Prostate Health

The prostate gland is a lemon-sized gland situated in males just below the urinary bladder and connected with the urinogenital duct. Its main function is to produce the semen. Semen is the colorless fluid that mixes with the sperm from the testes to produce the milky white seminal discharge. Since semen needs to be produced only in males, females do not have the prostate gland.

The prostate gland is not an invulnerable gland; it can be a victim of a large number of diseases, the most severe of which is prostate cancer. Treatment of any prostate disease must be started immediately, as negligence could cause death. In this article, we summarize some of the common prostate gland diseases.

Prostatitis

Prostatitis is the inflammation of the prostate gland. There are four major types of prostatitis known. Their symptoms and treatment methods are described in the following table:-

Out of the above four types of prostatitis, the first two are the least common, but the most severe in their symptoms. They might call for hospitalization, and in some acute cases, even the removal of the prostate gland by surgery may be necessary. Chronic prostatitis is the most common form of prostatitis that affects men of all ages. The greater problem is that its symptoms alternate with time; i.e. there may be an ebbing and surging of the symptoms. Also, it can recur once it is gone. Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis is the most difficult to diagnose because it does not show any symptoms. A person may live with the condition and not know that he is afflicted by it. Even doctors most of the times find out accidentally about this prostatitis when they are actually looking out for other prostate and sexually related problems in the male.

Prostate Cancer

Prostate Cancer is a very common disease affecting several males who have crossed the age of 50 years. It is a leading cause of male deaths in advanced countries, and is also one of the most prevalent types of cancers.

As in all other cancers, prostate cancer in the early stages is benign. At this stage, if detected, the cancer can be removed surgically. However, it is difficult to detect in the early stages because benign prostate cancer shows no outwardly symptoms. As the disease advances, the following symptoms are shown:-

Thus, prostate cancer shares its symptoms with several other prostate diseases. It requires a capable doctor to diagnose prostate cancer.

The common methods for cancer treatment are adopted in prostate cancer treatment also. The doctor monitors the growth of the cancer minutely and then decides whether to use one or more of the following methods for treatment:-

How to Maintain Health of the Prostate Gland

The prostate gland is a very internal gland in the male genital area, but it requires care and, most importantly, watchfulness. You must always be aware of what goes on with your prostate. One very simple method to discern this is to observe the coloration of your urine. If your urine darkens in color inexplicably, then you must hasten to the doctor and get a urine test done. Prostate problems can begin in men at all ages.

Prostate massage can also be a good way of maintaining the prostate health. Since the prostate cannot be reached from the outside, the massage is done from the rectum or from the area between the scrotum and the anus. A light massage on this area once a day is sufficient massage.

You can also talk to your doctor about a healthy diet routine, especially if you have a family history of prostate problems. Keep your prostate monitored regularly.

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