Prostate Problems?

Changes to your lifestyle include changing how much you drink at certain times; cutting down on tea, coffee or alcohol which may be causing you to urinate more often; modifying physical factors around the home or clothing that may be a barrier to using the toilet.
It is sometimes useful to keep a record of how much you drink, what time you drink and how often you go to the toilet. This helps your doctor or a continence nurse know whether changing the type and volume of fluid you drink may be helpful.

Medication

Two types of prescribed drugs can be helpful for urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate. The first type, called alpha-blockers, work by relaxing the muscles of the opening to the bladder and the muscles of the prostate gland, overcoming the resistance to passing urine.

The second type of medication, which your urologist may prescribe works by shrinking the enlarged prostate gland to relieve the narrowing of the urethra For example, Finasteride blocks the effects of the male hormone testosterone on the prostate gland, reducing the size of the prostate and relieving the narrowing of the urethra caused by the enlarged prostate. This type of drug works better on larger prostates and takes a longer period of time to achieve an effect (3-6 months).
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Regular Checkups

Digital Rectal Examination

You will be asked to lie on a couch on your side with your knees drawn up towards your chin. The doctor will then put a gloved finger into your rectum. He/she will be able to to feel your prostate through the rectum wall and detect any problems or changes from the previous examination.

READ MORE ABOUT RADICAL PROSTATECTOMY

Radical Radiotherapy

It is possible to give radical radiotherapy in three ways.
The first is by "external beam" where radiation is targeted on the prostate and surrounding tissues to destroy cancer cells.

The second, "conformal radiotherapy", is a modifiction of external beam but is a more targeted approach. It seeks to minimise the radiation to the surrounding area. Conformal radiotherapy may not be available in your area.
In the third, "brachytherapy", radioactive implants are placed in the prostate. This is becoming more common but may also not be available in your area.

Available in all Prostate Cancer Treatment Centres in Scotland except Ayr, Fife and Forth Valley. See: Prostate Cancer Treatments Available in Scotland

Bone Scan

A bone scan shows up any spread of cancer into the bones. A tiny, harmless amount of radioactive substance is injected into your veins. This is then absorbed by abnormal bone.
The injection is given in the morning and the images are taken in the afternoon. Any spread of cancer to the bones shows up as dark marks.
You may also have a CT scan or MRI scan.
These help to distinguish between early and late prostate cancer.

Hormone Therapy

Hormone therapy acts by severely reducing the level of male hormone (testosterone). The effect is similar to that experienced by women during menopause, and the side-effects are very similar: some weight gain, hot flushes, loss of sexual desire and usually inability to have erections.