A Guide to Prostate Conditions and Prostate Treatment Options

The prostate is a small walnut sized male organ that makes fluid for the purpose of nourishing semen. There are several conditions that can occur with the prostate and various treatment options if said conditions occur. Most prostate conditions happen in men over 50, but it can happen at earlier ages.

Typically, prostate issues can be remedied without damaging sexual or urinary function. When prostate problems occur, a urologist is brought in to help in the diagnosis and prostate treatment that will be most effective for the situation. The following information will cover common prostate problems and treatments.

Prostate Conditions:

Benign prostate hyperplasia – This is a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate that commonly occurs in older men, but symptoms can begin in men as young as 30 It is not considered a precursor to cancer. It is a slow progressing condition that can cause various symptoms like frequent urination. You may also hear it referred to as BPH.

Prostatitis – This is an inflammation of the prostate. Symptoms include frequent urination, burning, urgent need to urinate and painful urination. Chills and fever can accompany this prostate condition and the prostate treatment for this condition is usually antibiotics unless it is severe.

Prostate cancer – Unfortunately there have been no indications of early symptoms for prostate cancer. Unless you have regular checkups, it is hard to catch in the earlier stages. Some common symptoms that occur in later stages include weak urine flow, urinary blockage, dribbling when urinating, blood in semen and/or urine, frequent and urgent urination and pain and/or stiffness in the lower back, hip and/or upper thigh.

Prostate Treatments:

Benign prostate hyperplasia – Unless some kind of emergency occurs with this condition, there is no prostate treatment required in the early stages of the condition. It is really a waiting game. If secondary infections occur, antibiotics are prescribed. If this condition becomes severe, procedures like TUMT, TUNA, TURP, TUIP or open prostate surgery may be required. There are several lifestyle changes that must be adhered to with this condition such as not waiting to urinate, incontinence preparedness, staying out of the cold weather and having intimate relations to reduce the risk of blockage in the urinary tract.

Prostatitis – This condition usually requires a round of oral or intravenous antibiotics (in severe cases), TURP, prostatectomy, prostate massage and/or alpha blockers. You will want to consult with your doctor about treatment options and be sure to get a second opinion as this condition is easily misdiagnosed.

Prostate cancer – This has become a growing concern for many men, especially men over the age of 50. It is usually not treated immediately if it is slow to progress and there are no serious symptoms. Radical prostate treatment options include radiation, hormone therapy or surgery. This is another condition that you will want to go for a second opinion due to possible misdiagnosis.

There is no need to panic if you experience some of the above mentioned symptoms as they may be due to something much less serious and curable, but you do need to see your doctor for diagnosing any prostate condition in order to receive the right prostate treatment. It is advised that men over the age of 30 get regular prostate exams.