MEN'S HEALTH

Prostate health is fundamental to men’s general well-being, especially considering the increase in cases of disease in this area. The three main conditions affecting the prostate are prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostatitis.

Enlarged prostate (BPH) occurs mainly in men as they get older, affecting around 50% of men between the ages of 45 and 60 and up to 90% between the ages of 75 and 85. Prostatitis, on the other hand, affects around 10 to 15% of men at some point in their lives. Both conditions can be uncomfortable. Although neither seems to cause cancer directly, symptoms such as urinary frequency or urgency, urinary infections, pain and the presence of blood in the urine can be associated with any of the three main prostate conditions.

The symptoms of BPH include a weak urine stream, a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying, difficulty starting or fully stopping the urine flow, urinary retention, and urinary tract infections (UTIs). Prostatitis, on the other hand, presents similar urinary flow issues along with pelvic pain, painful urination, flu-like symptoms, discomfort during ejaculation, blood presence, and pain in the lower back or rectal area. In cases of acute infection, fever may also occur.

Causes of prostatitis include bacterial infection, pelvic inflammation, urinary tract infections (UTIs), sexually transmitted diseases, injury or trauma to the area, nerve damage and structural abnormalities. Autoimmune prostatitis usually develops after untreated chronic prostatitis. The main causes of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) are ageing, hormonal changes, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, diabetes and metabolic syndrome, erectile dysfunction, inflammation and certain medications, such as hormone replacement therapy and antidepressants.

It is essential to start diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible. Many opt for conventional treatments, including antibiotics, muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatories and other drugs.