FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Prostate?

The prostate is a part of the male reproductive system, which includes the penis, prostate, seminal vesicles, and testicles. The prostate is located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It is about the size of a walnut and surrounds the urethra (the tube that empties urine from the bladder). It produces fluid that makes up a part of semen.

What conditions affect the prostate?

The three most common forms of prostate disease are;

  • Inflammation (prostatitis)
  • Non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH)
  • Prostate cancer.

A man may experience one or more of these conditions in his lifetime.

What causes prostate problems?

1. Bacterial infection: bacteria can enter the prostate gland from the urinary gland causing inflammation and infections.
2. Autoimmune reactions or pelvic muscle dysfunction
3. Age: as men grow older, the prostate gland tends to expand and weaken
4. Hormonal changes that cause an increase in dihydrotestosterone (DTH)
5. Genetics: a family history of prostate complications increase the risk
6. Race/ Ethnicity: it is very common in people traced from African background
7. Diet: men with diets high in red meat and low in fruits and vegetables have a higher risk of prostate cancer
8. Obesity: People who are obese have a higher risk of prostate cancer compared to people with a healthy weight.

What are some of the warning signs of prostate cancer?

1. Difficulty starting urination.
2. Weak or interrupted flow of urine.
3. Urinating often, especially at night.
4. Trouble emptying the bladder completely.
5. Pain or burning during urination.
6. Blood in the urine or semen.
7. Pain in the back, hips, or pelvis that doesn’t go away.
8. Painful ejaculation.

Can you get an erection with one of the prostate related diseases?

When you have a radical prostatectomy, you have surgery to remove your prostate gland. These nerves, blood vessels, and muscles may be weakened when you have surgery for your prostate cancer. For a period of time after surgery, many men are not able to get an erection. This time is different for each man.

Can a man with enlarged prostate get a woman pregnant?

In both young and aged men, prostatic diseases or an unhealthy prostate can affect spermatozoa functioning and, therefore, male fertility.

Am I more likely to get prostate cancer if someone in my family had it?

You are two and a half times more likely to get prostate cancer if your father or brother has had it, compared to a man who has no relatives with prostate cancer. Your chance of getting prostate cancer may be even greater if your father or brother was under 50 when he was diagnosed, or if you have more than one close relative (father or brother) with prostate cancer

Is prostate cancer sexually transmitted?

No, there’s no risk to your partner from prostate cancer. There’s no risk with sexual activity. Prostate cancer is internal and does not spread through contact.

Can a prostate be cured?

While it’s difficult to completely reverse an enlarged prostate, there are several treatments that can relieve symptoms, reduce the size of the prostate and help restore normal urine flow. In fact, many men with prostate enlargement are able to achieve a positive quality of life with non-surgical treatments.

What conditions may lead to prostate extraction?

Healthcare providers most often recommend a radical prostatectomy to treat prostate cancer confined to the prostate in men. A healthcare provider may also recommend a simple prostatectomy if you have a condition that blocks your urethra and affects how you pee, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

What happens to sperm when the prostate is removed?

Your testicles will continue to make sperm cells but your sperm cannot pass along the tubes and out of your body. Instead, the body reabsorbs the sperm cells back into your body. So, after radical prostatectomy, you no longer ejaculate any semen. But can still have orgasms.

Can a man with enlarged prostate get a woman pregnant?

In both young and aged men, prostatic diseases or an unhealthy prostate can affect spermatozoa functioning and, therefore, male fertility.

What happens to sperm when the prostate is removed?

Your testicles will continue to make sperm cells but your sperm cannot pass along the tubes and out of your body. Instead, the body reabsorbs the sperm cells back into your body. So, after radical prostatectomy, you no longer ejaculate any semen. But can still have orgasms.

Can you live a full life without a prostate?

People without prostates can live full and healthy lives. However, there are side effects to be aware of. Prostate removal surgery is sometimes done to treat prostate cancer. Removing the prostate can cure prostate cancer and dramatically improve survival odd.

What should I do if I have prostate cancer symptoms?

If you are displaying one or more signs of prostate cancer, be sure to promptly consult with a physician. Even benign prostate conditions like prostate enlargement warrant timely medical attention, so don’t delay seeking treatment. And, like most other malignancies, prostate cancer is usually more easily treated when it is detected at an early stage. When you visit an experienced medical provider, they’ll be able to pinpoint exactly what’s causing your symptoms and recommend the course of treatment that’s best suited to your specific needs.

What can I do to prevent or slow prostate cancer?

There’s no one thing. A healthy lifestyle with 30 minutes of exercise a day has shown to be protective. Also, watch your diet by limiting red meat and eating fresh fruits and vegetables, low in sugars and carbohydrates.

How are Prostate related diseases detected?

The screening process begins with a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. This relatively simple blood test is generally recommended for men ages 50-70, as well as younger men who have a known risk factor, such as obesity or a family history of prostate cancer.

Who is at risk of getting prostate related diseases?

All men above 50 are advised to regularly visit specialized diagnostic centers to have their prostate glands checked. Those with family history of prostate diseases or those with concerns are always advised to talk to their doctors early about when prostate checks may be suitable for them. Young boys from the age of 18 are also likely to suffer from prostatitis.

What is PSA and how does it relate to prostate complications?

PSA is a protein produced by prostate tissue. A small amount of PSA normally enters the bloodstream. Because cancerous cells typically produce more PSA than noncancerous cells, an elevated PSA blood level may indicate the presence of prostate cancer. In general, the higher the PSA level, the more likely a prostate issue is present. PSA blood levels can also rise for other, less serious reasons, such as:
• The natural aging processes
• Prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate)
• Certain medical procedures that can affect the tissues surrounding the prostate, such as the placement of a catheter into the bladder
• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) (enlargement of the prostate)
• A urinary tract infection
• Certain medications, such as finasteride and dutasteride
Also, prostate cancer screening often includes a digital rectal exam (DRE), which allows a physician to manually assess the prostate by inserting a gloved finger into the rectum.

What happens if a screening test indicates the possibility of prostate cancer?

If prostate cancer is suspected, a biopsy will be recommended. During this procedure, a physician inserts a hollow needle through the wall of the rectum to collect prostate tissue samples, which can be evaluated under a microscope for evidence of cancer.

Does Ecurei Diagnostic Imaging Centre screen and treat prostate cancer?

Yes, we provide a full range of diagnostic testing for prostate cancer as well as management. We understand that every minute counts, and we want to support you every step of the way. We have a well-established team of specialists and state-of-the-art equipment established to provide patients with the best prostate diagnosis and management.

Why you should choose ECUREI Diagnostic Imaging Centre?

ECUREI Diagnostic Imaging Centre is the best at prostate screening and management and all medical imaging diagnostics. We have multiple state-of-the-art equipment and the best team of professors, highly qualified consultants, senior radiologists and doctors for diagnosis and interpretation as well as proper recommendations. These include Professor Micheal Grace Kawooya, Dr. Dabanja, Dr. Frank Ssebagala and many others.