HARLINGEN — With June serving as Men’s Health Awareness Month, bringing attention to some of the most common health issues for men has taken the spotlight.
One such health issue, problems associated with the prostate, frequently occur in men over the age of 50. Fortunately, most problems are not cancer.
The prostate is a gland about the size of a walnut that is located in front of the rectum just below the bladder. It wraps around the urethra, which carries urine out of the body.
The prostate is part of a man’s sex organs and is responsible for producing fluid that is part of semen.
Even if cancer is diagnosed, the relative five-year survival rate for all men is nearly 100 percent.
The most common prostate problem diagnosed in men over 50 is prostate enlargement or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BHP).
Regardless of age, men should see a doctor immediately if they notice any signs of prostate problems, such as:
• Frequent urge to urinate
• Having to get up during the night to urinate
• Presence of blood in urine or semen
• Feeling pain or a burning sensation while urinating
• Inability to urinate
• Painful ejaculation
• Recurrent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, pelvic area or upper leg
This condition occurs because the prostate continues to grow as a man matures, potentially squeezing the urethra and affecting bladder control.
Diagnosing prostate problems may involve several tests, the first of which is usually the digital rectal exam (DRE). During a DRE, the physician inserts a gloved finger into the rectum to feel the prostate and evaluate its size, shape and condition.
A prostate-specific antigen blood test may be ordered to screen men without symptoms.
Magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography scans can also be used to identify abnormal structures.
If BHP is diagnosed, the condition can be managed several ways. Mild symptoms may not require any treatment. However, regular checkups are necessary to make sure the condition does not worsen.
Other options include surgery or taking medications to shrink or relax the prostate so it does not block the bladder opening.
Acute prostatitis can start suddenly and cause fever, chills or lower back pain.
Another form of prostatitis, called chronic bacterial prostatitis, is an infection that occurs repeatedly.
Both may be treated with antibiotics.
Chronic bacterial prostatitis is a condition that is difficult to treat and may need more than one round of treatment.
Different prostate problems, including prostate cancer, may cause similar symptoms. That is why it is important to see your doctor to determine the proper treatment.
For more information about prostate problems, talk with your doctor or visit www.valleybaptist.net.
