Prostate problems in men are difficult to ignore, because as age catches up, the gland starts to behave trickily. It increases in size, interferes in too many ways with one’s lifestyle and doesn’t cease to seek attention and rob one’s peace of mind.
When the gland increases in size, it is referred as an enlarged prostate. Anything that causes swelling or enlargement to the prostate can affect a man’s ability to pass urine because the urethra goes through the gland – one of the most common signs that there may be a problem with the prostate.
The prostate is a gland found only in men. It sits in the groin, behind the base of the penis inside the body. The main function of the prostate is to produce one of the major fluids that make up semen.
There are three main conditions that can affect your prostate. They are:
1.prostate enlargement
2.prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate gland)
3. prostate cancer.
Prostate enlargement and prostate cancer usually only affect men over the age of 50 and about half of men over this age will have some prostate enlargement. Prostatitis can affect men of any age.
Major risk factors for prostate problems include
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- Age: This is the strongest risk factor for prostate cancer. The disease is rare in men younger than 45, with the average age of 70 at the time of diagnosis.
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Family history: A man’s risk of prostate cancer is higher than average if his brother or father had the disease. A man with one close relative with the disease has double the risk. With two close relatives, his risk is five-fold. With three, the chance is 97%.
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Race: Prostate cancer is more common in African American men. It is less common in Asian and American Indian men. African American males have a prostate cancer incidence rate up to 60% higher than while males and double the mortality (death) rate of white males.
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Exposure to Chemicals: Men who served in the military during the Vietnam and Korean wars who were exposed to Agent Orange are at a higher risk for developing prostate cancer (and other cancers/diseases).
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Diet
Studies have suggested that a diet high in red meat or high-fat dairy products may increase a person’s chances of developing prostate cancer, but the link is neither confirmed nor clear.
The signs and symptoms of advancing prostate problems may include:
*Pelvic pain
*Frequent need for urination
*Difficult or painful urination
*Blood in the urine
*Painful ejaculation
*Loss of appetite and weight
*Bone pain
A screening test may help find cancer at an early stage, when it is less likely to have spread and may be easier to treat.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or you fall in to any of the categories of risk factors you may need to talk to your doctor.
