Prostate diseases

Prostate diseases are especially common in men over 50 years of age. The prostate is a small gland found only in men under the bladder. Its job is to produce a thick fluid that mixes with the sperm to form an ejaculate. The prostate can be affected by the following diseases: 

 

Benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH 

It is a benign prostatic enlargement that affects one in three men over the age of 50. An enlarged prostate puts pressure on the urethra and subsequently worsens the quality of urination, which can manifest itself as: 

• intermittent urination; 

• weak urine flow; 

• pushing while urinating; 

• feeling of incomplete bladder emptying; 

• frequent urination; 

• repeated urination at night. 

Simple measures can help to improve the symptoms, for example, it is enough to limit the drinking of coffee, tea and alcohol. There are also medications that can shrink the prostate as well as relax the muscles in the bladder area, which in turn improves the quality of urination. 

 

Prostate inflammation (prostatitis) 

Inflammation usually has a bacterial origin, although non-specific inflammation may occur without a specific cause. Possible symptoms of this disease are: 

• pain in the small pelvis and genital area; 

• pain when urinating; 

• pain during ejaculation; 

• pain in the rectum or inside the urethra. 

Inflammation of the prostate is treated with analgesics, antibiotics, and sometimes drugs can be given to reduce the prostate or to relax the smooth muscles in the bladder area. 

 

Prostate cancer 

It is a very common cancer diagnosed in men. It is not entirely clear why this is happening. A certain risk factor is a family history of prostate cancer. Symptoms may include: 

• frequent urination during the day and at night; 

• urge to urinate; • weak urine flow; 

• feeling of incomplete bladder emptying; 

• blood in the urine or ejaculate. 

The prognosis of the disease is good, especially when it is detected at an early stage. Immediate treatment is sometimes not necessary and the disease just needs to be monitored.