Prostate disorders—including benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostatitis, and prostate cancer—pose a significant and growing concern for men, especially those over 50. In Kerala, where life expectancy consistently exceeds the national average, the prevalence of these conditions is on the rise. Understanding where to consult for prostate problems in Kerala matters deeply—not just in finding a hospital, but in identifying a centre of excellence capable of delivering accurate diagnosis, evidence-based treatment, and ongoing support.
The World Health Organization recognizes prostate cancer as the second most common cancer in men globally, emphasizing that early detection is critical for favorable outcomes. Kerala’s advanced healthcare infrastructure positions it well to provide specialized prostate care—to the extent that patients just need to know where to turn.
This is where SDC Prostate Research & Training Centre shines brightly. Located in Kanimangalam, Thrissur, this center specializes in prostate health and offers cutting-edge, minimally invasive solutions for conditions like BPH. SDC has distinguished itself through its patient-centered approach, advanced diagnostics, and a range of innovative therapies—including REZUM water-vapor therapy, UroLift, laser procedures (such as HoLEP and GreenLight), and even prostatic artery embolizatio
Understanding the Prostate — Anatomy & Function
The prostate is a small, walnut-sized gland situated just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It encircles the urethra—the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body—and plays an essential role in male reproductive health. Its primary function is to produce seminal fluid, a vital component that nourishes and transports sperm.
Physiological Role
Secretion of Prostatic Fluid: The prostate produces a slightly alkaline fluid containing key components such as prostate-specific antigen (PSA), zinc, and citrate. These elements support sperm health, enhance motility, and help maintain fertility.
Muscular Function: Smooth muscle fibers within the prostate contract during ejaculation, aiding in the propulsion of semen through the urethra.
When the prostate undergoes abnormal enlargement (as in benign prostatic hyperplasia), inflammation (prostatitis), or malignant transformation (prostate cancer), the result can be a combination of urinary difficulties and sexual health problems. These may include frequent urination, weak urine flow, pelvic discomfort, and erectile issues.
Given these potential complications, early evaluation and targeted treatment are crucial. For men seeking expert care in the state, knowing where to consult for prostate problems in Kerala is essential. One leading option is the SDC Prostate Research & Training Centre in Thrissur, a specialized facility offering advanced diagnostics, minimally invasive therapies, and comprehensive follow-up for all types of prostate disorders.
Common Prostate Disorders
1. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
BPH refers to the non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate, a condition that becomes increasingly common as men age. The growing gland can compress the urethra, leading to lower urinary tract symptoms such as:
Frequent urination, particularly at night (nocturia),
Weak or interrupted urinary stream,
Difficulty initiating urination.
Research, including Roehrborn et al. (2016) in the New England Journal of Medicine, shows that over 50% of men above the age of 60 experience some degree of BPH. While not life-threatening, untreated BPH can significantly impact quality of life and may lead to urinary retention or bladder damage.
2. Prostatitis
Prostatitis is an inflammatory condition of the prostate that can be either bacterial or non-bacterial in origin. Symptoms often include:
Pelvic or perineal pain,
Urinary urgency or frequency,
Painful urination (dysuria).
Bacterial prostatitis may require targeted antibiotic therapy, whereas chronic pelvic pain syndrome (non-bacterial prostatitis) may involve a multidisciplinary approach, including pain management, physiotherapy, and lifestyle adjustments.
3. Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the most serious of prostate-related conditions, often progressing silently without symptoms in its early stages. When present, symptoms may overlap with BPH, such as urinary difficulty or pelvic discomfort.
Early detection is critical—screening with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing and digital rectal examination (DRE) can lead to timely diagnosis and treatment, improving survival rates dramatically.
Why early consultation matters:
In all of these conditions—whether a benign enlargement, an inflammatory disorder, or cancer—timely evaluation by a specialist is essential. Facilities like the SDC Prostate Research & Training Centre in Thrissur offer advanced diagnostic tools, minimally invasive procedures, and evidence-based treatment protocols that can greatly improve patient outcomes while reducing recovery time.
Diagnostic Methods
Early and accurate diagnosis is critical for effectively managing prostate disorders. A combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory testing, and imaging allows specialists to differentiate between benign and malignant conditions and tailor treatment accordingly.
1. Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Testing
This blood test measures the level of PSA, a protein produced by the prostate. Elevated PSA values may be associated with:
Prostate cancer,
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH),
Prostatitis (inflammation).
PSA testing is most effective when interpreted alongside other clinical findings, helping avoid unnecessary interventions while ensuring early cancer detection.
2. Digital Rectal Examination (DRE)
A quick, in-office examination where the physician assesses the size, shape, and consistency of the prostate through the rectal wall. While brief, it remains an important screening tool—especially when combined with PSA results.
3. Transrectal Ultrasound (TRUS)
An imaging method that uses ultrasound waves to visualize the prostate. TRUS is particularly valuable for guiding biopsies when cancer is suspected and for measuring prostate volume in BPH cases.
4. Multiparametric MRI (mpMRI)
An advanced imaging technique combining anatomical and functional scans to improve detection of clinically significant prostate cancers. As demonstrated by Ahmed et al., 2017 in The Lancet, mpMRI can reduce unnecessary biopsies while increasing diagnostic accuracy.
About SDC Prostate Research & Training Centre
he SDC Prostate Research & Training Centre, located in Kanimangalam, Thrissur, Kerala, is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated exclusively to prostate health. It combines advanced medical technology with specialized expertise, making it one of the leading destinations for men seeking where to consult for prostate problems in Kerala.
Key Strengths
Board-Certified Urologists – The centre is staffed by highly qualified urologists with subspecialty training in prostate disorders.
Cutting-Edge Diagnostics – Equipped with the latest imaging and laboratory facilities, including PSA testing, TRUS, and multiparametric MRI.
Multidisciplinary Treatment Planning – Individualized care plans developed in collaboration with specialists in oncology, radiology, and physiotherapy.
Ongoing Research – Active involvement in clinical studies and innovation for new therapies in BPH, prostatitis, and prostate cancer.
Contact Information
SDC Prostate Research & Training Centre
Kanimangalam, Thrissur, Kerala 680027
Phone: +91 70344 49099
Email: specialistdoctorscentre@gmail.com
The most common is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate that can cause urinary symptoms like frequent urination, weak flow, and difficulty starting urination.
Seek medical advice if you have persistent urinary symptoms, pelvic pain, blood in urine or semen, or if you are over 50 and haven’t had a prostate check-up.
Through PSA blood testing and digital rectal examination (DRE), sometimes followed by imaging such as multiparametric MRI or transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy if needed.
No. High PSA levels can be caused by BPH, prostatitis, urinary infections, or even recent ejaculation. Only further evaluation can determine the cause.
SDC offers REZUM water vapor therapy, UroLift, HoLEP laser surgery, GreenLight laser therapy, and Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE)—all minimally invasive options.