THISDAY

Key Points on Prostate Issues with Men

-

The prostate is an important part of the male reproducti­ve organs. It is so vital that it does not only af fect one’s ability to reproduce, it has a great effect on one’s sexual life. A defective prostate can turn one fr om hero to zero husband. The worse part if it is that most men suffering from the condition hide it from their spouses and close family members. Certainly your private areas are your private issues. But the key thing is the boldness to speak out early and seek medical help. check the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level. PSA levels can be high in men with an enlarged prostate gland or with prostate cancer. You may also need an ultrasound exam that takes computer pictures of the prostate.

If tests show that you might have cancer, your doctor will refer you to a specialist (a urologist) for a prostate biopsy. The doctor will take small tissue samples from several areas of the prostate gland to look for cancer cells.

• Treating Prostate Cancer Treatment for prostate cancer depends on whether cancer is in part or all of the prostate, or if it has spread to other parts of the body. It also depends on your age and overall health. Talk with your doctor about the best treatment choice for you and the possible side effects of treatment. You may want to ask another doctor for a second opinion.

• Watchful waiting, also called active surveillan­ce. If the cancer is not causing problems, you may decide not to get treated right away. Instead, your doctor will check regularly for changes in your condition. Treatment will start if the cancer begins to grow.

• Surgery. The most common type of surgery removes the whole prostate and some nearby tissue.

• Radiation therapy. This treatment uses radia-

Watchful waiting, also called active surveillan­ce. If your symptoms are not too bad, your doctor may tell you to wait to see if they get worse before starting treatment. Your doctor will tell you how often to return for checkups.

Medication­s. Medicines can help shrink the prostate or relax muscles near your prostate to ease symptoms.

Surgery. If nothing else has worked, your doctor may suggest surgery to help urine flow.

Other treatments. Sometimes radio waves, microwaves, or lasers are used to treat urinary problems caused by BPH. These methods use different kinds of heat to reduce extra prostate tissue.

2. . Acute bacterial prostatiti­s usually starts suddenly from a bacterial infection. See your doctor right away if you have fever, chills, or pain in addition to prostate symptoms. Most cases can be cured with antibiotic­s. You also may need medication to help with pain or discomfort.

3. Chronic bacterial prostatiti­s is an infection that comes back again and again. This rare problem can be hard to treat. Sometimes, taking antibiotic­s for a long time may work. Talk with your doctor about other things you can do to help you feel better.

4. . Chronic prostatiti­s, also called chronic pelvic pain syndrome, is a common prostate problem. It can cause pain in the lower back, in the groin, or at the tip of the penis. Treatment may require a combinatio­n of medicines, surgery, and lifestyle changes.

It is quite clear that if you value your life and need fulfilment, seeking early. medical interventu­on would save you a lot of pain.

 ??  ??

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Nigeria