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The prostate gland, located just below the bladder, is about the size and shape of a walnut. It's primary function is to produce semen, the fluid that carries sperm. The prostate surrounds a portion of the urethra -- the tube that carries urine from the bladder. You have trouble sitting
through ball games or movies without running to the bathroom. You get
up more than once each night to urinate. Sometimes it feels like you can't
Symptoms caused by the prostate usually don't mean cancer. Prostate cancer often doesn't cause symptoms. In fact, cancer can develop with or without other prostate problems. Symptoms are not always signs of prostate problems. The symptoms of conditions such as bladder infections are often mistaken for symptoms of prostate problems. Prostate problems can often be treated without surgery. In many cases, behavioral changes or medications can relieve the symptoms or treat the causes of prostate problems. Prostate surgery for benign disease rarely causes impotence or incontinence. Impotence or incontinence (urinary leakage or the sudden or frequent urge to urinate) rarely occurs as a result of surgery. PROSTATE ANATOMY WHAT ARE COMMON PROSTATE PROBLEMS? Many men have problems
with their prostate at some time in their lives. These problems tend to
cause urinary symptoms. Younger men may develop an infection or inflammation
of the prostate. In older men, the prostate enlarges and may obstruct
the flow or urine from the bladder. By learning more about the prostate,
you can better understand how these problems may be treated. NORMAL PROSTATE The prostate is a gland about the size and shape of a walnut. Stimulated by the male hormone testosterone, which is produced by the testes along with sperm, the prostate produces most of the semen in which sperm travel.
BPH Cancer Infection and Inflammation
As the urethra narrows, you have to push harder to urinate. This can cause the bladder walls to thicken and stretch out of shape. If urine stays in the bladder, infections and kidney stones may occur. Your kidneys may fail if they can't drain properly into the bladder because it's full. Thickened bladder walls mean that the bladder cannot store urine effectively. If you can't empty your bladder completely, the pressure from the urine buildup may cause the bladder to leak.
MEDICAL EVALUATION HOW ARE PROSTATE PROBLEMS FIRST DIAGNOSED? Your medical evaluation will include a health history, a physical exam, and certain tests. In discussing your health history, your doctor may use a symptom chart such as the one below. A complete evaluation helps pinpoint your problem while ruling out conditions besides BPH that may be causing your symptoms. For instance, urinary symptoms may be caused by a urethral condition, bladder condition, or cancer, rather than by a benign problem. For a Self Assessment, take the test below: What
your score means: 8-19 Points 20-35 Points This index is a guide for determining the severity of your symptoms and is only one step in diagnosing enlarged prostate. Regardless of the score, if you are experiencing symptoms that interfere with your quality of life, you may wish to see a physician for further evaluation and additional information regarding this condition. HEALTH HISTORY
LAB TESTS Urinalysis PSA and Other Blood
Tests MEDICALAL EVALUATION WHAT OTHER TESTS MAY BE NEEDED? No single exam or test can provide a complete picture of your health. After a preliminary diagnosis has been made, other tests can help your doctor evaluate your problem further. Once a final diagnosis is made, you and your doctor will talk about a treatment plan. DIAGNOSTIC TESTS Urine Flow
Ultrasound
IVP YOUR TREATMENT
PLAN Behavioral Changes Medications Surgery and Other
Procedures In the Case of Cancer NONSURGICAL OPTIONS FOR BPH RELIEF THROUGH BEHAVIORAL CHANGES If you think you can live with your symptoms for a while, your doctor may suggest monitoring your condition before trying other types of treatment. During this time of "watchful waiting," behavioral changes related to fluid intake and voiding habits may help ease your symptoms. HELPFUL HABITS Try drinking less fluid during the times when you're not near a bathroom. But, keep in mind that you need to drink plenty of water each day. Don't drink too much liquid at one time or before going to bed. Cut back on coffee, tea, cola, and other sources of caffeine. Also limit the amount of alcohol you drink. All of these increase urine volume. Urinate when you feel the need. When you can, wait at least 2 hours between voids. Relax. Don't force the urine stream. "Double void": After you urinate, try to urinate again. This helps to clear out your bladder. Try not to take medications that can worsen your symptoms. These may include decongestants and antihistamines. Talk with your doctor if you are taking blood pressure medications, antidepressants, or diuretics. Adjusting the type or dose may improve your symptoms. If you spend a lot of time on a bicycle, riding on a seat that isn't properly adjusted might bruise your prostate. RELIEF THROUGH MEDICATION To provide more symptom relief, medications may be needed. They may be prescribed to relax the prostate muscles, to block hormones that cause prostatic growth, or to relax your bladder. In some cases, more than one medication may be prescribed. RELAXING THE PROSTATE SUPPRESSING HORMONES RELAXING THE BLADDER COMPLEMENTARY CARE SURGICAL OPTIONS FOR BPH WHAT IF I NEED SURGERY? Your doctor may recommend surgery to treat your prostate problem. Once the pressure on your urethra is relieved, you should have fewer problems urinating. Depending on the size of your prostate and any other health problems you have, your doctor will talk with you about which procedure is best. TREATING A BLOCKAGE YOUR SURGERY EXPERIENCE You may be told not to eat or drink anything after the midnight before surgery. You will enter the hospital on the day of the procedure. Once at the hospital, an anesthesiologist may talk with you. You'll be told about the type of medication that will be used to keep you comfortable during your procedure. An IV (intravenous) line may be started. The IV line can deliver medication and fluids. Throughout surgery, your blood pressure, pulse, and breathing will be monitored. TURP and TUIP TUNA PROLIEVE Open Prostatectomy Interstitial Procedures
With any surgery, there are always risks and possible complications. Depending on the procedure used, retrograde ejaculation may be a risk. If a muscle involved in ejaculation is cut during surgery, semen may back up into the bladder. As a result, you may no longer ejaculate out of the penis. Or, the amount that you ejaculate may be less. Despite this, the feeling of orgasm is the same as during normal ejaculation. Your doctor will discuss this risk with you as well as possible complications. The risks and complications of these procedures include Infection, Pneumonia, Blood clots, Excessive bleeding, Internal scarring, Loss of bladder control, and Impotence. SURGICAL OPTIONS FOR BPH WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTER SURGERY? It's normal to wonder how you'll feel and what limitations you might have after surgery. Depending on the procedure, you may go home the same day as your surgery. Or, you may have a short stay in the hospital. In any case, your prostate is likely to be sore. Take things easy, and follow your doctor's advice while you heal. IN THE HOSPITAL AT HOME YOUR ROLE IN RECOVERY Don't strain and don't life anything. Bending to pick a paper up off the ground means lifting your whole body weight. Don't do it. Drink plenty of liquids. This helps to prevent or wash out clots from the surgery area. Eat normally, but stay away from any foods that upset your stomach. Limit your activity to walking on level ground. Avoid having sex for as long as directed, six to eight weeks in some cases. Call Your Doctor If You have excessive bleeding. You have fever or chills. You have trouble urinating, or don't urinate completely. You strain during daily bowel movements, even with the help of stool softeners or mild laxatives. FOLLOW-UP A MORE COMFORTABLE LIFE Once your problem is under control, you can start returning to your usual lifestyle. This includes having sex again. Over the next few months, you should notice a marked improvement in your urinating patterns. By having regular checkups and maintaining your health, you'll give yourself the best chance for HAVE REGULAR EXAMS Because you still have your prostate, be sure to have an annual exam. This allows your doctor to check for the growth of new prostatic tissue or cancer. You'll be given a rectal exam, laboratory tests, and other diagnostic tests if needed. MAINTAIN YOUR HEALTH Good nutrition helps
your body rebuild itself. Choose a diet with lots of fresh fruits and
vegetables. Cut down on high-fat, high-cholesterol foods, such as whole-milk
products, eggs, and red meat. Visualization: picture yourself in a peaceful setting. Muscle relaxation: relax one group of muscles at a time. Deep breathing: inhale slowly through your nose and exhale through pursed lips. Exercise can boost endurance. It can also lower blood pressure and blood cholesterol, relieve stress, and help you control your weight. ENJOY YOUR SEXUALITY FEELING BETTER |
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completely
empty your bladder. Does this sound like you? From infection to benign
disease to cancer, a range of problems can be at the root of prostate
discomfort. With your doctor's help, you can find out if your symptoms
are signs of a prostate condition. In some cases, they may be due to another
problem, such as bladder infection. If you have a prostate problem, your
doctor will talk with you about treatment options and ways to stay healthy
in the future. 
ABNORMAL
PROSTATE AND ITS EFFECTS
PHYSICAL
EXAM
Biopsy
Cystoscopy