The prostate is a gland that is a part of the male reproductive system. The gland is about the size of a walnut that wraps around the male urethra just below the bladder. The prostate, along with other sex glands produce the fluid known as semen that transports sperm during ejaculation. The prostate gland tends to enlarge in size as men age or due to inflammation. Structurally positioned surrounding the top portion of urethra that drains urine from the bladder, prostate problems can cause various urogenital signs and symptoms. Prostate problems can be treated by the best urologist in Chennai according to the cause and condition.
What causes prostate problems?
Prostate problems are common after 50 years of age. Prostatitis is an enlargement of the prostate gland that is usually associated with inflammation. Benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH in older men is a very common condition where the prostate is enlarged but not cancerous. Though the cause is thought to be related to normal hormonal changes with men’s age, the actual cause is still unclear. Some cases of prostatitis may be caused by bacterial infections. Prostatitis can be classified in to four types:
- Acute bacterial prostatitis presents with sudden, severe symptoms caused by common bacterial infection that may have spread from other urogenital organs.
- Chronic bacterial prostatitis has less severe symptoms that may be due to ongoing or recurring bacterial infection when treatment for an acute infection was not long enough or fails to kill all the bacteria.
- Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome is an ongoing or recurring urinary tract symptoms and pelvic pain with no evidence of infection. Previous infection, nervous system dysfunction, immune system dysfunction, psychological stress or irregular hormone activity are some of the multiple factors that could cause this type of inflammation.
- Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis has no known cause and does not produce symptoms. The inflamed prostate is usually found during a routine pelvic examination.
Signs and symptoms of prostate problems
Prostate problems can be a natural part of aging, but it is important to remember that it can lead to BPH where the larger than usual prostate pinches and squeezes the urethra that affects urine flow. When the urethra is constricted, the bladder has to work harder to push urine out. Doing this, the bladder muscles get weak over a period of time and make it harder for it empty the urine. Signs and symptoms may vary depending on the type of prostate problem and those that require immediate care at the best urologist hospitals in Chennai are:
- Dysuria which is feeling pain or burning sensation when urinating
- Experiencing difficulty in urinating, such as dribbling or hesitant urination
- Nocturia, which is more frequent urination at night
- Feeling an often urgent need to urinate
- Cloudy appearance of urine
- Blood in the urine
- Abdominal pain or pain in the groin and lower back
- Pain in the perineum, the area between the scrotum and rectum
- Discomfort or pain in the penis or testicles
- Painful ejaculation
- Fever, chills, muscle aches and other flu-like symptoms may be caused by infections
Complications of prostate problems
Prostate problems may impact the flow of urine along with a host of other problems like kidney dysfunction, bladder infection and frequent urinary tract infections. Chronic inflammation of the prostate may be considered to be a risk factor for cancer but there is no direct evidence to this. Complications of prolonged BPH may include infection spreading in to the blood and other organs, inflammation of the epididymis, prostatic abscess, sexual dysfunctions, infertility and anxiety or depression. However, the good news is that the urology specialist in Chennai can offer treatments for prostate that do not come back again.
Treatment for prostate problems
Treatment for an enlarged prostate gland will depend on the severity of symptoms and its impact on quality of life. Main treatments include lifestyle changes, medication, procedures and surgery. While it might be possible to relieve the symptoms by making some simple changes in lifestyle and taking some medication to shrink the prostate, it is not possible to prevent the prostate enlargement from coming back. Surgery or interventional procedures may be the option to treat prostate problem and also to ensure that it does not come back again.
- Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is a surgery used to treat urinary problems that by removing a part of the prostate that impinge the urethra. Men who have moderate to severe urinary problems that do not respond to medication but may not be a complete cure.
- prostate artery embolization is another procedure done under local anaesthesia as an outpatient treatment to block the blood vessels that supply the prostate gland and thus shrink it.
- Prostatectomy is the surgery to remove part or all of the prostate gland. Prostatectomy can be performed in several ways, depending on the condition involved. Open prostatectomy involves removal of the prostate gland through an incision in the body and it is most suitable for men with enlarged prostate over a certain size. Minimally invasive surgery is performed with the help of laparoscopy or laser techniques. Advanced endoscopic techniques can address enlarged prostate problems without the need for open surgery.
- Holmium laser prostate surgery is a minimally invasive treatment for an enlarged prostate similar to open prostate surgery but requires no incisions. This technique removes the entire portion of the severely enlarged prostate that can block urine flow. This treatment provides an ever lasting solution for an enlarged prostate and also preserves removed tissue for examination. Faster recovery and symptom relief compared with traditional prostate surgery are major benefits.
People who are seeking first time or re-treatment for mild, moderate or advanced prostate problems should look for highly effective options. Treatment options for prostate should be discussed with the urology doctor in Chennai to find out which one is right and will help to not come back again.
