The prostate gland secretes fluid that protects and nourishes sperm. The prostate is an important gland located between the penis and the bladder in men, just in front of the rectum. The urethra, which carries urine from the bladder out of the body, passes through the middle of the prostate. Primarily, this gland functions to produce and secrete the fluid that both nourishes sperm and ensures its safety.

The prostate is approximately the size of a walnut. It is a part of the male reproductive system and surrounds the tube that carries urine out of the bladder.

Prostate Diseases

Prostate diseases are common, particularly in men over the age of 50.

Prostate problems can occur in men of all ages, but they are particularly common in men over the age of 50. These problems can range from simple inflammation to cancer. As you age, your prostate may enlarge, making the development of problems more likely.

The most common types of prostate diseases are:
• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) – Enlarged Prostate
• Prostatitis – Prostate Inflammation
• Prostate Cancer

Although these diseases have different causes, they share similar symptoms. Therefore, it is important not to neglect annual prostate cancer screening as part of your physical examination and to consult your doctor if you have any of the symptoms listed below.

Symptoms of Prostate Problems

The prostate commonly causes problems related to urination or bladder control. Symptoms of prostate problems can include:

• Frequent urge to urinate
• Waking up multiple times during the night to urinate
• Blood in urine or semen
• Painful or burning sensation while urinating
• Painful ejaculation
• Commonly occurring pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, pelvic or rectal area, or upper thighs
• Dribbling of urine
• Problems controlling the bladder such as stopping or delaying urination
• Difficulty initiating or stopping urine flow
• Incomplete emptying of the bladder

What is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?

Prostate enlargement, also known as “benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH),” is a common condition that occurs as men age. An enlarged prostate gland can lead to bothersome urinary symptoms such as obstructing the flow of urine from the bladder. It can also cause bladder, urinary tract, or kidney problems.

Symptoms of Prostate Enlargement

The severity of symptoms can vary in individuals with prostate enlargement. Common signs and symptoms of prostate enlargement include:

• Frequent or urgent need to urinate
• Increased frequency of urination at night (nocturia)
• Difficulty starting urination
• Weak urine flow or intermittency
• Inability to completely empty the bladder

Less common signs and symptoms include:

• Urinary tract infections
• Inability to urinate
• Blood in the urine

The size of your prostate does not necessarily determine the severity of your symptoms. Some men with small prostates may experience significant symptoms, while others with significantly enlarged prostates may only have minor urinary symptoms.

Treatment for Prostate Enlargement

Treatment options for prostate enlargement, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), include medical and surgical interventions. There are several effective treatments for prostate gland enlargement, including medications, minimally invasive therapies, and surgery. To determine the best option, you should discuss your symptoms, prostate size, other health conditions you may have, and preferences with your doctor.

A New Treatment Method for the Prostate: Embolization

Embolization is a new non-surgical, non-general anesthesia treatment method for prostate enlargement.

Using the technique of Angiographic Embolization performed in the Interventional Radiology department, the arteries that supply the prostate are blocked, causing the death of prostate tissue. This new method has advantages such as no hospital stay, no incisions, bleeding, or catheter. The risks of sexual and reproductive dysfunction and permanent narrowing in the channel, which are encountered after surgery, are not expected in angiographic embolization. The angiographic embolization of the prostate is performed in approximately one and a half hours in the angiography unit, with the patient awake. There is no pain during or after the procedure. The patient can be discharged from the hospital on the same day or the next day and return to work or social life. Angiographic treatment is now an option for prostate patients who cannot tolerate surgical operations or have additional illnesses, apart from a catheter. Prostate treatment can be safely performed with angiographic method in patients with heart failure, lung diseases, and diabetes.

What is Prostatitis?

Prostatitis is a painful inflammation of the prostate gland. It is the most common prostate condition in men under 50 years of age but can also occur in older men. Prostatitis can be acute, meaning it occurs suddenly and can be rapidly resolved with treatment. It can also be chronic, meaning it develops more slowly, recurs, and can last for months at a time.
h3>Symptoms of Prostatitis

Symptoms of prostatitis, also known as prostate inflammation, may include:

• Pain in the pelvis, sexual organs, lower back, and hips
• Difficulty urinating
• Pain or burning during urination
• Frequent urination, especially at night
• Fever and chills

Treatment for Prostatitis

Treatments for prostatitis depend on the type and underlying cause of the condition. They may include:

• Antibiotics: The most commonly prescribed treatment for prostatitis is taking antibiotics. Your doctor will choose the medication based on the type of bacteria that may be causing your infection.
• Alpha-blocker medications: These medications help relax the muscle fibers at the junction of the bladder and the prostate, relieving symptoms such as painful urination.
• Anti-inflammatory drugs: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help alleviate symptoms and make you more comfortable.

What is Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer is the most dangerous prostate problem and can initially cause the same symptoms as other prostate problems. Through early screening measures, prostate cancer can often be diagnosed without any noticeable symptoms. Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men. It can grow slowly over time and usually remains confined to the prostate gland initially, with a lower likelihood of causing serious harm. Some types of prostate cancer grow slowly and may require very little or no treatment, while others are aggressive and can spread rapidly. Early detection of prostate cancer increases the chances of successful treatment.

Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

While most cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed through examinations and screenings before symptoms occur, it is important to be familiar with possible symptoms of the disease. This is especially important for men who have not undergone screening or for younger men.

Symptoms of prostate cancer may include:

• Urinary problems
• Blood in semen
• Pain in the back, hips, or ribs
• Loss of bladder control
• Erectile dysfunction
• Discomfort in the pelvic area

Prostate Cancer Diagnosis

The gold standard for diagnosing prostate cancer is a prostate biopsy, which collects small samples of prostate tissue and detects abnormal cells under a microscope. In the diagnosis of prostate cancer, one of the most modern diagnostic tools in contemporary urology is the Fusion Biopsy method.

MRI/TRUS fusion biopsy combines a special magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan with a transrectal ultrasound image to assist urologists in precisely targeting the prostate area that needs to be biopsied. This approach allows our doctors to accurately sample the area of concern for cancer in the prostate.

MR/TRUS fusion biopsy enables earlier diagnosis and treatment by targeting tumors that require treatment, reducing the need for repeat biopsies.

Prostate Cancer Treatment

Treatment options for prostate cancer can vary depending on factors such as the aggressiveness of the tumor, stage of the disease, personal preferences, and more. Treatment options may include surgery or radiation therapy. Additionally, there are a variety of different treatments that can be used to control the growth of these cancers, including hormone therapies, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy.

When to See a Doctor

If you experience any of the above symptoms, it is important to see your doctor. These symptoms can have many possible causes, and it is important to have them diagnosed.
When it comes to the diagnosis of prostate cancer, it is best not to wait for symptoms to appear. Discuss prostate screening tests with your doctor. If you have a family history or other risk factors for prostate cancer, screening is even more important.