Online Reporter
Dr Tendai Zuze
Health Matters
IN Mutare and across Zimbabwe, many men worry that any trouble with urination means prostate cancer.
The truth is that the prostate can develop several common conditions, and most of them are not cancer.
The three main issues affecting men are prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and prostate cancer.
Knowing the difference helps men seek the right care early and avoid unnecessary fear.
Prostatitis can affect men of any age, including younger men. Some cases are caused by infection, while many are due to inflammation without any germs.
Symptoms may include burning when passing urine, lower stomach or back pain, difficulty urinating, or discomfort during ejaculation. When infection is involved, fever and chills can happen.
In Mutare, bacterial prostatitis is commonly treated with antibiotics available at clinics and pharmacies.
Pain killers and warm baths help ease discomfort. Avoiding alcohol, very spicy foods, and caffeine during flare-ups also reduces irritation. Most men recover fully, though some may have symptoms that come and go.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is extremely common in men above 50. It should actually be considered a normal part of ageing, not a sign of cancer. As the prostate grows, it presses on the tube that carries urine, leading to a weak stream, waking up at night to urinate, difficulty starting urination, or feeling that the bladder isn’t empty.
In Zimbabwe, BPH is usually managed with medicines such as tamsulosin or alfuzosin to relax the prostate, and drugs like finasteride to slowly shrink it. Reducing evening fluids and cutting back on alcohol or caffeine also often helps. When symptoms become severe or medicines fail, the prostate can be removed via an operation.
Prostate cancer is a real concern, especially for men over 60, but not every prostate symptom means cancer. Many early cancers cause no symptoms at all. When signs do appear, they can include difficulty urinating, blood in urine or semen, or persistent back or pelvic pain.
Prostate cancer testing is available through PSA blood tests and rectal examinations at local clinics, private practices, and hospitals.
Private organisations like Island Hospice also offer prostate cancer screening. Treatment depends on how advanced the cancer is. Options include monitoring for slow-growing cancers, surgery, radiation therapy, or hormone treatment. Early detection makes treatment much more successful.
So again, men need to remember that prostate problems are common, but most are not cancer.
Prostatitis and BPH account for the majority of complaints. The important thing is not to ignore symptoms. Early assessment can rule out serious disease and guide proper treatment.
Men should seek help if they struggle to pass urine, notice pain, see blood in the urine, or have persistent pelvic or lower back discomfort.
For more on prostate cancer screening contact [email protected]
