[Medical Q&A] What diseases can the prostate, a male-specific organ, cause?

Author: Wu Zhigang, deputy chief physician, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University

Reviewer: Zhao Lianming, Chief Physician, Peking University Third Hospital

As an important part of the male urogenital system, the prostate gland is located at the bottom of the bladder and surrounds the urethra. It looks like an inverted chestnut. Its main function is to secrete prostatic fluid, which is an important part of semen and plays an important role in sperm vitality and male fertility. At the same time, the prostate gland can also control urination and prevent urine backflow. Don't underestimate such a small organ, its function is indeed very powerful, and it is the "life gland" of men.

The main diseases of the prostate include prostatitis, prostatic hyperplasia, and prostate cancer. Men may be troubled by prostate diseases to a greater or lesser extent throughout their lives. During the young and middle-aged period, they are most likely to be troubled by prostatitis, which can easily lead to a series of related urogenital system diseases, such as male infertility. As people age, the incidence of prostatic hyperplasia will increase year by year, often occurring in men over 40 years old, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia or prostatic hypertrophy. Prostate cancer is a tumor disease, and most of the patients are middle-aged and elderly people over 60 years old. Because there are no symptoms in the early stage, it is often discovered during physical examinations or when symptoms appear, it is already in the late stage, so we must pay attention to it.

Since the prostate is a male-specific organ, and some men are not aware of the disease, many male friends are ashamed to talk about their discomfort, so their children need to observe more carefully. We must know that prostate disease may cause frequent urination, urgency, pain, and perineal swelling. In severe cases, it may cause urinary retention, hydronephrosis, uremia and other diseases, and some may even threaten the life and health of middle-aged and elderly people.