Shall we talk about the prostate gland, which is unique to men?

If you are a man, you must have heard the word 'Prostate' quite often. Especially after the age of 40-50, there is a lot of talk about this. But many people do not have a clear understanding of what this prostate gland is, what it actually does, and what diseases it can cause. Sometimes we feel a little embarrassed to talk about this. So today we will talk about all this, without hiding anything, in a very simple way that you can understand.

Simply put, what is the prostate?

The prostate is a small gland that is part of the male reproductive system. It is located below your bladder and in front of your rectum. The tube that carries urine (urethra) passes through this gland.

Imagine, this is a small thing , about the size of a walnut . But the work it does is not small.

So what is the main function of this?

Do you remember the white fluid that comes out when you ejaculate? That's called semen. One of the main functions of the prostate gland is to add more fluid to this semen. This fluid contains things like enzymes, zinc, and citric acid. These things nourish the sperm and help them move easily. Also, when the sperm is ejaculated, the muscles in this gland help push it out.

What happens to the prostate gland as we age?

Usually, after the age of 40, most men's prostate gland begins to gradually enlarge. It can start out as a walnut, but can eventually grow to the size of a lemon. This is medically known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) .

Don't be alarmed by this. BPH is not cancer. And it doesn't increase your risk of developing cancer in the future. It's a normal part of aging. But as the gland gets bigger, the urethra that runs through it can become tight. That's when some problems arise.

What are the main problems related to the prostate gland?

We are talking about three main types of problems related to the prostate.

1. Prostatitis: This is an infection that causes the prostate gland to swell. It can occur in men of any age. Sometimes it can be caused by a bacterial infection.

2. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): As we discussed earlier, the prostate gland enlarges as we age. This is not cancer.

3. Prostate Cancer: This is the one that scares many people. Cancer occurs when cells in the prostate gland grow abnormally. This is the second most common type of cancer among men.

How do you know if there is a problem with the prostate gland? - Symptoms to look out for

Your body is giving you clues about a problem. If you have one or more of these symptoms, it's best to be a little concerned and talk to a doctor.

What kind of tests will the doctor do?

When you go to see a doctor, he or she will ask about your symptoms and, if necessary, may perform some tests like these.

• Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): Although the name may sound intimidating to some, this is a very simple and important test. The doctor inserts a gloved finger into your rectum and feels your prostate gland. This can help you feel for any unusual lumps or hard areas.
• PSA Blood Test (Prostate-Specific Antigen Blood Test): The prostate gland produces a protein called PSA. If there is a problem, the level of PSA in the blood can increase. PSA levels can also increase in conditions such as BPH, prostatitis, and cancer.
• Biopsy: If your PSA level is very high or if your DRE is in doubt, your doctor may order this test. This involves taking a small piece of tissue from your prostate and examining it under a microscope to see if there are any cancer cells.

How treatment varies depending on the problem

Treatment depends on your medical condition.

For prostate cancer

Treatment is determined by factors such as the stage of the cancer, its spread, and your age.

• Active Surveillance: If the cancer is a slow-growing type, it may not be treated immediately, but rather monitored with tests at specific intervals .
• Brachytherapy: Radioactive seeds are inserted into the gland to destroy cancer cells.
• Prostatectomy: The complete removal of the prostate gland through surgery.
• Other treatments: There are other methods such as hormone therapy and focal therapy.

For Prostatitis

• Medication: Antibiotics are given if it is a bacterial infection. Other medications are also given to help with urination and reduce pain.
• Exercise: Exercises that strengthen the pelvic floor muscles can provide relief.

For benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

• Medications: Medications are given to control the hormone levels that cause the gland to enlarge and to relax the muscles around the urethra.
• Surgery: Surgical removal of excess tissue that is obstructing the flow of urine.
• Other methods: There are also modern, minimally invasive treatments, such as water vapor therapy.

What can you do to keep the prostate healthy?

You can also think about your overall health, as well as the health of your prostate gland.

• Regular medical checkups: It is important to have regular prostate exams after the age of 50. However, if someone in your family (father, brother) has had prostate cancer, talk to your doctor about starting screenings at an even younger age, perhaps as early as 40-45 years old.
• Regular exercise: Being physically active has been shown to reduce the risk of developing BPH.
• Healthy diet: Eat a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and healthy proteins.
• Avoid tobacco products: Smoking and the use of other tobacco products can increase the risk of prostate cancer.

Finally, one may wonder if it is possible to live without a prostate. Yes, it is possible. In cases like cancer, it can be removed surgically and you can live a normal life. However, there may be side effects such as sexual dysfunction or difficulty controlling your urine. Your doctor will inform you about these.

Prostate, Prostate, Men's Health, Urinary Problems, BPH, Prostate Cancer, Prostatitis