Enlarged Prostate and Lower Back Pain

admin — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 10:28:49 +0000

Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland, often resulting in swelling or pain and can result in four significant symptoms: pain, urination problems, sexual dysfunction, and general health problems, such as feeling tired and depressed.

The prostate is the reproductive gland located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum, wrapping around the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine from the bladder. This gland produces most of a male’s semen.

A physician will diagnose prostatitis by collecting a patient’s urine and thoroughly examining his prostate gland.

The tests include a digital rectal examination, which involves inserting a well lubricated gloved finger into the rectum to check for any abnormalities of the gland. The physician also may collect a sample of prostate fluid so that it can be analyzed. Some physicians also perform a prostate specific antigen test to measure the amount of this chemical in a person’s blood. The presence of both prostatitis and prostate cancer can increase a patient’s PSA level.

As many as 50 percent of men in the United States will experience prostatitis during their lifetime. Prostatitis is divided into three main categories, nonbacterial, acute, and chronic, and the most common type is nonbacterial prostatitis. Symptoms may include frequent urination and pain in the lower abdomen or lower back area. Causes may be stress and irregular sexual activity.

Treatments for nonbacterial prostatitis may include anti-inflammatory medications or muscle relaxants, taking hot baths, drinking extra fluids, learning to relax when urinating, and ejaculating frequently. Also recommended changes in one’s diet may also be suggested.

Acute bacterial prostatitis can be the result of bacteria, a virus, or a sexually transmitted disease. Symptoms may include fever and chills, low back pain, frequent and painful urination, weak stream when urinating, and infrequent urination.

These type of infections are treated with antibiotics, bed rest, stool softener, and increased fluid intake.

Chronic prostatitis may be bacterial or the result of an inflammation of the prostate. Symptoms may include frequent bladder infections, frequent urination, and persistent pain in the lower abdomen or back.

This form of prostatitis often is treated with medications (often antibiotics), changes in the diet, biofeedback, and nonprescription supplements.

Screening is key to detecting prostatitis in its early stages and it involves looking for signs of the disease in people who have no symptoms, thus looking for early-stage disease at a point when treatment may be more effective.

What Increases the Risk of Having an Enlarged Prostate

admin — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 01:05:13 +0000

Many times, symptoms of an enlarged prostate are not apparent on younger men; however, there are symptoms that can signal a problem. They include: (1) a weak urine stream or starting or stopping while urinating; (2) difficulty in attempting to urinate; (3) post-urination dribbling; (4) the sensation of not being finished after urinating; (5) incontinence or leakage of urine from bladder; and (6) frequent or urgent need to urinate, especially at night.

Although not necessarily a symptom, obesity can signal a greater problem and if left unattended, can progress into prostate cancer.

In a study published in the journal, Cancer, stated that the higher a body mass index and weight gain in adulthood, the greater the risk of death from prostate cancer. This study did not reveal any conclusions that obesity was linked to enlarged prostate. We are becoming a fat society. The study went on to state that there was a 20% increase in obesity in the United States since 1985.

In addition to contributing to the increased incidence of an enlarged prostate, obesity can lead to heart disease, gallbladder disease, diabetes and stroke.

Not only are there factors that can lead to the risk of an enlarged prostate, an enlarged prostate can lead to urinary tract infections. Other risk factors include an uncircumcised penis, engaging in anal intercourse; unprotected sex with a woman who has been diagnosed with a vaginal infection and anyone who has been diagnosed with HIV. Another factor to be mindful of is not getting the requisite number of fluids. When we drink more fluid, namely water, we tend to have to urinate more frequently, thereby reducing the bacteria found in the urinary tract and bladder. When a catheter has been put in place for any reason, bacteria can enter the tube and start an infection. Kidney stones and diabetes can also develop from an enlarged prostate.

Our bodies are well-oiled machines and will start to “sputter” when it needs to be given a checkup. When we choose to ignore these maintenance signs, the attendant problems can turn into something that may have significant health consequences.

Prostate Health » risk factors

Enlarged Prostate and Lower Back Pain

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What Increases the Risk of Having an Enlarged Prostate

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