The prostate is a male reproductive gland located underneath the bladder and close to the urethra. The prostate is responsible for making all the components of semen, with the exception of sperm. Prostate diseases often produce few or no symptoms during the initial stages. The Mayo Clinic adds that only half of men with enlarged prostates experience overt and annoying symptoms.
Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy
Benign prostatic hypertrophy is a gradual enlargement of the prostate, which is common in men and with no known cause. It is not caused by an infection, nor is it cancerous. The American Urological Association Foundation notes that by the age of 80, over 90 percent of American men will experience prostate gland enlargement. Because of its anatomical position, the prostate puts pressure on the bladder and urethra, causing problems with urination.
The initial symptoms of an enlarged prostate include a reduced urine stream, reduced urine output and frequent dribbling from the end of the penis. An increased urge to urinate, especially at night, is also common. Urges to urinate during the day may become stronger and more frequent.
As the prostate puts more pressure on the bladder and urethra, symptoms escalate. Urinary retention may occur, where the urethra is pinched off by the prostate. This can cause abdominal pain and require excessive straining to start the flow of urine. Incomplete emptying of the bladder is more common and is related to increased urges. Incontinence, or lack of bladder control, can occur in latter stages and is the most inconvenient socially. The National Association for Continence claims that prostate disease is the most common cause of male incontinence.
Prostatitis
Prostatitis, which is an infection or inflammation of the prostate, is the next most common prostate disease. Although many of the symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy can occur with prostatitis, the hallmark is considerable pain and discomfort, according to "Professional Guide to Diseases." An inflamed prostate can cause deep, stabbing-like pain within the pelvis. Sitting, ejaculating, urinating and sometimes defecating can all be painful with an infected or inflamed prostate.
With prostate infections, blood or pus can be passed in the urine, which can be detected by urinalysis tests. Other infections can stem from a prostate infection, mainly in the urethra, bladder and kidneys. And like any infection process, prostatitis can lead to fever.
Prostate Cancer
According to the National Cancer Institute, about 16 percent of American men are diagnosed with prostate cancer sometime in their lives and is the second most common cancer in men, after skin cancer. Prostate cancer grows slowly, and may not cause symptoms for many years. Initially, prostate cancer symptoms are similar to benign prostatic hypertrophy, as both diseases cause glandular growth. Trouble initiating urination, weak urine stream and frequent urges to urinate are common.
However, as prostate cancer progresses, pain becomes more common. Pain can occur in the prostate, ranging from burning to stabbing in nature, or with urination and ejaculation. Pain can also be referred to the low back, hips, pelvis and abdomen. Eventually, blood may appear in the urine or semen. Fever is possible, but night sweats are more common. Prostate-specific antigens are released into the blood with prostate cancer, which can be measured with a PSA blood test.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Prostate Gland Enlargement
- UrologyHealth.org: Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy
- National Association for Continence: Incontinence Statistics
- "Professional Guide to Diseases"; Springhouse; 2008
- National Cancer Institute: Prostate Cancer
