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The prostate is a male gland whose main function is to produce prostatic fluid rich in nutrients for sperm. It is located at the outlet of the bladder and surrounds the urethra. There are two main pathologies that can affect the prostate: prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Currently it is recommended from the age of 45 to consult a urologist to screen for prostate diseases.

Every year in Spain, 30,000 new cases of patients with prostate cancer are diagnosed. It is common for prostate cancer to cause no symptoms. Early detection is essential to offer curative treatments.

Much more prevalent is benign prostatic hyperplasia, this disease causes urinary symptoms (difficulty initiating urination, weak or intermittent stream, urinary urgency, getting up to urinate at night). It is estimated that 50% of men at the age of 50 may present symptoms and up to 80% of men at the age of 80 present them.

During urological check-ups, examinations are indicated for the diagnosis of hyperplasia and prostate cancer. These explorations are usually a urological ultrasound, an analysis and a flowmetry (test that measures the pressure of the urinary flow).

Treatments for prostate cancer detected early are usually curative and minimally invasive.

The choice of treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia is based on the severity of the symptoms and a comprehensive evaluation of the patient. There are recommendations for changes in lifestyle, pharmacological treatments and surgery.

At present, minimally invasive surgical treatments such as laser techniques have gained ground, becoming the therapies of choice.

The new laser technology allows less intraoperative bleeding and a hospital stay between 24-48 hours. Such intervention does not affect sexual function.

The surgery is carried out through the urethra without cuts in the skin, the laser allows a speedy recovery and an early return to daily life.

                Dr. Edgar Rodriguez Ramirez

Urologist.