The abrofo-nkatie sized gland found only in men wants to be known and referred to as the
prostate gland and not prostrate gland as many of us choose to call it. It has also made a strong
case that it has more to it than the feared prostate cancer.
The prostate gland is lodged comfortably between the bladder and the penis and behind it is the
rectum. The urethra that carries urine and semen passes through the centre of the prostate gland.
Many of the problems associated with this gland start with the structures listed above that are
close to it.
The prostate is not useless as some may refer to it as. It toils to secrete fluid that nourishes,
protects and transports sperm.
A brief look at Prostatitis, BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) and Prostate Cancer will put
things in the right perspective. These three conditions share some symptoms.
PROSTATITIS
This is an infection of the prostate gland and may present with
Chills and a fever, pus-like urethral discharge
Frequent urination, painful urination, pain in groin and testes
Painful orgasms, new onset erectile dysfunction
Seek professional help. Do not self-medicate or second guess yourself.
BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA (BPH)
This condition is an increase in size of the prostate but it is not cancerous. The actual cause of
this enlargement not known but male hormones may play a role.
Men with BPH may show symptoms such as:
Frequent urination especially at night, urge incontinence ( where one may soil self if you
don’t quickly urinate when you feel the urge)
Difficulty starting to urinate (straining), poor urine stream
Painful urination, blood in urine
Terminal dribbling (urine continues to drip after one finishes urinating)
May end up with not being able to pass urine (referred to in emergency rooms in Accra as
sham) baa i.e. the urine won’t or can’t come). This is extremely painful and you will find
men sweat, scream and do all sorts of things. In fact some have compared it to labour
pains.
PROSTATE CANCER
It is one of the commonly diagnosed cancers in men and many of these cancers are slow
growing. In general it is commoner among black men and has an earlier age of onset and quite
often more aggressive and lethal.
Who is at risk?
Age; the older you are the higher the chance
Race ; blacks at more risk
Family History ; higher risk if a family member has had it
Obesity
What are some of the symptoms?
Urinating frequently including at night, straining to urinate, blood in urine /semen
Weak or interrupted urine flow
New onset erectile dysfunction
When there is spread
Fatigue, unexplained weight loss, change in bowel habits
Pin in back, hips, shoulders, thighs etc.
Diagnosis
This will require proper history taking from the client and then an examination and tests
Digital rectal examination, where the doctor inserts a gloved lubricated finger through
your anus to feel the prostate. It often will have an irregular , hard surface if cancerous
PSA (prostate specific antigen) may also be elevated in a few other circumstances
Biopsy, Ultrasound Scan
CT Scan/MRI/PET Scan
Bone Scan
Management
A holistic approach including watchful waiting, medication, surgery, radiation, cryotherapy.
Always ask that all the options are discussed with you.
Risk Reduction
Screening
Healthy diet with a variety of fruits and vegetables. Carrots and tomatoes seem to have
been discussed quite often. But variety is key. Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale and a
few others may also be worth having in your healthy diet.
Choose healthy foods over supplements
Keep weight in check
Exercise at least five days a week
Do remember to go the extra mile and share the information. The prostate too needs support!!!
AS ALWAYS LAUGH OFTEN, ENSURE HYGIENE, WALK AND PRAY EVERYDAY AND
REMEMBER IT’S A PRICELESS GIFT TO KNOW YOUR NUMBERS (blood sugar, blood
pressure, blood cholesterol, BMI)
Dr. Kojo Cobba Essel
Health Essentials Ltd/ Mobissel
(dressel@healthessentialsgh.com)
*Dr. Essel is a medical doctor, holds an MBA and is ISSA certified in exercise therapy, fitness
nutrition and corrective exercise. He is the author of the award-winning book, ‘Unravelling The
Essentials of Health & Wealth.’
Thought for the week – “This year, World Heart Day (29 th September) aims to encourage people
to look after themselves, others, and nature as well. Putting in coordinated efforts to improve
one’s own lifestyle and diet and motivating others to do the same can lead to a reduced number
of people with heart and blood vessel disease.”
I look forward to interacting with you at The La Palm Royal Beach Hotel Corporate Healthy
Lifestyle Programme on Saturday 30 th September 2023 at 6am.
Let’s walk, exercise, network and share ideas that will keep us healthy.
