The prostate belongs to the accessory sex glands of men, together with the seminal vesicles and the bulbourethral glands, which contribute to the formation of a secretion called seminal fluid. The prostate is a gland that intervenes in important functions within the body of men and if you often avoid performing their routine examinations, it is important that you know that this gland can suffer from alterations, which can affect your daily life and that in turn These conditions can lead to surgery. For this reason, it is important that men include in their routine examinations, the study of the prostate, especially after reaching a certain age. In this FastlyHealarticle, we will explain when the prostate should be operated on. So that you know the importance of performing routine exams and attending a specialist on time.
Table of Contents
What is the prostate and what is it for
It is a gland located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. Its size increases progressively with age, that is, in young people it is smaller than in adults. The function of the prostate is to produce a secretion called prostatic fluid , which protects the sperm and corresponds to the largest secretion that a man ejaculates. In addition, it produces most of the semen from the seminal vesicles, located behind the prostate. This increases the chances of fertilization and, therefore, the reproductive chances.
Through the prostate, the urethra passes, which is the tube that carries urine and semen out of the body. Inside the prostate, the vessels also pass, which are channels through which the sperm produced by the man’s testicles pass.
When ejaculation occurs, the prostate will contract and release its secretion, therefore, it will mix with the sperm-rich semen, exerting its protective function. The first fraction of this fluid is filled with the most active spermatozoa and most capable of being able to fertilize an egg.
Most common diseases that affect the prostate
Men commonly ignore this gland and the vast majority do not consider it important, and according to statistics at least one in seven men is diagnosed with a disease that affects the functionality of this gland. The most common diseases that affect the prostate are:
- Benign prostate hyperplasia : this condition is one of the most serious problems of this gland, mainly in men over 40 years of age. Benign prostate hyperplasia is an increase in it, which obstructs the passage of urine.
- Prostatitis : it is the inflammation of the prostate produced by a bacterial infection. It can occur in young or elderly men and has symptoms of fever, painful urination, and pain in the pelvic area. Its most common form is acute.
- Prostate cancer : it is also called prostate adenocarcinoma and affects a large number of elderly men, approximately 80 years of age. It is a painless tumor that grows slowly and progressively, so it can last without symptoms for several years.
Diagnosis of prostate diseases
In order to diagnose an altered prostate, the urologist, who is the specialist doctor in the area, will perform a series of tests specific to the condition. The main test performed in men is the digital rectal examination , which consists of palpating the prostate through the rectum, and with this procedure we can reveal an enlarged prostate or with alterations in texture that can determine some pathology, such as cancer . In the following article, we explain in detail how the prostate exam is done .
Other tests such as blood tests to determine malignancy of the prostate or perform a prostate ultrasound may also be done. Another option may be ultrasound to observe the presence of suspicious nodules.
When to operate on the prostate
One of the problems that most attacks men of advanced ages are those that affect the prostate. Generally, the alterations of this area are evident in people of advanced ages. The prostate surgery should be considered depending on the severity of symptoms such as, for example, when affected the lifestyle of the man or to remove an enlarged prostate, making it difficult proper emptying of urine from the bladder . This intervention is performed mainly in men over 45 years of age who present:
- Urination problems in which conservative medical treatment has not had any effect and in which your quality of life is affected. These symptoms may be weak urination, a need to push, to go to the bathroom urgently, or leakage of urine.
- Men with urinary retention which is the inability to fully fill the bladder.
- Hematuria (presence of blood when urinating) .
- Recurrent urinary infections, such as prostatitis, which can have additional symptoms such as pain and fever.
- Renal failure, for example, in those cases where there is an obstruction in the emptying of the bladder (when urine is returned to the kidneys) or those men with kidney stones .
- Benign prostate hyperplasia when drug treatment is not effective, since these treatments do not eliminate the enlarged prostate, but only open the outlet of the bladder so that it empties easily.
- Prostate cancer, which is one of the problems that affect the vast majority of men in the world, especially in advanced ages and that requires surgical intervention due to its high malignancy.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to When to operate the prostate , we recommend that you enter our category of Male reproductive system .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.