Prostate Problems and Symptoms
Information about Prostate Treatment and Doctors Who Treat BPH
Sep 9, 2009
A healthy prostate is about the size of a walnut. Located around the tube (urethra) that carries urine out of the bladder, the prostate contains part of the seminal fluid. As men age, the prostate begins to get bigger.
Types of Prostate Problems
The prostate gland usually enlarges as men age and only becomes a problem when the gland becomes so big that it interferes with quality of life, usually with problems of frequency or difficulty in urination.
Prostates can become infected, which is called Prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate). Prostates also can become cancerous.
Symptoms of Prostate Problems
Most men are initially unaware of their prostate getting bigger. However as the gland begins to press on the urethra, problems with urination increase.
Symptoms include:
- leaking of urine
- frequent urination
- difficulty urinating
- not feeling as though the bladder is completely empty
- needing to get up often during the night to use the bathroom.
Sometimes recurring bladder infections can also be a sign of prostate problems.
Prostatitis symptoms usually include painful and frequent urination.
Prostate cancer does not have symptoms at first and is usually found through a routine exam. However, prostate cancer may eventually have symptoms, including blood in the urine and many of the same symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate.
Doctors Who Treat Prostate
The primary type of doctor to treat a prostate problem is called a urologist. These physicians are highly trained in treating problems of the male and female urinary tract and the male reproductive organs, according to Urologychannel.com.
If a prostate becomes enlarged and infected or inflamed prostate (prostatitis), most likely treatment is done by a urologist. However, a family doctor may treat prostatitis or be involved with the urologist during treatment.
Prostate cancer may be treated by several or a group of doctors, depending on the course of treatment. Oncologists, hematologists, surgeons, radiologists may all be involved in the treatment of prostate cancer.
Naturopathic doctors have many options for treating prostate problems, according to Alternativemedicinechannel.com. The approach is to treat the patient holistically, adding nutrition and healthy lifestyle choices to traditional medical treatment.
Prostate Treatment
Treatment for enlarged prostate includes two types of medications, alpha blockers like Flomax and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors such as Proscar (Finasteride).
Surgery is done when medication does not work to shrink the prostate. Usually this involves removing part of the prostate and taking pressure off the urethra. Surgery is also done for some types of prostate cancer.
Alternative treatment for enlarged prostate may include herbs like Saw Palmetto Extract, Pygeum Africanum, Zinc, amino acids, ginseng, and homeopathic medications.
Additional Tips
Drinking plenty of water helps keep the urinary tract functioning well and flushes bacteria out, helping to prevent or limit infections.
Regular prostate exams are recommended for men over the age of forty to screen for prostate problems. Early detection is important for successful treatment.
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