Guide: Ever heard of a prostatic cyst? While they sound intimidating, most are benign. Here’s a breakdown of what they are and when you should actually worry.
Finding out you have a “cyst” anywhere can be a bit unsettling, but when it’s located in the prostate, it often brings up a unique set of concerns. The good news? Most prostatic cysts are benign (non-cancerous) and frequently discovered by accident during routine imaging for other issues.
Here is a breakdown of what these cysts are, why they happen, and when you should actually be concerned.
What Exactly is a Prostatic Cyst?
Is it a cyst or something else? Understanding the different types of prostatic lesions and what they mean for your health.
In many cases, prostatic cysts are “asymptomatic,” meaning they don’t cause any trouble at all. However, if a cyst grows large enough to press against the urethra or the bladder neck, you might experience:
Urinary Issues: Difficulty starting urination, a weak stream, or a frequent urge to go.
Pain or Discomfort: A dull ache in the pelvic area or perineum (the space between the scrotum and anus).
Let’s talk about flow. 💦 Everything you need to know about urinary health is on the blog.
Ejaculatory Problems: Pain during ejaculation or, in some cases, blood in the semen (hematospermia).
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Recurrent Infections: Such as frequent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) or prostatitis.
How are They Diagnosed?
Because they are often silent, these cysts are usually found via:
Listen to your bladder—it’s trying to tell you something. 🩺
Transrectal Ultrasound (TRUS): The most common way to visualize the prostate.
MRI or CT Scans: Used for a more detailed look if the cyst is large or complex.
Urethroscopy: A small camera inserted into the urethra to see if the cyst is causing a blockage.
Precision diagnostics: How TRUS guided biopsies help us see what’s really going on. 🩺
Treatment Options
If a cyst isn’t causing symptoms, most doctors recommend a “watchful waiting” approach. However, if the cyst is causing pain or urinary blockage, there are several ways to manage it:
Treatment Description
Aspiration Using a fine needle to drain the fluid from the cyst (often guided by ultrasound).
Sclerotherapy Injecting a solution into the cyst after draining it to prevent it from refilling.
TURP (Transurethral Resection) A surgical procedure to “unroof” or remove the cyst through the urethra.
Antibiotics Used specifically if the cyst has become infected (an abscess).
The Bottom Line
Prostatic cysts are quite common, especially as men age. While the word “cyst” sounds scary, they are rarely cancerous. The most important thing is to monitor for changes in your urinary habits and keep an open dialogue with your urologist.
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A prostatic cyst is essentially a small, fluid-filled sac located within or near the prostate gland. They vary in size and location, and doctors typically categorize them into two main types
Congenital Cysts
These are present from birth and are usually caused by developmental issues while a fetus is growing. Examples include Müllerian duct cysts and utricle cysts.
These develop later in life. They are often the result of an obstruction in the prostatic ducts, inflammation (prostatitis), or an enlarged prostate (BPH).
Prostatic cysts: The facts vs. the myths. 🩺
Don’t ignore the signs. Everything you need to know about prostate cysts is on the blog today.
Note: If you are experiencing sharp pelvic pain or a total inability to urinate, seek medical attention immediately.
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