The prostate, an extremely important gland in the male reproductive system, can be affected by various conditions. The most common are benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostate cancer, and prostatitis. Check out the main symptoms of each today.
The prostate, a gland of the male reproductive system located below the bladder and in front of the rectum, has the main function of producing seminal fluid, which is essential for the transport and nourishment of sperm during ejaculation.
It surrounds the urethra, the canal that carries urine from the bladder out of the body, and is subject to adverse conditions, mainly due to its location and function.
And what diseases can affect the prostate?
Among the main health issues related are benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostate cancer, and prostatitis.
Although some symptoms may be similar in the above cases, it is important to distinguish the conditions for a proper diagnosis to occur, bringing an effective treatment plan.
Consulting a urologist upon noticing any changes in urinary patterns, pain, or discomfort in the pelvic area is extremely important to receive proper guidance and care.
Early diagnosis and proper treatment can help manage the problem, if possible, ensuring a better quality of life.
In today’s text, we will bring a compilation of the most frequent prostate diseases, indicating what they are, their symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and how to prevent each of them, to understand how to maintain prostate health.
What are the first symptoms of prostate problems?
The first symptoms of a prostate problem can vary depending on the condition and the progression of the situation. However, they generally may include:
- Difficulty urinating, such as a weakening of the urinary flow, difficulty starting urination or the feeling that the bladder does not completely empty after urinating or increased urinary frequency, especially during the night (nocturia);
- Urinary urgency;
- Blood in the urine or semen;
- Pain or discomfort in the pelvic area, lower back, or genitals.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition that primarily affects older men, with most cases (about 70%) between 70 and 80 years old. However, men in their 40s to 49s represent 25% of the cases.
This name means that there is an enlargement of the prostate that, generally, does not harm the man.
Treatment, in some specific situations related to BPH, may lead to erectile dysfunction. When other treatments are not effective, penile prosthesis may be considered as an option.
What is it?
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is the enlargement of the prostate, usually harmless to the man.
The gland grows throughout life, especially during aging. Normally, the prostate is the size of a walnut, about 4 cm long and 2 cm wide, weighing between 20 and 30 grams, and can increase to the size of a tennis ball (6.54 to 6.86 cm in diameter, weighing twice as much) in cases of BPH.
This enlargement can press the urethra, making it difficult for urine to pass and affecting the urinary system.
It is important to differentiate BPH from prostate cancer: although both involve the growth of the gland, BPH does not form tumors nor does it present a risk of metastasis.
Symptoms
Without regular prostate exams, the condition is only noticed when the enlargement of the gland alters the flow of urine.
The compression of the urethra by the prostate causes difficulty urinating, as well as a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying, resulting in frequent trips to the bathroom, including at night.
The need to urinate becomes more urgent and sudden, while the volume and force of the stream decrease.
In some cases, BPH can lead to urinary infections and urinary incontinence due to changes in the bladder wall.
Is there a cure?
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) does not have a cure, but it can be treated and managed effectively with medications, minimally invasive therapies, or surgery, depending on the severity of the symptoms.
Although not dangerous, it can disrupt the lives of men who are with very altered urinary flow. In these situations, the urologist may recommend an appropriate treatment.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis involves several steps. Initially, the doctor conducts a detailed medical history and a physical examination, including a rectal exam to assess the size and consistency of the prostate.
Urinary symptoms are assessed and urine and blood tests are performed, including the measurement of the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA).
Imaging exams, such as transrectal ultrasound, may be done for a more detailed evaluation of the prostate and bladder, if necessary. Cystoscopy, finally, can help confirm the diagnosis of BPH and determine the best treatment plan.
Treatment
Medications are the first line of treatment, including alpha blockers, 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, antimuscarinics, and Tadalafil, also used for erectile dysfunction.
However, these medications can cause side effects such as headaches, fatigue, dizziness, decreased libido, and erectile dysfunction, requiring medical monitoring.
Surgery, which uses equipment or laser to create space around the urethra and facilitate the passage of urine, is the second option.
Despite not requiring incisions, it can lead to complications such as infection, bleeding, urinary incontinence, and permanent erectile dysfunction.
Any possible line of treatment must be discussed thoroughly with the responsible urologist, who will indicate the best option on a case-by-case basis.
How to prevent benign prostatic hyperplasia?
Preventing the disease is not possible, but some personal care measures can help reduce the risk and control symptoms, such as:
- maintaining a healthy diet;
- regular physical exercise;
- avoiding excessive alcohol and caffeine;
- limiting fluid intake at night.
Prostatitis
In addition to BPH, the prostate is also subject to inflammations. Prostatitis, an inflammatory process that occurs in the prostate, can cause bothersome symptoms and require medical treatment. Although it is not a serious health condition in most diagnoses, it must be diagnosed as soon as possible to avoid complications.
The inflamed prostate is only considered serious when there is chronic, persistent inflammation that leads to other problems. In these cases, the penile prosthesis may be considered and, if well indicated, improve the sexual quality of life for the man.
What is it
In summary, prostatitis is nothing more than, in fact, an inflammation of the prostate. It can be caused by bacterial or viral infections, injuries in the pelvic area, autoimmune diseases, and even for emotional reasons.
The bacterium is the most common origin, which can occur when there is contamination through the urethra or the blood.
It can be diagnosed as acute, chronic, or asymptomatic. Acute prostatitis arises suddenly due to a bacterial infection and requires immediate care.
Chronic cases, on the other hand, are long-lasting, with mild and less obvious symptoms, and can be caused by bacteria, inflammations, muscle or nerve injuries, and even emotional factors.
Finally, asymptomatic prostatitis does not show symptoms, but the inflammation is detected in routine exams and needs to be monitored to avoid complications.
Symptoms
Generally, the symptoms of prostatitis are related to spasms of the bladder and pelvic muscles. The most common warning signs are:
- pain or discomfort in the area between the scrotum and anus, in the lower back, penis, or testicles;
- pain or burning during urination;
- urgency to urinate;
- frequent urination, especially during the night;
- pain during ejaculation;
- pain during erection;
- erectile dysfunction;
- pain while defecating.
In the case of acute bacterial prostatitis, the symptoms tend to be more severe and include blood in the urine or semen, fever and chills, in addition to a feeling of malaise.
Is there a cure?
In general, yes prostatitis has a cure, especially if diagnosed quickly and properly. With the correct treatment, it is perfectly possible to avoid long-term complications.
Diagnosis
Through a combination of medical history, physical exams, and laboratory tests, the urologist is able to diagnose prostatitis.
Urine and blood tests may be requested to detect the presence of bacteria and infections. In addition, the specialist can check the PSA (prostate-specific antigen), a specific exam to check the function of the prostate, which can be elevated in this case.
Imaging tests can also help better assess the condition of the inflamed prostate.
Treatment
In general, prostatitis is usually treated with antibiotics to combat the infection, as well as pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs to control pain and discomfort.
Alpha-blockers may also be recommended by the urologist to facilitate urination. When prostatitis is in a chronic stage, physiotherapy may be recommended, in addition to rest and the practice of activities that may worsen the symptoms and reduce stress.
How to prevent prostatitis?
Adopting healthy habits and intimate personal hygiene measures can help prevent prostatitis. Here are some recommendations:
- Adequate daily water consumption, a healthy diet, and the practice of physical exercises;
- avoid sitting for long periods;
- reduce alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods;
- use a condom during sex to prevent STIs;
- undergo regular medical exams;
- treat urinary infections promptly.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is not only the best-known disease affecting the gland, but it is also the second most common and deadly disease among men, only behind skin cancer.
The National Cancer Institute (INCA), forecasts more than 704,000 cancer cases per year in the country by 2025, more than 10% of them located in the prostate.
Fortunately, it is also one of the most curable types of cancer. Despite the high cure rate, the treatment can lead to significant consequences, such as erectile dysfunction (difficulty getting an erection).
These consequences can (and should) be treated with care, in order to ensure the quality of life of the patient after treatment.
When radical prostatectomy surgery (total removal of the prostate) is necessary, the urologist may recommend the use of a penile prosthesis to improve the quality of sexual life.
What is it
Prostate cancer is a disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth of malignant cells in the gland. Generally, it grows slowly and, in many cases, may not show significant symptoms during the early stages.
However, it can be identified through screening tests, such as the PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test and the rectal exam.
Since it occurs more frequently in men over the age of 50, the aforementioned routine exams, recommended mainly from that age, are the main way to diagnose it early.
In addition to advanced age, the main risk factors include a family history of prostate cancer and a diet high in fats and low in fruits and vegetables.
Symptoms
In the early stages, prostate cancer may be asymptomatic. However, when more advanced, it can mainly cause:
- Difficulty urinating or the need to urinate more frequently, especially at night;
- weak or interrupted urinary flow;
- blood in the urine or semen;
- persistent pain in the lower back, hips, or pelvis;
- difficulty in getting or maintaining an erection;
- reduction in semen volume;
- weakness or numbness in the legs;
- bone pain (in cases of metastasis).
Is there a cure?
When detected early, prostate cancer has high cure rates. For men diagnosed with localized or regional cancer, the five-year survival rate is nearly 100%, according to data from INCA.
This means that, if the disease is detected while still in the prostate or nearby areas, the chances of cure are extremely high. However, the chances decrease in cases of metastasis.
Regular monitoring (for men over 50 years or with a family history) and periodic exams are essential for early diagnosis and the possibility of disease control.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of prostate cancer is made by a urologist, after an evaluation of the patient. In order, some tests are used to identify prostate cancer and its stage. Among them are:
- PSA Test (Prostate-Specific Antigen);
- Rectal Exam;
- Prostate Biopsy;
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Transrectal Ultrasound;
- Computed Tomography (CT) and Bone Scintigraphy.
Treatment
The treatments depend on the stage of the cancer, the overall health of the patient, and medical recommendations. Among the main approaches are:
- Radiation therapy, which uses radiation to eliminate cancer cells;
- Hormone therapy or androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), reduces levels of male hormones (androgens) that can fuel the growth of prostate cancer, usually used in combination with other treatments;
- Chemotherapy, which involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells, generally used for advanced or metastatic cancer that does not respond to hormone therapy;
- Immunotherapy;
- Radical Prostatectomy, the most recommended procedure for cases of prostate cancer, but it can bring some consequences.
Radical prostatectomy can directly interfere with the nerves that pass near the prostate, causing erection problems in patients.
Also, due to the reduction in the number of erections after the removal of the prostate, mainly the involuntary ones, the tissues of the penis can develop fibroses that lead to its reduction or thinning.
These problems can be resolved through a procedure based on the principles of Egydio Technique, to resume the size and caliber of the penis.
How to prevent prostate cancer?
The best way to avoid the development of cancer, especially when there are risk factors, is through healthy habits.
Maintaining a balanced diet, reducing the intake of fats, regularly practicing physical activities, and avoiding smoking are fundamental actions for any man’s life
In addition, the performance of periodic check-ups with the doctor allows monitoring the health of the prostate and detecting any abnormality early.
When are prostate diseases considered dangerous?
Prostate diseases can be considered dangerous depending on several factors, mainly the nature and severity of the specific condition.
The dreaded prostate cancer, in particular, requires a lot of care and attention: when it spreads to other parts of the body, such as bones, lymph nodes, or other organs, it can be difficult to treat and control.
In these cases, the tumor can seriously compromise the health of the man and even be fatal if not managed properly.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia can cause a significant increase in the size of the prostate, resulting in obstruction of urinary flow. If not treated, this urinary obstruction can lead to serious complications, such as renal failure.
In the case of prostatitis, if not treated, it can lead to severe and systemic infections such as septicemia (generalized infection), representing a life-threatening risk.
In summary, any prostate disease can be dangerous, if not diagnosed early.
Despite this, most prostate diseases have a cure, especially when diagnosed early. Be aware of the signs and symptoms, and undergo preventive exams regularly. If you have doubts about the symptoms you are experiencing, seek appropriate medical attention immediately to ensure that you will not only have an early diagnosis but also effective treatment if necessary.
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