Prostate Issues: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

Q: Prostate Issues: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

Rex： Hello! 1. Prostate enlargement is unlikely. 2. It is advisable to drink more water regularly and not hold in urine. 3. You can go to the hospital for further examination. 4. The muscle enzyme level of 1.1 is still within the normal range. Addi

Prostate issues!

Hello Doctor: A few weeks ago, I noticed urinary leakage after using the restroom, and since then, I have been experiencing increased urinary frequency.
Each time I finish using the bathroom, there is still leakage, and even after some time has passed, I still feel something coming out of the urethra.
It is inconvenient to determine whether it is urine or semen while at work.
Subsequently, I visited a urology clinic for tests for sexually transmitted infections and a urine flow rate test.
The results showed no STIs, but the urine flow rate was slow.
I was prescribed Benecol Tablets and Harnalidge, but after two weeks, my condition did not improve.
I then underwent a cystoscopy, and the doctor mentioned that my prostate was inflamed and slightly enlarged, yet I was still prescribed only these two medications.
After another week, there was still no improvement.
I would like to ask the doctor: 1.
Is it possible for someone my age to have benign prostatic hyperplasia? Could the inflammation be causing the enlargement and resulting in a slower urine flow, or do I truly have benign prostatic hyperplasia? 2.
What treatment options are available for my condition? What precautions should I take? 3.
Should I seek treatment at a larger hospital instead of a clinic? (I feel that the clinic doctors may not be very professional.) 4.
Due to long-term pain in my right lower back, I recently had blood tests at a nephrology clinic, which revealed that my serum creatinine level is 1.1, higher than that of younger individuals my age.
Could this be related to prostate issues affecting my levels? (I also regularly engage in weight training, which may influence these levels.) I apologize for the lengthy message and appreciate your guidance.
Thank you.

Rex, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2012/04/11

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology

Rex: Hello! 1.
Prostate enlargement is unlikely.
2.
It is advisable to drink more water regularly and not hold in urine.
3.
You can go to the hospital for further examination.
4.
The muscle enzyme level of 1.1 is still within the normal range.
Additionally, prostate issues do not cause an increase in kidney function indicators.
Weight training generally does not elevate these levels unless there is muscle injury from exercise, leading to significant protein blockage in the kidneys, which can cause renal dysfunction.
If there are any unclear points, feel free to ask again for further discussion and research.
Online responses should only serve as a reference; if necessary, it is important to seek medical attention at a healthcare facility.
This response is provided by Dr.
Hsu Wei-Kai, Director of the Urology Department, Taitung Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan.

Reply Date: 2012/04/11

More Info

Prostate issues can manifest in various ways, and understanding the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options is crucial for effective management. Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing a combination of urinary symptoms, including leakage, frequency, and possibly discomfort related to your prostate. Let's break down your concerns systematically.

1. Prostate Enlargement and Inflammation
At your age, it is less common to have benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is typically associated with older men. However, prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate) can occur at any age and may lead to symptoms similar to those of BPH, such as urinary frequency and urgency. Inflammation can cause the prostate to swell, which can indeed affect urinary flow and lead to the sensation of incomplete emptying or leakage after urination.

2. Treatment Options
Given that you have already been prescribed medications like Benecol and Harnalidge, which are typically used to manage urinary symptoms, it is concerning that you have not seen improvement after two weeks. Here are some additional treatment options and lifestyle modifications you might consider:
- Medications: If the current medications are ineffective, you may need to discuss alternative medications with your healthcare provider. Alpha-blockers (like Harnalidge) help relax the muscles around the prostate and bladder neck, while 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors can help reduce prostate size over time.

- Lifestyle Changes:
- Hydration: Ensure you are drinking enough fluids, but try to limit fluid intake in the evening to reduce nighttime urination.

- Diet: Avoid irritants such as caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods, which can exacerbate urinary symptoms.

- Pelvic Floor Exercises: Kegel exercises can strengthen pelvic floor muscles and may help with urinary control.

- Follow-Up Care: If symptoms persist, further evaluation may be necessary. This could include imaging studies or a referral to a urologist specializing in prostate issues.

3. Seeking Specialized Care
If you feel that your current healthcare provider is not addressing your concerns adequately, it may be beneficial to seek a second opinion from a urologist at a larger medical center. Specialists often have access to more advanced diagnostic tools and treatment options.

4. Kidney Function and Prostate Health
Regarding your kidney function, a creatinine level of 1.1 mg/dL is generally considered within the normal range, but it can be influenced by various factors, including muscle mass from weight training. If you have concerns about your kidney function, it is essential to discuss this with your healthcare provider, as they can evaluate whether your prostate condition is impacting your renal health.

Conclusion
In summary, your symptoms could be related to prostatitis rather than BPH, especially given your age. It is essential to continue working with your healthcare provider to monitor your symptoms and adjust treatment as necessary. If you do not see improvement, do not hesitate to seek a second opinion or further evaluation. Remember to maintain a healthy lifestyle, stay hydrated, and avoid irritants that could worsen your symptoms. Your health and comfort are paramount, and with the right approach, you can find relief from your symptoms.

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