Understanding the Prostate Gland: A Guide for Sri Lankan Men

The prostate gland is a small organ found only in men. It is located just below the bladder and surrounds the tube (urethra) that carries urine out of the body. The prostate helps produce the fluid that mixes with sperm to make semen, which is important for male fertility.

Image: Comparison of a normal prostate and an enlarged prostate (BPH).

What does the prostate do?

The prostate is a small but important gland in a man’s body with several key jobs:

• Produces part of the semen: The prostate makes a special fluid that mixes with sperm from the testicles and other fluids to form semen. This fluid helps protect and nourish the sperm, making it easier for them to survive and reach an egg for fertilization.

• Helps with ejaculation: During ejaculation, the prostate’s muscles squeeze this fluid into the urethra, where it mixes with sperm. This helps push the semen out of the body.

• Controls flow during urination and ejaculation: The prostate works with muscles to close the opening of the bladder during ejaculation. This stops urine from mixing with semen and prevents semen from going into the bladder.

• Processes male hormones: The prostate changes testosterone, the male hormone, into a more active form called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This hormone helps the prostate grow and work properly.

Common Prostate Problems in Sri Lanka

Prostate issues are becoming more common in Sri Lanka, especially as men get older. The most frequent problems are:

• Prostatitis: Inflammation of the prostate, which can cause pain, difficulty urinating, and impact quality of life. In Sri Lankan men, chronic prostatitis often leads to pelvic pain, urinary symptoms, and discomfort after ejaculation, affecting men across a wide age range (source).
• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): This is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate, usually in men over 50. It can cause frequent urination, a weak urine stream, and difficulty starting urination (source).
• Prostate Cancer: Prostate cancer is now the fifth most common cancer among Sri Lankan men and is especially common after age 65 (source). Most cases are found in men over 65, and the risk increases with age and family history (source).

Symptoms to Watch For

If you have any of the following symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor:

• Difficulty starting or stopping urination
• Weak or interrupted urine flow
• Frequent need to urinate, especially at night
• Pain or burning during urination or after ejaculation
• Blood in urine or semen
• Persistent pain in the lower back, hips, or pelvis (source)

If you are unable to urinate at all, seek medical help immediately.

Prostate Cancer in Sri Lanka

Prostate cancer rates are rising in Sri Lanka. The number of cases nearly tripled between 2005 and 2019 (source). Most men are diagnosed after age 65, and many present with advanced disease, which makes treatment more difficult (source). Early detection is important, but only a small number of cases are found through screening (source).

Risk factors include:

• Age (risk increases after 50)
• Family history of prostate cancer
• Diet high in red meat and fat, low in vegetables
• Obesity (source)

Diagnosis and Screening

Doctors use several methods to check prostate health:

• Digital Rectal Examination (DRE): The doctor feels the prostate through the rectum to check for lumps.
• PSA Blood Test: Measures the level of prostate-specific antigen in the blood. High levels can indicate prostate problems, including cancer (source).
• Prostate Biopsy or Ultrasound: If cancer is suspected, a small tissue sample may be taken for testing.

Image: PSA blood test is commonly used to screen for prostate problems.

Currently, routine community-based screening (like annual PSA tests) is not widely available in Sri Lanka, but it could help detect prostate cancer earlier (source).

Taking Care of Your Prostate

• Eat a healthy diet: More vegetables, less red meat and fat.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• See a doctor regularly, especially if you are over 50 or have a family history of prostate cancer.

Key Points for Sri Lankan Men

• Prostate problems are common as men age.
• Early symptoms can be mild or absent, so regular check-ups are important.
• Prostate cancer is increasing in Sri Lanka, and most cases are detected at an advanced stage (source 1, source 2, source 3).
• Healthy lifestyle choices and awareness can help reduce your risk.

If you notice any urinary or pelvic symptoms, don’t ignore them. Early medical advice can make a big difference in outcomes.

This article combines scientific evidence and local context to help Sri Lankan men understand prostate gland and maintain prostate health. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.