Located in the groin, between the base of the penis and the rectum, the prostate is a small organ that plays an important role in producing semen. The prostate is a sensitive gland of the male body, an organ that can be severely affected by the changing hormone levels and other physical changes related to aging and that is a very common cause for health concerns. The three most common problems that affect the prostate are infection, abnormal enlargement and cancer – issues that can be treated with a variety of techniques. According to an endovascular surgeon near me, here are common treatment methods:
Treatment Options for Prostate Infections
If you are noticing symptoms, such as frequent or painful urination, cloudy or bloody urine, pain or discomfort in your testicles or in your groin area, your doctor will first examine you and will run some tests to set up an accurate diagnosis. If the diagnosis is prostate infection, your doctor will prescribe you medication to kill the germs that cause the infection. The most common medicines used in the treatment of prostate infections are antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs.
Treatment Options for An Enlarged Prostate
Prostate enlargement is another very common issue, a problem that affects over half of men after the age of 50. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, several treatment options are available. In mild cases, the problem can be effectively treated with over-the-counter medication or with prescription drugs, while in more severe cases the best treatment option might be some type of surgical intervention. Modern surgery has come up with many methods that can efficiently treat prostate enlargement, including invasive methods, such as transurethral resection or incision as well as minimally invasive procedures, such as transurethral needle ablation, embolization, microwave thermotherapy and laser therapy. All surgical methods aim to eliminate the enlarged part of the prostate gland and to restore bladder function.
Treatment Options for Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the most severe of all prostate issues, but it is a highly treatable cancer type, especially if caught early. The treatment options depend on the stage of the cancer and can range from watchful waiting for cases diagnosed early to surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and a variety of targeted treatments. The best course of action is usually determined by a team of doctors after carefully considering the patient’s general health and physical condition, his age, the type of cancer and the likelihood of aggravation. If the cancer is of a type that advances slowly and the patient is in advanced age, the treatment option of choice is usually active surveillance consisting of regular check-ups and tests and that involves an intervention only if the cancer starts aggravating. For younger patients or for cancer types that tend to advance more quickly, the recommended treatment option is usually a surgical intervention, preferably a minimally invasive one, to remove the cancerous growth. These surgical interventions are usually followed by chemotherapy or radiation therapy to make sure that all the cancerous cells are eliminated.