PROSTATE GLAND:
“A time bomb in men’s plumbing (genito urinary) system“.Background-cancer of prostate account for 40.67% and highest cancer in men in Nigeria (U.C.H. Ibadan) 40% of infertility amongst couples is cause by man
Location: below the bladder in front of rectum.

 

Function:

1. proper bladder control of urine flow rate
2.  essential for normal sex function of ejaculation and fertility

Problems:

1. Infection and inflammation (prostitutes)                                                  25 – 45 years
2. Prostate Enlargement (Benin prostatic hypertrophy-BPH)                       45 – 50 years
3. Cancer of prostate.                                                                                          50 years and above

 

SYMPTOMS OF AN ENLARGED PROSTATE:

1. Bathroom problem.
2. Frequent urination, especially at night.
3. Sudden uncontrollable urges to urinate – urgency.
4. Week or interrupted urine flow (dribbling).
5. Inability to urinate (difficult starting or stopping).
6. Burning sensation or Pain when urinating (dysuria).
7.  Blood in the urine (heamaturia).
8. Pain in lower back, pelvis or upper thigh.
9. Bedroom problem.
10. Reduced sexual urge (libido) and ability.
11. Painful orgasm.
12. Discomfort during intercourse.
13. Impotence/infertility.

 

PROSTATE CANCER RISK FACTOR:

1. Age: is the primary risk factor; prostate cancer is uncommon in men younger than 45, but more common with advancing age.
2. Family history of cancer.
3. Race/Ethinicity.
4. Diet including vitamins and minerals deficiency.
5. Medication exposures.
6. Infection: STIs – Chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis.
7. Lifestyle – exercise, smoking etc.
8. Obesity.

Prevention is better than cure: do your “prostate cancer risk assessment”

1. Regular medical check – up: including prostate ultrasound scanning for early diagnosis and to determine the size and weight to classify the BHP into stages for management purpose
2. Therapeutic lifestyle changes etc.