Prostate Diseases
The prostate is a gland pear-like in shape, located at the bottom of the urinary bladder, and surrounds the urethra like a ring. It is considered one of the most important reproductive system components in a man. In this gland, the urine and semen streams meet to form a single channel called the urethra. Any issue that affects the prostate gland can adversley affect the urinary or sexual function in a man causing sa series of symptoms depending on the type of imbalance.
The prostate gland secretes a slightly alkaline fluid which is ejected with the semen during ejaculation. this fluid nourishes the sperm and supplies it with necessary energy to complement its progress in the genital tract of women. In addition theprostate secretes a liquid anti-bacterial fliud which helps in the prevention of microbial infections in the urinary tract.
Some common symptoms of prostate diseases are:
- Weakness in the flow of urine.
- Difficulty or pain in urination.
- Frequent urination.
- The presence of purulent secretions in the urine.
- The presence of blood in the urine.
- The speed of ejaculation or pain.
- Pain in the back, buttocks or abdomen down.
There are three general types of prostate diseases. The first one being prostate infection and usually happens to men between ages ages 25 and 45 years old where more than half of men suffer from it at some time in their lives. Second, benign prostatic hypertrophy, which is most common in men between ages 50 and 60 years. And lastly, prostate cancer, which most commonly occurs in men over 50 years old.