What Are The Symptoms Of Prostate Problems
The symptoms of a prostate problem may include problems with urinating and bladder control. Bladder control is how well you can delay, start, or stop urination. These problems can cause you to
- go to the bathroom frequently
- feel as if you need to rush to the bathroom, only to find you cant urinate or you urinate only a little
- leak or dribble urine
- have a weak urine stream
Depending on the cause of your prostate problems, you may have other symptoms.
What Kind Of Doctor Should I See
You may have been diagnosed with prostate cancer by a primary care physician, an internist or a urologist, but your prostate cancer will need to be treated by an oncologist, which is a doctor who specializes in the treatment of cancer. Your medical oncologist will oversee your prostate cancer care after diagnosis and may bring in other types of doctors as needed.
Every patient is different depending on the specifics of your case, your oncologist may order radiation therapy or chemotherapy to kill cancer cells, hormone therapy, surgery or a combination of those treatments. As a patient of Maryland Oncology Hematology, youll have access to skilled oncology nurses, prostate cancer surgeons, radiation oncologists, nutritionists and other cancer-care specialists.
Consider A Multidisciplinary Team
To receive the best care possible for prostate cancer, seek care from a multidisciplinary medical team. A multidisciplinary team is a group of healthcare professionals from different specialties that work together to suggest a treatment plan for you based on your diagnosis, personal health, and preferences to ensure you have the best health outcome and highest quality of life. Expert medical oncologist Dr. Alicia Morgans, from Vanderbilt Cancer Center, speaks on the importance of putting together a multidisciplinary team.
If you are unable to work with a multidisciplinary team, round out your team of professionals with a visit to an oncologist, even if you have been diagnosed with very early stage disease. This will give you a full understanding of all available treatments so you have the best chance to beat the disease. It will also help you understand your potential options if the cancer returns.
Most of the time the physician who makes the diagnosis of prostate cancer is the urologist. It is important to work with the urologist as you put together your team for treatment and support. Specialists involved in the treatment and management of prostate cancer are noted below.
Urologist
Radiation Oncologist
A radiation oncologist is a highly trained physician specializing in the treatment of prostate cancer using the various types of radiation approved to treat the disease.
Medical Oncologist
Primary Care Physician
Oncology Social Worker
Physical Therapist
Nutritionist
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If Treatment Does Not Work
Recovery from cancer is not always possible. If the cancer cannot be cured or controlled, the disease may be called advanced or terminal.
This diagnosis is stressful, and for some people, advanced cancer may be difficult to discuss. However, it is important to have open and honest conversations with your health care team to express your feelings, preferences, and concerns. The health care team has special skills, experience, and knowledge to support patients and their families and is there to help. Making sure a person is physically comfortable, free from pain, and emotionally supported is extremely important.
People who have advanced cancer and who are expected to live less than 6 months may want to consider hospice care. Hospice care is designed to provide the best possible quality of life for people who are near the end of life. You and your family are encouraged to talk with the health care team about hospice care options, which include hospice care at home, a special hospice center, or other health care locations. Nursing care and special equipment, including a hospital bed, can make staying at home a workable option for many families. Learn more about advanced cancer care planning.
After the death of a loved one, many people need support to help them cope with the loss. Learn more about grief and loss.
Top Prostate Cancer Physicians
Men with prostate cancer may have surgery as part of their treatment. Our top prostate cancer surgeons perform:
- Minimally invasive or open incision prostatectomy. During this procedure, the prostate gland and some surrounding tissues and lymph nodes are removed.
- Transurethral resection of the prostate . This procedure is usually performed to ease urinary symptoms associated with prostate cancer. During this procedure, a combined visual and surgical instrument known as a resectoscope is used to trim excess and inflamed prostate tissue that surrounds the urethra and blocks urine flow.
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Can Prostate Cancer Be Prevented
There is no sure way to prevent prostate cancer. Many risk factors such as age, race, and family history cant be controlled. But there are some things you can do that might lower your risk of prostate cancer.
Bodyweight, physical activity, and diet.
The effects of body weight, physical activity, and diet on prostate cancer risk arent completely clear, but there are things you can do that might lower your risk.
Some studies have found that men who are overweight or obese have a higher risk of developing advanced prostate cancer or prostate cancer that is more likely to be fatal. Although not all studies agree, several have found a higher risk of prostate cancer in men whose diets are high in dairy products and calcium.
The best advice about diet and activity to possibly reduce the risk of prostate cancer is to:
- Get to and stay at a healthy weight.
- Keep physically active.
- Follow a healthy eating pattern, which includes a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables and whole grains, and avoids or limits red and processed meats, sugar-sweetened beverages, and highly processed foods.
When Should You Go To The Doctor For Prostate
Its a good idea to call your doctor if you experience symptoms of prostate cancer, even if theyre mild. As a rule of thumb, the National Cancer Institute recommends that men who are in their 30s or 40s see a doctor immediately if they experience any prostate cancer symptoms.
Who is the best prostate Doctor?
David B. Samadi, MD, highly skilled and considered the best prostate surgeon, he is dedicated to compassionate and successful prostate cancer treatment. He helps men of all ages overcome their prostate cancer, while preserving the highest possible quality of life after prostate surgery.
Who is the best doctor for prostate cancer?
The treatment of prostate cancer often requires the expertise of many medical specialists. Depending on your own case, doctors you may see include: Urologist. A urologist is specially trained to treat problems affecting the urinary tract and disorders of the male reproductive system.
What type of Doctor treats prostate cancer?
The main types of doctors who treat prostate cancer include: Urologists: surgeons who treat diseases of the urinary system and male reproductive system Radiation oncologists: doctors who treat cancer with radiation therapy.
What are natural remedies for prostate cancer?
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The Initial Causes What Kind Of Doctor Treats Prostate Problems
One of the first symptoms of prostate issues is pain or tenderness in the groin or lower back. This can be the result of a noncancerous condition called enlarged prostatic tissue, or it could be an infection of the bladder. In either case, its important to see a doctor as soon as possible. If youre suffering from prostate pain, you may want to consider reducing your caffeine intake.
Another symptom of a potentially enlarged prostate is difficulty starting a stream of urine, leaking, or dribbling. These symptoms are not serious, but theyre still alarming. Most men put up with an enlarged prostate for years before seeking medical attention, but they typically seek treatment as soon as they notice symptoms. Even if you dont have symptoms, its worth getting checked to determine if you have any prostate issues.
If you experience nightly bathroom runs, you may be experiencing an enlarged prostate. You may be having difficulty starting a stream of urine, or you may even be dribbling or leaking during the day. These problems arent life-threatening, but can become a nuisance. You should not ignore these signs and seek treatment as soon as you notice them. If you feel any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor.
When To See A Urologist About Enlarged Prostate
The signs and symptoms of an enlarged prostate become more evident as a man ages. An enlargement of the prostate can signal Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia a noncancerous, but bothersome condition that affects more than half of men in their 50s and up to 90% of men in their 70s and 80s.1,2 However, the severity of these symptoms does not necessarily correlate with the severity of the enlargement of the prostate. In fact, many men who have serious enlargement of the prostate may only have mild symptoms and vice versa. That means that it is advisable for men who experience urinary symptoms to see their urologist early.
Additional Links
Attention to these problems may help avoid serious interference in their lifestyle, such as the often embarrassing urgency and frequency of urination. A proactive physician visit may also allow for early diagnosis or even prevention of a more serious prostatic condition. LUTS can be a sign of prostatitis or even prostate cancer. Most men experiencing urinary symptoms or over the age of 50 will benefit from regular prostate exams.
Visiting a urologist at the earliest stages of enlargement has the following benefits:
1 National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Prostate enlargement: benign prostatic hyperplasia. NIH Publication No. 07-3012. June 2006.
2 Carter HB. Prostate Disorders: The Johns Hopkins White Papers. Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins Medicine 2013:1-25.
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Symptoms Of Prostate Cancer
Though early warning signs of prostate cancer are rare, sometimes men experience symptoms before they are diagnosed. The severity of symptoms may depend on where the cancer is located in the prostate and how advanced it has become. However, having any of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that you have prostate cancer or that the disease has progressed beyond its early stages.
Prostate Cancer Diagnosis And Screening
It is essential to get a periodic preventative screening for prostate cancer as the symptoms are not very apparent at the initial stages. When you go for your annual health examination, you might want to speak to your doctor about prostate cancer screening. If you are 40 years old, then doctors recommend that you get yourself screened especially if one of your close family members has prostate cancer.
Doctors say that if you are 45 and if you are African American and you have someone close to you who was diagnosed before they were 65, then you should get a screening done for prostate cancer as you have a high statistical risk.
The following tests are used for screening and diagnosing prostate cancer.
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Thinking About Taking Part In A Clinical Trial
Clinical trials are carefully controlled research studies that are done to get a closer look at promising new treatments or procedures. Clinical trials are one way to get state-of-the art cancer treatment. In some cases they may be the only way to get access to newer treatments. They are also the best way for doctors to learn better methods to treat cancer. Still, they’re not right for everyone.
If you would like to learn more about clinical trials that might be right for you, start by asking your doctor if your clinic or hospital conducts clinical trials.
How You Can Help Yourself
Everyone has their own way of dealing with prostate cancer, but you may find some of the following suggestions helpful.
Find out about your cancer
Watch our animation to find out more about prostate cancer.
Depending on your results, your cancer might be treated as:
There are different treatment options for each stage of prostate cancer.
Look into your treatment options
Find out about the different treatments that you could have. Bring a list of questions to your doctor or nurse. And ask about any side effects so you know what to expect and how to manage them. This will help you decide whats right for you.
Talk to someone
Set yourself some goals
Set yourself goals and things to look forward to even if theyre just for the next few weeks or months.
Look after yourself
Take time out to look after yourself. When you feel up to it, learn some techniques to manage stress and to relax like breathing exercises or listening to music. If you’re having difficulty sleeping, talk to your doctor or nurse.
Eat a healthy, balanced diet
We dont know for sure if any specific foods have an effect on prostate cancer. But eating well can help you stay a healthy weight, which may be important for men with prostate cancer. Its also good for your general health and can help you feel more in control. Certain changes to your diet may also help with some side effects of treatment. Read more about having a healthy diet.
Be as active as you can
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Treatment Options For Men With Enlarged Prostate
If youre a male over the age of 45, chances are you may be suffering from a condition more common than prostate cancer benign prostatic hyperplasia . More commonly known as enlarged prostate, BPH can cause bothersome urinary symptoms that can worsen with age. In fact, nearly 40 million men in the United States are affected by enlarged prostate, according to research published in the Journal of Urology.
During Mens Health Month, consider these steps from the experts at NeoTract, Inc., manufacturer of the UroLift System, for alleviating enlarged prostate symptoms:
The Initial Causes What Kind Of Doctor Do You See For Prostate Problems
One of the first symptoms of prostate issues is pain or tenderness in the groin or lower back. This can be the result of a noncancerous condition called enlarged prostatic tissue, or it could be an infection of the bladder. In either case, its important to see a doctor as soon as possible. If youre suffering from prostate pain, you may want to consider reducing your caffeine intake.
Another symptom of a potentially enlarged prostate is difficulty starting a stream of urine, leaking, or dribbling. These symptoms are not serious, but theyre still alarming. Most men put up with an enlarged prostate for years before seeking medical attention, but they typically seek treatment as soon as they notice symptoms. Even if you dont have symptoms, its worth getting checked to determine if you have any prostate issues.
If you experience nightly bathroom runs, you may be experiencing an enlarged prostate. You may be having difficulty starting a stream of urine, or you may even be dribbling or leaking during the day. These problems arent life-threatening, but can become a nuisance. You should not ignore these signs and seek treatment as soon as you notice them. If you feel any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor.
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Your Quality Of Life With An Enlarged Prostate
If your enlarged prostate symptoms are mild and not bothersome, there’s likely no need for treatment. One-third of men with mild BPH find that their symptoms clear up without treatment. They may just watch and wait.
However, when enlarged prostate symptoms are bothersome or are affecting your quality of life or overall health, it’s time to talk to your doctor about the treatment options. Together you will determine if you would benefit most from medication, a minimally invasive procedure, or surgery.
It’s important to talk with a doctor when you begin noticing changes in urinary function. You need to find out what’s going on so you can be treated for enlarged prostate if necessary. For many men, especially those who are young when the prostate starts growing, getting early treatment can head off complications later on.
Prostate Cancer And Your Sex Life: What You Should Know
While sex might not be the first thing in your mind when you are diagnosed with prostate cancer, it is something that you need to know about especially if you lead a sexually active life. You might feel awkward talking about your sex life with your doctor but it is important to do so.
When you get treated for prostate cancer, it can affect your sex life in various ways. You might lose interest in sex or you might just feel discomfort when you think of sex. Some men feel pain during ejaculation as well. All of these can hinder your ability to enjoy sex and this can affect your self-image and self-confidence.
You need to ask your doctor about the treatment that you will be receiving and how it will affect your sex life. You can ask questions such as the safety measures that you can take, which sex positions you should avoid, whether you can have sex with your partner daily, etc.
Whatever questions you have, just ask your doctor to be on the safe side. If you are unable to do that then you might want to speak to your counsellor first and then to your doctor so you dont feel awkward.
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What You Need To Know About The Prostate What Kind Of Doctor Treats Prostate Problems
The main purpose of the prostate is to produce semen, a milky fluid that sperm swims in. During puberty, the body produces semen in a large number of cases, including enlarged prostate. This fluid causes the prostate to swell and cause a number of bladder-related symptoms. This is why the prostate is important to the body. It can be caused by many factors, including infection and inflammation.
A enlarged prostate can also cause blockages in the urethra. A blocked urethra can also damage the kidneys. A patient suffering from an enlargement of the prostate may have pain in his lower abdomen and genitals. If pain is present, a digital rectal examination will reveal hard areas. A doctor may prescribe surgery or perform an endoscopic procedure. If the enlarged prostate is not completely removed, it will shrink.
While the size of an enlarged prostate will influence the extent of urinary symptoms, men may experience a range of urinary symptoms. Some men have minimal or no symptoms at all. Some men will have a very enlarged prostate, whereas others will have a mild enlargement. Generally, the symptoms can stabilize over time. Some men may have an enlarged prostate but not notice it. If they have an enlarged colon, their physician can perform a TURP procedure.