By Mitch Billimack, Advocate BroMenn Medical Center
November, with its “No-Shave” and “Movember” initiatives, is becoming known for a focus on men’s health. And that means discussing one area of their anatomy men are often reluctant to discuss: their prostate.
The prostate is a reproductive gland responsible for secreting some of the fluids found in semen. These fluids help protect and extend the lifespan of sperm.
As men grow older, the prostate begins to grow in size. “’Growth spurts’ of the prostate occur in the teens, and again in the 30s, but the prostate continues to grow throughout life,” says Dr. Timothy Buffey, a family medicine physician in Normal.
Scientists are still unsure why this growth occurs, but there are several related prostate problems that can develop as a result. The three most common are an inflamed prostate (prostatitis), an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH) and prostate cancer. It is important to note there is no link between these different conditions, and it is possible to have multiple conditions at once.
The National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), estimates that chronic prostatitis affects 10 15 percent of the male population, and can occur in men of any age group. Prostatitis is caused by a bacterial infection, and frequently leads to a burning sensation during urination, a frequent urge to go, painful ejaculations, as well as rectal pain or pressure. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, see your doctor. The most common test for prostatitis is a urine test, and many antibiotics are now able to treat this condition.
An enlarged prostate, another common problem for men, is caused by abnormal benign (non-cancerous) cell growth. This condition also causes the prostate to swell. The most common problem is blockage of urine flow. Accompanying symptoms may include trouble urinating, urinating often, a sudden urge to go, stopping and starting while going, or straining to go. There is currently no cure for an enlarged prostate, but prescriptions or surgery can help relieve symptoms.
Finally, the most worrisome of prostate issues is prostate cancer. According to the U.S. National Cancer Institute, more than half of all American men will develop some form of cancer in their prostate glands by the age of 80. However, most of these cancers are not life threatening. The danger is when the cancer metastasizes, or spreads, to other parts of the body. Men who are 50 or over are considered to be at a higher risk for prostate cancer.
General advice to men is to start getting tested for prostate problems once they reach age 50. This usually involves a digital rectal exam, and/or a test that measures the level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the blood.
According to the American Cancer Society, there are currently pros and cons to the screening tests available, especially the blood test (PSA) for prostate cancer; and not all doctors agree as to its usefulness. “The prostate exam by a physician or other health practitioner may help detect cancer earlier, but it hasn’t been shown to result in fewer cancer-related issues or death in asymptomatic men,” says Dr. Buffey. “This discussion is best had with your personal physician.”
To reduce their risk of prostate issues, the American Cancer Society recommends men eat right, get plenty of exercise, maintain a healthy weight, and reduce stress.
Advocate BroMenn Medical Center encourages men everywhere to “Man Up” and take control of your health! To find a doctor, call 1-800-3-ADVOCATE (1-800-323-8622), or visit www.advocatehealth.com/bromenn. Same-day appointments are usually available. For more information about men’s health, visit www.ManUpAtAdvocate.com.