WHY YOU SHOULDN’T IGNORE PROSTATE PROBLEMS

Most men don’t start thinking about their prostate until they begin experiencing problems. The prostate is a walnut-shaped gland under a man’s bladder that plays a critical role in the male reproductive system. But, given its location, changes in the prostate gland can affect other important functions — like urination.

“Prostate problems can be serious,” said Dr. Chris Kannady, a urologist at Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital. “If you have a frequent need to urinate, painful urination and incomplete emptying of the bladder, you may have issues with your prostate.”

The three most common prostate problems men face include:

■ Prostatitis

■ Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or enlarged prostate

■ Prostate cancer

HOW IS PROSTATITIS TREATED?

Prostatitis is prostate inflammation usually caused by an infection. Ths condition is fairly common and can lead to difficulty passing urine and sexual problems.

Typically treated with antibiotics, prostatitis has a treatment duration extending two weeks or more in some cases — depending on whether the infection is sudden or chronic. Anti-inflammatory medication and medications that relax prostate muscle tissue may also be recommended to ease urine passage.

HOW IS BPH TREATED?

Many men experience prostate enlargement as they age. Ths condition can cause a squeezing of the urethra as well as bladder weakening, which can leave urine in the bladder.

Although BPH is not cancerous, many of its symptoms are like those of prostate cancer. BPH can lead to life-disrupting and life-threatening problems, such as:

■ Voiding difficulty

■ Bladder or kidney infections

■ Urinary blockages

■ Kidney failure

According to Kannady, you can lessen BPH symptoms by making a few lifestyle changes, such as limiting alcohol or caffeine.

“Medication, or sometimes surgery, may be recommended to ease discomfort and urine flw issues,” he said.

In some cases, noninvasive options may be considered:

■ Green light laser procedures

■ Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)

■ Button procedure

■ Aquablation (see sidebar)

HOW IS PROSTATE CANCER TREATED?

Prostate cancer can slowly grow and never cause symptoms or threaten a man’s health. However, sometimes, it can aggressively attach and require treatment.

How prostate cancer is treated depends on the tumors location, whether the cancer has spread, the man’s age and his overall health. Treatment options include:

■ Watchful waiting and symptom monitoring

■ Surgical removal of the prostate gland

■ High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) treatment

■ Radiation therapy

■ Chemotherapy

■ Testosterone-blocking hormone therapy

“ The side effects of prostate cancer treatment can include problems with bladder control,” added Kannady. “Before choosing a course of therapy, men should consult their doctors.” •

Advanced Treatment Options

Houston Methodist Baytown now offers Aquablation therapy for patients with BPH, or benign prostate hyperplasia, also known as an enlarged prostate. “It is basically using high-pressure water to destroy the unwanted tissue,” said Kannady. “And, because we aren’t using heat, we don’t damage the nerves of the prostate.”

This procedure uses an image-guided robotic arm entering through the urethra, resulting in no incision. The arm holds the water jet and camera to help precisely remove the excess prostate tissue.

“Aquablation is a remarkably effective procedure,” said Kannady. “When we look at men five year postsurgery, 95% still don’t need re-treatment.”