Regular health checks are important to maintain prostate health. Men over the age of 50 or with a family history of prostate cancer are recommended to have a PSA test. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly and avoiding smoking are also beneficial for prostate health.
What is prostate?
The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that is part of the male reproductive system. It is located under the bladder, in front of the rectum, and passes through the urethra (the channel that removes urine from the body). Prostate diseases are a set of health problems that are common in men and affect the prostate gland. Prostate-related diseases are as follows:
- prostate enlargement
- Prostate cancer
- prostatitis
What causes prostate?
The most common cause of prostate enlargement is aging. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (prostate enlargement) can be seen in half of men after the age of 50. Additionally, family history, race, hormones and lifestyle also play a role in prostate enlargement.
What are the prostate symptoms?
Prostate-related problems usually occur with age and manifest themselves with various symptoms. These symptoms may be related to conditions such as enlargement, inflammation, or cancer of the prostate. Prostate symptoms are as follows:
- Difficulty starting to urinate
- Weak or intermittent urine stream
- Feeling of not being able to empty the bladder completely
- Pain or burning when urinating
- bloody urine
- Frequent need to urinate, especially at night
- Pain or difficulty with sexual intercourse
How is prostate treatment done?
Prostate treatment generally varies depending on the course of the disease. The question of how to cure prostate disease varies depending on the type of disease. In the treatment of prostate enlargement, lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, nutrition and weight control should be made. Additionally, medication may be administered to shrink the prostate or improve urine flow.
In case of severe prostate enlargement, surgical procedures such as TURP may be required. In this surgical procedure, part or all of the prostate is removed. In other cases, laser therapy may be used to shrink the prostate or thermal ablation to destroy prostate cells.
Antibiotics, painkillers, drug treatments to improve urine flow to treat prostatitis; Warm sitz baths and massage may be recommended. In prostate cancer, active monitoring and screening tests are important. Radiotherapy, hormone therapy or cryotherapy may be used in prostate cancer.