Cure for Prostate Problems

Part of a man's reproductive system, the prostate is about the size of a walnut. This gland helps to create semen, which assists in moving sperm at the time of sexual climax. Problems with the gland range from an easily cured bacterial infection to potentially fatal cancer.

Facts

• More than half of men over the age of 60 will be affected with a prostate problem, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Humans Services' Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. While prostate cancer is the second most prevalent cancer among men, it is also extremely treatable when caught during the earliest stages. Several cures are available for the numerous disorders associated with this gland.

Types

• Finding the correct cure for prostate problems begins with diagnosis of the imposing disorder. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate. Commonly occurring in older men, BPH can sometimes heal on its own. Other times, medications or simple surgical procedures may be necessary. Prostatitis is an inflammation of the gland. Acute and chronic bacterial prostatitis is treatable with medication. The acute form is serious and can be fatal. Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome is the most common form of prostatitis and is not curable, though there are medications and activities that can aid in comfort. Prostate cancer, most often found during a rectal exam, is extremely treatable if caught in the earliest stages.

Symptoms

• Frequent urination, pain during sexual intercourse, interrupted urine flow and pain during urination all signify possible prostate problems. Some men experience pain in the pelvic area, hip or lower back. Blood in the urine or semen are other causes for concern. In some cases, there are no symptoms at all.

Active Surveillance

• Watchful waiting and observation are other terms used for active surveillance. Active surveillance would include regular doctor's visits and testing to watch the progression or lack thereof of a condition, but no active treatment takes place. Slow growing cancer and BPH are two disorders whereas watchful waiting could be considered. Patients in poor health or over the age of 80 may find surgery too intense and opt for the observation method.

Medications

• Offered for benign prostatic hyperplasia, alpha blockers are prescribed to relax muscles in the enlarged prostate while 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors are prescribed to shrink it. Antimicrobials and other antibiotics are offered for acute and chronic bacterial prostatitis.

Surgery

• Severe problems may necessitate surgery to remove the entire prostate and in some cases, the surrounding lymph nodes as well. Possible side effects may include bleeding, infection, incontinence and impotence. Newer, laparoscopic surgery entails robotic removal through smaller incisions. Cancer in its advanced stages may be treated with cryosurgery, used to kill cancer by freezing and thawing tissues. Additionally, cancer may require hormone or radiation treatment.