Bladder & Prostate

<h3 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; color: #333333;"><strong>Bladder &amp; Prostate</strong></span></h3> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; color: #333333;">The prostate is a gland that produces the fluid that carries sperm during ejaculation. The prostate gland surrounds the urethra, the tube through which urine passes out of the body.The increase in the number of cells (hyperplasia) result in the growth of prostate organ.. The exact medical reason for this increase is still unknown.A variety of factors may be involved in this process, such as androgens (male hormones), estrogens, and growth factors and other cell signaling pathways (cell-to-cell communication).</span></p> <h3 style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; color: #333333;">Signs of Enlarged Prostate</span></strong></h3> <h4 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; color: #333333; font-size: medium;"></span></h4> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; color: #333333;">Symptoms of enlarged prostate can include:</span></p> <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; color: #333333;">A weak or slow urinary stream</span></li> </ul> <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; color: #333333;">A feeling of incomplete bladder emptying</span></li> </ul> <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; color: #333333;">Difficulty starting urination</span></li> </ul> <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; color: #333333;">Frequent urination</span></li> </ul> <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; color: #333333;">Urgency to urinate</span></li> </ul> <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; color: #333333;">Getting up frequently at night to urinate</span></li> </ul> <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; color: #333333;">A urinary stream that starts and stops</span></li> </ul> <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; color: #333333;">Straining to urinate</span></li> </ul> <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; color: #333333;">Continued dribbling of urine</span></li> </ul> <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; color: #333333;">Returning to urinate again minutes after finishing</span></li> </ul> <h3 style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; color: #333333;">Diagnosis of Enlarged Prostate</span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; color: #333333; font-size: medium;"><br /><br /></span></strong></h3> <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; color: #333333;"><strong>Digital rectal examination (DRE):</strong> A doctor inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum and feels the prostate. A DRE can sometimes detect an enlarged prostate, lumps or nodules of prostate cancer, or tenderness from prostatitis.</span></li> </ul> <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; color: #333333;"><strong>Prostate-specific antigen (PSA):</strong> The prostate makes a protein called PSA, which can be measured by a blood test. If PSA is high, prostate cancer is more likely, but an enlarged prostate can also cause a high PSA.</span></li> </ul> <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; color: #333333;"><strong>Prostate ultrasound (transrectal ultrasound):</strong> An ultrasound probe is inserted into the rectum, bringing it close to the prostate. Ultrasound is often done with a biopsy to test for prostate cancer.</span></li> </ul> <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; color: #333333;"><strong>Prostate biopsy:</strong> A needle is inserted into the prostate to take tissue out to check for prostate cancer. This is usually done through the rectum.</span></li> </ul> <h3 style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; color: #333333;">Prevention of Z</span></strong></h3> <h3 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; color: #333333; font-size: medium;"></span></h3> <p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; color: #333333;">It is formally known that there are no ways to prevent Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. However, you can get yourself treated at time if you are aware of its symptoms and see a doctor at the early stage. Other than this, following things can help you as well- </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; color: #333333;"></span></p> <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; color: #333333;">Urinate as soon as you feel the urge</span></li> </ul> <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; color: #333333;">Go to the bathroom to urinate, even when you don’t feel the urge</span></li> </ul> <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; color: #333333;">Avoid over-the-counter decongestants or antihistamine medications, which can make it harder for the bladder to empty</span></li> </ul> <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; color: #333333;">Avoid  alcohol and caffeine, especially in the hours after dinner</span></li> </ul> <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; color: #333333;">Reduce  your stress level, as nervousness can increase the frequency of urination</span></li> </ul> <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; color: #333333;">Exercise  regularly, as a lack of exercise can aggravate your symptoms</span></li> </ul> <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; color: #333333;">Try Kegel exercises to strengthen your pelvic muscles</span></li> </ul> <h3 style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; color: #333333;">Treatment<br /><br /></span></strong></h3> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; color: #333333; font-size: medium;"></span></p> <h4 dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; color: #333333;">Enlarged Prostate Treatment</span></strong></h4> <h4 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; color: #333333; font-size: medium;"></span></h4> <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; color: #333333;"><strong>Alpha-blockers:</strong> Alpha-blockers relax the muscles around the urethra in men with symptoms from an enlarged prostate. Urine then flows more freely.</span></li> </ul> <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; color: #333333;"><strong>5-alpha-reductase inhibitors:</strong> These medications reduce the level of a certain form of testosterone (DHT). The prostate shrinks when less DHT is present, improving urine flow.</span></li> </ul> <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; color: #333333;"><strong>Surgery for an enlarged prostate:</strong> Usually, medications resolve symptoms of an enlarged prostate, but some men require surgery to improve symptoms and prevent complications.</span></li> </ul> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; color: #333333;"></span></p> <h4 dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; color: #333333;">Prostate Cancer Treatment</span></strong></h4> <h4 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; color: #333333; font-size: medium;"></span></h4> <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; color: #333333;"><strong>Prostatectomy:</strong> Surgery for prostate cancer, called a prostatectomy, removes the prostate with the goal of removing all the cancer.</span></p> </li> </ul> <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li> <p><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; color: #333333;"><strong>Radiation therapy:</strong> Radiation kills prostate cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy cells.</span></p> </li> </ul> <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; color: #333333;"><strong>Radioactive seed implants:</strong> Instead of radiation pointed at the prostate from outside the body, radioactive seeds can be implanted into the prostate to kill cancer cells.</span></li> </ul> <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; color: #333333;"><strong>Cryotherapy:</strong> Cryotherapy involves killing prostate cancer cells by freezing them.</span></li> </ul> <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; color: #333333;"><strong>Hormone therapy:</strong> Prostate cancer cells grow in response to hormones. Hormone therapy helps block that effect.</span></li> </ul> <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; color: #333333;"><strong>Chemotherapy:</strong> When prostate cancer is advanced, chemotherapy may help reduce the cancer’s spread.</span></li> </ul> <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; color: #333333;"><strong>Watchful waiting:</strong> Since prostate cancer is often slow growing, some older men and their doctors hold off on treatment and wait to see if the cancer appears to be growing.</span></li> </ul> <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; color: #333333;"><strong>Clinical trials:</strong> Through prostate cancer clinical trials, researchers test the effects of new medications on a group of volunteers with prostate cancer.</span></li> </ul> <h3 style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; color: #333333;">Expected Side effects</span></strong></h3> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; color: #333333;"></span></p> <p dir="ltr" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; color: #333333;">Common Alpha Blockers side effects may include:</span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; color: #333333;"></span></p> <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; color: #333333;">Dizziness, drowsiness, weakness;</span></li> </ul> <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; color: #333333;">Nausea, diarrhea;</span></li> </ul> <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; color: #333333;">Headache, chest pain;</span></li> </ul> <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; color: #333333;">Abnormal ejaculation, decreased amount of semen;</span></li> </ul> <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; color: #333333;">Back pain;</span></li> </ul> <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; color: #333333;">Blurred vision;</span></li> </ul> <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; color: #333333;">Tooth problems;</span></li> </ul> <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; color: #333333;">Fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;</span></li> </ul> <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; color: #333333;">Runny or stuffy nose, sinus pain, sore throat, cough;</span></li> </ul> <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; color: #333333;">Sleep problems (insomnia); or</span></li> </ul> <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; color: #333333;">Loss of interest interest in sex.</span></li> </ul> <h3 style="text-align: justify;"><strong><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; color: #333333;">Important Things to Know</span></strong></h3> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; color: #333333; font-size: medium;"></span></p> <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; color: #333333;">Consume lots of pumpkin and watermelon seeds</span></li> </ul> <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; color: #333333;">Cornsilk is known to have proven beneficial against bph</span></li> </ul> <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; color: #333333;">Include fish in diet like tuna and salmon containing beneficial omega three fatty acids</span></li> </ul> <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium; color: #333333;">Drink eight glasses of water per day</span></li> </ul>