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What causes prostate problems? And who gets it?
CAUSES
1. Prostatitis: infection or inflammation of the prostate
Acute prostatitis is usually caused by a bacterial infection. The exact cause of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome is often not discovered. One possibility is that the immune system mistakenly targets the prostate, blasting the gland with inflammatory compounds. Another possibility is bacterial or fungal infections that go undetected by standard testing methods. Certain foods may also trigger symptoms, as might stress and depression, chronic pain conditions, trauma to the genitourinary area, and repeated biopsies.
2. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): aging-related enlargement of the prostate gland
By far, the greatest risk factor for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or enlarged prostate, is age. However, prostatitis, a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes have all been associated with the condition. And researchers have found correlations between BPH and a diet high in sugar, processed red meat, and refined grains.
3. Prostate cancer: the growth of cancerous cells inside the prostate, which may break out of the gland and affect other parts of the body
No exact cause of prostate cancer has been identified, although genetic defects (either inherited or uninherited) play a key role. Age is an important risk factor, as is family history: Men whose fathers or brothers had prostate cancer are two to three times likelier to get it themselves. A diet high in processed red meat and saturated fats has been associated with increased risk, and obesity is a separate risk factor. Some studies suggest that men who ejaculate infrequently are at higher risk.
WHO DEVELOPS IT?
Most men who live into old age will develop some form of prostate problem, although symptoms can range from mild inconvenience, like having to get up during the night to urinate, to invasive cancers that can cause debilitating changes or even death.
Between 9% and 16% of men develop prostatitis (inflamed prostate) at some point during their lives. Unlike other prostate problems, prostatitis affects younger and older men equally.
Men suffering from depression, anxiety and stress may struggle more with prostatitis symptoms, and men with other chronic pain conditions may be more susceptible. Prostatitis is not contagious.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BHP), or an overgrown prostate, is extremely common in older men. Although the majority of men with the condition (50โ60%) never develop symptoms, the remainder seek treatment for a range of problems, such as a weak urine stream, a frequent urge to urinate, waking up at night to use the bathroom, leaking, and dribbling. A very large prostate may cause urinary obstruction, an inability to empty the bladder.
An estimated 268,490 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2022, with 34,500 dying from it, making it the second leading cause of cancer deaths among men in the US. Still, 98% of men survive for 10 years after diagnosis and 96% survive 15 years because most often prostate cancer is low-grade and stays localized within the prostate. Low grade cancers usually do not affect quality of life or lead to early death. The challenge is to identify the more aggressive cancers at an early stage.
