The prostate is a gland found in the male reproductive system that sits near the bladder and surrounds the urethra (where urine exits). Specifically, this gland produces the components found in semen. Sometimes the prostate gland grows excessively and sometimes it develops an infection. There are a few diseases that affect the prostate gland.
Prostatitis
Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland. Specifically, prostatitis is a bacterial infection that seeps into the prostate from bacteria-carrying urine. The Mayo Clinic says that common symptoms of prostatitis include pain with urination, trouble urinating, frequent urination, stomach pain and painful ejaculations.
The Mayo Clinic says that treatment for prostatitis includes such medications as alpha blockers (alfuzosin) to relax your bladder muscles and aspirin or ibuprofen to decrease any pain. Sometimes, a prostatic massage can help manage prostatitis. The Mayo Clinic indicates that this involves a physician performing a rectal-like exam using a gloved and lubricated finger. Soaking in a warm bath and avoiding caffeine, alcohol or spicy food can also decrease manifestations of prostatitis.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the abnormal and rapid growth of cells in the prostate. According to MedlinePlus, prostate cancer manifestations include trouble starting to urinate, urinary retention, back pain, pain with bowel movements and pain with urination. Prostate cancer can also cause fatigue, bone pain, low red blood cells, blood in the urine and urinary incontinence.
Treatment for prostate cancer involves surgery to remove the prostate gland and radiation and chemotherapy to destroy the prostate gland cancer cells. Medications such as flutamide can help manage prostate cancer.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
FamilyDoctor.org says that benign prostatic hyperplasia is a condition in which the prostate gland gets larger. Like prostate cancer, its symptoms include frequent urination, especially at night and trouble urinating.
Treatment involves taking such medicines as finasteride and dutasteride to interfere with the hormone that increases the size of the prostate gland. Alpha-blocker medications such as terazosin and doxazosin can also treat benign prostatic hyperplasia. Treatment also involves heating your prostate gland or having surgery. FamilyDoctor.org says that risks for surgery include bleeding, impotence and infection.
