News Archives - TULSA Procedure

Why Men’s Health Month Is Important

June 1, 2022/in /by inet2021

June is National Men’s Health Month, an initiative started by the Men’s Health Network in 1992. The goal of Men’s Health Month is to push the conversation about preventable health problems, encourage early detection of disease through screening, bring awareness to the treatment of disease for men of all ages, and educate men on how to improve their health through lifestyle changes.

Across the country, men’s health advocates are hosting health fairs, talks, and outreach activities to provide men and boys with the resources and educational tools they need. At Profound Medical, we observe Men’s Health Month by bringing awareness to prostate health, including prostate cancer symptoms, the TULSA Procedure, prostate cancer treatments, non-cancerous prostate conditions, and the latest developments regarding prostate health.

Health issues that are prevalent in men

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in American men behind lung cancer. Certain risk factors, such as family history, age, and race (African-American men are at a higher risk of the disease) play a role in developing prostate cancer. As the prostate is a part of the male reproductive system, this disease and other prostate-related conditions are unique to men.

Additionally, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), certain health problems are more prevalent in males, including:

Heart disease – Heart disease is the leading cause of death in men.
Cancer – Some of the most common types of cancer in men are lung, prostate, colorectal, and skin.
Diabetes – Men have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to women.

How to observe Men’s Health Month

There are many ways to participate in Men’s Health Month, whether it’s to help spread the word or take part in educational campaigns. Here are a few different ways that you can observe this month or encourage the men in your life to join the initiative.

1. See your doctor for a regular check-up – On average, men die almost five years earlier than women – in part because men are more reluctant to go to the doctors. Regular checkups give your doctor the opportunity to detect early signs of disease and screen for problems before they become serious.

2. Wear blue – Help spread the knowledge of Men’s Health Month by wearing blue. ‘Wear Blue Day’ is a day to raise awareness and funds for men to get regular check-ups and educate the public on prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and other health issues that affect men.

3. Spread the word on social media – Social media is a great tool to broadcast Men’s Health Month. Help spread the word by using the hashtags #MensHealthMonth and #ShowUsYourBlue

4. Play an active role in your health – Prevention is key when it comes to your health. Along with regular doctor visits, be sure to:

Eat a balanced diet with plenty of veggies, protein, and fruits
Limit the consumption of processed foods and red meat
Drink water and stay hydrated
Manage your weight
Exercise regularly, at least 30 minutes a day
Avoid tobacco use
Apply sunscreen
Reduce stress

This is a great time to commit to better health habits, not just for the month of June but for life.

To learn more about your prostate health, visit our blog and stay connected with us through social media

Coffee’s Role In Lowering Prostate Cancer Risk

May 4, 2022/in /by inet2021

Your daily cup of coffee might offer more benefits than an instant burst of energy. Many studies have shown that drinking coffee may lower a man’s risk of developing prostate cancer, delay the progression of the disease, and keep prostate cancer from coming back. While research doesn’t prove that drinking coffee will prevent prostate cancer altogether, the most recent report finds that higher coffee consumption is linked to a lower risk of developing advanced prostate cancer.

The 2021 study states, “Coffee improves glucose metabolism, decreases concentrations of plasma insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, and affects sex hormone levels, all of which may play roles in the initiation, development, and progression of prostate cancer.”

How drinking coffee can reduce your risk of prostate cancer

Coffee is rich in active ingredients, antioxidants, and compounds that can help prevent cell damage and reduce inflammation. In regards to prostate cancer, scientists have identified two cancer-fighting elements that can slow down cell growth: kahweol acetate and cafestol.

Kahweol acetate is a diterpene (a type of hydrocarbon) that has anti-inflammatory properties and antiangiogenic bioactive compounds. In a pharmaceutical setting, antiangiogenic drugs are used to prevent tumors from growing their own blood vessels, which can help slow the growth of cancer. Cafestol is a compound found in coffee that has similar anti-inflammatory and antiangiogenic compounds as kahweol acetate.

The amounts of these two ingredients are highest in unfiltered coffee drinks such as a French press, as filters trap kahweol acetate and cafestol. Interestingly, it doesn’t matter if you drink caffeinated or decaffeinated coffee – the results of reducing your risk of prostate cancer are the same.

The connection between higher coffee consumption and prostate cancer

A scientific analysis of past studies reveals positive findings linking higher coffee consumption to a reduced risk of prostate cancer. The data looks at 16 studies, 57,732 prostate cancer cases, and more than 1 million total study members. Compared to men who consumed zero to less than two cups of coffee each day, the study found a:

1% decrease in the risk of prostate cancer with each additional cup of coffee.
9% reduced risk of prostate cancer in men who consumed two to nine cups of coffee each day.
7% decrease in localized prostate cancer in men who consumed two to nine cups of coffee each day.
12% decrease in advanced prostate cancer in men who consumed two to nine cups of coffee each day.
16% decrease in fatal prostate cancer in men who consumed two to nine cups of coffee each day.

The study also supports evidence that men who are already diagnosed with prostate cancer have a significantly reduced risk of disease progression and recurrence.

Final thoughts

Although the findings are promising, more research is needed to verify the role of coffee in reducing the risk of prostate cancer. Specifically, scientists need to investigate the non-prostate cancer-related health effects of high coffee consumption before we can truly recommend increasing coffee consumption as a preventative measure for prostate cancer.

When it comes to your prostate health, it’s always best to speak to your doctor about your risks and any symptoms you may be experiencing.

The Accuracy Of An MRI In Diagnosing Prostate Cancer

May 2, 2022/in /by inet2021

According to a study by GLOBOCAN, an estimated 268,490 males in the United States will receive a prostate cancer diagnosis in 2022. It is the second most common type of cancer in men next to colorectal cancer, and the second leading cause of cancer death in the male population next to lung cancer.

The priority in diagnosing prostate cancer is to accurately assess the progression of the disease and to determine the appropriate treatment. An accurate assessment allows doctors to characterize the risk of progression and avoid both undertreatment and overtreatment.

Unnecessary treatment for males at low risk of progression can lead to side effects that can greatly impact their quality of life, including erectile dysfunction and incontinence. On the contrary, undertreatment leads to mismanagement of the disease and further complications.

How prostate cancer is diagnosed

Doctors use various procedures to determine whether prostate cancer is present, including:

Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test
Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scan
Prostate Biopsy

The goal is to identify how aggressive the cancer is, how large it is, whether it has spread into other areas, and to assess the patient’s overall condition. Diagnosing prostate cancer involves multiple procedures to get the most accurate picture possible.

In this article, we focus on the role of an MRI scan in diagnosing prostate cancer.

What is an MRI?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging utilizes strong magnetic fields, magnetic field gradients, and radio waves to generate detailed images of the body’s organs and tissues. Today’s advanced technologies have increased the quality of the images and the accuracy of detecting where the cancer is located. MRIs can produce 3D visualization that can be viewed from different angles.

MRIs not only provide information about the prevalence and location of cancer but are also used to monitor progression and treatment response. It’s common for MRIs to be combined with other prostate cancer diagnosis procedures such as a biopsy.

Measuring the accuracy of an MRI in prostate cancer diagnosis

To measure the accuracy of an MRI in detecting prostate cancer, studies are completed in contrast to another prostate cancer diagnosis procedure. In a study comparing the accuracy of an MRI scan to a biopsy, an MRI scan correctly diagnosed 93% whereas a biopsy correctly diagnosed 48% of the patients observed. In a separate study by Medline involving 2,585 patients, MRIs:

Improved the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer by 57% when compared to a biopsy.
Reduced the number of biopsy procedures by 33%.
Reduced the number of core biopsies by 77%.

It’s important to note that an MRI does not replace a biopsy, but is an ideal augment that can help doctors provide a more accurate diagnosis.

Prostate Health 101: About, Conditions, and Testing

April 1, 2022/in /by inet2021

The prostate is a small gland located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. Its primary role is to produce the seminal fluid that transports sperm through the urethra. During ejaculation, the prostate muscles contract and helps push the fluid out into the urethra, making this tiny gland a critical part of the male reproductive system.

The prostate becomes larger as men get older and can cause a number of health issues and complications. At Profound Medical, we offer the TULSA Procedure, a minimally invasive and safe option that uses directional ultrasound to ablate prostate tissue. The TULSA procedure is shown to be effective at treating symptoms of non-cancerous prostate conditions and as a well-tolerated procedure for localized prostate cancer.

Prostate Conditions

Currently, the cause of prostate enlargement is unknown but researchers have linked prostate conditions to aging, testosterone levels, and changes in the cells of the testicles. Prostate enlargement is common for men over the age of 40 and the probability of developing a prostate condition increases with age. Below, we cover some non-cancerous prostate conditions, prostate cancer, and risk factors.

Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH) – The medical term for a non-cancerous, enlarged prostate that affects almost all men over the age of 50. BPH is caused by an overgrowth of prostate tissues that pushes against the urethra and bladder, leading to symptoms such as restricted urine flow, frequent urination, and difficulty starting to urinate. More than 90% of men over the age of 80 have BPH¹.

Acute Bacterial Prostatitis – A bacterial infection typically caused by common strains of bacteria or an infection that has spread from other parts of the urinary or reproductive systems. Symptoms include frequent urination, pain or discomfort during urination, and pain in the genital area. If you’re experiencing fever and chills along with these symptoms, see your doctor right away.

Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis – Unlike acute bacterial prostatitis that comes on suddenly, chronic prostatitis develops gradually and can last for months or even years. Bacterial prostatitis is considered chronic if symptoms continue for 3 months or more and do not respond to the initial treatments that your doctor recommends. It’s also referred to as chronic pelvic pain syndrome and can cause pain in the lower back and genital area.

Prostate Cancer – Prostate cancer is indicated by the growth of malignant cells in the tissues of the prostate. While some prostate cancers grow slowly and only require minimal or no treatment, some types are aggressive and can spread beyond the prostate gland. Prostate cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer and risk factors include:

Age – Men over the age of 50 are more likely to develop prostate cancer.
Race/Ethnicity – African-American men are more likely to develop prostate cancer while Asian-American and Hispanic/Latino men are the least likely to develop prostate cancer. The reason for this is unknown.
Geography – Prostate cancer is more common in North America, Northwestern Europe, and Australia and less common in Asia, Africa, and South America.
Family History – Men who have an immediate family history of prostate cancer (such as a father or brother) are at a higher risk of developing the disease.

Symptoms of Prostate Problems

Given its close proximity to the bladder and important role in the male reproductive system, common problems associated with the prostate are challenges with urination and sexual function. The following are common symptoms of prostate problems, which can indicate a non-cancerous prostate condition but can also be linked to prostate cancer.

A weak or slow urine stream
Difficulty starting urination
A urine stream that starts and stops
Frequent urge to urinate
Frequent urination at night
A feeling that the bladder is not completely empty after urinating
A continued and uncontrolled dribble of urine
Painful or burning sensation with urination
Blood in urine or semen
Pain or discomfort in the lower back, hips, and pelvic area
Painful ejaculation

Testing For Prostate Conditions

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, your doctor will discuss your options with you, including testing for non-cancerous prostate conditions. Depending on the findings, your doctor may request further testing.

Digital rectal exam (DRE) – This is the most common procedure that involves the doctor inserting a lubricated, gloved finger inside your rectum to identify any lumps or soft or hard spots on the prostate gland. Although a DRE can be uncomfortable, it is a quick test that typically lasts less than a minute.
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test – A PSA test is a blood test that measures the amount of PSA in your blood, which is a specific type of protein produced by the prostate. Patients with prostate cancer have a high amount of PSA in their blood, though it’s important to know that a high PSA count does not necessarily lead to a cancer diagnosis. A PSA test is simply a test that can provide your doctor with more information and help determine whether further testing is needed.
Prostate Screening – Prostate screening involves looking for prostate cancer before a patient experiences any symptoms. The goal here is to detect cancer early and before it begins to spread. The decision to undergo screening is a personal one and should only be made after you’ve spoken with your doctor about your risk factors and have all of the information you need.
Urinalysis – involves taking a urine sample to test for abnormal substances or signs of infection. If there is an infection present, your doctor may ask for a second urine sample to identify where the infection is located.
Abdominal ultrasound – During an abdominal ultrasound, the healthcare provider applies a gel to your abdomen to allow a device called the transducer to glide easily over the skin. The ultrasound images can show any abnormalities in the urinary tract and provide your doctor with more information about your symptoms.
Transrectal ultrasound – During a transrectal ultrasound, a narrow transducer is inserted into the rectum next to the prostate. The images from a transrectal ultrasound can show the prostate’s size and any abnormalities such as tumors.

While the above tests can help your doctor detect non-cancerous prostate conditions or other complications such as a urinary tract infection, they are not meant to diagnose prostate cancer. Rather, these tests can act as a basepoint for your doctor to determine whether further testing for prostate cancer is needed. These tests can include:

MRI and CT scan – MRIs and CT scans provide images of the body’s internal organs and soft tissues without the use of X-rays. These detailed radio wave images can identify abnormal structures, but cannot differentiate between cancerous tumors and noncancerous enlargements.
Prostate biopsy – A biopsy can reveal whether prostate tissues are cancerous. A biopsy involves taking pieces of prostate tissue which are sent to a lab and examined by a pathologist, a doctor who specializes in the diagnoses of disease.

When it comes to your prostate health, one of the best things you can do is be proactive and advocate for your health by gathering information from trusted resources and speaking with your doctor. Discuss with your doctor whether prostate screening is right for you, including factoring in your risk of prostate cancer, age, overall health, and any symptoms you may be experiencing. While your doctor can make recommendations, ultimately, the choice to investigate and maintain your prostate health is yours.

BPH Quiz: How It Helps and What IPSS Scoring Means

April 1, 2022/in /by inet2021

The Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) quiz is used to determine the severity of symptoms related to BPH. The BPH symptom assessment does not provide a diagnosis and is not meant to replace other tests. Rather, it’s used as a starting point for men to understand the severity of urinary symptoms caused by BPH. After you’ve taken the quiz, you’ll receive your IPSS score.

What is the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS)?

The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) was created in 1992 by the American Urological Association and originally contained 7 questions related to BPH symptoms. The 8th question was adopted by the World Health Organization’s International Consultation to help determine a patient’s quality of life should their current symptoms continue.

The scoring is as follows:

0-7 – Mildly symptomatic
8-19 – Moderately symptomatic
20-35 – Severely symptomatic

Physicians may perform the IPSS multiple times to track the severity of symptoms and compare progression over months and years.

What is BPH?

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is the medical term for an enlarged prostate. For men over 40, hormonal changes increase the number of cells in a man’s prostate gland, causing the prostate to grow. ‘Benign’ means that this condition is not cancerous – however, BPH can cause uncomfortable symptoms that can impact a man’s quality of life. BPH affects almost all men over 50.

The prostate gland surrounds the urinary tube (urethra). As the prostate grows, it pushes against the urethra which can constrict urine flow. However, the size of the prostate is not indicative of the degree of urinary symptoms. Common symptoms of BPH include:

A weak or slow urinary stream
A feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
Difficulty starting urination
Frequent urination
Urgency to urinate
Getting up frequently at night to urinate
A urinary stream that starts and stops
Straining to urinate
Continued dribbling of urine
Returning to urinate again minutes after finishing

What happens after taking the BPH quiz?

Once you’ve received your IPSS score, you can better understand the degree of your symptoms and speak with your physician about the next steps. You may be advised to undergo additional testing to diagnose whether BPH is present, including:

Urine Flow Study – A special device is used to measure the amount and speed of urine flow, which can help physicians detect whether BPH is associated with reduced urine flow.
DRE Exam – The Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) involves a physician inserting a gloved finger inside the rectum to feel the size, shape, and stiffness of the prostate.
PSA Test – The Prostate Antigen (PSA) test measures the amount of PSA in your blood (a protein that increases with age and prostate size).

Only your doctor can diagnose whether your symptoms are caused by BPH. If BPH is present, your doctor will speak to you about treatment options that can help manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.

March 30th Is National Doctors Day

March 30, 2022/in News, News, News, News, News, News, News, News, News, News, Tulsa/by inet2021

The origins of National Doctors Day go as far back as March 30, 1842, when the first ester anesthetic for surgery was administered by Crawford W. Long, M.D. The first medical anesthesia was used on a man who received surgery to remove a tumor from his neck and proved to be successful.

Nearly a century later, the first Doctors Day was observed on March 30, 1933, by Dr. Charles B. Almond’s wife, Eudora Brown Almond in Winder, Georgia to honor physicians. Flowers were placed on the graves of late doctors – the red carnation, in particular, became a symbol for National Doctors Day.

On February 21, 1991, President George H.W. Bush officially marked March 30th as National Doctors Day.

How to observe National Doctors Day

Today, we recognize and honor the hard work, contribution, and dedication, of our physicians across the country. If the last 2 years navigating a global pandemic have taught us anything, it’s that doctors selflessly give their time and commitment to help keep us and our loved ones healthy.

On National Doctors day, we encourage you to:

Thank your physician for all that they do.
Send flowers or treats to your clinic or hospital of your choice.
Share a positive experience about a doctor across your social media and how they helped you navigate a stressful time.
If you work in a hospital or clinic, talk to your team members about hosting a National Doctor Day luncheon and arrange for doctors to take an extra 10-minute break to de-stress.

A thank you to all of our physicians we work closely with

Physicians are responsible for determining their patient’s eligibility for the TULSA Procedure, defining and delivering the customized plan, and reviewing MRI images to confirm a successful process.

Without the physicians we work closely with, we at Profound Medical wouldn’t be able to do what we do. The TULSA Procedure would not exist without doctors and their drive to continuously improve healthcare. Thank you to the wonderful physicians we work closely with and all of the committed doctors across the country. You are greatly appreciated!

Understanding The PSA Test And PSA Levels

March 1, 2022/in Prostate Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Prostate Cancer/by inet2021

The Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test is a preliminary screening that can reveal the chances of a patient having or developing prostate cancer. It is not a test used to diagnose prostate cancer but may be conducted to confirm a diagnosis, to determine whether further testing is needed, or to monitor if prostate cancer has returned.

The American Urological Association recommends (after discussing with your doctor) a routine PSA test for men:

Between the ages of 40 to 54 with a high risk of prostate cancer
Between the ages of 55 to 69

What is Prostate Specific Antigen?

Prostate-specific antigen is a protein found in the epithelial cells of the prostate gland. It is produced for ejaculatory fluid (semen) to make thickened semen runnier, allowing sperm to swim more easily.

PSA is produced by both normal and malignant prostate cells and the amount of PSA can be measured in the bloodstream. PSA levels can provide information regarding prostate health.

What Is PSA Testing?

PSA testing is a blood test that measures the amount of PSA found in the blood. Normal PSA levels for an average man increase with age, prostate size, and in the presence of prostate conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostatitis, and prostate cancer.

For men over 40 or who have a higher risk of prostate cancer, your doctor may discuss a PSA test for prostate cancer screening or if you’re experiencing the following symptoms:

Frequent urge to urinate
Frequent urination at night
A weak or slow urine stream
A feeling that the bladder is not completely empty after urinating
Difficulty starting urination
A urine stream that starts and stops
A continued and uncontrolled dribble of urine
Painful or burning sensation with urination
Blood in urine or semen
Pain or discomfort in the lower back, hips, and pelvic area
Painful ejaculation

Understanding PSA Levels

Small quantities of PSA are found in men with healthy prostates, with normal levels ranging from 0 to 4 nanograms per milliliter (ng/ml)2. However, as we mentioned, normal levels increase with age:

Normal levels of PSA according to age range:

40 to 49: 0 – 2.5 ng/ml2
50 to 59: 0 – 3.5 ng/ml2
60 to 69: 0 – 4.5 ng/ml2
70+: 0 – 6.5 ng/ml 2

As a general guideline, prostate levels:

Between 0-2.5 ng/ml – Low chance of prostate cancer and no further testing is needed.
Between 2.5-4.0 ng/ml – Considered normal. If no risk factors are present and PSA levels don’t fluctuate, no further testing is needed.
Between 4.0-10.0 ng/ml – PSA levels in this range are considered suspicious and your doctor may order additional testing to rule out other conditions.
Over 10.0 ng/ml – These levels are considered dangerous and additional tests for prostate cancer are recommended.

Conditions That Raise PSA Levels

It’s important to note that non-cancerous prostate conditions and other factors can elevate PSA levels, such as a urinary tract infection, BPH, prostatitis, sexual activity before testing, diet, and more. Your doctor will take this into consideration when examining your results and may watch for any fluctuations.

For this reason, the PSA test alone is not an indicator that prostate cancer is present. If you suspect you have a prostate condition, talk to your doctor about your options for cancer screening and other testing.

February 4th is World Cancer Day

February 4, 2022/in /by inet2021

The Union for International Cancer Control recognizes February 4th as World Cancer Day, a day that was founded on February 4th, 2000, during the World Summit Against Cancer event in Paris.

The purpose of World Cancer Day is to spread global awareness for cancer through educational resources and events across the world, such as live virtual conferences, panels, discussions, and free cancer screening tests. Through a collective effort, we can change the future of cancer and save lives by improving how we prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer. Around the world, researchers, medical professionals, citizens, cancer patients, and the public are using this day to get their voice heard on making cancer care a priority.

At Profound Medical, we want to take this opportunity to educate our readers on how you can participate in World Cancer Day and how to lower your risk of developing cancer.

How to participate in World Cancer Day

Most people are affected by cancer in some way – either through a personal diagnosis or through the diagnosis of a loved one. Cancer impacts everyone, including children as young as a few months old.

We can do many things on this day and throughout the year to support those who have been diagnosed with this disease and commemorate those who have lost their lives to cancer. Here are a few ways you can observe World Cancer Day:

Volunteer your time or donate money to an organization that supports cancer patients or cancer research.
Read the stories of cancer survivors and share them across your social media platforms.
Research and read about cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Wear a colored ribbon of your choice to spread cancer awareness.
Share your story if you’ve been diagnosed with cancer or have been impacted by cancer through a close friend or family member.

Profound’s Prostate Cancer Awareness

Prostate cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in North America, including breast cancer, lung cancer, and colon cancer. It is also the second leading cause of death in American men behind lung cancer.

As part of our commitment to spreading prostate cancer awareness and education today and year-round, we continue to provide our readers with accurate and valuable resources, including:

Additionally, we encourage you to read about some of the common conditions related to the prostate, including:

Prostate Cancer
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Radio-recurrent Prostate Cancer

Reducing your risk of developing cancer

While some cancers are preconditioned due to genetics, health factors, and the environment, some can be prevented. You can reduce your risk of developing cancer by:

Exercising regularly for at least 30 minutes a day.
Eat a well-balanced diet of vegetables, fruits, and lean protein.
Limit consumption of processed foods.
Avoid or completely stop using tobacco.
Using good sun protection, including daily use of SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, headwear, and being mindful of exposure.
Talk to your doctor about your risks for certain cancers and schedule routine medical screenings.

Visit the official website of World Cancer Day to learn more about the activities happening around the globe, what you can do to take action, and how we can create a cancer-free world together.

Common Non-Cancer Prostate Problems To Look For

February 1, 2022/in Prostate Cancer/by inet2021

Prostate problems are common after the age of 50, but not all symptoms mean that cancer is present. The prostate is a small gland located below the bladder and wraps around the urethra (the tube that urine and semen travel through). The prostate is responsible for producing fluid that makes up semen.

It’s normal for the prostate to grow larger with age. The reason for this is unknown, though hormonal changes as men get older play a factor. With the prostate being a significant part of the male reproductive system and its location close to the bladder, several issues can occur when it becomes enlarged.

Keep reading to learn more about common non-cancer prostate problems to be aware of.

Common Prostate Conditions

Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH) – The medical term for a non-cancerous, enlarged prostate that affects almost all men over the age of 50. BPH is caused by an overgrowth of prostate tissues that pushes against the urethra and bladder, leading to symptoms such as restricted urine flow, frequent urination, and difficulty starting to urinate.

Acute Bacterial Prostatitis – A bacterial infection that is usually caused by common strains of bacteria or an infection that has spread from other parts of the urinary or reproductive systems. Symptoms can include frequent urination, pain or discomfort during urination, and pain in the genital area. If you’re experiencing fever and chills along with these symptoms, see your doctor right away.

Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis – Bacterial prostatitis is considered chronic if symptoms continue for 3 months or more and do not respond to the initial treatments that your doctor recommends. Unlike acute bacterial prostatitis that comes on suddenly, chronic prostatitis develops gradually and can last for months or even years. It’s also referred to as chronic pelvic pain syndrome and can cause pain in the lower back and genital area.

Symptoms of Prostate Problems

Although some common symptoms of prostate problems can be non-cancerous, the same symptoms can also be related to prostate cancer. For this reason, it is essential to see your doctor if you are experiencing any of the following:

Frequent urge to urinate
Frequent urination at night
A weak or slow urine stream
A feeling that the bladder is not completely empty after urinating
Difficulty starting urination
A urine stream that starts and stops
Continued and uncontrolled dribble of urine
Painful or burning sensation with urination
Blood in urine or semen
Pain or discomfort in the lower back, hips, and pelvic area
Painful ejaculation

Treatments For Non-Cancer Prostate Problems

Treating non-cancerous prostate conditions can include watchful waiting (also called active surveillance) if your symptoms are mild. To manage symptoms, your doctor may recommend medications, surgery, or inform you of the TULSA Procedure, a minimally-invasive procedure that uses directional ultrasound to ablate targeted prostate tissue.

Your doctor will assess your symptoms, ask about your family’s health history, look at your overall health and risk factors to determine the best course of action for you.

References

American Family Physician (2016, January), Acute Bacterial Prostatitis: Diagnosis and Management. Retrieved from: https://www.aafp.org/afp/2016/0115/p114.html#:~:text=Acute%20bacterial%20prostatitis%20is%20an,nausea%2C%20emesis%2C%20and%20malaise.

American Family Physician (2016, February), Common Questions About Chronic Prostatitis. Retrieved from: https://www.aafp.org/afp/2016/0215/p290.html

American Family Physician (2016, January), Acute Bacterial Prostatitis: Diagnosis and Management. Retrieved from: https://www.aafp.org/afp/2016/0115/p114.html#:~:text=Acute%20bacterial%20prostatitis%20is%20an,nausea%2C%20emesis%2C%20and%20malaise.

How The Prostate Changes As Men Age

January 10, 2022/in /by inet2021

While there are noticeable physical changes as men get older, some of the most significant changes happen in the reproductive system, which includes the prostate. The prostate is a walnut-sized gland located below the bladder and surrounding the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the bladder). It is responsible for producing and storing the fluid that makes semen.

Prostate issues are common as men get older. In this article, we discuss age-related prostate problems, non-cancer symptoms to be aware of, prostate cancer symptoms to look for, and questions to ask your doctor.

Enlarged prostate gland

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is the medical term for an enlarged prostate gland and is known to affect most men over the age of 40. Although there is no confirmed cause for the prostate to become enlarged, medical professionals cite age as a factor.

It’s normal for the prostate to grow bigger as men age. As a result, a larger prostate might push against the urethra and cause uncomfortable issues with urination. Some of the most common symptoms of an enlarged prostate include:

A weak or slow urinary stream
A feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
Difficulty starting urination
Frequent urination
Urgency to urinate
Getting up frequently at night to urinate
A urinary stream that starts and stops
Straining to urinate
Continued dribbling of urine
Returning to urinate again minutes after finishing

BPH is not cancer and is typically not a serious condition – however, the symptoms can negatively impact a man’s quality of life. If you’re experiencing any of the above signs, take our BPH quiz to measure the severity of your symptoms which can be used as a starting point for your doctor.

Prostatitis

Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate that could come from a viral infection and impacts 10-15% of men in the United States. Some of the most common symptoms of prostatitis include:

Difficulty urinating
A stinging or burning sensation when urinating
A consistent feeling of the need to urinate, even though only small amounts of urine come out
Lower back pain
Low belly pain
Throbbing in the genital and rectal regions
Sexual issues and lack of sex drive
Pain when ejaculating

Many assessments like a Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) and a urine examination can diagnose prostatitis.

Different types of prostatitis

Acute bacterial prostatitis – This kind is produced by a viral infection that comes quickly and without warning. Symptoms include chills, fever, and blood in the urine.
Chronic bacterial prostatitis – This kind of prostatitis doesn’t occur suddenly, but it can be irritating. The only sign you might have is a recurrence of bladder infections.
Chronic prostatitis or chronic pelvic pain syndrome – This condition is common but not very well understood. It’s prevalent in men of all ages and its symptoms can occur and leave with no warning.
Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis – There are no symptoms of this disorder. It’s often uncovered when going through assessments for separate conditions, such as prostate cancer.

Symptoms of prostate cancer

Speak with your doctor immediately if you are experiencing any abnormalities with your prostate, in the prostate’s general area, or with urination.

The symptoms of prostate cancer vary greatly and can be similar to those of non-cancer conditions such as BPH and prostatitis, including:

Trouble in passing urine and emptying the bladder completely
Sudden urgent need to urinate, especially at night
Burning sensation or pain while passing urine
Presence of seminal fluid or blood in the urine
Continuous pain in the back, hip or pelvic area

Warning signs to look for are:

Symptoms of anemia
Pain during ejaculation and a weak or interrupted flow of sperm
Erectile dysfunction
Unexplained weight loss

Tests that can detect prostate cancer at an early stage are the Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test, a Digital Rectal Exam (DRE), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan, and a prostate biopsy.

Some men don’t experience symptoms at all, which highlights the importance of discussing prostate issues with your doctor so you can make an informed decision about cancer screening.

Questions to ask your doctor

What prostate changes can I expect as I get older?
What are my risks for developing prostate cancer?
What red flags should I look for?
At what age should I start prostate cancer screening?
Will changes in my diet and exercise reduce my risk of developing prostate cancer?
Is there anything I can do to prevent an enlarged prostate?
What treatments and medications are available for prostate conditions?

References

American Cancer Society. (2015, March 12). Prostate Cancer. Atlanta, GA: American Cancer Society. Retrieved: http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/cid/documents/webcontent/003134-pdf.pdf.

Health issues that are prevalent in men

How to observe Men’s Health Month

How drinking coffee can reduce your risk of prostate cancer

The connection between higher coffee consumption and prostate cancer

Final thoughts

How prostate cancer is diagnosed

What is an MRI?

Measuring the accuracy of an MRI in prostate cancer diagnosis

Prostate Conditions

Symptoms of Prostate Problems

Testing For Prostate Conditions

What is the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS)?

What is BPH?

What happens after taking the BPH quiz?

How to observe National Doctors Day

A thank you to all of our physicians we work closely with

What is Prostate Specific Antigen?

What Is PSA Testing?

Understanding PSA Levels

Conditions That Raise PSA Levels

How to participate in World Cancer Day

Profound’s Prostate Cancer Awareness

Tips on maintaining a healthy prostate:

Screening and treatments:

Support for men:

Reducing your risk of developing cancer

Common Prostate Conditions

Symptoms of Prostate Problems

Treatments For Non-Cancer Prostate Problems

References

Enlarged prostate gland

Prostatitis

Different types of prostatitis

Symptoms of prostate cancer

Questions to ask your doctor

References

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