Prostate Conditions

Prostate Conditions

The prostate is a walnut sized gland that is part of the male reproductive system.  The prostate sits in the low pelvis, below the bladder and in front of the rectum and the prostate surrounds the urethra.  The prostate makes seminal fluid, the liquid in sperm that protects, supports and helps transport sperm.  The prostate grows larger with age but health problems may result if it becomes too enlarged and prostate conditions are most common in men over age 50.

Prostate conditions generally fall under the following three main categories:

• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) which is an enlarged, non-cancerous prostate that may cause urination difficulties and increased frequency of urination. Generally, active surveillance is recommended if the symptoms are still minor however if the symptoms get worse treatment for BPH focuses on reducing prostate size and can involve; medication, surgery, microwave or laser therapy.  To learn more about BPH click here.
• Prostatitis is the inflammation of the prostate gland, often resulting in swelling or pain.  There are four main classifications of prostatitis: acute bacterial prostatitis, chronic bacterial prostatitis, chronic prostatitis, asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis.  To learn more about prostatitis click here.
• Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in men and it is most prevalent men over 50 and risk factors for prostate cancer include age, family history and race. In fact, prostate cancer rates are significantly higher in African American men. Diet may also play a role in increasing your chances of getting prostate cancer. Symptoms associated with prostate cancer include trouble with urination, pain in the back, hip or pelvis and painful ejaculation. Treatment options for prostate cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy or hormone therapy.  To learn more about prostate cancer click here.