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Prostate

The prostate is a small, walnut-sized gland in men, situated below the bladder and in front of the rectum.

Understanding The Prostate

The prostate plays a key role in the reproductive system, helping to produce fluid that nourishes and transports sperm.

Prostate health is essential for urinary and sexual function, yet the prostate is susceptible to several conditions, especially as men age.

Overview

  • Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is the non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, typically occurring as men age. This growth can compress the urethra, affecting urinary function and leading to various symptoms.

 

Causes

  • BPH primarily results from hormonal changes associated with ageing. As men grow older, testosterone levels decrease, while levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) may increase in the prostate, leading to gland enlargement.

 

Symptoms

  • Frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia)
  • Difficulty starting urination
  • Weak or interrupted urine flow
  • Inability to completely empty the bladder
  • Urgent need to urinate

 

Risk Factors

  • Age: Men over 50 are more likely to develop BPH.
  • Family history: Genetics can play a role in susceptibility.
  • Lifestyle: Obesity, lack of physical activity, and certain dietary factors may contribute.

 

Treatment Options

  • Lifestyle Changes: Weight management, limiting alcohol and caffeine, and exercise can help alleviate symptoms.
  • Medications: Alpha-blockers relax prostate muscles to improve urine flow, while 5-alpha reductase inhibitors reduce prostate size.
  • Surgical Options: For severe cases, procedures like transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) or minimally invasive approaches can relieve obstruction.

Overview

  • Prostatitis refers to inflammation of the prostate, often caused by bacterial infections or other underlying factors. Prostatitis can be acute or chronic, and it affects men of all ages.

 

Causes

  • Bacterial infections, particularly in acute cases
  • Chronic pelvic pain syndrome, which does not involve a bacterial infection but may relate to muscle or nerve inflammation
  • Immune or nervous system disorders

 

Symptoms

  • Painful or difficult urination
  • Pain in the groin, pelvic area, or lower back
  • Flu-like symptoms (in acute bacterial prostatitis)
  • Frequent or urgent urination

 

Risk Factors

  • Age: Men under 50 are more prone to prostatitis.
  • Recent urinary tract infections (UTIs) or bladder infections
  • Prostate biopsy or other procedures that may introduce bacteria
  • Having an enlarged prostate, which can increase infection risk

 

Treatment Options

  • Antibiotics: Effective for bacterial prostatitis; a longer course may be necessary for chronic cases.
  • Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter painkillers, anti-inflammatories, or alpha-blockers can relieve symptoms.
  • Physical Therapy: Addressing muscle tension and pelvic pain, particularly in non-bacterial prostatitis.
  • Lifestyle Changes: Drinking plenty of water and avoiding irritants like caffeine and alcohol may reduce symptoms.

Overview

  • Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in Australian men. It often grows slowly and may not present symptoms early on, but some forms can be aggressive and require prompt treatment.

Causes

  • The exact cause of prostate cancer remains unclear, but genetic and lifestyle factors contribute to its development. Mutations in prostate cells can lead to uncontrolled cell growth, forming tumours.

Symptoms
In early stages, prostate cancer may not show symptoms. In more advanced cases, symptoms can include:

  • Difficulty urinating or a weak flow
  • Blood in urine or semen
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Pain in the hips, back, or chest (if cancer has spread)

Risk Factors

  • Age: Most cases are diagnosed in men over 65.
  • Family History: A family history of prostate or breast cancer can increase risk.
  • Ethnicity: Men of African descent may face a higher risk.
  • Diet: High-fat diets and obesity may contribute to prostate cancer risk.

Treatment Options

  • Active Surveillance: For low-risk prostate cancer, monitoring with regular check-ups and tests.
  • Surgery: Prostatectomy can remove the cancer, especially in younger, healthier men.
  • Radiation Therapy: External or internal radiation can target cancer cells in the prostate.
  • Brachytherapy: Prostate brachytherapy is a form of (uinternal) radiation therapy used to treat localised prostate cancer. It involves implanting tiny radioactive seeds directly into the prostate gland, delivering targeted radiation to destroy cancer cells while minimising damage to surrounding tissues.
  • Hormone Therapy: Reducing testosterone levels to slow the growth of cancer cells.
  • Chemotherapy: Used for more advanced prostate cancer that has spread beyond the prostate.

Prostate Screening, PSA Testing, and Prevention

Maintaining prostate health is essential, particularly for men over 50 or those with a family history of prostate issues.

Routine check-ups, including digital rectal exams (DRE) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood tests, can help in early detection of prostate conditions, including benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostatitis, and prostate cancer. While the decision to undergo PSA testing should be made with a healthcare provider, regular screenings are especially recommended for men with a higher risk.

If any unusual symptoms, pain, or swelling occur, consult a healthcare provider promptly for assessment.

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