Adults-Older People

The Prostate

The prostate gland is found in men. It is located just below the bladder, and is closely associated with sexual function since it produces a component of semen. It encircles the urethra, the tube through which both semen and urine pass to leave the body, and it is this which can give rise to a number of problems in later years which can have an indirect impact on sexual activity. Few things go wrong with the prostate, but those which do are very common.

Most dysfunctions of the prostate are not detected until they interfere with the passing of urine, or blood is noted in the urine or semen. This is because the gland swells for a number of reasons and tends to choke off the urethra. In order to detect any abnormal changes, and possibly treat such conditions earlier on, regular examinations are important. This is especially so if there is a family history of prostate illnesses as there seems to be an inherited tendency to contract them. Examinations may be on an annual basis, starting from as early as age 40, and can involve rectal examination of the prostate and blood tests. Since the causes of most problems with the prostate cannot be identified exactly, recommended preventative measures to help avoid them consists of the usual advice you would expect for leading a healthy lifestyle; a healthy diet, no smoking, and some exercise.

Prostate Enlargement

This is very common in older men. As many as half of men over 60 are affected to some extent, and as many 80% of those over 80. It is believed to be caused by the effect of male hormones and the ageing process, and may be an inherited condition.

Difficulties with urinating are the main symptom, but it can be associated with urinary tract infections (UTIs), and kidney damage if left untreated. Accurate diagnosis can only be made by medical examination.

Prostatitis

Prostatitis is a common condition which is inflammation of the gland caused by bacterial infection, possibly from a urinary tract infection.

Apart from the usual prostate related symptoms described previously, prostatitis may be accompanied by rectal, penile, testicle, and low back pain. A fever or chills may also occur.

What is Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the growth of the prostate caused by a tumour. It is rare in men aged under 40 but becomes more common as age increases.

It is estimated that as much as 60% of all men over 80 have some cancer in their prostate. The younger the person, the more aggressive and serious the cancer tends to be. The older the person, the more slowly developing it usually is - taking perhaps 10 years to become significant.

As with other prostate illness, the main symptoms of difficult urination, or blood in the urine or semen tend to appear once the condition has been established. There are seldom any early warning signs which is why regular examinations should be considered.