult to differentiate the two except in advanced cases. Both conditions affect men between the ages of 40 and 70 but cases affecting younger men have been documented. . Predisposing factors include smoking, prolonged alcohol consumption and genetic factors. Prostatic cancer is invasive and tends to have worse outcomes.
The early cancer symptoms are mainly related to voiding of urine. Patients will typically complain of having urgency, frequency of urination, a weak stream and a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying. These are the same symptoms seen with BPE. As the condition progresses, other organs in close proximity such as the bladder and the rectum are affected. Involvement of the rectum leads to frequent bouts of constipation.
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.
While it is not possible to prevent either the cancer or BPE, a lot can be done in the area of early detection. This will in turn help to start early treatment and to prevent adverse outcomes. All men at risk (between the ages of forty and above and those with a positive family history), should strive to have at least one medical checkup annually.
During the follow up, the doctor will ask questions relating to your voiding habits. He will seek to establish whether you are passing urine more frequently, whether or not you have noticed some blood in the urine, presence or absence of pain and so on. It is therefore mandatory to ensure that you keep track of all these voiding habits. You will then be subjected to a physical exam that will include a digital rectal examination to establish the size of the organ.
Investigations that are important include ultrasound examination and determination of the PSA enzyme levels. A modest rise in the level of this enzyme is suggestive of benign prostatic enlargement. Very high levels are in keeping with prostatic cancer. Based on the findings after the physical, the imaging studies and the PSA levels, the doctor will either prescribe some drugs or will advise you on the need for surgery
Prostatitis is a condition that is characterized by low abdominal pains, frequency in urination and painful urination. This condition is commonly caused by bacteria but there are cases in which no organism is isolated. Urine analysis is required to identify the exact organism that is responsible. Commonly used antibiotics include ciprofloxacin, oral metronidazole and doxycycline for simple infections. Intravenous drugs such as ceftriaxone is used in the case of severe infections.
Benign prostatic enlargement, BPE and Prostatic cancer are a common cause for hospital visits in men. The symptoms for both conditions are similar and it may be difficult to differentiate the two except in advanced cases. Both conditions affect men between the ages of 40 and 70 but cases affecting younger men have been documented. . Predisposing factors include smoking, prolonged alcohol consumption and genetic factors. Prostatic cancer is invasive and tends to have worse outcomes.
The early cancer symptoms are mainly related to voiding of urine. Patients will typically complain of having urgency, frequency of urination, a weak stream and a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying. These are the same symptoms seen with BPE. As the condition progresses, other organs in close proximity such as the bladder and the rectum are affected. Involvement of the rectum leads to frequent bouts of constipation.
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.
While it is not possible to prevent either the cancer or BPE, a lot can be done in the area of early detection. This will in turn help to start early treatment and to prevent adverse outcomes. All men at risk (between the ages of forty and above and those with a positive family history), should strive to have at least one medical checkup annually.
During the follow up, the doctor will ask questions relating to your voiding habits. He will seek to establish whether you are passing urine more frequently, whether or not you have noticed some blood in the urine, presence or absence of pain and so on. It is therefore mandatory to ensure that you keep track of all these voiding habits. You will then be subjected to a physical exam that will include a digital rectal examination to establish the size of the organ.
Investigations that are important include ultrasound examination and determination of the PSA enzyme levels. A modest rise in the level of this enzyme is suggestive of benign prostatic enlargement. Very high levels are in keeping with prostatic cancer. Based on the findings after the physical, the imaging studies and the PSA levels, the doctor will either prescribe some drugs or will advise you on the need for surgery
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