Prostate Diseases

Prostate diseases are conditions that affect the structure or function of the prostate gland. The most common prostate conditions include:

• Prostatitis (prostate inflammation or infection)

• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH or prostate enlargement)

• Prostate cancer

Although these conditions may share similar urinary symptoms, they have different causes and treatment approaches. Regular medical checkups and prostate cancer screening in Dubai support early detection and effective management.

Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate that may be caused by infection, nerve irritation, or muscle tension in the pelvic area. It may develop suddenly or gradually.

Common Symptoms

• Frequent or urgent urination

• Burning or pain during urination

• Pelvic, groin, or lower back pain

• Difficulty starting urination

• Fever or chills (in acute infection)

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and may include antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxants, or lifestyle adjustments. Management is tailored to symptom severity and underlying factors.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate that commonly affects men over 50. As the gland enlarges, it can compress the urethra and interfere with urine flow.

Symptoms of BPH

• Frequent urination, especially at night

• Weak or interrupted urine stream

• Difficulty starting urination

• Sensation of incomplete bladder emptying

• Dribbling after urination

BPH is not cancerous, but it can significantly affect daily comfort and sleep quality if untreated.

Treatment depends on symptom severity, prostate size, and patient health.

1. Observation and Lifestyle Management

Mild symptoms may be managed with lifestyle adjustments such as reducing caffeine and alcohol intake, maintaining hydration, and avoiding fluids before bedtime.

2. Medication

Medications may include alpha-blockers to relax prostate muscle tissue and improve urine flow, or 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors to reduce prostate size.

3. Minimally Invasive Treatments

Laser and thermal therapies can reduce excess prostate tissue with shorter recovery time compared to open surgery.

4. Surgical Treatment

For severe symptoms or complications, procedures such as Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) or laser enucleation may be recommended. These procedures are performed using established urological surgical techniques.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men. Many forms grow slowly, but others require prompt treatment. Early-stage prostate cancer often causes no symptoms, making screening essential.

Possible Symptoms

• Difficulty urinating or weak urine flow

• Blood in urine or semen

• Pelvic or lower back pain

• Erectile dysfunction

Prostate cancer screening helps detect disease before symptoms appear. Screening may include:

• Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test

• Digital Rectal Examination (DRE)

• MRI imaging and biopsy when indicated

Men over 50 or those with a family history of prostate cancer should discuss screening frequency with a urologist.

Treatment is determined by cancer stage, aggressiveness, and patient health.

Treatment Options Include:

• Active surveillance for low-risk cancers

• Radical prostatectomy (surgical removal of the prostate)

• Radiation therapy

• Hormone therapy

• Chemotherapy or immunotherapy for advanced disease

Minimally invasive and robotic-assisted techniques may be used when clinically appropriate to reduce recovery time and improve surgical precision.

Although not all prostate conditions can be prevented, certain lifestyle choices may reduce risk:

• Maintain a balanced diet and healthy weight

• Exercise regularly

• Avoid smoking

• Limit alcohol intake

• Stay hydrated

• Attend routine prostate screening appointments