5 December 2020 Author : José Preza Fernandes The prostate is a gland that belongs to the male reproductive system . It is located under the bladder, in front of the rectum. It surrounds the urethra, a channel that conducts urine from the bladder to the outside. When healthy, the prostate is about the size of a walnut. Its function is to produce a liquid that enters the composition of the sperm. What diseases can affect the prostate? In general we can talk about three diseases that can affect the prostate: Acute prostatitis Benign prostatic hyperplasia Prostate cancer Acute prostatitis Acute prostatitis is an infection of the prostate. As a rule, symptoms began suddenly and interfere greatly with the patient quality of life. The usual complaints are: Difficulty starting urination; Weak urinary jet requiring abdominal effort, associated with some urinary burning; Feeling of heaviness in the bladder or perineum; Sometimes fever (> 38ºC). The diagnosis of acute prostatitis is clinical, that is, it is based on the symptoms. Treatment includes antibiotic and anti-inflammatory medication. Benign prostatic hyperplasia Throughout life, the prostate gradually increases in volume. Symptoms of prostate hyperplasia can appear from the age of 40, although they are more frequent from 50 years of age. Benign prostatic hyperplasia affects, on average, two out of three men in this age group. The increased volume or pressure exerted by the prostate on the urethra can lead to the gradual appearance of chronic urinary symptoms, such as: Difficulty and hesitation to start urination; Weak jet requiring abdominal and / or interrupted effort; Drip at the end of urination; Feeling that the bladder is not completely empty after urination; Loss of urine; Need to urinate more often than usual, getting up during the night to urinate and a sudden and urgent urge to urinate. The t reatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia varies with the severity and interference with the quality of life of each man and can be: Monitoring and changing lifestyles (for example, reducing fluid intake); Oral medication; Surgery to remove the inner portion of the prostate that is blocking the urethra. Prostate cancer Prostate carcinoma is referred to as a silent malignant tumor , which means that it only gives symptoms in advanced stages of the disease. The suspicion of the possibility of prostate cancer is raised by the elevated levels of PSA (prostate specific antigen) in the blood, and / or the prostate rectal evaluation. The diagnosis is made through prostate biopsy and evaluation by pathological anatomy that confirms or excludes this diagnosis. The treatment of prostate cancer depends on the stage of the disease and may include surveillance, medication, surgery, or radiation therapy. Prostate surgery , performed with a conventional minimally invasive approach or through robotic surgery, allows to achieve excellent therapeutic results for patients , a quick recovery and has fewer side effects. Prevention Bet on a preventive attitude towards prostate diseases. From 40-50 years old, consult your attending physician or a urologist and find out what actions you should take to have a healthy life! Meet the urology team from Hospital da Luz network.. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
