The prostate gland is a part of the male reproductive system that surrounds the beginning of the urethra. It secretes a thin, milky-colored, alkaline fluid that serves to liquefy seminal fluid and promote sperm motility as well as guard sperm from the acidic fluids of the male urethra and female vagina. The prostate generally maintains its normal size until the age of 50, when men may begin to have difficulties in prostate function. The enlargement of the prostate gland may cause pain. Individuals experiencing pain in the prostate are encouraged to seek medical attention.
Prostatitis
Prostatitis is the inflammation of the prostate gland due to infection. The University of Utah Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library notes that these conditions occur in three forms: acute bacterial, chronic bacterial and chronic abacterial. Acute prostatitis is caused by bacterial organisms similar to those causing urinary tract infections. It is associated with suprapubic, perineal and scrotal pain and manifested by chills, fever and painful urination. The condition may be treated with antibiotics. Conversely, chronic prostatitis is a condition wherein acute prostatitis did not completely respond to antibiotics; it is manifested by dull perineal pain. Lastly, the most common form of prostatitis is the abacterial prostatitis, in which the symptoms are mild and include low back pain, urinary frequency and urgency, and rectal discomfort.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Benign prostatic hyperplasia, also known as BPH, is an enlargement of the prostate gland that affects most men after age 50. It develops in the central and transitional zones of the prostate, closest to the urethra. If pressure is placed on those areas, a frequent urge to urinate, weak urine stream and leaking or dribbling urine may result. According to Lab Tests Online, BPH can also lead to decreased sexual function, painful orgasm and impotence. If not treated, severe BPH may lead to serious problems like urinary tract infections, bladder and kidney damage, bladder stones and incontinence. In this case, if the bladder is permanently damaged, treatment may be ineffective.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the most common invasive cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in men, according to The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association. Significant risk factors for prostate cancer include age, with men older than 65 being more at risk; race, with African Americans most susceptible; family history; and high dietary fat intake. Prostate cancer is manifested by an enlarged prostate; blood in the urine; pain in the hips, pelvis, ribs or spine; swollen lymph nodes in the groin area; and erectile dysfunction. The most common type of prostate cancer is adenocarcinoma, which usually arises in the peripheral zones of the gland. Routine prostate screening is recommended at the age of 50, because treatment works best when prostate cancer is detected early.
References
- University of Utah Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library: Prostate Pathology
- Lab Tests Online: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
- The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association: Acute onset-low back pain and hip pain secondary to metastatic prostate cancer: a case report; Natalia Lishchyna, BSc(Hon), DC and Shawn Henderson, BSc(Hon), DC; March 2004
