The prostate gland is very an important part of the male reproductive system. The prostate creates a fluid that mixes with sperm and other fluids during ejaculation. These fluids nourish and transport sperm during the process of semen ejaculation moment sexual excitement.
Prostate Enlargement is common as a man ages and matures. A normal gland is around the size of a walnut. Medical doctors call this condition of enlarged prostate benign prostatic hyperplasia (or simply BPH).
As the prostate enlarges, the layer of tissue surrounding it stops it from expanding, causing the prostate gland to press inward against the urethra and restricting the flow, narrowing the space for urine to pass. The bladder starts to contract even when it contains small amounts of urine, causing more frequent urination by the male as the bladder wall also becomes thicker and irritable. The bladder weakens and loses the ability to completely empty itself and urine remains in the bladder.
The symptoms of an enlarged prostate can vary, but the most common ones involve changes or problems with urination, such as a hesitant, interrupted, weak stream, urgency and leaking or dribbling, more frequent urination, especially at night. Men who have symptoms of prostate obstruction are much more likely to develop chronic kidney disease. These are troubling and dangerous problems if not found and corrected in time. A doctor can determine an enlarged prostate during the dreaded finger prostate exam.
There are many different medical treatments for prostate cancer that involve the clinical care of a healthcare professional. These treatments include expectant therapy, surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and chemotherapy.
Transurethral resection of the prostate – surgery to remove part of the prostate gland that surrounds the urethra. Side effects of prostate cancer surgery include incontinence and impotence. Incontinence is the inability to control urine and may result in dribbling of urine, especially immediately after surgery and normal control usually returns within weeks or months after surgery. For a month, or so, after surgery, most men are not able to get an erection, but eventually, approximately 40 to 60 percent of men will be able to get an erection, but without ejaculation of semen..
Radiation therapy uses high energy rays to kill or shrink cancer cells, and to decrease their ability to divide.If the disease is advanced, radiation may be used to reduce the size of the tumor and to provide relief from symptoms.
Hormone therapy does not cure the cancer, and is often used to treat persons whose cancer has spread or recurred after treatment. Most studies show that hormone therapy works better if it is started early. Chemotherapy is the use of powerful, anti-cancer medications to kill cancer cells. Common side effects of chemotherapy include: nausea and vomiting, hair loss, anemia, reduced ability of blood to clot, mouth sores, increased likelihood of developing infections, fatigue.
Hospitalization may be needed to monitor treatment and chemotherapy’s side effects.
Numerous effective pharmaceutical drugs are available to improve symptoms of prostate enlargement:
Propecia (Finasteride) – can reduce the size of the prostate gland in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Propecia can help to reduce symptoms caused by BPH such as a weak or interrupted urine flow; a feeling that the bladder is not completely empty, a need to pass urine more often, especially at night; an urgent feeling that you must pass urine right away; a delay or hesitation when you start to urinate. Propecia is also used for the treatment of certain types of male hair loss.
Casodex (Bicalutamide) – blocks the effect of the male hormone called testosterone. Prostate cancer responds to the removal of androgens. Casodex is used in combination with another medicine.
Flomax (Tamsulosin) is used to treat enlargement of the prostate gland in men (BPH). It is not for use in women. Flomax works by relaxing muscles in the prostate and bladder neck at the site of the obstruction what improves urine flow and reduces BPH symptoms.
Cardura (Doxazosin) is an antihypertensive. Also can be used to treat enlargement of the prostate gland in men.
Minipress (Prazosin) is an antihypertensive. Also Sometimes used for prostate problems. Generic prazosin capsules are available.
Floxin (Ofloxacin) is an antibiotic. Floxin kills certain bacteria or stops their growth. It treats urinary tract, skin, prostate, urinary and respiratory tract infections, as well as certain sexually transmitted diseases.
Hytrin (Terazosin) is an antihypertensive. Hytrin is sometimes used for prostate problems.
Levaquin (Levofloxacin) is an antibiotic. Levaquin it is used to treat prostate, urinary tract, skin, sinus and lung infections, as well as other infections. Levaquin kills certain bacteria or stops their growth.
In addition to herbs and mainstream medications, there is also some basic, common sense and behavioral changes that can help combat prostate symptoms. Among these changes are reducing fluid intake, limiting or ending alcohol and caffeine consumption, especially in the evening, and not passing up a chance to use the bathroom, even when your bladder doesn’t feel full.
These simple steps can help reduce the impact of an enlarged prostate on a men’s life.
