Prostate problems can affect men of any age, with prostatitis, prostate cancer, and benign prostatic hyperplasia being the most common. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment. Prostate cancer may have no symptoms in its early stages, while benign prostatic hyperplasia causes urinary symptoms. A healthy diet and routine exams can help prevent prostate problems.
Although prostate problems often affect middle-aged men and men of old age, prostate gland problems can actually affect men of any age. Among the most common prostate problems are prostatitis, prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Early detection of these symptoms is the single most important factor in working to cure any of these ailments.
The prostate is a gland that surrounds the urethra and is found in the male reproductive system. Its primary function is to produce the fluid present in the semen. Sometimes this gland becomes infected, which can lead to prostate problems such as irritation or inflammation, otherwise known as prostatitis. Prostatitis can be acute or chronic.
Acute prostatitis starts suddenly and has symptoms such as back pain, pain in the groin area, fever and chills. A man with acute prostatitis may also experience painful urination. When properly treated with antibiotics, the symptoms of acute prostatitis subside as the infection clears up.
Chronic prostatitis, on the other hand, is the result of a recurring infection. Chronic prostatitis is often difficult to treat with antibiotics and may therefore require more treatment efforts. Both acute and chronic forms of prostatitis are among the prostate problems most likely to affect younger men.
While most prostate problems don’t lead to cancer, prostate cancer is still a fairly common, but treatable, form of cancer. In its early stages, prostate cancer may be present with no identifiable symptoms. Eventually, symptoms such as frequent urination, blood in the urine, and pain during ejaculation may occur. Cancer is among the most serious prostate problems, but if detected and treated before it can spread to other organs, most men recover completely from prostate cancer.
An enlarged but non-cancerous prostate gland is referred to as benign prostatic hyperplasia. This is one of the most common prostate problems affecting men over the age of 50. Men with benign prostatic hyperplasia often experience urinary symptoms, such as frequent urination, especially at night, as well as difficulty urinating or leaking urine after urinating. Symptoms can be treated with medications or surgery.
Prostate problems can sometimes be prevented by consuming a diet rich in plant foods and drinking plenty of water. However, the cause of prostate cancer is not yet known and, therefore, it is not easily preventable. Routine exams, particularly for men over 50 and men who have a family history of prostate cancer, as well as paying close attention to possible symptoms, are the best ways to prevent the spread of prostate cancer to other parts of the body.
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