Prostate Health And Symptoms Of Prostate Disease by Jane Thurnell-Read

What Is The Prostate?

The prostate is a part of the male reproductive system, which includes the penis, prostate, and testicles. The prostate is located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It is approximately the size of a walnut and surrounds the urethra (the tube that empties urine from the bladder). The job of the prostate is to produce fluid that makes up a part of semen.

What Diseases Occur In The Prostate Gland?

There are three main prostate problems:

• Prostatitis
• Enlarged Prostate
• Prostate Cancer

(Sometimes people talk in error about prostrate disease, an enlarged prostrate and prostrate cancer.)

Prostatitis

This is an inflammation of the prostate. Chronic prostatitis is usually caused by a bacterial infection. It may be associated with or follow urinary tract infection, urethritis, epididymitis, or acute prostatitis. The most common bacteria involved are Escherichia coli and proteus, Enterobacter, and klebsiella bacteria. It is estimated that as many as 35% of men older than 50 may have chronic prostatitis, but younger men also get this problem.

Men are more likely to get chronic prostatitis if they drink an excessive amount of alcohol, suffer a perineal injury or practice anal sex without a condom.

Chronic Prostatitis Symptoms

There may be no symptoms at all, but when symptoms of chronic prostatitis occur they may include:

• Low back pain
• Perineal or pelvic floor pain
• Testicular pain
• Pain and burning with urination
• Pain with ejaculation
• Pain with bowel movement
• Recurrent low-grade fever
• Frequent and/or painful urination
• Decreased urinary stream
• Urinary hesitancy (delayed start of urination)
• Blood in the urine
• Incontinence

Treatment options for chronic prostatitis include a combination of medication, surgery, and lifestyle changes. Preliminary research suggests that the supplement quercetin may be helpful for chronic prostatitis.

Enlarged Prostate

Also known as BHP, benign prostatic hypertrophy and benign prostatic hyperplasia. As men age, the prostate tends to increase in size. This can cause the urethra to narrow and decrease urine flow. An enlarged prostate does not lead to cancer or increase the risks of developing prostate cancer. A small amount of prostate enlargement is present in many men over age 40, and in more than 90% of men over age 80.

Symptoms Of An Enlarged Prostate

Symptoms may not be present, but if they are may include:

• Slowed or delayed start of the urinary stream
• Weak urine stream
• Dribbling after urinating
• Straining to urinate
• Strong and sudden urge to urinate
• Incomplete emptying of the bladder
• Needing to urinate two or more times per night
  Urinary retention (complete inability to urinate)
• Incontinence
• Pain with urination or bloody urine (these may indicate infection)

Treatment For An Enlarged Prostate

Treatment options for an enlarged prostate include simply monitoring the situation, lifestyle changes, medication, or surgery.

The US government recommends these self-help measures for an enlarged prostate:

• Urinate when you first get the urge. Also, go to the bathroom when you have the chance, even if you don't feel a need to urinate.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine, especially after dinner.
• Don't drink a lot of fluid all at once. Spread out fluids throughout the day. Avoid drinking fluids within 2 hours of bedtime.
• Try NOT to take over-the-counter cold and sinus medications that contain decongestants or antihistamines. These medications can increase BPH symptoms.
• Keep warm and exercise regularly. Cold weather and lack of physical activity may worsen symptoms.
• Learn and perform Kegel exercises (pelvic strengthening exercises).
• Reduce stress. Nervousness and tension can lead to more frequent urination.

Some men have found taking the herb saw palmetto as a herbal supplement helpful.

Prostate Cancer

Cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells in the body grow out of control. Cancers are usually named after the part of the body where the abnormal cell growth begins. Prostate cancers are cancer cells from the prostate. When prostate cancer cells spread to other parts of the body, they are called metastases.

Levels of a substance called prostate specific antigen (PSA) is often high in men with prostate cancer. However, PSA can also be high with other prostate conditions. Since the PSA test became common, most prostate cancers are found before they cause symptoms.

Prostate Cancer Symptoms

Symptoms of prostate cancer may include:

• Problems passing urine, such as pain, difficulty starting or stopping the stream, or dribbling
• Low back pain
• Pain with ejaculation

Prostate cancer treatment often depends on the stage of the cancer. Medical experts can determine this by looking at how fast the cancer is growing and how different it is from surrounding tissue. Tretament may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or control of hormones that affect the cancer.

Prostate Cancer Prevention

The UK Prostate Cancer Charity says that cutting down on animal fats and eating more fruit and vegetables may lower your chances of getting prostate cancer. The charity says that broccolli in particular may be very beneficial for prostate health.

The US National Cancer Institute agrees that a diet high in fat, especially animal fat, may be associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer. The Institute also says that studies show that a diet high in dairy products and calcium may be linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer, although the increase may be small. They also report on research that suggests that selenium, vitamins D and E, and lycopene are potentially beneficial in prostate cancer prevention.

Some studies have shown that the herb saw palmetto is beneficial as are pumpkin oil and seeds.

Research has shown that men between the ages of 20 and 50 who ejaculate more than 5 times a week (on their own or with a partner) were a third less likely to develop prostate cancer later in life.

Copyright 2009 Jane Thurnell-Read | Natural Health Products | Men's Health