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Prostate Diseases

Located below the bladder and near the rectum in a male reproductive system, lies the prostate. Normally the size of a walnut, this gland helps create the semen that moves the sperm during ejaculation. Burdening a plethora of men each year, many diseases affecting this gland are quite common. Based on their type and severity, various treatments are available for several of these disorders.

  1. Symptoms

    • Many different types of prostate diseases share similar possible symptoms. Frequent urination and pain during ejaculation and urination are among the general symptoms reported for these diseases. Pain in the back, hip and pelvic areas are common, as is a weak or irregular urine flow. Blood in the urine or semen could signify benign prostatic hyperplasia or prostate cancer. Some men notice one or more of these symptoms, while others have no indications whatsoever of a prostate problem.

    Acute Bacterial Prostatitis

    • Occasionally fatal, acute bacterial prostatitis is fortunately the least often diagnosed prostatitis form. Patients endure excruciating pain, frequently accompanied by chills, nausea, fever and vomiting. This condition is curable using an antimicrobial antibiotic for about six weeks. If under-treated, a reoccurrence of this or chronic bacterial prostatitis could develop.

    Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis

    • Also uncommonly diagnosed, chronic bacterial prostatitis often appears, disappears, and then reappears seemingly without reason. Doctors will use antimicrobials for an extended amount of time to treat this condition. Unfortunately, the antibiotics do not always permanently cure it, resulting in future recurrence.

    Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome

    • Most commonly diagnosed and least understood of the types of prostatitis is Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome. It may be inflammatory or non-inflammatory. Either way, bacteria is not present, so antibiotics do nothing for this condition. Anti-inflammatory medicines or alpha-blockers may help to ease discomfort caused by this form of prostatitis.

    Asymptomatic Inflammatory Prostatitis

    • Infection fighting cells present in a man's semen and prostate fluid, rouse diagnosis of asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis. Doctors may find this condition while performing a biopsy or searching for causes of infertility. This form of prostatitis produces no symptoms and requires no treatment.

    Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

    • Commonly diagnosed in men over the age of 60, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate. When this gland expands, it puts pressure on the urethra and bladder causing discomfort. Watchful waiting, otherwise known as observation or active surveillance, is a method regularly suggested as a treatment option. Other options include prescription medication to reduce swelling, thermotherapy to remove excess tissue and surgery to remove the prostate gland.

    Prostate Cancer

    • According to the National Cancer Institute, prostate cancer is slow growing compared with other cancers and can take 10 to 30 years before a significant tumor or symptoms, present themselves. Prostate cancer is the second deadliest form of cancer among men in the United States. It is also extremely treatable especially if found in its earliest stages. Annual rectal exams prove effective for early detection. Several treatments are available for this disease including observation, surgery and radiation therapy.

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