What are the diseases and disorders of the prostate?

The prostate is a gland located below the bladder and, under the action of testosterone, produces the seminal fluid that makes up sperm. Unfortunately, it can be subject to various dysfunctions that can lead to its removal (prostatectomy) and cause urinary problems that need to be managed.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or age-related adenoma

If difficulties such as a weak stream, interruption during urination or a sudden urge that occurs during the night occur, it is likely that the person concerned hasbenign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). In addition, the feeling of a full bladder persists over time as it is difficult to empty.

This pathology, which is one of the disorders of the prostate, is also called adenoma of the prostate or hyperplasia. It occurs with advancing age. Indeed, men over 50 years of age are the most affected and their percentage increases with the number of years: 60% of men aged 6090% of 85-year-old men.

This hypertrophy is characterized by a swelling or enlargement of the prostate which then compresses the urethral canal. This means that the canal can no longer function as a urinary tract, and the patient experiences difficulty in urinating.

The increase in volume of the prostate is due to a imbalance between two factors These include prostate cell proliferation and apoptosis (or cell death).

It is important to note that, although very inconvenient, thehyperplasia does not lead to or promote the risk of cancer. However, the symptoms can be similar and in some cases there is a risk of complications leading to various disorders:

  • Urinary calculi ;
  • Urinary tract infections ;
  • Obstruction of the urethra. This situation is a medical emergency.

As they can have a negative impact on patients' libido, the psychological consequences of the HPB are also to be taken very seriously.

In order to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia, the specialist doctor may prescribe medicines known as alpha-blockers or inhibitors. Alpha-blockers act on the relaxation of the muscle fibre of the prostate and bladder neck, while the inhibitors allow the reduce the production of dihydrotestosterone through the action of the hormone 5-alpha-reductase.

In more severe cases, surgery may be considered to relieve symptoms.

Prostatitis: an inflammation possible even before the age of 50

Unlike HPB, prostatitis can affect a man regardless of age.

Most often linked to a bacterial infection (E. Coli bacteria in over 80% of cases), this chronic inflammation of the prostate causes a burning sensation and the need to go to the bathroom more often. These symptoms, which are not related to the bladder weaknessThese can be accompanied by pain and fever.

From many factors can be the cause of this condition:

  • Voluntary and repeated urinary retention;
  • Unbalanced diet, as well as the consumption of coffee (> blog 7), spices, alcohol (> blog 12);
  • Stress episode;
  • High-intensity sports, especially cycling;
  • Sexual practices.

If properly managed, prostatitis is easily and quickly treated. The use of muscle relaxants and anti-inflammatories can be used to alleviate the symptoms. If the origin is bacterial, a treatment withantibiotics should be prescribed to avoid any risk of relapse.

The risk of prostatitis can be prevented by simply adopting a healthy lifestyle and personal hygiene. Drinking enough water and not holding back when you need to urinate are among the tips to follow.

Prostate disorders and prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is a malignant tumour, called an adenocarcinoma, which grows in the tissues of the prostate. It is one of the most worrying prostate disorders!

Prostate cancer screening and prevention

Only prevention and screening are used to identify cases of prostate cancer. Indeed, there are no warning signs, except for symptoms that may be similar to those of BPH:

This type of cancer is increasingly well treated and benefits from a good prognosis for remission if it is caught early enough. This is also the case for breast cancer (in women) and colon cancer.

Once diagnosed, prostate cancer involves several specialists: urologist, oncologist, surgeon, radiotherapist, etc. All the information concerning the patient and his or her follow-up is then gathered in a personalised care programme (PPS).

The different treatments for prostate cancer

Different therapeutic solutions can also be considered:

  • Total prostatectomyA radical prostatectomy. This is a removal in which the entire prostate and seminal vesicles are removed. This localized surgery may also require lymph node dissection. All of the removed parts are then analysed in a laboratory to determine the risk of the cancer cells spreading to other organs. Prostatectomy is one of the main causes male incontinence.
  • Radiotherapy. This painless solution consists of irradiating the prostate by emitting X-rays through the prostate tissue in order to destroy the cancerous tumours.
  • Chemotherapy. This includes destroying cancer cells and preventing the development of metastases in the rest of the body.
  • Brachytherapy. This is a surgical implant radiation therapy that involves introducing a radioactive source into the tumour.
  • Hormone therapy. This treatment, which can be surgical or medicinal, consists of preventing the action of certain hormones.

All these treatments generate side effects or undesirable effects related to these prostate disorders.

Male incontinence: the different types of bladder weakness

Each case of male incontinence is different depending on the patient's situation.

Urinary leakage in men: what solutions?

Bladder weakness can be a real nuisance in everyday life. It is a barrier to social life, a burden on the mood, and a burden that requires appropriate behaviour and treatment.

Male incontinence: when the urinary tract doesn't work

Beyond a specific pathology (prostate cancer, adenoma, etc.) to which it is linked, urinary incontinence is above all the result of a dysfunction of the urinary system.

Do not neglect the role of the sphincter and perineum in men

The sphincter and perineum play an essential role in human urinary function.

Prostate diseases

The prostate is a gland located below the bladder and is responsible for the production of seminal fluid, which is the basis of semen, through the action of testosterone.

Incontinence: rehabilitation of the perineum in men

As a preventive measure or as part of a prescription, toning the perineum can be crucial to avoid or get rid of the risk of bladder weakness.

Uriclip® penis clip for male incontinence

Uriclip® is one of the penis clips recommended as a palliative solution in the event of male urinary leakage. Practical and discreet, it allows you to regain serenity in your daily activities.