The prostate gland, approximately the size of a walnut, surrounds the urethra, the tube that runs from the bladder to the penis. Its main function is to produce fluids that contribute to semen. Inflammation of the prostate, known as prostatitis, often requires antibiotics for treatment. Additionally, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prevalent in men over 50, involves enlargement of the prostate, leading to symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, nocturia (nighttime urination), and difficulty initiating or maintaining urine flow.
Diagnosing BPH typically involves a digital rectal examination (DRE) to assess gland size, along with urine flow tests, blood tests, and possibly other evaluations. Treatment options for BPH include medications to improve urine flow and reduce gland size (e.g., finasteride, dutasteride, alpha blockers), or surgical procedures such as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) to remove part or all of the enlarged gland.
Left untreated, BPH can lead to acute urinary retention, a painful condition requiring immediate relief through urinary catheterisation.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in Ireland, excluding skin cancers. Each year, over 3,000 men are diagnosed, with a lifetime risk of one in eight. Risk factors include age, family history, and ethnic background (more common in African-Caribbean descent, less in Asian descent). Screening involves prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood tests and DREs, although elevated PSA levels can also indicate conditions like BPH or infection, complicating diagnosis.
Treatment options for prostate cancer vary from active surveillance for low-risk cases to surgery, radiation therapy, or hormone therapy for more advanced stages. Treatment decisions balance potential benefits against significant risks such as erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence.
Preventive measures include maintaining a healthy diet and staying physically active. For more information and support, resources like the Irish Cancer Society and the national cancer helpline (1800 200 700) offer valuable assistance and guidance.
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Listen to our specialists discussing men's health issues in the media here.
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