The prostate is a gland in the male reproductive system that aids in the production of semen.The prostate is susceptible to three main types of prostatic diseases: prostatitis, prostatic hyperplasia, and prostate cancer, according to the US National Library of Medicine.
Prostatitis
Prostatitis is a bacterial infection of the prostate that causes pain upon urination and localized pain in the abdomen, perineum, penis, and testicles, reports the Mayo Clinic.
Prostatic Hyperplasia
The National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse defines prostatic hyperplasia as a benign swelling of the prostate that makes urination frequent and difficult. It also causes dribbling or leaking of urine.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is a condition where the cells of the prostate grow uncontrollably, forming a tumor, explains the American Cancer Society. Since its symptoms sometimes mimic those of other prostatic diseases, doctors typically rule out cancer through a blood test before diagnosing a prostate condition.
Significance
Prostatitis affects 30 to 50 percent of males during their lives, according to Prostate Health and Cures, and prostatic hyperplasia occurs in 90 percent of men in their 70s and 80s. Prostate cancer strikes one in every six men.
Effects
Prostatitis and prostatic hyperplasia produce unpleasant symptoms, but they are not life threatening. Advances in screening and treatment of prostate cancer have increased the 5-year survival rate of prostate cancer to more than 99 percent.
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