The Prostate

WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT

Look at this diagram. This is a simplified, not very good drawing of the side view of inside a man's lower abdomen showing the location of the prostate gland in relation to a few more familiar bits and pieces.

In real life the prostate gland is about the size and shape of a walnut, but usually with a smoother surface. It is there to produce a fluid which keeps the inside of the urethra healthy and to help the sperm by adding to the fluid which they swim along in. The urethra (tube through which you pass urine) passes through the prostate gland. It is easy to see why if this small gland swells up it can block or restrict the flow through the narrow tube (urethra) causing problems when you want to empty your bladder. This is often the first sign that something's wrong. You should also notice that the gland is close to the rectum, which means that it can be examined by inserting a finger into the back passage (rectum) and feeling around. DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME - YOU CANNOT EXAMINE YOUR OWN PROSTATE AND COULD INJURE YOURSELF TRYING. Only someone who is specially trained would have any idea of what to feel for or how to do this safely. That is where it is and what it does. Now I'll tell you what can go wrong and how you would know that all is not well.

MOST COMMON PROBLEMS FIRST

By far the commonest problem to affect the prostate gland is not related to cancer in any way. It is the enlargement of the prostate which occurs in men (women don't have a prostate gland) past the age of about 40. The further past 40 we go the greater the chances of being affected. This type of swelling, which doctors call benign prostatic hyperplasia (or BPH 'cause it's easier to write), often occurs inside the gland squeezing the urethra, preventing the easy passage of water from the bladder. Treatments are available which completely rectify this condition so it is worth swallowing your embarrassment and visiting your friendly neighborhood GP as soon as you notice a problem. It will not get better on it's own, only worse; eventually you could even be unable to pee at all, which is very serious and needs urgent medical attention.

OTHER CAUSES

The first sign that causes men to notice that there may be a problem, is usually to do with passing urine. Either there is difficulty starting, even when the bladder feels full, or the flow becomes less when you pass water - usually men notice both. Look at this helpful oversimplification to see if the writing is on the wall for you .


Whichever one is you, solutions are available, you just need to tell someone about it.

Another possible reason for these types of symptoms, and having to go frequently, is infection. This is very common at any age and usually has no sexual connection. If this is the cause, then it is easy to treat and generally clears up quickly with a bit of help from a doctor, so report it quickly or it could get serious. Going too often, coupled with a constant thirst, can be a sign that something else is wrong which needs treatment urgently (this can be a sign of Diabetes). Occasionally problems occur because the body becomes dehydrated, especially in hot weather. This can be quickly rectified by drinking plenty of non alcoholic fluids such as water or juice. If this doesn't help, see a doctor.

PROSTATE CANCER

Prostate cancer is the most serious and rarest of the conditions which can affect this part of the body. Detected early, it is successfully treatable by medical or/and surgical means, the choice of which should ultimately be yours, although you will be given lots of advice. You will need to consider the likely progress of the disease, and effects and side effects of the various treatments, which will be explained to you by your doctor. Like many cancer treatments it is more successful when started early, which is why it is so important to report symptoms straight away. Because the swelling of the prostate tends to affect the outer surface it may not cause difficulty in passing water or any other symptoms for quite a while. On the other hand there can be symptoms which are indistinguishable from either BPH (see above) or infection - hesitation in starting to pass water, poor flow, stopping and starting when peeing, or a feeling that you are not completely emptying your bladder. These symptoms should all be reported straight away to your doctor. The best guide is you, if something changes or is worrying you, see the doctor.

TO SUM UP

For those who can't be bothered to read all the above.

The vast majority of prostate problems are treatable and curable.

The earlier they are detected the easier they are to cure. A short examination, perhaps followed by a blood test will often be all that is required for an accurate diagnosis following which, treatment options will be offered.

OUR WEAKNESS IS OUR OUTLOOK.

If you think your health is your doctor's responsibility, think again. Most men only go to see him when they're ill, and if you're an average man only when you have been ill for quite a while. How can he take care of your health if he never sees you when you're healthy? The country spends vast amounts of money (your money) to look after people who are ill, so that health treatment is free when we need it most. I think that's brilliant. It also spends a bit on trying to prevent illness, which is what this site is all about. Like me, most people would rather spend a bit than a lot, how about you? Would you rather be Bill or Ben? Broke and ill or Better off and not ill? We all have to choose sometime.