Prostate Health After 50: What Every Man Must Know

Overview

At the age of 50, men’s bodies usually begin experiencing changes, especially when it comes to their sexual and reproductive health. Oftentimes, they may end up ignoring these changes that can be seen in a small yet vital organ known as the prostate. 

Located below the urinary bladder and surrounding the prostatic urethra, the prostate is a small gland that produces seminal fluid. At 50, the organ may become a source of discomfort and even anxiety. Although not all prostate-related issues are cancerous in nature, it is essential to understand prostate health for people over 50 to prevent serious health issues from occurring. Some of the conditions that can be associated with the prostate include cancer, prostatitis, and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Through regular check-ups, medical professionals can assist individuals in identifying problems at an early stage.

Why Does the Prostate Change After 50?

Men who are over the age of 50 may undergo some form of change in their hormone levels, including testosterone and oestrogen, which may cause the growth of cells in the prostate, leading to the enlargement of the gland. This is known as BPH or Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and is one of the most common prostate problems.

While BPH is non-cancerous, its symptoms can affect quality of life. BPH symptoms include:

• An increased or urgent need to urinate.

• Nocturia: Waking up to urinate at night.

• Having trouble starting to pee.

• Weak urine stream.

• Inability to empty the bladder.

• Urinary tract infection.

• Haematuria: Presence of blood in the urine.

BPH and Other Common Prostate Conditions in Men Over 50

 

Can BPH Eventually Lead to Cancer? 

Prostate cancer develops in the prostate and is a serious disease. It is important to get diagnosed before the cancer spreads beyond the prostate gland for appropriate and timely treatment. 

Warning signs of prostate cancer to be on the lookout for:

• Pain in the lower pelvic area.

• Haematuria.

• Trouble urinating.

• Pain or a burning sensation while urinating.

• Weak stream.

• Loss of appetite and/or weight.

• Painful ejaculation.

Prostate enlargement does not cause cancer on its own; however, both conditions can exist at the same time and may have similar symptoms. It is a possibility that if you have benign prostatic hyperplasia, you may also have undetected prostate cancer. 

Can BPH Be Treated?

After diagnosing BPH during a physical exam, your healthcare provider may determine the best course of action. There are a few options when it comes to BPH treatment, including medications and surgery.

Medicines: When the symptoms are mild to moderate, medications may be given to treat BPH. This is the most common form of treatment. Some options are:

• Alpha blockers: When you take alpha blockers, the smooth muscle of your bladder neck and prostate becomes relaxed while voiding. Alpha blockers work more quickly when the prostate is smaller. Dizziness and retrograde ejaculation are some side effects you should watch out for.

• 5-alpha reductase inhibitors: This medication is used to shrink the prostate by preventing hormone changes responsible for the enlargement. While these inhibitors can take up to 6 months to fully work, they may cause some side effects as well, including sexual side effects.

• Combination therapy: If neither of the two helps, an individual may be given a combined dose of alpha blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitor at the same time. 

Surgery: When medicines don’t provide enough relief, there are a few surgical options your doctor may consider. These include:

• TURP: Transurethral resection of the prostate is done by inserting a scope into the urethra. Afterwards, the inner part of the prostate is removed.

• TUIP: In transurethral incision of the prostate, a scope is inserted into the urethra after which the surgeon makes a cut or two in the prostate gland, ultimately making it easier for urine to pass.

• TUMT: In transurethral microwave thermotherapy, a catheter is placed in the urethra, and microwave energy from it destroys the inside of the enlarged prostate gland. 

• Others: Other treatment options like laser therapy, prostate lift, and robotic waterjet treatment can also be beneficial.

Elevated PSA Levels

PSA (expanded as Prostate-Specific antigen) is a protein produced by the prostate gland. In diseases of the prostate gland, the PSA protein may be produced in greater amounts, thus increasing the PSA levels. During a PSA test, a nurse or another medical professional will utilise a needle to draw blood from the vein, most likely in the patient’s arm. The collected blood sample is sent to a lab to measure PSA levels.

As many factors contribute to what  “normal PSA levels” look like, there is no threshold that differentiates between a normal and an abnormal result. That being said, the higher the PSA levels are, the more likely it is that a person may be suffering from prostate cancer. 

Generally, the consensus is that PSA levels above 4.0 ng/mL are abnormal, causing medical professionals to opt for further testing, including a prostate biopsy. By age:

 

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If at the age of 50, your PSA levels are higher than 4.0 ng/mL, you may be at higher risk of developing prostate cancer. Moreover, the same applies if you experience a continuous increase in PSA levels.

Maintaining Prostate Health After 50

Prostate health can be supported by making minor lifestyle modifications. Some of the prostate health tips include:

• Healthy Weight: It is believed that obesity is associated with severe prostate issues and is best addressed by ensuring you are managing your weight properly.

• Exercise: Try working out for just thirty minutes daily to see changes.

• Diet: Try to follow an anti-inflammatory diet. Reducing red and processed meat intake can help prevent prostate cancer.

• Water: Stay hydrated at all times.

• Regular Check-ups: The best time to get a PSA test done annually is after turning 50.

Prostate Care at NU Hospitals

NU Hospitals is a premier destination for finding a trusted urologist in Bangalore. Our team of experienced and skilled urologists is committed to delivering the best possible care to all of our patients and is well-equipped to deal with all kinds of prostate problems, whether patients are experiencing early BPH symptoms or simply need a routine PSA test done.

Conclusion

Prostate health for men over the age of 50 plays an important role in their overall health. Problems such as BPH and cancer can be treated if detected early. It is important to watch out for the signs, visit your doctor regularly, and live a healthy lifestyle to avoid or reduce the risk of getting prostate problems.