Prostate Health

Prostate problems are common in men, especially as you get older. But you can take steps to protect your prostate health and address prostate issues if you have them. The board-certified urology team at Rutland Regional Medical Center provides advanced treatment for both common and complex prostate problems.

Why is Prostate Health Important?

The prostate is a small gland located just below the bladder. Part of the male reproductive system, the prostate makes fluid (semen) that helps sperm travel out of your testicles. Because of where the prostate is located (inside the groin), prostate problems can affect both sexual function and urination.

Common Prostate Problems

The most common prostate problems include:

• Prostatitis (inflammation or infection of the prostate)
• Enlarged prostate (also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH)
• Prostate cancer (the most common cancer in American men)

Symptoms of Prostate Problems

Prostate problems are common for men over age 50. The good news is there are things you can do to avoid or treat problems.

Symptoms of prostate problems include:

• Urinating often or getting up in the night many times to urinate
• Dribbling urine
• Blood in your urine or semen
• Painful urination or painful ejaculation
• Pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, pelvic/rectal area, or upper thighs

Caring for Prostate Problems

If you have prostate symptoms, the urology team at Rutland Regional will evaluate your condition to provide an accurate diagnosis. If you do have a condition that needs treatment, we’ll be with you every step of the way. We’ll provide a custom treatment plan, expert surgical care if needed, and support during your recovery.

Testing & Diagnosis

To find out if you have a prostate problem, your doctor will start by talking with you about your symptoms. You’ll also have a physical exam that often includes a rectal exam, urine test, or blood test.

To diagnose your condition, you may also need a transrectal ultrasound with biopsy. During this procedure, your urologist will take tissue samples from your prostate to test for cancer.

Screening for Prostate Cancer

Cancer screenings look for cancer before it causes symptoms. When we screen for prostate cancer, we aim to find cancer when it is most treatable. Prostate cancer screenings include:

• PSA blood test (measures prostate-specific antigen in your blood)
• Rectal exam (helps your doctor feel for lumps or thickenings)

You should be screened for prostate cancer if you are age 45 or older, or if you are considered high risk. Men are considered high risk if they have a father, brother or son diagnosed with prostate cancer when they were younger than 65.

Treatment

If you have a prostate condition, we will recommend the best treatment for your situation. Treatments include:

Keeping Your Prostate Healthy

While there are some factors that increase your risk for prostate problems – including age, race, and family history – there are steps you can take to keep your prostate healthy.

Eat a Balanced Diet

Research shows that what you eat does make a difference for your prostate health. Experts recommend choosing colorful vegetables, avoiding sugar and processed foods, and choosing “good fats” to support a healthy prostate.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Overweight and obese men are more likely to have prostate problems including enlarged prostate and prostate cancer. Keeping your weight healthy is important for avoiding many health problems, and also a key to prostate health.

Stay Active

Exercise lowers your risk for many health problems. Studies have shown that exercise may lower your risk for prostate cancer, enlarged prostate, erectile dysfunction, and prostatitis.

A regular fitness routine will benefit your overall health, but that’s not the only way to stay active. Adding more movement into your daily life can make a big difference. Even walking regularly at a moderate pace can boost your health.

Know Your Risk

Prostate cancer screening recommendations are different depending on your risk. Talk with your doctor about your family history, medical conditions you have, and the benefits and risks of cancer screenings. Cancer screenings can find cancers before they spread and when they’re easier to treat.