Important Aspects On Prostate Health You Need To Know
The prostate plays a vital role in reproduction. It produces secretions that alter the PH of seminal fluid as well as providing nourishment for sperm cells. There are a number of important aspects on prostate health that you should know. The organ is affected by a wide range of diseases that include infections, inflammatory conditions and tumors. The prevalence of all these conditions is higher among the older generation.
Prostatitis is one of the common conditions that affect the gland. It is a condition in which the gland is inflamed for one reason or another. Bacterial infections are the most frequent cause but in some cases no organism has been isolated in urine specimens. In the severe forms of the condition, intravenous drugs are needed. These include intravenous metronidazole and ceftriaxone. The less severe cases will usually respond to oral medication such as oral metronidazole, ciprofloxacin and doxycycline.
Benign prostatic enlargement (BPE) and cancer of the prostate are common conditions among the ages of 40 to 70. The two conditions are very similar in symptoms especially in the early stages. It may not be possible to differentiate the two on clinical assessment alone initially. The predisposing factors include, a positive family history, prolonged alcohol consumption and smoking among others. BPE usually has better outcomes because it is more of an abnormal enlargement rather than a cancer.
Most of the early symptoms of prostatic cancer are related to voiding of urine. Patients will notice changes in the frequency of urination, there will also be urgency, dribbling, a weak stream of urine and a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying. These symptoms are also seen among patients suffering from BPE. As the cancer continues to advance, other organs near the gland including the bladder and the rectum are also affected.
Involvement of distant organs may also be noted as a result of metastatic spread. Bones of the spine and the pelvic girdle are commonly affected and these would manifest as pain in the affected area. Spine involvement is a feared complications as it is a common cause of paraplegia. These complications will be easily detected using an X-ray or a CT scan image.
While it is not possible to prevent either the cancer or BPE, a lot can be done in the area of early detection. This will in turn help to start early treatment and to prevent adverse outcomes. All men at risk (between the ages of forty and above and those with a positive family history), should strive to have at least one medical checkup annually.
A number of things will be done during the checkup. A medical history will be taken as relates to your micturition habits and this will be followed by a comprehensive physical examination. The main focus here will be the digital rectal examination that is aimed at determining the size, shape and consistency of your prostate.
Investigations that aid in making a definitive diagnosis include PSA level determination and ultrasound evaluation. Modest increases in PSA suggest BPE and marked increases are a feature of cancer. The levels have to be correlated with clinical findings. The doctor will formulate a management plan that may involve pharmacotherapy or surgery or both as determined by the results.
Prostatitis is one of the common conditions that affect the gland. It is a condition in which the gland is inflamed for one reason or another. Bacterial infections are the most frequent cause but in some cases no organism has been isolated in urine specimens. In the severe forms of the condition, intravenous drugs are needed. These include intravenous metronidazole and ceftriaxone. The less severe cases will usually respond to oral medication such as oral metronidazole, ciprofloxacin and doxycycline.
Benign prostatic enlargement (BPE) and cancer of the prostate are common conditions among the ages of 40 to 70. The two conditions are very similar in symptoms especially in the early stages. It may not be possible to differentiate the two on clinical assessment alone initially. The predisposing factors include, a positive family history, prolonged alcohol consumption and smoking among others. BPE usually has better outcomes because it is more of an abnormal enlargement rather than a cancer.
Most of the early symptoms of prostatic cancer are related to voiding of urine. Patients will notice changes in the frequency of urination, there will also be urgency, dribbling, a weak stream of urine and a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying. These symptoms are also seen among patients suffering from BPE. As the cancer continues to advance, other organs near the gland including the bladder and the rectum are also affected.
Involvement of distant organs may also be noted as a result of metastatic spread. Bones of the spine and the pelvic girdle are commonly affected and these would manifest as pain in the affected area. Spine involvement is a feared complications as it is a common cause of paraplegia. These complications will be easily detected using an X-ray or a CT scan image.
While it is not possible to prevent either the cancer or BPE, a lot can be done in the area of early detection. This will in turn help to start early treatment and to prevent adverse outcomes. All men at risk (between the ages of forty and above and those with a positive family history), should strive to have at least one medical checkup annually.
A number of things will be done during the checkup. A medical history will be taken as relates to your micturition habits and this will be followed by a comprehensive physical examination. The main focus here will be the digital rectal examination that is aimed at determining the size, shape and consistency of your prostate.
Investigations that aid in making a definitive diagnosis include PSA level determination and ultrasound evaluation. Modest increases in PSA suggest BPE and marked increases are a feature of cancer. The levels have to be correlated with clinical findings. The doctor will formulate a management plan that may involve pharmacotherapy or surgery or both as determined by the results.
posted by sahab @ 5:09 PM
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