Dr.
Ogbonna Ugwele, a Specialist Family Physician of the Family Medicine
Department, Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Umuahia, has said men become more
exposed to developing prostrate problems from the age of 50 and above.
Ugwele said this on Friday, in Umuahia.
He said research showed that prostate problems were common conditions
associated with ageing among men, adding that most men above 50 had symptoms of
prostate difficulties.
He said prostate problems were topical health issues because of the
misconceptions associated with them.
He said the misconceptions underscored the importance of public education on
prostate problems and their management.
Ugwele said prostate problems present themselves in the forms of Benign
Prostatic Hyperplasia, otherwise called prostate enlargement, Prostitis and
cancer of the prostate.
He said that the common lower urinary tract symptoms of prostate problems
included increased frequency in urination, incomplete emptying of the bladder,
urine dripping and urine retention.
He said: “It is disheartening to note that a majority of people with symptoms
of prostate problems usually attribute the symptoms to either sexually transmitted
infections or Diabetes.
“They usually resort to herbal concoctions from roadside vendors or seeking
help from quacks.”
The
medical practitioner recalled how a patient with prostate enlargement was told
he had prostate cancer by a health worker.
“The first thing he was offered was the removal of his testis as treatment for
the condition. The testis was removed while the prostate problem continued.”
Ugwele said.
He advised people with prostate issues to visit government approved health
facility for proper medical examination by qualified physician.
He said prostate problems could be treated through oral medication or surgery,
adding that the symptoms would determine the type of treatment that could be
applied.
He said that the best way to prevent prostate problems was by maintaining a
healthy lifestyle, so that even when one developed the problem, he would remain
strong without developing other diseases that could complicate the situation.
(NAN)