1. What is the prostate, and what does it do?
Answer: The prostate is a small gland in men, located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It surrounds the urethra, the tube through which urine flows. The prostate produces seminal fluid, which nourishes and transports sperm during ejaculation.
2. What are the common symptoms of prostate problems?
Answer: Common symptoms include difficulty urinating, a weak urine stream, frequent urination, especially at night, pain or burning during urination, blood in urine or semen, and pain in the lower back, hips, or pelvic area.
3. What is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)?
Answer: BPH is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that commonly occurs as men age. It can cause urinary symptoms such as difficulty starting urination, a weak urine stream, and the need to urinate frequently.
4. What is prostate cancer?
Answer: Prostate cancer occurs when cells in the prostate gland grow uncontrollably. It is one of the most common cancers in men, but it often grows slowly and may not cause symptoms initially. Early detection through screening can improve treatment outcomes.
5. How is prostate cancer detected?
Answer: Prostate cancer is typically detected through a combination of a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test and a digital rectal exam (DRE). If these tests suggest the presence of cancer, a biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis.
6. What are the treatment options for prostate cancer?
Answer: Treatment options depend on the stage of the cancer, the patient’s age, overall health, and personal preferences. Options may include active surveillance, surgery (prostatectomy), radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and chemotherapy, prostdex
7. Can prostate problems affect sexual function?
Answer: Yes, prostate issues, including BPH and prostate cancer treatments, can affect sexual function. This may include erectile dysfunction and a decrease in libido. Treatment options are available to manage these issues.
8. At what age should I start getting screened for prostate cancer?
Answer: The general recommendation is for men to start discussing prostate cancer screening with their doctor at age 50. However, men at higher risk, such as those with a family history of prostate cancer or African American men, may need to start screening earlier, around age 40 or 45.
9. Is it possible to prevent prostate problems?
Answer: While there’s no sure way to prevent prostate problems, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help reduce risk. This includes eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking.