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50% Of Men Over 50 Suffer From This Problem, But Now There's An Easy Fix
© (photo credit: Marco Verch Professional Photographer/Flickr) A man with hands holding his crotch (illustrative).
Not many people know, but half of all men age 50 or more suffer from a benign enlarged prostate and the chance this will happen only goes up as one get older. The good news is that today, this issue can be treated with an innovative method that allows for quick recovery, minimal risks and most importantly, doesn't impair sexual function.The prostate gland is part of the male reproductive system. It lies under the bladder and it wraps around the urethra. Benign enlargement is a condition where the volume of the prostate increases as a natural part of human aging, just like most men have receding hair. The increased volume impacts the urethra, located at the center of the prostate. As a result, it can make urination difficult.
About 50% of men aged 50 will suffer from this condition and as you get older, it becomes even more common.
What are the symptoms and how does treatment work?Common symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia include difficulty urinating, weak urine stream, repeated and frequent feelings of urgently needing to urinate, and feeling like you can't empty the bladder. In some cases, it's possible for urinary retention to occur, a condition that requires the urgent insertion of a urinary catheter.
Treatment starts with lifestyle changes like avoiding drinking coffee and alcohol in the evenings and especially before going to sleep. If this treatment doesn't lead to improvement, you can take medications that can help, but this only helps a bit because at some point, their effect diminishes. Sometimes there are also side effects to the medications, such as decreased sexual function or breast enlargement.
Surgical treatment optionsIf medication no longer helps, you can undergo surgery to remove the prostate. There are two common surgical procedures for this. One is a closed resection, which is suitable for a prostate with a volume of 30-80 cc. The operation is performed under anesthesia, during which a camera is inserted through the urethra. After that, parts of the prostate are cut with another device inserted into the urethra, with the aim of opening the scar tissue that stops you from urinating fully.
The second method is an open resection through the lower abdominal wall, which is usually suitable for a prostate larger than 100 cc. As with any surgery, this operation comes with risks such as infection, bleeding, impaired sexual function, posterior ejaculation and urine leakage. Recovery time after surgery varies and ranges from 2-8 weeks.
Over the years, there have been many attempts to develop new methods and produce technologies to allow for invasive treatment with minimal risk, with high chances of success, and without lasting side effects. A cutting-edge technology called prostate artery embolization presents an innovative approach to treating this issue without surgery. This is a safe and effective procedure to treat lower urinary tract symptoms and urinary retention as a result of benign prostate enlargement.
Since its development, many studies have been published that have shown that the results of embolization are similar to surgery, and even superior in helping with urination. This procedure is more comfortable than conventional treatments. It's performed under local anesthesia and sedation, there's no need to insert a urinary catheter, it can be performed on any prostate volume over 35 cc, and it doesn't hinder sexual function.
The hospitalization and the duration of the recovery period are short. In addition, the possible complications from this operation are extremely rare. This is undoubtedly a significant breakthrough for treating an enlarged prostate.
Dr. Zalman Itzhakov is a department manager and invasive radiologist at Medica Elisha Haifa.
Causes And Treatment Of Chronic Prostatitis
Chronic prostatitis refers to pain in the prostate that lasts at least 3 months. It happens due to inflammation of the prostate. It can affect sexual function and the ability to urinate. Possible causes include bacterial infections and damage to the pelvic nerves.
Acute prostatitis is an infection or pain in the prostate gland lasting less than 3 months.
In this article, we look at the causes and symptoms of chronic prostatitis. We also cover diagnosis, treatment, and home and alternative remedies.
The prostate is a small gland that forms part of the lower urinary tract in males. It sits in front of the rectum, under the bladder, and surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine and semen out through the penis.
The prostate is part of the male reproductive system and produces one of the fluids that make up semen. The muscles of this gland also help push semen into the urethra during ejaculation.
Due to its location and function, prostate problems can affect urination as well as sexual function.
Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate that can often be painful. It can be chronic or acute.
Chronic prostatitis develops gradually and can last for months or even years. Doctors consider prostatitis to be chronic if symptoms continue for 3 months or more. It may not respond well to initial treatment.
Acute prostatitis appears suddenly and is temporary. It may only last a few days or weeks and often responds well to treatment. If it persists, it may become chronic prostatitis.
Prostatitis is the leading cause of urinary tract issues for men under 50 years of age, and the third most common urinary tract issue for men over 50.
What other prostate problems are there?
Prostatitis can be bacterial or nonbacterial.
Chronic bacterial prostatitisA bacterial infection of the prostate causes chronic bacterial prostatitis.
It can result from:
The symptoms of chronic bacterial prostatitis are often less severe than those of acute bacterial prostatitis. A person who has previously had an acute infection might notice that their symptoms get better but do not go away.
Chronic non-bacterial prostatitis, or chronic pelvic pain syndromeThis is a non-bacterial form of prostatitis that can have many causes and is harder to treat.
It can occur when:
The main symptom of chronic prostatitis is genital or pelvic pain. For some people, the pain feels like a gnawing ache. For others, it is intense and sharp. The pain may come and go or always be present.
Other symptoms of chronic prostatitis include:
Anyone with these symptoms should see a doctor as soon as possible. They may be a sign of another health condition that needs urgent attention. Untreated, they could lead to complications.
Is there a link between prostatitis and prostate cancer?
People with symptoms of prostatitis should see a doctor. If a bacterial infection is present, seeking medical help as soon as possible can help prevent it spreading.
To diagnose prostatitis, a doctor will most likely:
During a rectal exam, a doctor inserts a finger into the person's rectum to check the prostate for swelling and inflammation. They may also look for signs of infection, such as discharge from the penis or swollen lymph nodes.
A doctor may recommend antibiotics if they suspect the problem is due to a bacterial infection.
They may recommend further tests if symptoms do not improve with antibiotics or there are no signs of an infection.
Options include:
What types of physical examination are there?
Treatment for chronic prostatitis will depend on the cause.
People with chronic prostatitis due to a bacterial infection or recurrent infections may need antibiotics for up to 6 months.
Other treatment options include:
Various home and alternative treatments may support medical treatment for chronic prostatitis.
Kegel exercisesKegel exercises, also known as pelvic floor exercises, can help improve urination difficulties in people with chronic prostatitis. The exercises work by strengthening the muscles around the bladder and penis.
To do these exercises:
It may take a few months before a person notices the results.
What are Kegel exercises for males?
Other remediesOther home and alternative remedies that may provide symptom relief for people with chronic prostatitis include:
People should always speak with a doctor before trying a new or alternative remedy, as some options may interact with other medications or may be unsafe for some people.
Can saw palmetto help reduce an enlarged prostate gland?
Here are some questions people often ask about prostatitis.
What are some common signs and symptoms of prostatitis?Common signs of prostatitis include:
A doctor will prescribe antibiotics if a bacterial infection appears to be present. If tests show another cause, they will prescribe treatment appropriately. Some home and alternative remedies may help support medical treatment.
Does prostatitis go away?Acute prostatitis may go away with antibiotics, but it may return or linger and become chronic prostatitis. If prostatitis does not go away with initial treatment, a person should speak with their doctor. They will help find a solution.
Chronic prostatitis is a long-term condition that can cause pain and difficulties with urination. Anyone with symptoms of prostatitis should see a doctor.
Treatment depends on the cause and symptoms. If an infection is present, a person may need antibiotics. Kegel exercises and certain home and alternative remedies may also help relieve symptoms.
How Prostate Cancer Stole My Father, Uncle, Two Brothers – 70 Year-old Survivor
Capt. Ayinde Yahya, a retiree from the Nigerian Army, is a prostate cancer survivor. His prolonged battle with the killer disease for five harrowing years was one that took him through excruciating medical crucibles. Sadly, he lost four of his family members in quick succession, shortly after they were diagnosed at an advanced stage with the debilitating ailment. He shares his journey to recovery with ANGELA ONWUZOO and gave insights into how men can win the battle against the scourge
When Captain Ayinde Yahya (retd) lost his voice in 2019 after taking part in a rigorous presidential election campaign with his kinsmen in Ilorin, Kwara State, little did he know that it was prostate cancer that was stealthy sinking its fangs into his body.
The life-threatening disease was not new to the retired army officer, who had lost his father, uncle, and two of his brothers to the killer disease.
The soft-spoken father of 10 told our correspondent that what he found strange about his ordeal was that he did not experience classical symptoms of the disease, such as difficulty in urinating and back pain, which were what his late loved ones painfully endured before succumbing to the degenerative disease.
Instead, Yahya battled with excessive fatigue and loss of speech for over eight weeks, within which time people around him struggled to hear the inaudible words he uttered.
House sold to upset treatment
The grandfather, who sold his house in Ikorodu area of Lagos State to pay for his treatment, said it was tough surviving the ailment after it was diagnosed at an advanced stage.
He recounted, "When I realised that my condition was not getting any better, I told a doctor during one of my visits to the clinic that I have been unable to carry out my Prostate-Specific Antigen test in the last three years.
"So, he referred me to an urologist. The urologist gave me a letter to go carry out the PSA test. The result showed that it was 150, instead of 4.5. That meant I was already dead. I was a living corpse."
The septuagenarian said he could have escaped the invasion of the ravaging disease and its huge financial burden if he had continued with his PSA screening.
The retired Army officer told PUNCH Health that he was, however, lucky to have survived the deadly disease by selling his house to pay for treatments and drugs.
Narrow escape
The Kwara State indigene recalled that from the age of 50, he started carrying out prostate cancer tests every two years.
"I was living in my own house in Ikorodu, Lagos, before my prostate cancer journey forced me to relocate to Kwara State, after selling the property to access treatment.
"I started carrying the prostate cancer screening test also known as the Prostate-Specific Antigen test at Ikorodu General Hospital. But then, each time I go for the PSA test, the result will return negative. So, after carrying out the test for 10 years and the result kept coming back negative, I stopped.
" I felt the test was a waste of time and money. But I was wrong. The three-year period that I refused to go for the PSA test was when prostate cancer struck me. I was almost gone because I was diagnosed at an advanced stage of the disease."
Prostate-Specific Antigen Test explained
The Prostate-Specific Antigen test popularly known as the PSA test, according to an online news portal, Mayo Clinic, is a blood test used primarily to screen for prostate cancer.
It explained that the test measures the amount of prostate-specific antigen in the blood.
"PSA is a protein produced by both cancerous and noncancerous tissue in the prostate- a small gland that sits below the bladder in males", Mayo Clinic stated.
According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, the PSA test is the leading method of screening for prostate cancer.
Experts say PSA screening can help detect the disease at an early stage when treatment may be more effective and potentially have fewer side effects.
Despite the availability and affordability of the PSA test, physicians say most men in Nigeria die from prostate cancer due to low awareness about the disease.
Although Nigeria lacks data on the number of its populace living with prostate cancer, findings by PUNCH Healthwise showed that prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men, but screening for the disease is not yet a common practice in the country.
Yahya who chronicled how his prostate cancer journey, which started in 2018 with a complete loss of his voice, told our correspondent that he initially thought that the challenge he had with his voice was caused by a sore throat, without knowing that it was one of the symptoms of full-blown prostate cancer.
Headache and twisted tongue
Further chronicling his battle with prostate cancer, the retired Army officer said, "In 2018, I woke up from sleep with a severe headache and a twisted tongue. I was still living in Lagos at that time. So, I drove myself to Ikorodu General Hospital, where the doctor attended to me and gave me some drugs.
"After a month, I became okay. A year after, in 2019, I got involved in a presidential campaign in my state that was so tedious I had to shout most of the time. So, I lost my voice.
"Initially, I thought I had a sore throat. I started taking bitter kola with honey and there was no respite. After some time, it got worse that nobody could hear me anymore, no matter how close they were to me.
"I lost my voice completely. One day, while still battling to recover my voice, I started feeling very weak and couldn't walk. I was rushed to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Kwara State."
Continuing, he said, "After I was given some treatments at the emergency department, I was referred to the neurology department, where I was administered some drugs and felt better. My voice became normal. But around July of that same year, I had a relapse. I started stooling uncontrollably and became so emaciated."
The retired Army officer who is a grandfather of 11 grandchildren, told PUNCH Healthwise that prostate cancer almost paralysed him, as he could no longer carry out his routine chores without the support of his children.
" My daughter and sons were the ones taking turns to bathe me. I could not walk or stand. So, I went back to the UITH and my case was moved from the Neurology Department to the Ear Nose and Throat Department.
Doctors unaware it was prostate cancer
"After examining me, the doctors requested for Magnetic Resonance Imaging to be carried out at the Mecure Healthcare Centre, Oshodi, Lagos. When the MRI result came out, it indicated that the problem had to do with the throat and not neurology. A growth was discovered in my throat.
"So after the doctors at the ENT department saw my result and had it analysed, I was taken to the theatre, where they operated on my throat. They took part of the tumour for a test and it was not cancerous.
The Septuagenarian said the doctors told him that since it was not cancer and his voice was still not clear, he should start taking his medications with warm water.
"They assured me that my voice will become normal with time. At this point, the doctors were still not aware that I had prostate cancer and that it was responsible for my ill health", he added.
Worried that he was not getting better after carrying out the surgery, the septuagenarian, said he decided to help the doctors to do their job by requesting for a prostate cancer screening, having stopped for over three years.
His suspicion was right as his PSA test showed that prostate cancer had invaded his body and was now at an advanced stage.]
"The test confirmed my suspicion," Capt.Yahya said with a smile on his face.
Prostate cancer leading cause of cancer death in black men
Experts say prostate cancer is a leading cancer diagnosis and cause of cancer-related deaths among men.
They noted that it is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Nigerian men.
A Professor of Pathology, Oncology and Urology at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Clayton Yates told PUNCH Healthwise in an exclusive interview that based on available statistics, 60 per cent of black men are more at risk of prostate cancer than white men.
"We have done research that showed that there are possible genetic hereditary genes that are in people of African descent that predispose them to prostate cancer.
"So, before you even get diagnosed, you have to live a healthy lifestyle, eat lots of fruits and vegetables. Eight out of 10 African men will have prostate cancer, while it is between four and five out of 10 for white men. For black men, they must start prostate cancer screening from the age of 40 years", the oncologist said.
Further narrating his ordeal, Capt. Yahya said when he realised that, "Several other tests revealed that it was an advanced prostate cancer.
"I was asked to carry out an MRI and the UITH, but the machine was not available there. So, I went to Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Oyo State and it was done for N120,000.
"The result further revealed that the prostate cancer was at an advanced stage, but had not affected major organs of my body, though it had metastasized.
"When I went back to the consultant that requested for the MRI test, he examined me and prescribed three treatment options. They were either I get castrated, have my testicles removed, or I will be on a monthly injection every three months.
Why I refused castration
The grandfather told our correspondent that he refused to be castrated due to the complications involved.
He said, "The doctor advised me to go for the first option, which was to have my testicles removed. He explained that prostate cancer feeds on the testes and that if I should remove them, the cancer will die a natural death.
"But I refused to be castrated because I have seen the elderly with prostate cancer, who were castrated and had complications. Some of them are still urinating uncontrollably. I saw some of them at the urology clinic when I was still receiving treated.
"Some of them told me that they started having problems after their testicles were removed in the course of treatment. Because of that, I refused to remove mine. That was why I chose the third option– injection.
"I take the injection every three months and a jab cost N150, 000. The doctor said the tablet will not be too effective in my case. But the side effects of the injection is traumatizing. The tingling sensation is worrisome. "
Yahya, who went into business after his retirement from the Nigerian Army, told PUNCH Healthwise that he received the news about his prostate cancer with calmness, despite suffering heavy losses to the disease – the death of four family members.
"My reaction upon discovering that I had prostate cancer was to believe that I will not die until it is my time," he added gleefully.
Life is more important than sex
The septuagenarian said despite losing his ability to become intimate with a woman, he is happy to be alive.
"Despite the fact that I was vomiting every food I ate, I still have a strong spirit that I will survive the disease. I stopped having sex after I was diagnosed with prostate cancer because life is more important than sex.
"For five years now, I have not been intimate with any woman. The prostate cancer made me to stop, even though I normally have the urge sometimes. I have four wives. The doctor didn't advise me to stop, but I feel that as a prostate cancer patient if I have sex, it will worsen my condition. "
"Also, the side effects of prostate cancer treatment include loss of libido and dizziness. There is no prostate cancer treatment that does not have side effects especially loss of libido."
The retiree said the obvious prostate cancer symptoms that he had besides the loss of his voice were serious back pain and frequent urination.
"I didn't have a problem urinating like others. Now, immediately I take the injection, by the next week, I will start talking normally", he added.
Prostate cancer, a death knell for the poor
Capt. Yahya said surviving cancer in Nigeria through out-of-pocket payment for healthcare was tough.
"From my experience, it will be difficult for a poor man to survive prostate cancer in Nigeria through out-of-pocket payment for treatment. In fact, receiving the news that you have prostate cancer can be traumatising. Prostate cancer treatment is very expensive."
"The injection that I take is N150,000 per dose and it has to be every three months. I take a tablet every night, and I spend N40,000 every month to buy a pack of 28 tablets."
"I sold my house in Ikorodu to raise money for treatment. After I sold my house, I relocated to Kwara State. My children are the ones now paying for my treatment.
"Then also, you must always eat a good diet. Without a good diet, you can never survive prostate cancer and these diets are expensive.
It can be reversed
The elderly man, however, said the worrisome trend could be reversed through early and regular prostate cancer screening.
He said, "My father died of prostate cancer in 1963. Then 10 years later, in 1973, my father's younger brother also died of it. In 2017, my elder brother died of prostate cancer, followed by my younger brother, the last born of the family, in 2021.
"So, I have lost four people in my family to prostate cancer. My father was not aware that he had prostate cancer. But my uncle and brothers had the symptoms but were busy taking local herbs until their condition degenerated. They were always having back pain and difficulty urinating, but by the time they agreed to go to the hospital to get appropriate treatment, it was too late.
"They were all diagnosed with advanced-stage of prostate cancer and they died in the hospital. In fact, in my younger brother's case, the doctor said the local herbs had destroyed his liver and kidneys. He died at the age of 58 years."
Continuing, he said, "This is why awareness is very important. Now, what can save a man from such bad news is a regular PSA test. Men should carry out prostate cancer tests at least once a year. The government should sensitise the public on prostate cancer tests.
"Regular test lead to early detection and can reduce the burden of cost and other challenges associated with prostate cancer. Men with prostate cancer and without the financial muscle to access treatment will keep urinating and defecating on their bodies, and will not survive the killer disease.
"You may be required to carry out between 15 to 20 tests before being diagnosed with prostate. The cost of the diagnosis alone is killing, let alone the treatment. "Surviving prostate cancer is tough in Nigeria due to out-of-pocket payment for treatment. I sold my house to pay my medical bills. When I exhausted all I had, my children started helping to foot my bills."
Early screening is essential
Experts who spoke with PUNCH Healthwise on the issue said men with a family history of prostate cancer should begin their PSA test from the age of 35, while those without a history should begin at 40 years.
elaborating on this, Prof. Yates, an internationally recognised expert in prostate cancer health disparities research, cell biology, molecular biology, and molecular pathology, said black men are twice more likely to die from prostate cancer than white.
The researcher explained, "So, that is a problem and we need to address the problem. To an average man out there, if you get a prostate cancer test done annually, you can save your life. Screening is really very key.
" No man out there should die of prostate cancer if they have their test done annually. If it is detected early, you do not have to die from the disease and can still lead a normal life. We want to have early-stage intervention; you know that late presentation involves chemotherapy and all that.
"We don't want prostate cancer patients to get to that late stage before presenting at the hospital. We want to catch the disease early. We don't want a late presentation."
PSA test key to early detection
A public health physician and Permanent Secretary at Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, said every man, who is 4o years and above should monitor their PSA.
"You should see a healthcare provider to check the size and texture of your prostate because prostate cancer is very common among men. But it is one of those cancers that when detected early, can be cured.
"We should also know the early warning symptoms. When you have any of those symptoms, go for a health check immediately. We need to key into health insurance to reduce the financial burden of access to care.
"We need to have financial protection. We are one illness away from poverty. We really have to be careful and subscribe to health insurance packages that will address our needs."
Prostate cancer symptoms
According to him, symptoms of prostate cancer can be blood in the urine (Hematuria), painful ejaculation, and pain in the lower back, hips or upper thighs.
Dr. Ogboye also identified a dull pain in the lower pelvic area, frequent urination; trouble urinating, pain, burning, or weak urine flow as other symptoms.
"Others are loss of appetite, loss of weight and pain in the bone. In its early stages, prostate cancer often has no symptoms", he added.
He urged men having any of the above-listed symptoms to see a doctor for a health check.
Meanwhile, in a recent article published in the Pan African Medical Journal titled, "Prevalence and characteristics of prostate cancer among participants of a community-based screening in Nigeria using serum prostate-specific antigen and digital rectal examination", the authors said prostate cancer screening was not a common practice in Nigeria in spite of prostate cancer being the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Nigerian men.
According to them, awareness about prostate cancer is very poor.
"Majority of our patients, therefore, usually present in the hospital with the disease in the advanced stage. This community-based testing for prostate cancer, which was entirely at no financial cost for the participants, has given the opportunity to create more awareness about the disease in the community", the authors said.
Ways forward
Collectively, the experts called for more awareness creation, education and screening for prostate cancer prevention.
•To continue reading this story, go to: https://healthwise.Punchng.Com/
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