The prostate is part of the male sexual organs and serves the functions of carrying urine from the bladder and carrying semen during ejaculation. The prostate adds fluid to the semen in order to energize sperm and decrease the acidity of the vaginal canal, notes the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. The most common prostate problem occurring in men before the age of 50 is prostatitis. Men over 50 years old with prostate damage typically experience enlargement of the prostate that can result in further medical complications.
Inflammation and Burning Sensation
Inflammation or irritation of the prostate results in prostatitis. Signs of this condition include a burning sensation during urination, frequent urination or feeling excessively tired. The Prostatitis Foundation notes that impairment in sexual functioning is one of the four main types of symptoms commonly appearing in this condition. Prostatitis is caused by bacteria infections, which may be acute, from a sexually transmitted disease, or chronic, due to virus. Chronic prostatitis causes persistent pain in the lower back and abdomen, in addition to bladder infections and frequent urination.
Obstruction and Enlargement
An enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hyperplasia, results in urethral obstruction and loss of voluntary bladder function. Gradual prostate enlargement is common in aging men. However, the layers of tissue surrounding the prostate may stop expanding, which causes the gland to press against the urethra, resulting in bladder wall thickening and weakness. The National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse explains that the obstruction to the urethra leads to gradual loss of bladder function, interrupted or hesitant urination and urgency with frequent urination at night. Progression of damaging enlargement can cause cessation of urine altogether, which requires immediate treatment.
Blood in Urine
According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the second most common cancer found in American men, next to skin cancer. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death, killing more than 32,000 men a year, making recognition of signs important for vitality. Early stage prostate cancer has minimal signs, notes MayoClinic.com. However, any disruption in urination, force or stream of urine or blood in urine signifies possible cancer development. Blood in semen, swelling in the legs and bone pain also accompany stages of prostate cancer development.
References
- Male Health Center: Enlarged Prostate
- MayoClinic.com: Prostate Cancer
- National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Prostate Enlargement: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
- Prostatitis Foundation: Prostatitis Difficult to Diagnose and Treat
- American Cancer Society: What are the Key Statistics About Prostate Cancer?
