According to the data of the National Institute of Health, projected cases of prostate cancer all over India for the periods 2010, 2015, and 2020 were estimated as 26,120, 28,079, and 30,185, respectively. On the other hand, the world recorded an estimated 1.4 million new cases of prostate cancer and 0.37 million deaths in 2020. India reported 34,540 incidences and 16,783 deaths, which is more than 60% of the prostate cancer burden from South-Central Asia. So, undoubtedly, it is a burning topic now and it needs to be taken care of. Awareness must be spread among the citizens which will help in early treatment. In this blog, we will inform you about common prostate problems and will also provide some information to manage them. To get the best medical advice & 24*7 emergency care connect with Neotia Getwel Multispecialty Hospital.

1. What are the common prostate problems?

The three most common prostate problems are inflammation (prostatitis), enlarged prostate (BPH, or benign prostatic hyperplasia), and prostate cancer.

a. Prostatitis: Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland that may result from a bacterial infection. It is quite common. Almost half of all men at some time during their lives. However, Prostatitis does not increase your risk of any other prostate disease.

Symptoms of prostatitis

• Trouble passing urine
• A burning or stinging feeling or pain when passing urine
• Strong, frequent urge to pass urine, even when there is only a small amount of urine
• Chills and high fever
• Low back pain or body aches
• Pain low in the belly, groin, or behind the scrotum
• Rectal pressure or pain
• Urethral discharge with bowel movements
• Genital and rectal throbbing
• Sexual problems and loss of sex drive
• Painful ejaculation (sexual climax)

Diagnosis process: Generally doctors prescribe DRE and a urine test to ensure whether the patient has Prostatitis or not.

Types of Prostatitis:

i. Acute bacterial prostatitis: It occurs due to a sudden & acute bacterial infection. It has symptoms such as severe chills, fever & sometimes urine in blood

ii. Chronic bacterial prostatitis: It is also caused by bacterial infection. However, unlike the previous one, it does not come suddenly. However, it is also pailful just like the previous one. It has only one symptom and that is bladder infections that keep coming back. The cause may be a defect in the prostate that lets bacteria collect in the urinary tract.

iii. Chronic prostatitis or chronic pelvic pain syndrome: Chronic prostatitis or chronic pelvic pain syndrome is maybe the most common type of Prostatitis. It can be seen in men of any age from late teens to the elderly, its symptoms can come and go without warning. There can be pain or discomfort in the groin or bladder area. Infection-fighting cells are often present, even though no bacteria can be found.

iv. Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis: Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis can be called the most dangerous type of prostatitis because it does not have any symptoms. Most of the time it gets recognised during the time of finding the causes of another disease such as infertility or to look for prostate cancer.

b. Enlarged Prostate (BPH): BPH stands for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Although it denotes abnormal cell growth, however, that doesn’t mean cancer. BPH is not linked to cancer and does not increase your risk of getting prostate cancer. However, the symptoms of BPH and prostate cancer can be similar.

Symptoms of BPH

• Trouble starting a urine stream or making more than a dribble
• Passing urine often, especially at night
• Feeling that the bladder has not fully emptied
• A strong or sudden urge to pass urine
• Weak or slow urine stream
• Stopping and starting again several times while passing urine
• Pushing or straining to begin passing urine

At its worst, BPH can lead to a weak bladder, backflow of urine causing bladder or kidney infections, complete block in the flow of urine and kidney failure.

This problem can be treated by medicine and surgery. The doctor suggests as per the necessity. However, if you have any of the symptoms do not neglect them at all.

c. Prostate Cancer: Prostate cancer means that cancer cells form in the tissues of the prostate. It grows very slowly. Cell changes may begin 10, 20, or even 30 years before a tumour gets big enough to cause symptoms. Eventually, cancer cells may spread (metastasize). By the time symptoms appear, the cancer may already be advanced.

Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

• Trouble passing urine
• Frequent urge to pass urine, especially at night
• Weak or interrupted urine stream
• Pain or burning when passing urine
• Blood in the urine or semen
• Painful ejaculation
• Nagging pain in the back, hips, or pelvis

Diagnosis procedures: Digital Rectal Exam (DRE), PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) Test, Prostate Biopsy etc. test gets done to ensure whether the patient does have prostate cancer or not.

2. How to manage the problems?

Well, there are two ways of managing prostate problems and the ways are- to take your medicines on time and follow the instructions of your doctor strictly. Do not try self-medication or do not try any kind of physical exercise at home without asking your doctor. Always stay in touch with your doctor.

3. What are the tips for keeping a healthy prostate?

We would like to share some tips for keeping a healthy prostate. The tips are

a. Consider a Mediterranean Diet: The Mediterranean diet is rich in a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, and it also suggests consuming whole grains, legumes, and healthy fats from sources such as olive oil, nuts, seeds and fatty fish. Try to moderate the intake of seafood. To ensure a healthy prostate it is important to lower the amount of dairy and red meat intake.

b. Skip vitamin E supplements: Research has shown that subjects who took 400 IU/day of vitamin E for about five years had a 17% increase in prostate cancer diagnoses. If you really want to intake or the doctor has suggested you treat any other health issues; have a chat with your doctor.

c. Get some sun: Vitamin D from the sun is a great way to reduce your risk of prostate cancer. However, don’t ditch the sunscreen and try to have the rays in the morning.

d. Get screened: Regular health check-ups always reduce the chances of late diagnosis and help in early cure. So, do not forget to get screened regularly. Connect with Neotia Getwel Multispecialty Hospital to get your test done and for the best medical advice.

Final words: Prostate issues can be really painful & long-lasting. So, early detection helps in early cure and also helps in experiencing a lesser amount of pain.

Disclaimer

Though all attempts are made to provide correct information on the subject, inadvertent & typographical errors arising out of manual intervention cannot be ruled out. It is requested to bring any such discrepancies to the notice of the blogger for correction.