Prostate Problems
The prostate is a part of a man’s body and can have different problems. Some common prostate issues are:
Prostatitis: This is when the prostate becomes swollen and painful due to infection or other reasons. It can cause pain when peeing and in the pelvic area.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): BPH is when the prostate gets bigger but not because of cancer. It can make it harder to pee and cause other urinary problems.
Prostate Cancer: This is a type of cancer that can grow in the prostate gland. It’s one of the most common cancers in men. In the early stages, it may not show any symptoms, but later on, it can cause problems with peeing and sex.
To find out if someone has a prostate problem, doctors use different tests:
Digital Rectal Examination (DRE): The doctor checks the prostate’s size and shape by gently putting a finger into the rectum.
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test: This is a blood test that checks for a protein made by the prostate. High levels can mean there’s a problem, but not necessarily cancer.
Transrectal Ultrasound (TRUS): This is like a picture of the prostate using sound waves. It helps to see if there are any issues, like tumors or enlargement.
Prostate Biopsy: If there are concerns about cancer, the doctor takes tiny samples from the prostate to check for cancer cells.
Urinalysis: A urine sample is checked to see if there’s an infection or other urinary problems.
Uroflowmetry: This test checks how fast and how much urine flows to see if there are any blockages from an enlarged prostate.
Cystoscopy: A small camera is used to look inside the urethra and bladder for any problems.
The tests that will be done depend on the symptoms and what the doctor thinks is best for each person. If you or someone you know has worries about the prostate, it’s essential to see a doctor to get the right diagnosis and treatment.