Prostate

Although a functioning prostate is not required for survival, it is necessary for reproduction. The functions of the prostate are as follows in the sections below.

1. The fundamental function of the prostate is to produce seminal fluid. Prostate glands produce about 30% of total sperm volume.
   1. The fluid contains enzymes, zinc, and citric acid, making semen optimal for sperm cells. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) makes the sperm lean. 
   2. Semen fluid helps sperm transit through the urethra and withstand the passage to an egg, which is required for reproduction.
   3.  Although the prostatic fluid is marginally acidic, the rest of the semen is alkali. This is to protect the sperm from damage caused by vaginal acidity.
2. The prostate undergoes contraction and squirts fluid into the urethra during ejaculation. 
3. When the prostate shrinks during ejaculation, the hole between the bladder and urethra closes, permitting semen to pass through instantly. 
4. Prostate aids in generating hormones and regulating urine flow.
5. Androgens, or male gender hormones like testosterone, are required for the prostate to function effectively. This hormone is necessary for the healthy growth and activity of the prostate. It is required to develop sex hormone attributes such as facial hair in the developing man.

What are the Various Prostate Diseases? 

1. Prostatitis - Inflammation in prostate 
2. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)- Non-cancerous augmentation of the prostate
3. Prostate cancer

What are the Symptoms of Prostate Diseases?

The most common symptoms in men who have prostate disorders are urination and bladder control issues. However, other symptoms that an individual might face are :

1. Recurrent urination
2. Blood in urine/semen
3. Agonising ejaculation
4. Pain or burning sensation while urinating
5. Sexual dysfunction, urinary infections, bladder stones, renal failure 
6. Soreness is primarily in the penis, scrotum, or the space amid the scrotum and anus.
7. A weak pee flow or leaking urine at the end of urinating might cause significant stomach pain. 

How are Prostate Disorders Diagnosed?

Using several forms of prostate examinations, medical experts can diagnose abnormalities in the prostate. 

1. During a digitally rectal examination (DRE), a doctor admits his lubricated finger through the rectum and feels the prostate for masses, nodules, and cancer symptoms. You may require more testing if your physician notices any anomalies in the texture, shape, or size of your gland.
2. Prostate-specific antigen analysis (PSA): PSA is a protein produced by a gland in the prostate and is both cancerous and non-cancerous. It's normal to have a trace quantity of PSA in your blood. A high level of PSA in the blood indicates the chances of prostate cancer.
3. Prostate biopsy: A needle is introduced into the prostate via the rectum, and tissue is removed to review for prostate cancer. This is normally accomplished via the rectum.
4. Cystoscopy: In this method, the urologist applies a mild anaesthetic like lidocaine and then inserts the cystoscope in the bladder. Here, the urologist looks for abnormalities in the bladder. If any abnormalities are found, then the doctor recommends an operative cystoscopy.
5. Transrectal ultrasonography is a term used by doctors to describe a prostate ultrasound. The medical expert places a probe close to the rectum to a prostate during the treatment.
6. Prostate MRI: It can show the structure of the prostate in great detail, as well as indicate spots that may be cancerous. An MRI-ultrasound combination biopsy allows these locations to be targeted using new technology.

How can the Various Prostate Disorders be Treated?

1. Prostatitis
   1. Prostatitis is one of the frequent conditions in which the prostate swells or becomes inflamed. 
   2. Prostatitis can lead to a variety of problems, such as Prostatic abscess. It is a pus-filled cyst in the prostate caused by a bacterial infection in the bloodstream and inflammation of the reproductive organs. 
   3. Acute prostatitis: It is a prostate inflammation that occurs suddenly. It may happen as a result of a bacterial infection.
   4. Persistent prostatitis, also known as chronic pelvic pain syndrome, occurs when the prostate inflammation lasts for three months or more.
   5. Acute and chronic prostatitis is treated with antibiotics, additional drugs, and surgery. It depends on the kind of prostatitis.
   6. Doctors may recommend medical analysis such as urinalysis, blood tests, urodynamic tests, cystoscopy, transrectal ultrasonography, biopsy, and sperm investigations.
2. BPH/Enlarged Prostate 
   1. Another common disorder observed in the prostate is the enlargement of the gland, which is often referred to as simply benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). 
   2. When the prostate grows, it pinches and presses the urethra, limiting the canal. Many of the difficulties are caused by a constriction of the urethra and a diminished capability to pass urine. The bladder may grow weaker and difficult to empty adequately as the illness worsens. 
   3. This condition makes urination more difficult due to blockage. Urinary retention is a medical problem that necessitates immediate medical attention.
   4. The treatment is different for different patients based upon the size of the enlargement, overall health and age of an individual.
3. Prostate Cancer
   1. Prostate cancer occurs when the prostate cells start to grow out of control.
   2. There are four types of prostate cancer:-
      1. Small cell carcinomas: It is a rare type of prostate cancer. It usually occurs in men who are older than 60 years. 
      2. Neuroendocrine tumours: These usually arises in people who have been treated with hormonal therapy. These hormonal therapies are done for prostate adenocarcinoma.
      3. Transitional cell carcinomas: It is a carcinoma of the urothelial region that involves prostatic tissues.
      4. Sarcomas: These are uncommon and extremely rare types of tumours that develop in mesenchymal cells in and around the prostate.

Although the exact physiology behind the causative factors for prostate cancer is undiscovered, a section of researchers believes the involvement of genetic factors due to which the prostate cells become cancer cells.

Prostate cancer screening methods:

1. Cystoscopy
2. Digital rectal examination
3. Prostate-specific antigen analysis (PSA)
4. Prostate biopsy

The diverse methodologies available for the treatment of prostate cancer include:

1. Active surveillance: It involves annual screenings, scans and biopsies to observe disease development. This is appropriate for slow-growing prostate cancer that generates no symptoms.
2. Watchful waiting: It is defined as the time before medical intervention or therapy and does not require any immediate treatment. It involves less frequent examinations and symptom management.
3. Brachytherapy is a type of internal radiation therapy in which seeds, ribbons, or capsules that contain a radiation source are placed inside your body. It is placed in or near the tumour. It is a localised treatment and causes minimal side effects. 
4. External radiation therapy delivers powerful X-ray beams immediately to the tumour. Intensity-modulated radiation therapy provides a dose of radiation to the malady spot.
5. Systemic therapies may be recommended if cancer spreads beyond the prostate gland, such as chemotherapy, ADH therapy, and immunotherapy. 
6. Focal therapy is a relatively new approach that targets only the prostate cancerous area. This therapy can only be employed if the disease is at a benign stage. 
7. Prostatectomy is the surgical excision of the infected prostate gland. Through small abdominal incisions, laparoscopic and entirely automated radical prostatectomy can be performed.

How to Prevent Prostate Cancer?

Most older men develop prostate cancer for unknown reasons, and preventative recommendations are solely based on case studies. The following measure might help reduce the severity of prostate cancer identified in the early development stage.

1. Get your prostate examined regularly. 
2. Maintain a healthy weight. 
3. Exercise 
4. Healthy lifestyle

Conclusion 

In the male sexual anatomy, the prostrate is a tiny muscular gland. It secretes a fluid that aids in the movement of sperm and maintains them safe. The presence of this gland may not affect an individual’s lifespan as its role is only concerned with the reproductive system. If a person feels they have a prostate condition, they should consult a doctor for exact diagnoses and treatments.