Prostate Problems

healthy living Prostate Problems

he prostate is a walnut-sized gland located in front of the rectum and Bladder T • below the bladder. It wraps around the tube (the urethra) that carries urine • Prostate from the bladder out through the penis. • • The prostate makes most of the fluid Rectum that makes up semen. • • Urethra Prostate infection and prostate enlarge - Testes ment are two of the most common Penis prostate problems. Prostate infection (prostatitis) Prevention There are two types of prostate infection, • Drink more fluids—as many as 8 acute and chronic. Acute infections to 12 glasses a day. You know you come on suddenly and have some or are drinking enough when you urinate all of these symptoms: more often than usual. These extra • fever and chills fluids help clean the urinary tract. • pain and burning during urination • Avoid alcohol and caffeine. Caffeine and ejaculation can cause a strong and frequent urge • strong and frequent urge to urinate to urinate. Remember that colas, as (pee) while passing only small well as coffee and tea, contain caffeine. amounts of urine • Keep stress under control. High • lower back or abdominal pain stress levels are closely related to • blood in the urine (occasionally) prostatodynia. Symptoms of chronic prostatitis are Home treatment usually milder, and you usually do • Drink as much water as you can. not have a fever and chills. Either • Eliminate all alcohol and caffeine infection may happen when you have from your diet. a urinary tract infection. • Take hot baths to help soothe pain Sometimes, men have painful urinary and reduce stress. symptoms without infection. This • Take aspirin or ibuprofen to ease condition may be called prostatodynia. painful symptoms. It is often related to stress or anxiety. Prostate infections usually respond well Call Kaiser Permanente if . . . to home care and antibiotic treatment. • You have a fever, chills, vomiting, If the infection comes back, you may or pain in your back or abdomen, need long-term antibiotic treatment. along with your urinary symptoms.

HEALTH EDUCATION healthy living Prostate Problems

• Symptoms continue for five days or kidney damage. Some dribbling is Call Kaiser Permanente if … despite home care. very common and not necessarily a • You develop fever, chills, or back or • Your symptoms suddenly get worse. sign of prostate problems. abdominal pain. • It hurts when you urinate or ejaculate Surgery is usually not necessary for • You are taking diuretics, tranquilizers, and you notice a discharge from an enlarged prostate. The symptoms antihistamines, decongestants, or the penis. usually don’t get worse over time, and antidepressants. They can make • Your urine is red or pink. may even clear up on their own. The urinary problems worse and may be Always call your doctor or other best treatment may be no treatment replaced by other drugs. health care professional if you have at all. Your doctor can talk with you • Your symptoms last longer than blood in your urine. about treatment options, including two months. medications that may relieve symptoms. Enlarged prostate Considering an alternative? (BHP-benign prostatic Prevention Saw palmetto may relieve symp - hypertrophy) You can’t prevent BHP. Some people believe that regular ejaculations help toms of BHP. It is a reasonably safe Most men have some symptoms of prevent prostate enlargement. There alternative. Talk with your doctor BHP. This seems to be a natural part is no scientific proof of this, but it is or other medical professional of aging and is not really a disease. risk-free. before using this or any other But it can be a nuisance. As the prostate alternative treatment. gets bigger, it may squeeze or partly Home treatment block the urethra. This often causes To reduce or control your symptoms: problems urinating, including: • Avoid medications that can make it Additional resources • trouble getting urine started and hard to urinate, such as over-the- stopped completely (dribbling) counter antihistamines, decongestants, • feeling like you need to urinate nasal sprays, and allergy pills. • kCpo.nonreg ct to our Web site at often. It may even wake you up at • Avoid caffeine and alcohol. They make to access health and night. you urinate more often. And if you drug encyclopedias, interactive programs, health classes, • painful urination wake up at night to urinate, cut and more. • a weak urine stream down on all beverages before bedtime. • feeling like your bladder isn’t • Urinate when you feel the need, • Contact your local Kaiser completely empty after you go and take plenty of time. Try sitting Permanente Health Education Center or Department for on the toilet instead of standing. An enlarged prostate is not serious health information, programs, unless the symptoms bother you or • If dribbling is a problem, wash and other resources. you have other problems, such as your penis once a day to prevent backed-up urine, bladder infections, infection.

This information is not intended to diagnose or to take the place of medical advice or care you receive from your physician or other health care professional. If you have persistent health problems, or if you have additional questions, please consult with your doctor. If you have questions or need additional information about your medication, please speak to your pharmacist.