What Are Prostate Diseases?
What Are the Symptoms of Prostate Diseases?
- Frequent urination
- Difficulty urinating
- Blood in urine
- Dribbling or leakage of urine after urination
- Inability to urinate or pain while urinating
- Erectile dysfunction
- Low sexual desire
What Are Prostate Diseases?
1. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) – Prostate Enlargement
Prostate enlargement, medically known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, is the benign enlargement of the prostate gland. This condition compresses the urinary tract, making urination difficult. Prostate enlargement, which occurs with aging, is generally a non-cancerous condition; however, it can significantly affect quality of life. Symptoms include frequent urination, getting up at night to urinate, urinating intermittently, feeling of incomplete emptying, and dribbling after urination. In advanced cases, surgical intervention may be necessary. Testimonies from those who have undergone prostate surgery generally indicate that this procedure improves quality of life and resolves urinary issues significantly.
2. Prostatitis (Prostate Inflammation)
Prostate inflammation, or prostatitis, can occur at any age but is more common in men aged 20–50. This condition can be caused by bacteria or non-bacterial factors. It presents with painful urination, groin and back pain, pain during sexual intercourse, and burning during ejaculation. If the symptoms of prostate inflammation are not evaluated correctly, it can become chronic and cause long-term discomfort. Treatment generally involves antibiotics, painkillers, and muscle relaxants. In some cases, lifestyle changes are also recommended.
3. Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is a significant disease resulting from the uncontrolled growth of prostate cells. This disease is typically seen in men. Various factors trigger the formation of cancer. In its early stage, it often shows no symptoms, which can delay diagnosis. As prostate cancer progresses, symptoms such as urinary issues, bone pain, weight loss, and fatigue may emerge. Early diagnosis plays a critical role in treatment success. Treatment options include medication therapies, radiotherapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and surgical methods. The PSA test (prostate-specific antigen) and digital rectal exam are recommended screening methods for early diagnosis.
Can Women Have a Prostate?
No, women do not have a prostate gland. The prostate is a structure belonging only to the male reproductive system. However, women have structures called "Skene's glands" that perform functionally similar roles. Cysts or infections in Skene's glands can sometimes cause symptoms similar to prostatitis, but this condition is not medically considered a prostate disease.
Ways to Prevent Prostate Diseases
Some prostate diseases are inevitable with age, but lifestyle changes can reduce risks. Here are the measures that can be taken:
- Healthy and balanced diet: A diet rich in vegetables, fruits, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants should be followed.
- Regular exercise: Exercising such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling is recommended.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol: These substances adversely affect not only the prostate but all systems.
- Stress management: Chronic stress can suppress the immune system, increasing the risk of infections.
- Routine check-ups and PSA test: Men over 50 years should have a PSA test once a year.
Nutritional Recommendations for Prostate Health
One of the most effective ways to preserve prostate health is through a balanced and correct diet. Scientific studies have shown that some foods can reduce the risk of prostate enlargement and prostate cancer. Especially foods rich in antioxidants, substances fighting inflammation, and natural products that maintain hormonal balance play an important role in keeping the prostate gland healthy.
Tomatoes, high in lycopene, are among the most recommended foods for prostate health. When tomatoes are cooked, the absorption of lycopene increases, and this substance protects prostate tissue by fighting free radicals. Similarly, vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage contain sulfur compounds that reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
Green tea contains powerful antioxidants called catechins, which reduce the risk of inflammation in the prostate. Regular consumption supports the immune system while slowing the aging process of prostate tissue. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, walnuts, and flaxseed also support prostate health.
On the other hand, it should be noted that processed meats high in saturated fats, excessively fatty foods, and sugary drinks may be associated with prostate enlargement. Additionally, excessive caffeine and alcohol consumption can irritate the urinary tract and exacerbate prostate symptoms.
In conclusion, adopting a diet rich in vegetables and fruits, containing unsaturated fats, and enriched with unprocessed and natural foods is important for prostate health. Following a healthy diet positively affects not only the prostate but overall body health.
What is the PSA Test? How is it Interpreted?
The PSA test (Prostate-Specific Antigen test) is a simple yet very important screening test that measures the level of a protein secreted by the prostate gland in the blood. It is used in diagnosing diseases such as prostate cancer, prostate enlargement (BPH), and prostate inflammation (prostatitis). When the PSA level is high, it may indicate a prostate-related issue in the body, but not every high PSA result directly means cancer.
Generally, a PSA level below 4 ng/mL is considered normal, while 4–10 ng/mL is termed the "gray area," and further investigations may be needed in this range. Values above 10 ng/mL indicate a higher risk, and a biopsy is usually recommended. However, factors such as age, prostate volume, family history, and current complaints must be taken into account when interpreting the test.
The free PSA ratio, age-specific reference ranges, and the change in PSA over time (PSA velocity) should also be evaluated along with total PSA. For instance, rapidly rising PSA levels should be assessed more carefully regarding cancer. Therefore, the PSA test should be interpreted by a urology specialist and not be used alone to make a diagnosis.
In conclusion, the PSA test is extremely important for the early diagnosis of prostate diseases. It is recommended that men over 50 have the PSA test once a year. If there is a family history of prostate cancer, it is more appropriate to begin this test in the 40s.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the prostate occur?
Can women have prostate?
No, women do not have a prostate gland. However, structures called Skene's glands may function similarly to the prostate. Although inflammation of these glands can cause similar complaints, true prostate disease does not occur in women.
Can prostate enlargement turn into cancer?
No, benign prostate enlargement (BPH) does not turn into cancer because it is benign by nature. BPH and prostate cancer may present with similar symptoms, so differential diagnosis is important. In suspicious cases, methods such as PSA testing and biopsy should be used to clarify the diagnosis.