Photo: Ron Lach

What age does prostate problems occur?

tenethealth.com - What Men Over 40 Should Know About the Prostate

What causes testosterone to increase?

Sexual stimulation and sexual activity cause testosterone levels to rise. Testosterone levels can drop during a long period of sexual inactivity.

Last updated Apr 24, 2020

Is there pain with prostate cancer?

Pain is a common problem for men with advanced prostate cancer, although some men have no pain at all. The cancer can cause pain in the areas it...

Last updated Jan 11, 2018

Promotion

Prostate problems frequently occur in men over the age of 50, but it is not uncommon for men in their 40s to experience symptoms. Fortunately, with early detection, most problems with the prostate can be treated. Even if cancer is diagnosed, the relative five-year survival rate for all men is nearly 100 percent. The most common prostate problem diagnosed in men over 50 is prostate enlargement, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This condition occurs because the prostate continues to grow as a man matures, potentially squeezing the urethra and affecting bladder control. Men under the age of 50 are more likely to experience an inflammation or infection, called prostatitis.

What is the prostate?

The prostate is a gland about the size of a walnut that is located in front of the rectum just below the bladder. It wraps around the urethra, which carries urine out of the body. The prostate is part of a man’s sex organs and is responsible for producing fluid that is part of semen. Regardless of age, men should see a doctor right away if they notice any of the following eight signs of prostate problems: Frequent urge to urinate Having to get up during the night to urinate Presence of blood in urine or semen Feeling pain or a burning sensation while urinating Inability to urinate Painful ejaculation Urine dribbling Recurrent pain or stiffness in the lower abdomen, hips, pelvic area or upper leg

How are prostate conditions diagnosed?

Diagnosing prostate problems may involve several tests, the first of which is usually the digital rectal exam (DRE). During a DRE, the physician inserts a gloved finger into the rectum to feel the prostate and evaluate its size, shape and condition. A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test may be ordered to check whether prostate cells are producing high levels of this protein due to the presence of cancer. A urinalysis may be necessary to detect traces of blood in the urine that could indicate a kidney stone or infection. An MRI or CT scan can be used to identify abnormal structures. The diagnosis of prostate cancer can be confirmed using a transrectal ultrasound and rectal biopsy.

What treatments are there for prostate conditions?

If BPH is diagnosed, the condition can be managed several ways. Mild symptoms may not require any treatment. However, regular checkups are necessary to make sure the condition doesn’t worsen. Other options include taking medications to shrink or relax the prostate so it does not block the bladder opening or surgery to help urine flow. Some prostate surgeries can be performed by surgeons using robotic-assisted technology. Acute prostatitis can start suddenly and cause fever, chills or lower back pain. Another form of prostatitis, called chronic bacterial prostatitis, is an infection that occurs repeatedly. Both may be treated with antibiotics. Chronic bacterial prostatitis may require more than one round of treatment.

Different prostate problems, including prostate cancer, may cause similar symptoms.

Therefore, it’s important to talk to a doctor who specializes in urology right away if you are experiencing prostate-related symptoms or problems.

Is PSA curable?

Biochemical or PSA recurrence Many people treated with surgery or radiation therapy are cured. However, some will develop a biochemical recurrence...

Last updated Mar 21, 2018

How can I lower my PSA quickly?

Tips for Naturally Lowering PSA Levels If you've had your prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tested and your numbers were higher, you and your doctor...

Last updated Oct 15, 2018

Promotion

How do doctors test for prostatitis?

You'll need to have a urine test so the doctor can check for bacteria and other signs of infection. You might also need a blood test. You might have a digital rectal examination to see if your prostate is inflamed and painful, and the doctor may examine your stomach area (abdomen) and penis.

prostatecanceruk.org - Prostatitis tests

Tests for chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS)

There is no single test to diagnose CPPS. Your doctor will need to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms before they make a diagnosis. This can take some time. You might be diagnosed with CPPS if you’ve had some of the symptoms listed above for more than three of the last six months. But your doctor may diagnose CPPS sooner than this. They will ask you about your symptoms or give you a questionnaire to fill in. Your doctor may also ask about your medical history. This can help them work out what is causing your symptoms, and which treatments are most likely to help. You’ll need to have a urine test to make sure you don’t have a urine infection. You may also have a physical examination, including a digital rectal examination (DRE), and some other tests, such as a PSA test. Ask your doctor for more information about other tests you may have. For some tests, you might need to visit a doctor at the hospital who specialises in urinary problems (a urologist) or a specialist nurse.

Worried about having a DRE?

It’s natural to feel worried or embarrassed about having tests, but some men find the idea of having a DRE upsetting. For example, if you’ve ever been sexually abused, you might feel very upset about having this test. There’s no right or wrong way to feel, and it’s your choice whether or not to have a DRE. If you do decide to have a DRE, explain your situation to your doctor. They can talk you through the test and help to reassure you. It may also help to talk to a counsellor.

Do bananas negatively affect testosterone?

Do bananas lower testosterone? Nope, they raise it. We're not sure why bananas get this “bad for your testosterone” vibe. They may not be protein-...

Last updated Mar 6, 2018

Can you gain muscle at 60?

Repeated research has shown that, through weight training, men and women in their 60s and beyond can grow muscles as big and strong as an average...

Last updated Sep 2, 2020

Promotion

How do you fix male infertility?

Treatments for male infertility include: Surgery. For example, a varicocele can often be surgically corrected or an obstructed vas deferens...

Last updated Mar 5, 2021

Promotion

Is 100% pure dark chocolate healthy?

Dark chocolate is loaded with nutrients that can positively affect your health. Made from the seed of the cacao tree, it's one of the best sources...

Last updated Dec 24, 2021