The prostate is a small gland present exclusively in humans, located under the bladder, around the birth of the urethra. It is involved in the ejaculatory function, and can be affected by different diseases, especially after 40 years. Anatomy, PSA rate, prostate disease treatments … Dr Adam Vardi Lighting, urologist.
“”The prostate is a male reproductive system glandlocated under the bladder, in front of the rectum“Explains Adam Vardi, urologist in Neuilly-sur-Seine.”In adulthood, she has the size of a nut, from 15 to 25 g“, He says. The prostate surrounds the urethra, the channel that comes out of the bladder and which allows the urine to evacuate. It plays A role in secretion and storage of seminal fluidas well as in the ejaculation of sperm, thanks to androgens.
The secret prostate part of the seminal fluid (constituting sperm). It also produces prostatic fluid, a transparent and alkaline liquid which has two functions: promoting the survival of sperm during their progression within vaginal acidity, and preventing sperm coagulation. In the event of prostate problems, men may feel discomfort at the time of urination.
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers, and the 3rd cause of cancer mortality in humans. “”In the vast majority of cases, it is an adenocarcinoma of the prostate is. The frequency peak is 65 years“Explains the urologist. At the end of a while, prostate cancer can also become metastatic: this means that it extends into other parts of the body, migrating via blood vessels. “Prostate cancer does not cause any symptoms, except once it is very advanced,” said the specialist. There are several treatments against this cancer: “The most classic are surgery and radiotherapy. But again treatments are being evaluated, such as focused ultrasound, or cryotherapy, which consists in freezing the tumor”.
The adenoma of the prostate, also called benign hypertrophy of the prostate, “is an increase in its volume, which is frequent from the forties “. This benign condition would affect a large majority of men over 50, and the incidence increases with age. “”This disease does not necessarily lead to symptoms. But among these, there are essentially for vibrant disorders, as a frequent desire to urinate and a decrease in the strength of the jet. This can be complicated with urinary tract infections“, Specifies Dr. Vardi. If the symptoms are disabling, drugs can reduce these, but no treatment can take care of the disease in itself. In more important cases, radiotherapy is possible, just like surgery. Indeed, a part of the prostate can be practiced.
“”Prostate can also be affected by infectious diseases“explains the urologist. We call it prostatitisor inflammation of the prostate. “”Symptoms are burns during urination, high fever, big fatigue“explains the doctor.”In 80 % of cases, it is The bacterium E. coli which is involved. As is due to a bacterial infection, it is treated by antibiotics prolongedly“. In the most serious cases, surgery can be used.
Prostate problems lead to very similar symptoms, generally genitourinary disorders:
- frequent desires to urinate,
- A weak jet,
- Munning pain …
In case of symptoms of this type, it is therefore imperative to consult your doctor.
Different examinations make it possible to observe the prostate: rectal touch, dosage of PSA, ultrasound or MRI. The rectal touch makes it possible to analyze the appearance of the prostate and to detect anomalies. The dosage of PSAs is done during a suspicion of cancer: indeed, the concentration of specific prostatic antigens (PSA) is increased in case of prostate cancer. “”In case of suspicion of prostate cancer and an abnormal PSA dosage, other examinations are then requested, such as ultrasound or MRI“Adds the urologist.
Each treatment depends on the disease. As explained previously, there are three conditions that can affect prostate: cancer, adenoma and inflammation. Regarding the latter, she will be Treaty by antibiotics over a long period. As for adenoma, there are no drugs that take care of it, only symptom drugs. But against cancer, several solutions are possible: “We decide the treatment according to the severity or not of the situation, but also according to the choice of the patientspecifies Doctor Adam Vardi. Each treatment has its side effects: incontinence, erection problems, ejaculation… The patient therefore also has his say.“”
There is a large therapeutic arsenal against cancer: chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy … “Treatment possibilities are different depending on each type of prostate cancer, but also its degree of progression“Note that several types of treatments can be tested before finding the therapeutic combination that will work. But it is very rare that everyone is applied to the same patient.”In general, We practice hormone therapy as a last resort, when cancer is advanced“, Adds the specialist. This treatment can also be associated with external radiotherapy. If prostate cancer has developed metastases, it would then be necessary to use several treatments in addition to chemotherapy, depending on the extent of cancer.
Prostate removal is sometimes necessary, especially in case of cancer. When it has not extended to other organs, surgery can make it possible to completely eradicate the disease, especially if it is then associated with radiotherapy treatment. Nevertheless, total removal leads to a risk of sequelae, and several possible side effects: Urinary incontinence in weeks or even the following months, a risk of helplessness (up to 18 months after the intervention) as well as less rigid erections. There is also a fairly low risk of narrowing of the urinary tract, which leads to a decrease in the force of the jet. It is also possible to practice partial removal in the event of prostate hypertrophy: this consists in removing the sick area.
Apart from ejaculation, a man can have another source of pleasure, prostate orgasm.
This experience is different for each man: it can be less intense than orgasm with stimulation of the penis for some, but for others, this orgasm sometimes leads to ejaculation. Prostate orgasm would cause intense neuromuscular tensions due to the contractions of the pelvic floor which exert strong vibrations at the level of the genitals.
On the Health Forum: discussions about prostate
Retain
► In adulthood, prostate is the size of a nut, from 15 to 25 g.
► The prostate cancer frequency peak is 65 years
► Frequent desires to urinate, and a low jet to urination can translate a prostate problem,
► Apart from ejaculation, a man can have another source of pleasure, prostatic orgasm.
► Ablation of the prostate is sometimes necessary, especially in case of cancer.
Thanks to Adam Vardi, urologist in Neuilly-sur-Seine.
