Urinary problems are a common reason for a visit to a urologist. Below, calmly and to the point: what the prostate is, which diseases are associated with it, how a doctor makes a diagnosis, and why ultrasound is ordered in this context.
What the prostate is
The prostate is a small gland below the bladder. It produces fluid that is part of semen and helps control the flow of urine from the bladder into the urethra. The urethra passes through the gland, so when it enlarges, urination changes. With age, the gland often enlarges — this is benign prostatic enlargement.
What prostate problems can occur
Doctors distinguish several groups: benign enlargement (BPH), prostatitis — inflammation of the gland — and prostate cancer. Prostatitis is the most common type of prostate problem in men under 50; it can be chronic, acute bacterial — which is treated with antibiotics — and asymptomatic, which usually requires no treatment. Benign enlargement is very common after age 50, and prostate cancer is one of the common cancers in men over 50. Benign enlargement is not caused by prostate cancer and does not increase the risk of developing it — these are different conditions.
Symptoms for which you should see a doctor
The main signs of an enlarged prostate are changes in urination:
- difficulty starting to urinate, having to strain;
- a weak, interrupted stream, and emptying takes longer than usual;
- a feeling of incomplete emptying after using the toilet, and dribbling;
- frequent and sudden urges to urinate, including at night.
Symptoms usually develop slowly and may worsen with age. Other manifestations also occur: blood in the urine or an unusual color and odor, pain or burning during urination, pain in the lower abdomen, perineum, scrotum, or penis, fever, chills, and aching. With prostatitis, pain after ejaculation is possible.
If urination has changed, do not put off a visit to the doctor: such symptoms are sometimes caused by more serious conditions, including prostate cancer, and with early detection treatment may be simpler. There is no need to be embarrassed: for a doctor this is an ordinary topic.
How the prostate is examined
At the appointment, the doctor will ask about symptoms and family history, examine the abdomen and genitalia, and may perform a digital rectal examination — assessing the size and condition of the gland with a finger through the rectum. You may also be asked to record for several days how much you drink and how often and how much you urinate.
Additionally, the doctor may order urine and blood tests, a PSA test, ultrasound, and cystoscopy; examinations also include uroflowmetry, urodynamic testing, and prostate biopsy if cancer needs to be diagnosed or ruled out. If the doctor suspects prostate enlargement, he may refer you to a hospital to a specialist for additional tests.
Why prostate ultrasound is ordered
Ultrasound is an ultrasonographic examination. For prostate diseases, ultrasound images of the prostate and urinary tract are ordered, as well as bladder ultrasound.
Prostate biopsy is ordered if cancer needs to be diagnosed or ruled out.
When emergency help is needed
Prostate ultrasound by itself is not a reason to call an ambulance; 103/112 — if you cannot urinate at all: inability to urinate is an emergency condition.
This material is for reference: it explains how things work but does not replace a doctor's consultation — the decision on examination is made by a urologist.
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This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer