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 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.
Most of the early symptoms of prostatic cancer are related to voiding of urine. Patients will notice changes in the frequency of urination, there will also be urgency, dribbling, a weak stream of urine and a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying. These symptoms are also seen among patients suffering from BPE. As the cancer continues to advance, other organs near the gland including the bladder and the rectum are also affected.
Involvement of distant organs may also be noted as a result of metastatic spread. Bones of the spine and the pelvic girdle are commonly affected and these would manifest as pain in the affected area. Spine involvement is a feared complications as it is a common cause of paraplegia. These complications will be easily detected using an X-ray or a CT scan image.
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.
In the follow up, the doctor will have an opportunity to evaluate your risk. This is done by taking a medical history that is focused on the voiding habits. The presence of symptoms suggestive of either cancer or BPE is queried. A physical examination then follows and this is centered on the digital rectal examination to evaluate the shape, size and consistency of the gland.
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.
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 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.
Most of the early symptoms of prostatic cancer are related to voiding of urine. Patients will notice changes in the frequency of urination, there will also be urgency, dribbling, a weak stream of urine and a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying. These symptoms are also seen among patients suffering from BPE. As the cancer continues to advance, other organs near the gland including the bladder and the rectum are also affected.
Involvement of distant organs may also be noted as a result of metastatic spread. Bones of the spine and the pelvic girdle are commonly affected and these would manifest as pain in the affected area. Spine involvement is a feared complications as it is a common cause of paraplegia. These complications will be easily detected using an X-ray or a CT scan image.
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.
In the follow up, the doctor will have an opportunity to evaluate your risk. This is done by taking a medical history that is focused on the voiding habits. The presence of symptoms suggestive of either cancer or BPE is queried. A physical examination then follows and this is centered on the digital rectal examination to evaluate the shape, size and consistency of the gland.
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.
About the Author:
Make sure you check out the following blogs to know more about prostate health. Feel free to visit this website on http://samadimd.com right now!
No comments:
Post a Comment