The prostate is an important part of the male reproductive and urinary excretion system, and prostate health can directly affect quality of life. Prostate diseases are among the health problems that are common in men, especially after a certain age. So, what causes prostate? To find the answer to this question, it is first necessary to understand the structure, function and situations in which it causes problems.
In this article, I will explain in detail what the prostate is, the factors that cause prostate problems, their symptoms and treatment methods. If you want to learn more about prostate health and learn about possible risks, this article is for you!
Contents
What is Prostate?
The prostate is a walnut-sized gland located just below the bladder in the male reproductive system. It is a piece of meat, approximately 15-25 grams in weight (or volume). This organ surrounds the urethra, which starts from the urinary bladder, and plays an important role in the production of seminal fluid (semen). Seminal fluid protects sperm cells and ensures their transport to the female reproductive organs.
The main functions of the prostate are:
✅ Producing seminal fluid
✅ Protecting and nourishing sperm cells
✅ Controlling urine flow
The prostate usually remains small and healthy during young ages. However, it is quite common for the prostate to grow and cause different health problems as we age.
What are Prostate Problems?
Three main problems related to prostate health can occur:
- Prostate Enlargement (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia – BPH)
Prostate enlargement occurs as a result of abnormal proliferation of prostate cells with aging. This puts pressure on the bladder and urethra, causing problems with urination.
👉 Symptoms:
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Difficulty urinating
- Frequent urination at night
- Weak urine flow
- Prostatitis (Prostate Inflammation)
Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate gland. It is especially seen in sexually active men between the ages of 20-40. It can be seen in two different types: bacterial or non-bacterial.
👉 Symptoms:
- Painful urination
- Pain in the groin and lower abdomen
- Burning sensation during urination
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the uncontrolled growth of prostate cells to form a tumor. If not diagnosed early, the risk of spreading is high. The risk increases especially if there is prostate cancer in the family (father, brother or uncle).
👉 Symptoms:
- Difficulty urinating
- Bloody urine or semen
- Erectile dysfunction
- Pain in the back, hip and thigh area
What Causes Prostate?
The factors that cause prostate problems are usually related to age, genetic structure and lifestyle. Here are the main causes of prostate problems:
- Age Factor
As age progresses, growth and cell renewal in the prostate tissue become irregular. Men over the age of 50 are at higher risk of prostate enlargement and prostate cancer. - Genetic Predisposition
Individuals with a family history of prostate cancer or prostate enlargement are at higher risk of developing prostate diseases. - Hormone Levels
Testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) hormones can have a direct effect on prostate enlargement. Imbalances in hormone levels can cause prostate problems. - Infections
Bacterial infections can lead to the development of prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate). Sexually transmitted diseases also increase the risk of prostatitis. - Nutrition and Lifestyle (Obesity)
- Eating fatty and processed foods
- Low-fiber diets
- Alcohol and smoking
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Obesity
These factors can negatively affect prostate health and increase the risk of prostate enlargement and prostate cancer.
Diagnosis of Prostate Diseases
Different methods are used to diagnose prostate problems.
👉 1. Digital Rectal Examination (DRE): The size and structure of the prostate gland are checked with a finger from the rectum. Irregularities and hardness may raise suspicion of prostate cancer.
👉 2. PSA Test: Prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels are measured in the blood to obtain information about prostate health.
👉 3. Ultrasound and Imaging Methods: Ultrasound and MRI can be used for detailed imaging of the prostate. Multiparametric prostate MRI is used to see the internal structure of the prostate, especially in patients with high PSA.
👉 4. Biopsy: In suspicious cases, a sample is taken from the prostate tissue and a pathological examination is performed. Prostate cancer is diagnosed only with a biopsy.
Treatment Methods for Prostate Problems
The treatment of prostate diseases varies according to the type of disease, the patient’s complaints and the stage of the tumor if detected.
- Drug Treatment
- Alpha blockers: They act by relaxing the prostate muscles.
- 5-alpha reductase inhibitors: Reduces prostate growth. Especially prostate larger than 40g
used in the presence of.
- Antibiotics (in the treatment of bacterial prostatitis)
- Antimuscarinics (in the case of accompanying bladder hyperactivity, to relax the bladder muscles and relieve complaints)
- Surgical Intervention
- TURP (Transurethral Resection): It is a frequently used method in the treatment of prostate enlargement.
- Water vapor treatment: It is an endoscopic treatment used especially in the treatment of prostates with a size of 40-80 gr. Its biggest advantages are that it protects the output of semen and does not require hospitalization.
- Laser prostate treatments (HoLEP, ThuLEP): It is a surgical treatment in which the enlarged adenoma tissue of the prostate is separated with a laser and the urinary tract is cleared of pressure. Prostate size
- Radical Prostatectomy: It is the procedure of completely removing the prostate in patients with prostate cancer. In addition to the open method (with an incision in the abdomen), it can be done with closed (laparoscopic or robotic) methods today.
- Alternative Methods
- Herbal treatments (like saw palmetto)
- Diet and lifestyle changes
- Pelvic floor muscle exercises
Recommendations for Protecting Prostate Health
✅ Exercise regularly
✅ Eat a healthy and balanced diet
✅ Avoid alcohol and cigarettes
✅ Drink plenty of water
✅ Do not neglect regular prostate check-ups
Conclusion
Prostate health is an important issue that directly affects men’s quality of life. With detailed answers to the question of ‘What causes prostate?’, it becomes possible to prevent prostate problems and diagnose them early. You can protect your prostate health with regular doctor check-ups and healthy lifestyle habits.
Remember, early diagnosis saves lives! Take a step today to protect your prostate health!