PROSTATE PROBLEMS

There are three main types of prostate problems that men can experience:

• Prostatitis
  is a common and usually non life-threatening disorder, that can be caused by a bacterial or nonbacterial infection. It makes the prostate feel swollen, irritated and sore. There’s a lot of confusion surrounding prostatitis, as often men can have a variety of symptoms and it’s not easy for a doctor to diagnose. Prostatitis can be treated but it cannot always be cured.
  
  Download: Prostatitis fact sheet PDF (133kb)
  
• Prostate Enlargement or Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
  is the prostate disease experienced by most men, and is a non-cancerous enlargment of the prostate. A common problem that increases with age, this condition affects nearly all men as they grow older. BPH can have a large effect on quality of life, due to lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Surgical treatments and medicines are available to ease symptoms if they become too much of a problem.
  
  Download: Prostate Enlargement (BPH) fact sheet PDF (111kb)
  
• Prostate Cancer
  is a condition where cells within the prostate grow and divide abnormally and a tumour grows in the prostate. Prostate cancer happens mainly in men over the age of 50. Excluding some forms of skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in men in Australia. It is not known what causes prostate cancer, but there are different treatments including watchful waiting, surgery and radiation or chemotherapy.
  
  Download: Prostate Cancer fact sheet PDF (136kb)

Health information in this section describes the different types of PROSTATE DISEASE and the possible causes and treatment options available. Information is provided to assist men and their families to help them understand what is wrong with them, make people aware of the available treatment options, and make it easier for men to discuss their condition and treatment with their doctor.

The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as medical advice. Always seek the services of a qualified medical practitioner if you are concerned about your health. See Disclaimer.