Prostate disease is the term uses to describe conditions that can affect the prostate gland.
These can be:
- prostate enlargement
- inflammation of the prostate gland (prostatitis)
- prostate cancer
Prostate enlargement
Prostate enlargement is a common condition especially in around a third of men over the age of 50.
If the prostate becomes enlarged it can put pressure on the urethra (a tube that runs from the bladder through the prostate) and make is difficult to pass urine
Symptoms of an enlarged prostate
- difficulty when starting to urinating
- weak flow of urine
- having to strain to pass urine
- peeing more frequently
- having to get up and pee at night
In the first instance it’s recommended that you reduce the amount you drink before bed to see if that eases the symptoms.
Medications, such as alpha blockers, are available to help reduce the size of the prostate and relax the prostate gland muscles.
Only if medication doesn’t ease the problems is surgical intervention an option. The inner part of the prostate gland that’s causing the blockage is surgically removed.
Find out more about prostate enlargement.
Prostatitis
Prostatitis is a condition where the prostate gland becomes inflamed. This can occur as a result of an infection although in most cases no evidence of infection is found.
Symptoms of prostatitis include:
- pelvic pain
- testicular pain
- pain when urinating (usually associated with a urinary tract infection)
- pain when ejaculating semen
- pain in the perineum (the area between the anus and back of the scrotum). This can be worse when sitting.
Prostatitis is treated by a combination of painkillers and medication known as an alpha-blocker.
Find out more about prostatitis.