Yeditepe University Koşuyolu Hospital Chief Physician and Urologist Prof. Dr. Faruk Yencilek stated that men over the age of 45 should pay attention to prostate health and made very important statements.

• What is the Prostate?

The prostate is a reproductive organ that every man should have. It is located in front of the bladder (urinary bladder) and the lower urinary tract passes through it. It remains in an undeveloped form until puberty. As the level of testosterone (the hormone responsible for the development of male sexual characteristics) increases with puberty, some changes begin to occur in the prostate. The prostate takes the male hormone and turns it into a much more powerful hormone. In this way, the prostate starts to develop increasingly. During this period, it affects reproduction. The prostate contains a fluid called semen. Semen is sperm plus prostate fluid. In other words, the prostate produces the nutrients necessary for sperm to live.

• How Many Types of Prostate Disease Are There?

There are roughly 3 types. Inflammation of the prostate (prostatitis), benign enlargement of the prostate, and prostate cancer. Prostate enlargement and cancer are usually seen after the age of 40, while prostate inflammation occurs before the age of 40.

• What are the Causes of Prostatitis?

It is most commonly caused by sexually transmitted diseases. Some bacteria that pass through the urinary tract, such as E.coli, can also cause inflammation of the prostate. The foundations of changes in the prostate are actually laid during youth. But it is usually after the age of 40 that they start to show symptoms.

• What is Benign Growth?

It is an increase in the size of the prostate gland due to both an increase in its volume (hypertrophy) and an increase in the number of cells (hyperplasia). Urinary complaints occur in two ways. One is by direct mass effect. In other words, the prostate grows, develops, and blocks the urinary tract. It is like putting a stone in front of flowing water. The second way is as follows: The area from the bladder through the prostate to the end of the prostate is called the prostatic urethra. Normally, this area should relax when a healthy person urinates. But sometimes the prostate does not allow the urethra to relax. In that case, even if the prostate is not noticeably big, it can block the way. In other words, the prostate does not always have to be large for urinary complaints. Sometimes the prostate can be very large, for example up to 100 grams, and not cause any problems. Sometimes it can be 30 grams and still give you a hard time and not even respond to medication. In short, the prostate does not only cause problems by enlarging and blocking the urinary tract. It also prevents the expansion of the urinary tract and causes problems with urination.

• Is Prostate Enlargement a Natural Process or Does it Necessarily Enlarge?

We can say that it grows in 90 percent of men, although not in everyone. After the age of 40, it usually starts to cause problems gradually. Hormonal environmental, and genetic factors, food, and drink are effective in its growth. 

• What Determines Whether the Prostate is Benign or Malignant?

With finger prostate examination and PSA test... If the examination and PSA results are good, we say "You have benign prostate enlargement". But we recommend annual follow-ups. The frequency of prostate cancer increases with age. Even if you do not have any problems, it is necessary to see a urologist and have prostate check-ups after the age of 45.

Complaints caused by benign prostate enlargement:
•    Straining to start urination.
•    Slowing of urine flow.
•    Forked urination.
•    Stopping and restarting urine while urinating.
•    Feeling as if there is urine left behind after urinating.
•    Urinating more than 2 times a night.
•    Frequent urge to urinate.
•    Little and frequent urination.