PROSTATE HEALTH

If you don’t know what your prostate is or what it does, you’re certainly not alone. Most men don’t. This brochure will help you learn more about your prostate and how it may change as you grow older. It also explains some prostate conditions that could negatively affect your quality of life.

However, this brochure is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Speak to your physician or other qualified health professional to learn more about your prostate, or if you think you may have some of the symptoms mentioned in this brochure.

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WHAT IS THE PROSTATE?

The prostate is a part of your sex organs, producing fluid that contributes to the production of sperm. It’s a small gland, about the size of a walnut and is located right in front of the rectum. Your prostate surrounds your urethra, a tube that takes urine from the bladder to the penis. The urethra also carries semen during ejaculation.

The prostate gland grows quite a lot during puberty and then doesn’t change much until about age 40, when it slowly begins growing again and, in many men, continues to grow as they age.

Approximately half of men will develop one of three prostate diseases, or may have more than one.

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BPH (BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA)

BPH, sometimes called “prostate enlargement,” is one of the most common conditions among aging men. BPH is caused when an age-related gradual enlargement of the prostate gland squeezes the urethra. Half of men between the ages of 50 and 60 will develop it, and by the age of 70 or 80, about 90 percent will have experienced BPH symptoms, which may include:

• Frequent, often-urgent need to urinate, especially at night
• Need to strain or push to get the urine flowing
• Inability to completely empty the bladder
• Dribbling or leaking after urination
• Weak urine stream

Because male urinary symptoms can also be caused by more serious conditions, such as prostate cancer, it’s important to see your doctor to determine the cause of your symptoms. Since the prostate gland continues to grow in most older men, their symptoms may get worse with time. BPH doesn’t usually interfere with sexual function, although it can. If left untreated, BPH can cause bladder infections and kidney stones, and in some cases, permanent bladder and/or kidney damage.

Fortunately, the risk of developing uncomfortable BPH symptoms can almost be completely eliminated by diagnosing the condition early. To do that, your doctor may order tests to determine if you have BPH or another prostate problem.

If you are diagnosed with BPH, your doctor has a number of options to choose from including watchful waiting, medication, or surgery.

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PROSTATITIS

Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate that may be caused by an infection. It’s the most common prostate problem for men under 50—so common that about half of adult men will be treated for it during their lifetime. There are three major types of prostatitis:

• Bacterial prostatitis
• Prostatodynia
• Nonbacterial prostatitis

Symptoms of bacterial prostatitis include:
• Fever
• Aching muscles
• Pain in lower back
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Frequent and/or painful urination

Chronic bacterial prostatitis may involve few symptoms other than those of a recurring urinary tract infection (frequent and painful urination), and the condition keeps returning even after the initial infection has been treated and symptoms have disappeared.

Symptoms nonbacterial prostatitis include:
• Occasional discomfort in the testicles, urethra, lower abdomen, and back.
• Discharge from the urethra, especially during the first bowel movement of the day.
• Blood or urine in ejaculate.
• Low sperm count.
• Sexual difficulties.
• Frequent urination.

Prostatodynia (pain in the area of the prostate gland) occurs in about 3 out of 10 men with prostate irritation. In some instances, the pain may be caused by a muscle spasm (an involuntary sudden movement or contraction) in the bladder or the urethra. Usually, though, the cause of prostatodynia is unknown. Symptoms of prostatodynia include pain and discomfort in the prostate gland, testicles, penis, and urethra, and may include difficulty urinating.

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PROSTATE CANCER

Prostate cancer is a group of cells growing abnormally out of control in the prostate that may invade and destroy healthy tissues and organs. Prostate cancer can grow differently for different people. Some cancers grow and spread rapidly, quickly leading to death. Others grow slowly, presenting little threat to the man.

Prostate Cancer Information
• Prostate cancer can be cured if detected early.
• Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men.
• Men at high risk (men with a family history of prostate cancer and African-American men) should begin yearly screening for prostate cancer at age 40 or earlier, all others at age 50.
• African-American men have the world’s highest rate of prostate cancer.

What Are The Risk Factors ?

Age

40 or above for men with a family history of prostate cancer and African-American males, 50 or above for other men.

Family History

Father/brother/or male family member has prostate cancer.

Race

African-American males are at highest risk.

Early-stage prostate cancer usually has no symptoms.

Get regular checkups and see your health care provider if you experience any of the following:
• Persistent hip or back pain
• Difficulty urinating
• Painful or burning urination
• Blood in your urine

But remember, most prostate cancers today have no symptoms

Screening Tests Currently Available

PSA - Prostate Specific Antigen

A blood test that can often detect a prostate related problem. An abnormal test may mean additional testing is needed.

DRE – Digital Rectal Exam

A test where the doctor puts a gloved finger in the rectum to feel the prostate.

Treatment Options
• Removal of the prostate (Prostatectomy)
• Radiation therapy
• Hormone therapy
• Cryotherapy*
• Watchful waiting

Some men with prostate cancer may not need to have treatments.

Men, together with their families along with consultation with their doctor, need to have the facts to make informed decisions about screening and treatment for prostate cancer.

* Cryotherapy is an FDA-approved treatment for localized and locally recurrent prostate cancer. It may cause more sexual side effects than other local therapies, but interested patients should ask their doctor for more information.

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Please note: Men’s Health Network does not provide medical services. Rather, this information is provided to encourage you to begin a knowledgeable dialogue with your physician. Check with your health care provider about your need for specific health screenings.

Men’s Health Network
P.O. Box 75972
Washington, DC 20013
info@menshealthnetwork.org

BUILDING HEALTHY FAMILIES ONE MAN AT A TIME