Yes, it may be difficult to believe, but according to a survey performed by Prostate Cancer UK, an organisation dedicated to prostate cancer research, 1 in 5 British men are unaware that they even have a prostate. This is somewhat alarming given that prostate cancer is the most common cause of death due to cancer in men.
The prostate is a gland which is part of the male reproductive system, its main function is to produce the seminal fluid which transports sperm during ejaculation.
You probably associate prostate disorders with the elderly, but this is not always the case, the prostate can also cause problems in young people. Although they usually appear in men over the age of 50, problems can also start at a younger age. Prostatitis is the cause for approximately 25 per cent of visits to the doctor in men between the ages of 20 and 40.
Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland, often caused by a bacterial infection. It is more common than you might think and affects most men at some point in their life. There are several types of prostatitis, including the following:
Acute prostatitis: a sudden bacterial infection causing prostatic inflammation. It can be caused by any of the bacteria capable of causing a urinary infection. It is the least common cause of prostatitis, but the symptoms are often more significant and include: frequent passing of urine (including at night), pelvic and genital pain, fever, shivering, nausea, vomiting and a burning sensation when passing urine. The diagnosis is made by physical examination (digital, rectal examination), blood tests and urine culture and sediment. The treatment consists of antibiotics for a variable period of time, depending on the seriousness of the infection. The type of antibiotic used will depend on the bacteria responsible for the prostatitis.
Chronic prostatitis: is characterised by repeated urinary tract infections due to bacteria which chronically infect the prostate gland. Those who suffer from this can suffer from frequency with burning and pain on passing urine. Treatment can be challenging, it is often difficult to identify the bacteria in the urine, meaning fluid needs to be collected and cultured from the prostate. Prolonged treatment includes antibiotics, sometimes at a low dosage. In the case of complications or very recurrent prostatitis, a repeat visit to the Urologist is important so that the cause can be investigated and the seriousness of the problem assessed. Some men have to resort to surgery to completely cure prostatitis.
– Don’t ride a bicycle with an inappropriate seat, there are specific, prostate friendly saddles.
– Drink plenty of water and eat high fibre foods. Do not drink alcohol or caffeinated drinks, do not eat spicy or acidic foods, these can all irritate the prostate.
– Bathe in warm (not hot) water.
– Avoid stressful situations as these can often cause recurrence in some patients.
Dr. José Manuel Fernández Montero
Head of Urology Unit
August 1, 2017
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