Prostatitis Causes And Symptoms

What Is The Prostate?

As part of their reproductive system males have a prostate gland. The prostate is a small, round gland around the size of a walnut in most men. It is quite light, at approximately 15 to 20 grams. Located directly below the bladder it encircles the urethra completely.

The urethra provides the transport mechanism for both urine and semen to flow through and out of the penis.

Any alteration to the size of the prostate gland can impact on the way the urethra empties and can produce pressure on the bladder – creating difficulty in passing urine. Prostatitis causes are many and varied as are prostatitis treatments.

What Is The Prostate’s Main Function?

The prostate gland produces a milky, alkaline fluid, which makes up part of the semen. The are various conditions that can affect the prostate.

Benign prostatic enlargement (BPE) is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland.

A benign prostatic enlargement usually occurs on the inner part of the prostate gland where it is most likely to squeeze the urethra and cause obstruction.

If pressure in the bladder is created by a urethra which is reduced in capacity, it may give rise to lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).

BPE does not ‘turn into’ prostate cancer. Not all men will develop symptoms of prostate disease, even though enlargement of the prostate occurs naturally with the ageing process, from 40-45 years onwards.

LUTS affects both men and women and has multiple causes. Some include infection, certain medications and other illnesses.

In men over the age of fifty the most prevalent cause of LUTS is BPE.

Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS)

• Difficulty in beginning – when your urine flow is delayed and you have to wait for your urine flow to start.

• Urge Incontinence – a sudden need to go to the toilet without warning. You may even release urine while on your way to the toilet.

• Frequency – when you need to go to the toilet more frequently than every two hours.

• Reduced urine stream – when the flow/volume of your urine stream is significantly reduced.

• Dribbling of urine – dribbling or a wet spot in your underpants and/or down your pants leg after you’ve finished urinating. In men over 70 years of age this is common.

• Partial bladder emptying – a feeling after urinating that you need to urinate again.

• Waking To Urinate  – waking with the urge to urinate two or more times during the night.

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer does not show symptoms in the early stages as it grows in the outer section of the gland where it is less likely to put pressure on the urethra and restrict the flow of urine. At later stages, prostate cancer can cause symptoms similar to those in the bullet points below.

It is important to note that because you may have these symptoms does not mean you have cancer.

Symptoms That Should Be Checked Out Without Delay

• Pain or a burning sensation when urinating.

• Pain on ejaculation.

• Blood in your urine or semen.

• Pain in the lower back, upper thighs, buttocks area or along one side of the penis.

• Severe incontinence – where a significant amount of urine is discharged without you being able to control it.

• Discharge from the urethra.

If you are concerned about any of your symptoms see your doctor and get a professional assessment of your condition.

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