I cannot stress enough that being health aware and conscious is important. The more men understand their prostates, the better prepared they can be in caring for their health the way they care for their cars. But, there are misconceptions, ignorance and fear that keep men from visiting the doctor or getting regular checkups.

About 85% of men around the world will develop a prostate-related health issue before they turn 60; this alarming statistic underscores the need for awareness. Cancer of the prostate is increasingly common. In the U.S., there are over 200,000 new cases reported each year and about 47,000 new cases in the U.K.

I want men leaving this prostate post with a better understanding of prostate health, replacing their common fears with sound knowledge and acknowledgement of testing and potential treatments.

What is the Prostate?

Starting off as a small walnut sized gland, the prostate is an important part of the male reproductive system, providing up to 30% of seminal fluid. Located below the Bladder and in front of the rectum, it surrounds the urethra that carries urine from the bladder.

Many men will experience an enlarged prostate as they age; when this occurs, the prostate can press upon the tube transporting urine from the bladder. This is called benign prostate enlargement. Other conditions like the swelling of the gland known as prostatitis can make Urination painful. A single cell may also multiply out of control, potentially leading to cancer.

Signs of Prostate Problems to Watch out for

Although some men may experience little to no symptoms, this does not mean that changes are not occurring in the prostate. It is best to seek medical advice for the following:

• Problems starting urination
• Frequent urination
• Urinating more at night
• Bladder failing to empty following urination
• Sudden urge to urinate without warning
• Starting and stopping urination
• Straining to urinate

Seeking medical advice at the presence of these symptoms is important as it could indicate an enlarged prostate or other prostate health problem. Failure to seek medical advice could lead to kidney or bladder damage as well.

Exams used to test for prostate problems:

• Digital rectal exam –  to determine size, shape, and any abnormalities
• Urinalysis – to rest urine properties and any abnormalities
• PSA blood test – to determine prostate cancer
• Urinary blood test – to determine bladder cancer
• Uroflowmetry – to identify the speed in which urine flows
• Post-void residual volume (PVR) to determine urine present in the bladder after urination
• Cystoscopy – to view the urethra or bladder
• Urodynamic pressure – determines pressure within the bladder during urination
• Ultrasound of the prostate gland – to test physical properties and any abnormalities

It is important to understand that the prostate gland can grow and it is a normal part of the aging process. By the age of 40, the prostate may have grown from the size of a walnut to an apricot. At 60, it could be as large as a lemon. It’s easy to imagine how this may lead to problems during urination. Usually, these problems do not start to manifest until the age of 50 or older, but they may start earlier.

If diagnosed with BPH, note that this is not cancerous and is fairly common. It is currently impossible to prevent it; age and family history increase the chances of developing BPH.

• 8 out of 10 men develop an enlarged prostate at some point in their lives
• 90% of men who 85 or over will develop BPH

Prostatitis

Prostatitis can occur in men of any age and symptoms may be painful or manifest as considerable discomfort in the pelvic region. There may also be a burning sensation during urination. This is different than BPH, although symptoms may be described similarly. Prostatitis is an inflammation or infection of the prostate; usually antibiotics are prescribed as treatment.

Symptoms include:

• Difficulty urinating
• Sexual problems
• Chills
• Fevers

If using a catheter, there is a higher chance of bacterial prostatitis occurring. Also, chlamydia or other transmitted diseases may also cause repetitive infections or inflammation.