By Dr. Adam Rosenfeld
Purely a male problem, prostate issues vary from a minor annoyance to a major health concern.  The prostate is a gland located near the bladder and is responsible for part of a male's sexual function.

The most common problem men develop in the prostate is called benign prostatic hypertrophy (commonly known as enlargement of the prostate). This starts to happen to men in their late 40's or early 50's. If you're in this age group and you are getting up to urinate more often than you used too at night then you might have an enlarged prostate. This is easily diagnosed at a doctor''s visit and is easily treatable with medication.  

Prostatitis is a, sometimes chronic, infection and inflammation of the prostate. This condition can be difficult to treat and usually requires an extended course of antibiotics. Symptoms you might experience with prostatitis would be rectal pain, urinary discomfort, pressure in the bladder, burning on urination as well as a variety of other symptoms.  

Cancer is the problem we really worry about when it comes to the prostate. To screen for prostate cancer you should see your doctor for a yearly physical to have a PSA (blood test) and a rectal exam. This should start at age 40 or 50. The age you start having screening is doctor dependent.

Recently, the PSA has become somewhat controversial in that there can be false positives leading to unnecessary procedures. Most primary care providers continue to order this test regularly because there is no better alternative and cases of advanced cancer would be missed if this test was not ordered.

Contrary to popular belief, the prostate is not responsible for decreased sexual desire or erectile dysfunction. Prostate cancer is usually asymptomatic at diagnosis. Therefore, screening is crucial.  

Like most issues, the key to diagnosis and treatment is seeing your doctor at least yearly. If you have not been seen in the last year, schedule your physical today!