Prostate Problem: Is It Common Across the Nation As Men Age?

As men grow older, they experience prostate-related issues. Studies revealed that more than 1 in 3 men over 50 years experience symptoms of prostate problems.  Let’s go through multiple prostate problems experienced by men so that they can get timely healthcare service from a reputed and reliable healthcare clinic like CareFirst 360.

Here’s a brief introduction to the prostate gland

The prostate gland is a small walnut-sized gland of the male reproductive system, located below the bladder, and in front of the rectum. It produces the milky liquid semen, which carries sperm from the testicles.

The prostate gland changes as men grow old

Enlargement of the prostate gland commonly happens as men grow old.  The condition is associated with certain problems, which commonly affect men worldwide. An enlarged gland can squeeze the urethra and interfere while passing urine. The urinary symptoms can affect men in their 30s and 40s too, thereby requiring medical assistance.

Generally, the symptoms appear in men in their later stages of life. The prostate gland can become large due to certain infections also. An enlarged prostate may lead to many problems like damage to the kidney, urinary tract infection, urinary retention, bladder stone, blood in urine, urinary incontinence, and even cancer. So know the symptoms, know your risk, and seek timely healthcare service.

Common prostate problems include benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), acute and chronic bacterial prostatitis, and chronic prostatitis (non-bacterial).

• In benign prostatic hyperplasia, the prostate gland enlarges to an unhealthy size. The risk of developing benign prostatic hyperplasia increases as you grow older. It is not cancerous.
• Prostate cancer common cancer seen in men besides skin cancer. Even the risk of developing prostate cancer also increases as you grow older. The cause of prostate cancer is not known but is known to run in families.
• Prostatitis is defined as the inflammation of the prostate gland. It is usually seen in men who are young and middle-aged.
  • Acute bacterial prostatitis is caused due to bacterial infection and starts suddenly. It can lead to pain, chills, or fever.
  • Chronic bacterial prostatitis is a bacterial infection that comes again and again. It is a rare condition.
  • In chronic pelvic pain syndrome or chronic prostatitis, the symptoms produced are similar to that of chronic bacterial prostatitis, but the cause is not known.

Why enlargement of the prostate gland happens?

The exact cause is not understood. Prostate problems generally occur as a result of natural aging. As men age, the production of male hormone testosterone decreases in their blood, relative to estrogen level, which is believed to influence prostate cell growth.

Who are at risk of developing prostate problems?

If you are a man, you might be at risk of developing prostate problems if you –

• Are above 40 years of age
• Are obese
• Do not do physical exercise
• Have erectile dysfunction
• Have a family history of prostate gland enlargement
• Heart and cardiovascular problems
• Are a Type 2 diabetes patient
• Belong to African-American origin

Know the symptoms of prostate problems

To catch the problems early, you must educate yourself regarding the symptoms that are generally experienced while suffering from prostate problems. The symptoms can be –

• Passing urine more frequently
• Having the urgent need to pass urine
• Having less flow of urine
• Having a burning sensation while passing urine
• Difficulty in passing urine
• Small urine quantity even after having a strong urge
• High fever and chills
• Low back pain
• Groin pain or lower abdomen pain
• Pain behind the scrotum
• Rectal pressure or pain
• Genital and rectal throbbing
• Loss of sex drive
• Painful ejaculation

How are prostate problems treated?

Self-care steps involve urinating after feeling the first urge, going to the bathroom on a timed schedule, avoiding alcohol, not drinking a lot of fluid at once, exercising regularly (particularly practicing Kegel exercise), reducing stress, etc. Surgery is recommended if you are having problems like incontinence, bloody urine, urinary retention, recurrent urinary tract infection, decreased kidney function, etc. Treatment options for prostate cancer include surgery, hormone therapy, surgery, and chemotherapy, depending on the stage of the cancer.

Takeaway

Are you facing any of the above-listed signs and symptoms? Make sure to visit the reputed healthcare clinic like CareFirst 360, which offers personalized healthcare service, and get yourself assessed to determine whether you’re having prostate issues.