The prostate is a small gland that’s exclusive to men. Located below the bladder, the prostate wraps around the tube that carries urine and semen out of the body. Because of its delicate location, the prostate can cause a number of problems should it become swollen or enflamed.
One of the most prominent causes for inflammation in the prostate is prostate cancer. In fact, prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer affecting men. Thankfully, it’s also one of the most detectable and treatable types of cancer, as long as it’s found in time.
But cancer isn’t the only condition that can cause problems with your prostate, especially when it comes to men younger than 50.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
BPH is when the prostate expands and starts to cause problems for the urinary tract, bladder, and/or kidneys. Symptoms may include frequent need to urinate, trouble with starting urination, inability to drain bladder, and more.
BPH is very common among older men. In fact, over 70% of men in their 60s have BPH symptoms. As men age, their prostate often continues to grow. By 70, almost all men will have some degree of prostate enlargement.
Though BPH is non-cancerous, it can greatly affect your quality of life.
Symptoms of BPH include:
- Frequent need to urinate both day and night
- Weak or slow urinary stream
- A sense that you cannot completely empty your bladder
- Difficulty or delay in starting urination
- Urgent feeling of needing to urinate
- A urinary stream that stops and starts
Medications can help shrink the prostate and ease symptoms. Otherwise, surgery may be required.
Prostatitis
Though it shares many of the same symptoms as prostate cancer, prostatitis is a non-cancerous condition. Prostatitis is when the prostate becomes inflamed, swollen, and tender, often due to bacterial infection. There are a variety of prostatitis conditions, including acute bacterial prostatitis, chronic bacterial prostatitis, and chronic prostatitis.
Prostatitis is very common. Approximately 50% of all men will deal with some form of it in their lifetime. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, 25% of men who see a doctor for urological problems have symptoms of prostatitis.
Though prostatitis can affect men of all ages, its most common among men under 50. The good news is, regardless of your age and the type of prostatitis you have, treatments are available. Often, it’s as simple as taking antibiotics.
If You Have Prostate Problems, See a Professional
Are you experiencing discomfort in your prostate region or abnormalities with urination? Then it’s time to see a doctor.
For a team experienced in prostate and urinary tract issues, contact Urology Specialists of Ohio. With five locations, we offer convenient treatment for those looking for a prostate cancer center in the Dayton, Ohio region.
Left untreated, prostate conditions can often continue to get worse. In the case of prostate cancer, they eventually become lethal. Don’t let yourself suffer. Our experience allows us to determine your condition accurately and treat it accordingly. Schedule an appointment today!