Prostatism is a medical condition that affects the prostate gland. The spelling of this word can be explained through its International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription /prɒstətɪz(ə)m/. The first syllable is pronounced with the short "o" sound, followed by the "s" sound in the second syllable. The "t" in the third syllable is pronounced with a "t" sound, followed by the "i" sound and the "z" sound in the fourth syllable. The final syllable is pronounced with the "əm" sound.
Prostatism is a medical condition characterized by the obstruction or enlargement of the prostate gland, leading to various urinary symptoms. The prostate gland is a small walnut-sized organ that surrounds the urethra, a tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. When the prostate gland becomes enlarged or inflamed, it can put pressure on the urethra, causing difficulty with urination.
Symptoms of prostatism can include frequent urination, especially during the night (nocturia), weak urinary stream, sudden urges to urinate, difficulty starting and stopping urine flow, dribbling at the end of urination, and incomplete emptying of the bladder. These symptoms can significantly affect a person's quality of life, leading to discomfort, inconvenience, and potential complications such as urinary tract infections or kidney problems.
Prostatism is commonly associated with conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is the non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, and prostatitis, which is the inflammation or infection of the prostate. Age is a significant risk factor for developing prostatism, with the condition being more prevalent in older men.
Treatment for prostatism may involve lifestyle changes, medication, or, in severe cases, surgical intervention. Lifestyle modifications may include fluid management, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, and bladder training exercises. Medications can help relax the muscles of the prostate and bladder, reduce inflammation, or shrink the prostate gland. Surgical options, such as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) or laser surgery, aim to remove the excess prostate tissue or relieve the obstruction.
It is important for individuals experiencing urinary symptoms to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause and initiate appropriate management strategies.
The general condition induced by hypertrophy or chronic disease of the prostate gland.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "prostatism" is derived from the combination of two words: "prostate" and "-ism".
1. Prostate: The term "prostate" originates from the Greek word "prostates", which means "one standing before" or "guardian". The prostate is a gland found in males that surrounds the urethra and produces a fluid that makes up part of the semen.
2. -ism: The suffix "-ism" is often used to form nouns from other words, indicating a specific condition, quality, or state. It is derived from the Greek "-ismos" and Latin "-ismus".
When combined, "prostatism" refers to a condition or syndrome related to the prostate gland, particularly manifestations of obstructive urinary symptoms caused by the enlargement of the prostate, such as difficulty urinating, weak urine flow, or incomplete emptying of the bladder.