Prostate Health: Common Conditions, Prevention, & Treatment

Prostate health is one of the top concerns for men 60 and older. Nearly half of all men this age have enlarged prostates (also called benign prostatic hyperplasia), causing urination issues. Furthermore, every 13 out of 100 men will develop prostate cancer.

While many prostate concerns are treatable, it’s important to know the signs and symptoms of common conditions and prevention measures to not only keep your prostate healthy but also to improve your overall wellness as you age.

What Is The Prostate?

The prostate is a small gland that is part of the male reproductive system. It’s about the size of a walnut, located between the lower part of the bladder and above the pelvic floor muscles. The primary purpose of the prostate is the production of fluids.

What Are Common Prostate Conditions?

Like many organs, the prostate is susceptible to changes as you age. A few common conditions many experience include benign prostatic hyperplasia, bacterial prostatitis, and prostate cancer.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (Enlarged Prostate)

Benign prostatic hyperplasia, also called an enlarged prostate, is a non-cancerous condition in which the prostate is larger than normal. In some cases, the enlargement causes no signs or symptoms and doesn’t affect the individual. However, as the prostate grows, it can put pressure against the bladder and urethra, leading to urinary symptoms like a sudden need to urinate, waking up at night to urinate, pain during urination, leaking urine, and difficulty urinating.

Having an enlarged prostate does not increase your risk for prostate cancer. If left untreated, it can lead to urinary tract infections, bladder stones, urinary retention, or a weak bladder. The pressure from the growing prostate can also cause bladder and kidney damage.

Bacterial Prostatitis

Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate. Bacterial prostatitis is when the inflammation is caused by a bacterial infection in the prostate. This condition may develop after a bladder infection or UTI. It may also occur after a prostate biopsy or using a urinary catheter.

Bacterial prostatitis can be acute, meaning the condition comes on suddenly, or chronic, when the symptoms gradually appear. In both cases, it’s common to experience pain urinating or have difficulty urinating. You may also experience lower abdomen or back pain, frequent urination, and having a urine stream that starts and stops. In acute bacterial prostatitis, it’s also common to experience a fever.

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers for men in the United States. The cause of prostate cancer is still unclear, but it happens because of changes in the prostate cells. The risk of developing prostate cancer increases with age. It’s also more common among men with a family history of prostate cancer and those of African American descent.

Many of the signs and symptoms of prostate cancer are similar to other prostate conditions. You may experience difficulty urinating, weak urine flow, frequent urination, trouble emptying the bladder, blood in the urine, or pain in the lower back and abdomen.

Keeping A Healthy Prostate

Many prostate conditions are treatable, but keeping a healthy prostate can spare you from some of the uncomfortable symptoms and stress.

Exercise

While there are no direct links between exercise and prostate cancer, experts know regular exercise keeps muscles and organs throughout your body strong. There are many gyms in the Garland area, such as Texas Family Fitness, where you can work out independently or take a fitness class like yoga or Zumba.

Don’t Ignore Symptoms

Catching prostate conditions early is the best way to have quick and successful treatment. If you notice changes in your urine or bathroom habits, talk to your primary doctor right away. Even if it doesn’t seem like a significant issue, it’s helpful to discuss concerns with your doctor and ways to keep your prostate healthy.

Get Screened For Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer screenings are a great way to catch cancer early, especially if you’re at high risk for the disease. High-risk individuals (meaning you have many risk factors) should get regular screenings earlier. By 55, all men should consider regular screenings regardless of risk factors.

In addition to screenings, it’s helpful to talk to a urologist, such as the doctors at Urology Clinics of North Texas, especially if you have a high risk of prostate cancer. Not only can urologists help with screenings, but they can also provide you with prevention tips, and they should be one of your first contacts for treatments.

At-Home Care With Visiting Angels

Visiting Angels is a locally owned and operated home care agency dedicated to helping seniors live safely and comfortably at home, regardless of their health conditions. If you’re a senior living with a prostate concern, know that your condition shouldn’t affect your independence, even through treatments.

The compassionate caregivers at Visiting Angels provide various non-medical services, such as light housekeeping, meal preparation, personal grooming, mobility, and transportation. We also have specialized services, catering to those with chronic or acute conditions who need more hands-on care.

Our Garland office serves seniors in Garland, Texas, and the surrounding communities. Contact us to learn more about our at-home care options.