Sexually Transmitted Diseases

What's The Difference Between Prostatitis And Prostate Cancer?

Prostatitis is an inflamed prostate often caused by bacterial infections. Prostate cancer develops when cells in your prostate replicate too much and form a tumor.

Your prostate is a walnut-sized organ under your bladder that helps transport and nourish sperm. Problems with your prostate frequently cause symptoms like frequent or painful urination.

Prostatitis is inflammation of your prostate that's often caused by bacterial infections. It's called acute prostatitis when it develops quickly and chronic prostatitis when it becomes a long-term problem.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in males other than skin cancer. It develops when cells in your prostate replicate uncontrollably. If left untreated, it can spread to other organs and can cause life threatening complications.

This article compares the similarities and differences between prostatitis and prostate cancer, including symptoms, causes, and treatment options.

Here's a look at the symptoms of prostatitis and prostate cancer.

Prostatitis symptoms

pain when urinating

difficulty urinating

frequent urination

pain in your penis, scrotum, or testicles

pain when ejaculating

fever

People with acute prostatitis develop symptoms suddenly and may develop a high fever and intense pain. People with chronic forms of prostatitis often have subtler and less intense symptoms.

Prostate cancer symptoms

Prostate cancer often doesn't cause noticeable symptoms in the early stages until the tumor grows large. When symptoms do appear, they can include:

problems when urinating, such as:

weak stream

frequent urination

needing to urinate often at night

blood in your urine or semen

Advanced prostate cancer can cause:

These are the potential causes of prostatitis and prostate cancer.

Prostatitis causes

There are four main types of prostatitis:

Acute bacterial prostatitis: Acute bacterial prostatitis is caused by a sudden bacterial infection.

Chronic bacterial prostatitis: Chronic bacterial prostatitis is a long-term bacterial infection that causes milder symptoms that may come and go.

Chronic prostatitis (chronic pelvic pain syndrome): This form of prostatitis often lasts for months but isn't caused by a bacterial infection. It may be linked to:

previous infection

nervous system dysfunction

immune system dysfunction

stress

hormonal problems

Asymptomatic prostatitis: This form doesn't cause symptoms, and the cause is often not unknown.

Prostate cancer causes

Like all cancers, prostate cancer develops when cells replicate uncontrollably. This overreplication is caused by DNA changes in prostate cells. It's usually unknown why these changes occur, but it's thought that a combination of genetic and environmental factors plays a role.

The following may increase your risk of prostatitis or prostate cancer.

Prostatitis risk factors

prostate manipulation, such as during some medical procedures

narrowing of your urethra

benign prostatic hyperplasia

being unable to retract your foreskin (phimosis)

urethritis, inflammation of your urethra

diabetes

immunosuppression (a reduction in the effectiveness of the immune system)

history of sexually transmitted infections

Prostate cancer risk factors

older age

African or Caribbean ancestry

family history

certain genetic factors, such as Lynch syndrome or BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations

There's less evidence to support a link between prostate cancer and:

obesity

smoking

consuming large amounts of dairy

exposure to certain chemicals such as arsenic

sexually transmitted infections

vasectomy

Some studies have identified prostatitis as a risk factor for prostate cancer, but not all studies are in agreement.

It's important to see a doctor or healthcare professional if you develop potential symptoms of prostatitis or prostate cancer. An early diagnosis can help you prevent complications and improve your outcome.

The American Cancer Society recommends seeing a doctor for prostate cancer screening starting at the following age:

50 years old for men at an average risk

45 years old for men at high risk (for those with a father or brother who had prostate cancer before 65 years of age, or are African American)

40 years old for men with a very high risk (for those with two or more first degree relatives have prostate cancer at an early age)

Tests that doctors may order to identify problems with your prostate include:

Here's a look at the treatment options for prostatitis and prostate cancer.

Prostatitis treatment

Here's how each type of prostatitis is generally treated:

Prostate cancer treatment

Some common treatments for prostate cancer include:

Prostate cancer is also often not preventable. Taking care of your overall health may help you prevent cancer in general. This includes:

Here are some frequently asked questions people have about prostatitis and prostate cancer.

Can prostate cancer be misdiagnosed as prostatitis?

Prostate cancer can sometimes be mistaken for prostatitis, especially in the early stages.

Can prostatitis lead to prostate cancer?

Many studies but not all show that chronic prostatitis may increase your risk of prostate cancer.

What is the most common age for prostatitis diagnosis?

Prostatitis is the most common urological condition in men younger than 50 years old. It's estimated to affect about 5% of men between 20 and 50 years old at some point.

Can ejaculating too much cause prostatitis?

Current evidence doesn't support a connection between frequent ejaculation and prostatitis.

What's the difference between prostatitis, prostate cancer, and an enlarged prostate?

Prostatitis is inflammation of your prostate. Prostate cancer is when there is too much replication of cells in your prostate. An enlarged prostate, also called benign prostatic hyperplasia, is a noncancerous enlargement of your prostate gland.

Prostatitis and prostate cancer are two conditions that affect your prostate gland and can cause symptoms like trouble urinating or frequent urination.

It's important to see a doctor anytime you develop symptoms that might suggest a problem with your prostate. Prostatitis and prostate cancer are both often easier to treat when they're caught early.

A Complete Guide To Your Prostate

The prostate is a small walnut-sized gland in the male reproductive system. It sits between the penis and the bladder in front of the rectum, the tube that holds stool (poop) until you are ready to go to the bathroom. The term prostate comes from the Greek word prohistani, meaning "to stand in front of," highlighting the prostate's position in front of the rectum.

The prostate's primary function is to produce fluid that nourishes and protects sperm. It also helps push semen out during ejaculation and regulate urine (pee) flow.

Common conditions affecting the prostate include prostatitis (inflammation), an enlarged prostate, and prostate cancer. Symptoms of prostate conditions often involve difficulty urinating, frequent urination, painful urination, and painful ejaculation.

Design by Health

The prostate is a soft gland with an inverted cone shape. In your 20s, it's about the size of a walnut but tends to grow with age. Location The prostate sits just below the bladder and about two inches in front of the rectum. A portion of the prostate surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries pee and semen out of the penis. Next to the prostate are nerves essential for erectile function. Behind the prostate are the seminal vesicles, small glands that produce sperm and fluid.  Because of its closeness to the urethra and because it shares blood supply with the bladder, prostate problems can affect urination (peeing). Since the prostate is near the rectum, healthcare providers can check it with a digital rectal exam (DRE), where they feel the prostate through the rectum. Structure The prostate consists of the following tissues, each with a specific function: Glandular: Makes fluid Connective: Provides support Fibrous: Surrounds and protects Muscle: Assists with semen and urine flow There are five lobes of the prostate, classified by their position. Anterior lobe: Front Posterior lobe: Back Lateral lobes: Two sides Median lobe: Middle In addition, the prostate involves the following zones.  Peripheral: The back section that makes up 70% of the prostate Central: The middle section that comprises 25% of the prostate. Transition: Section that surrounds the urethra and makes up 5-10% of the prostate Prostate zones are crucial because each presents unique symptoms and issues. The peripheral zone, where prostate cancer often begins, may not cause symptoms until advanced stages due to its distance from the urethra. Disorders in the central zone, which houses ejaculatory ducts, commonly lead to ejaculation problems or pelvic pain. Issues in the transition zone typically manifest as urinary problems. Anatomical Variations  Anatomical variations can occur as the prostate develops before birth. For example, some people might be born with an extra lobe, while others might have hypoplasia, meaning a section is small.  Ectopia happens when the prostate is in the wrong place, and vascular malformations are problems with blood vessels. The prostate's main job is to produce seminal fluid and help control semen and urine flow from the penis.  Seminal Fluid Production When people with male reproductive organs climax during sex, they release semen from their penis (ejaculation). Semen is a mixture of seminal fluid and sperm. The prostate gland produces about 20-30% of semen. The seminal vesicles supply most of the remaining fluid, with a small contribution from the testicles (two egg-shaped organs in the scrotum, below the penis, that produce sperm and the male sex hormone testosterone). Reproductive Function Seminal fluid provides sperm with energy and helps them move efficiently. It also balances the acidic environment in the female reproductive tract to protect sperm from harm. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in seminal fluid helps semen flow smoothly through the urethra during ejaculation. These roles help sperm reach the egg and can lead to pregnancy. Ejaculation and Urinary Function When you urinate, the prostate relaxes to allow urine to pass. During sexual climax, it squeezes to push semen into the tube. This squeezing action during ejaculation also closes off the passage between the bladder and urethra, preventing urine from mixing with semen. Prostatitis, prostate enlargement, and prostate cancer are commonly associated conditions that cause symptoms like urinary difficulties, erectile dysfunction (ED), and painful ejaculation. Prostatitis is the most common condition in people with male reproductive organs under age 50, while a large prostate is the most common in those over age 50. Prostatitis Prostatitis occurs when the prostate is swollen, causing irritation. Acute prostatitis starts suddenly and is often severe. Chronic prostatitis develops slowly and can come and go. Bacterial infections may be an underlying cause, but the reason is not always apparent. For example, sitting for too long, stress, nerve damage, or tense pelvic muscles might contribute. Common prostatitis symptoms include: A weak urine stream Difficulty starting to pee  Fever Frequent urination Painful ejaculation Painful urination  Pain in the pelvis, groin, testicles, or rectum (last part of the colon, right above the anus) Urinary urgency  Prostate Enlargement and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) Prostate enlargement includes benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. The primary symptoms are: Urinary frequency (eight or more times a day) Nocturia (frequently waking up at night to pee) Weak urine stream You might also notice: Difficulty starting or stopping urination Dribbling urine Incontinence (inability to hold urine) Pain with urination or ejaculation Urine retention (bladder not emptying) Unusual urine color or smell Urinary urgency  Inability to urinate at all (a medical emergency) The size of the prostate does not always correlate with symptom severity. Some men with large prostates have minimal symptoms, while others with smaller prostates experience more severe issues. Risk factors include age (40+), family history, obesity, diabetes, and a sedentary lifestyle. You may not notice any issues until you suddenly find yourself unable to urinate, which is a medical emergency. The inability to urinate may happen after you take cold or allergy medicines that can prevent the bladder from relaxing and releasing urine. Prostate Cancer Prostate cancer is most common over the age of 50. Some people do not experience symptoms, so regular screening with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests and digital rectal exams (DRE) are important for early detection. For a DRE, a provider inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum to check for enlargement, lumps, or tenderness. When symptoms occur, they may include:  Blood in urine or semen Difficulty urinating Frequently waking up at night to pee Pelvic or lower back pain Weak urine flow When prostate issues arise, healthcare providers begin with a medical history and examination to understand symptoms and risk factors. The exam may include a DRE. Your provider may also use the following tests to evaluate prostate size, structure, and function: Biopsy: A biopsy involves your provider using a small needle to get a tiny sample of prostate tissue to examine under a microscope.  Cystoscopy: A healthcare provider looks inside the urethra and bladder using a thin, lighted tube.  Imaging tests: Ultrasound or computerized tomography (CT) scans provide detailed images. Postvoid residual volume test: An ultrasound or a urinary catheter (tube) measures the amount of urine in the bladder after peeing.  Uroflowmetry (urine flow test): This test measures how well the bladder and urethra store and release urine.  Blood and urine tests might include: Urinalysis: You'll urinate in a cup, and your sample will be evaluated for signs of infection. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA): This blood test provides information about prostate enlargement, inflammation, or cancer. Serum creatinine: Creatine blood tests check kidney function and are important for investigating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). MyProstateScore 2.0 (MPS2) test: This urine exam tests for genes linked to aggressive prostate cancers. Getting regular check-ups and screenings, avoiding smoking, staying physically active, and maintaining a healthy weight are some of the most effective ways to keep your prostate healthy. These actions help reduce the risk of prostate cancer, BPH, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease, which can increase the risk and severity of prostate conditions. Here are some general recommendations. Get Regular Check-Ups and Screenings Visit your healthcare provider regularly and report any changes in your urinary patterns. Consider prostate screening around age 50—or age 40 if you have a family history or are at high risk. Stay Active Staying active does not necessarily mean intense exercise. Walking briskly for 30 minutes a day most days is helpful. Whether at the office, in the car, or on a bicycle, it's also important to avoid prolonged sitting, as it puts pressure on your prostate. Eat an Anti-Inflammatory Diet An anti-inflammatory diet like the Mediterranean diet or a plant-based diet may also help reduce the risk of prostate problems. An anti-inflammatory diet includes foods such as.  Fruits  Vegetables like broccoli and Brussels sprouts Lycopene-rich foods like cooked tomatoes, watermelon, grapefruit, rose hips, and guava Whole grains Healthy fats like extra virgin olive oil, avocados, nuts, and seeds Fish (e.G., salmon, tuna, mackerel) Lean proteins like chicken and turkey Beans and legumes (e.G., lentils, peas, chickpeas) An anti-inflammatory diet also involves limiting the following:  Alcohol Caffeine Dairy  Processed foods Red meat Saturated fats Added salt and sugars Other Tips Some people find that saw palmetto extract or prostate massage can help lessen prostatitis or BPH. While some evidence suggests each could be beneficial, research is conflicting. Always consult your healthcare provider before trying new supplements or herbs, as they can interfere with other medications or cause side effects. The prostate is a small gland about the size of a walnut. It's part of the male reproductive system and sits between the penis and the bladder. The primary function of the prostate is to produce seminal fluid and regulate the flow of semen and urine. Common prostate conditions include inflammation, enlargement, and cancer. Symptoms typically include urination problems, painful ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, or pelvic pain. Prostate health involves maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, avoiding smoking, eating an anti-inflammatory diet, and getting regular check-ups and recommended screenings.

Thanks for your feedback!

Prostate Cancer Awareness Month: Understanding Types Of Prostatitis And Age-related Risk Factors

Access Denied

You don't have permission to access "http://www.Moneycontrol.Com/health-and-fitness/prostate-cancer-awareness-month-understanding-types-of-prostatitis-and-age-related-risk-factors-article-12821569.Html" on this server.

Reference #18.6d24c317.1727657988.1047a2b3

https://errors.Edgesuite.Net/18.6d24c317.1727657988.1047a2b3

---