The prostate gland is a male reproductive organ that produces fluids which protect and feed sperm cells. If you’re a man in your 50s or 60s, it’s important to discuss having your prostate gland checked with your doctor. Checking your prostate is even more important if you have a family history of prostate disease. As a urologist in Cape Town, Dr Kent Pluke assists patients with a wide range of prostate-related concerns.
The symptoms of prostate problems
The symptoms of prostate conditions may include problems with bladder control and urinating. Bladder control is how well you can start, delay, or stop urination. Prostate problems can cause you to:
- Urinate frequently
- Have a big urge to rush to the bathroom, only to find you can only urinate a little or not at all
- Have a weak urine stream
- Dribble or leak urine
- Experience pain or discomfort during urination
Our urologist in Cape Town commonly evaluates these symptoms to determine the underlying cause.
Types of prostate problems
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) refers to the enlargement of the prostate gland. An enlarged prostate can cause some uncomfortable urinary symptoms, such as blocking the flow of urine from the bladder. It can also cause kidney, bladder, or urinary tract problems that may require evaluation by our urologist in Cape Town.
Treatment for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
There are many effective treatments for prostate gland enlargement, including medications, surgery and minimally invasive therapies. To choose the best option, Dr Pluke will consider your symptoms, the size of your prostate and other health conditions. As an experienced urologist in Cape Town, he provides modern and minimally invasive approaches to treating BPH.
As a specialist in modern prostate surgery, Dr Pluke provides various options to help treat BPH.
- Water Vapour Therapy (Rezūm®) – a minimally invasive procedure that delivers steam up the urethra to relieve symptoms of BPH. The process is quick, performed in Dr Pluke’s rooms, and benefits may include urinating more comfortably, reduced reliance on medication, and improved sleep.
- Laser Prostate Surgery – this precise procedure uses a scope and laser to remove part of the prostate, blocking the urinary tract. It restores urine flow and alleviates symptoms.
Dr Pluke is one of the few specialists in Cape Town offering these advanced treatments, with many doctors and specialists referring patients to him for prostate care. Having our urologist in Cape Town with expertise in these procedures ensures access to the most suitable options for your condition.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer occurs when cells in the prostate gland grow out of control. Most prostate cancers grow slowly and are confined to the prostate gland, where they may not cause serious harm. However, some types are aggressive and may spread quickly.
Treatment for prostate cancer
Prostate cancer treatment options depend on many factors, such as whether it has spread, how fast the cancer is growing, overall health, and the potential benefits or side effects of the treatment. Low-grade prostate cancer may not need treatment right away, or may require a ‘wait and see’ approach guided by a Urologist in Cape Town.
Dr Pluke specialises in:
- Brachytherapy: An internal radiation treatment in which tiny radioactive seeds are placed inside or near the tumour. This is a minimally invasive treatment that directly targets the affected area.
- Radical Prostatectomy: A surgical procedure most often used in the early stages of prostate cancer when it has not spread beyond the prostate. Dr Pluke performs this surgery to remove cancerous tissue from the prostate gland, either through an abdominal or scrotal incision.
Why choose Dr Kent Pluke for prostate care?
- Laser Prostate Surgery expertise: One of the few specialists in Cape Town offering advanced laser surgery for BPH, with many doctors and specialists referring patients to our urologist in Cape Town with proven proficiency.
- In-room Rezūm Therapy: A minimally invasive treatment performed in his rooms, offering convenience and effective relief for BPH.
- Trusted referral specialist: Our urologist in Cape Town is recognised for providing advanced, effective prostate treatments with patient comfort at the centre of care.
Take Control of Your Prostate Health
If you have symptoms of prostate problems or concerns about your risk, book a consultation with Dr Kent Pluke, our urologist in Cape Town, for expert assessment and tailored guidance.
