According to a Johns Hopkins Hospital report, one in six men will get prostate cancer. Therefore, doctors evaluate all prostate problems carefully. Three commonly found problems are: BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia), prostatitis, and prostate cancer. Physical examinations and blood tests are needed to determine the cause of any prostate problems.
The prostate is a gland that wraps around the urethra. The urethra is the canal where urine and semen flow. If that canal becomes restricted, a man may have trouble urinating and ejaculating. The causes of restriction can range from a simple infection to an aggressive cancer. The PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test is important to help diagnose the problem.
Prostatitis and BPH are Two of the Three Common Prostate Problems
Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate. Men can have either bacterial or non-bacterial prostatitis. Bacterial prostatitis is usually remedied with antibiotics. Non-bacterial prostatitis is often treated with NSAIDS (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Prostatitis usually occurs in men under 50 years old. However, it has been known to strike at any age.