The Prostate Gland
A lot has been written in the Press about the Prostate Gland and the Scare attached to the Prostate Cancer. Lot of doubt exists in the mind of senior citizens that are anxious but worried about coming forward to seeking an opinion on treatment of problems associated with the Prostate. This article will clear many of those myths.
What is the Prostate?
It is a Chestnut shaped gland situated deep in the Pelvis.
It occupies the Outlet of the Urinary Bladder in the Male.
The urinary passage (the urethra) passes through the middle of this gland.
What does the Prostate Do?
In the sexually active age group, the Prostate Produces a juice responsible for sperm transport and vitality of the spermatozoa.
In the old age it is more of a nuisance and in a very small percent is the seat of malignancy.
What Age and What symptoms does it cause?
Usually the Over 50 men start feeling the early symptoms:
- Increase Frequency of getting up from sleep.
- Delay in starting.
- Straining to start the flow or keep it going.
- Having to rush to the loo (or even loosing control before you reach there!).
- In cold weather or after a few (alcoholic) drinks, near total blockages even!.
- Feeling of incompletely emptying despite straining.
- Repeated Urine infections, Occasional Blood in the urine and even bladder stone formation.
May even lead to Kidney failure if symptoms are ignored. At 60 years 60% is affected, 70%@ 70 years and so on...
What do I do Doctor?
Don't Panic! Go to your family physician, who will be your best guide (unless it is an EMERGENCY) He will examine you and ascertain that there is no emergency and start you with some tests on Urine and blood, a ultra scan and some medications. If necessary he will refer you to an Urologist (a Specialty surgeon dealing with Kidneys, bladder, Prostate etc).
The Urologist Will inquire into details of your problems and may even give you a questionnaire to fill up; this will enable him to understand your problems better. A detailed examination will follow, including DRE (digital rectal examination of Prostate). If your own doctor has not already ordered investigations, the Urologist will request that you undergo these tests:
- Urine analysis (+culture test if req.).
- Blood tests for Kidney functions and Diabetes.
- Ultrasound Scan of the Kidneys and Bladder to assess the degree of bladder emptying and any other pathology.
- P.S.A test which is special blood test for screening for Prostate Malignancy where suspect.
- Uroflow. This is a test to assess the speed of the urinary flow and is usually combined with the Ultrasound Scan test.
At the 2nd visit the doctor will discuss your results with you and depending on the severity of your tests will advise you on;
- Antibiotics if infection is confirmed.
- Tablets to control an irritable bladder.
- Medical treatment for an early prostate problem (as per the tests & the questionnaire).
- Intervention:
- Endoscopic Surgery
- Minimally Invasive Surgery: Tuna/Laser
- Non Surgical Temporary Relief Measures (catheters/stents etc)
Prostate Malignancy (the Dreaded 'C')!
Fortunately In our country, this has not reached the astronomic proportions as in the West. Early symptoms may be exactly like those above and a high degree of awareness rather than fear is the key to early presentation to the Urologist. Blood in the Urine or semen may be a warning sign. Loss of weight, anemia and acute bone pains may be indicators. Some may even show signs of neuromuscular weakness due to bone or spinal cord disease. So Watch Out!
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