Prostate Conditions – Warning Signs & Management

Prostate conditions, enlargement and prostate cancer usually only affect men over the age of 50, and about half of the men over this age will have some prostate enlargement.

The prostate is a gland only found in men and is part of the male reproductive system, which includes the penis, seminal vesicles, and testicles. The prostate is located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It is about the size of a walnut and surrounds the urethra, the tube which carries urine from the bladder to the penis and runs through the prostate.

The most important function of the prostate is the production of a fluid that, together with sperm cells from the testicles and fluids from other glands, makes up semen which is ejaculated at orgasm.

Top 8 warnings signs you may have a prostate condition 

There may be a problem with your prostate if you experience:

1. Difficulty stopping or starting urination
2. Urinary hesitancy where it is difficult to start the flow of urine
3. Dribbling urine between visits to the toilet
4. A painful or burning sensation during urination or ejaculation
5. Frequent urination particularly at night
6. Passing little or no urine
7. Cloudy urine
8. Blood in the urine

* If you experience any of the above symptoms, please make an appointment to see your Doctor because it is important for men, no matter their age, to discuss their prostate health.

 

3 main prostate conditions to affect men 

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

The most common benign tumour in men. BPH is considered a normal condition of male ageing, and many men older than 80 years have BPH symptoms.

Prostatitis

An inflammation of the prostate and is different from an enlarged prostate, though some of the symptoms are similar. Prostatitis affects men of all ages, but it tends to be more common in men up to the age of 50 years old. It can cause the prostate to become swollen, tender, or inflamed.

Prostate cancer

The most diagnosed cancer in Australia for men. The risk of developing prostate cancer increases with age at a ratio of 1 in 7 men developing prostate cancer under 75 years of age and increasing to 1 in 5 over the age of 85.

After you have consulted your Doctor and know what prostate problem and treatment options available, there are some lifestyle changes you can make.

Top 5 lifestyle changes for prostate health

1. Increase your fluid intake to 6-8 glasses (1.5–2 litres) of non-caffeinated and non-alcoholic fluids each day to flush out bacteria from your bladder, prevent urinary tract infections and reduce bladder irritation.
2. Increase your fibre intake to 25-30 grams each day to bulk up your stools and encourage bowel motions to be soft and easy to pass.
3. Urinate while sitting instead of standing to encourage your pelvic floor muscles to relax.
4. Maintain a correct toileting position to help you completely empty your bladder and relax the pelvic floor muscles. To do so, lean forward and place your elbows on your knees, keep your spine straight, make sure your knees are higher and wider than your hips (you may find a footstool helpful) and avoid straining or holding your breath as you urinate.
5. Learn how to exercise your pelvic floor muscles by seeing a specialist continence clinician.

Some men may require continence aids to manage any urinary incontinence episodes while waiting for the treatment of their prostate, or during their rehabilitation phase post operatively.

 

Continence aids & appliances for men with prostate conditions

• Disposable pads and pants for men
• Washable pads and pants for men
• Condom drainage – view our factsheet here 
• Washable and portable urinals

Independence Australia offers a wide range of male specific continence products to preserve your dignity and allow you to continue to participate in all your daily activities.

 

This article is sponsored by Independence Australia, a social enterprise that provides choices for people living with a disability or other personal need, enabling them to regain and retain their independence within a supportive community.

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