Prostate problems occur frequently in men, especially as they age. The prostate, a walnut sized gland located beneath the bladder, surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder. Up to 90 percent of men in their seventies and eighties have an enlarged prostate, known as benign prostatic hypertrophy, or BPH, the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse states. Prostate cancer, the most common cancer in men in the United States, according to the Merck Manual, causes prostate symptoms. Inflammation caused by infection or trauma can also cause prostate symptoms.
Pain
Prostate problems caused by cancer, prostatitis, or inflammation or benign prostatic hypertrophy can all cause pain and burning during urination. Pain may also occur during ejaculation. Bone pain and pelvic pain may occur with prostate cancer that has metastasized, or spread, Cornell Urology reports. Pain in the hips, upper thighs and lower back can also indicate prostate problems, according to the Prostate Cancer Foundation. Pain in the penis and testicles may be caused by prostatitis.
Urinary and Kidney Symptoms
Because the prostate surrounds the urethra, any disease process that causes prostatic enlargement can affect the ability to urinate. Common problems from any type of prostate enlargement, including cancer, inflammation or BPH include difficulty starting or stopping urination, urinary urgency, hesitation or interruption of the urine stream, a weak urine stream, dribbling urine and getting up frequently at night to urinate. Patients may see blood in their urine. Inflammation and prostate cancer may cause increased urine infections. Bladder stones may develop in severe BPH, along with incontinence.
In some cases, BPH can lead to complete inability to urinate, called acute urinary retention, the National Kidney and Urologic Information Clearinghouse states. This problem may be triggered by taking certain over the counter cold or allergy medications, alcohol use, prolonged immobility or cold temperatures, the same source reports. Prostate cancer can also cause acute urinary retention.
If prostate cancer spreads into the lower part of the bladder, severe irritation can occur, says Cornell Urology. Advanced prostate cancer can also cause urine obstruction due to enlarged lymph nodes in the pelvis, causing possible kidney failure, Cornell adds.
Bacterial Infection Symptoms
Bacterial infection of the prostate can cause high fever, chills and nausea, the University of Maryland Medical Center states.
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