Prostate problems? Early action can make a difference
Early awareness, timely evaluation and the right information can protect your urinary health and your quality of life.
About prostate health
The prostate is a small gland that sits below the urinary bladder and surrounds the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body). Though small, it plays an important role in men’s health.
As men age, the prostate commonly becomes larger. In some men, this enlargement can press on the urethra and make it difficult to pass urine. This condition is called benign prostatic enlargement (BPH) or benign prostate hyperplasia.
Common symptoms include difficulty starting urination, a weak or interrupted stream, frequent urination, especially at night, urgency, and a feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder. These symptoms should not be accepted as a normal part of ageing. Many can be effectively treated and your quality of life can be significantly improved.
It is important to remember that an enlarged prostate is not the same as prostate cancer. Benign enlargement is very common, but cancer can also develop independently and may not cause any symptoms in the early stages. This is why awareness and appropriate risk assessment are so important.
PSA (prostate-specific antigen) is a blood test that can provide helpful information about prostate health. A raised PSA does not automatically mean cancer. PSA can increase in benign enlargement, inflammation, infection and even after certain procedures. Similarly, a normal PSA does not completely rule out cancer. PSA results should always be interpreted in the context of age, symptoms, examination findings, family history and overall risk.
Not every man with an enlarged prostate needs surgery. Many can be managed with lifestyle measures, medications or minimally invasive treatments. Surgery is recommended only when necessary.
Enlargement of the prostate can narrow the urethra and make it difficult to pass urine completely.
Living a healthy lifestyle helps overall prostate and urinary health
♦ Stay active, maintain a healthy weight, eat a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains, drink adequate water, avoid smoking and limit alcohol.
♦ Also, avoid excessive fluids in the evening if it causes frequent night urination.
♦ Men above 50 years should discuss their individual risk of prostate cancer with their doctor. Those with a family history may need to start earlier.
♦ Screening is not needed for every man, but the right man should be tested at the right time.
♦ Good prostate health is about much more than preventing cancer. It is about good urination, sound sleep, sexual health, independence and overall well-being.
5 COMMON MYTHS ABOUT PROSTATE HEALTH
1. Urinary problems are just a normal part of ageing
♦ FACT: They are common, but not something you have to live with. Many symptoms can be treated effectively.
2. An enlarged prostate means cancer
♦ FACT: Benign enlargement and prostate cancer are different conditions.
3. If I have prostate cancer, I will have urinary symptoms
♦ FACT: Early prostate cancer often has no symptoms. Urinary symptoms are usually from benign conditions.
4. A high PSA means I have cancer
♦ FACT: PSA can rise due to benign enlargement, inflammation, infection and other reasons. It must be interpreted in the right context.
5. Every enlarged prostate eventually needs surgery.
♦ FACT: Many men can be managed with observation, lifestyle measures or medicines. Surgery is needed only when necessary.
WHEN TO SEE A UROLOGIST
♦ Difficulty in passing urine
♦ Weak or slow urinary stream
♦ Frequent urination, especially at night
♦ Sudden urge to urinate
♦ Feeling of incomplete emptying
♦ Blood in urine or semen
♦ Pain or burning during urination
♦ Recurrent urinary infections
♦ Sudden inability to pass urine
Emergency warning
Sudden inability to pass urine is an emergency. Seek immediate medical attention.
THE TAKE-HOME MESSAGE
Prostate problems are common, but they are not a part of life that you simply have to accept.
Know your risk. Recognize symptoms early. Get the right advice at the right time.
Your prostate health is in your hands.