What is the prostate?
The prostate is a part of the male reproductive system, and is a small gland the size and shape of a walnut. It is located below the bladder in front of the rectum. It surrounds part of the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine from the bladder. The prostate gland also helps in producing semen. As the man grows older, the prostate grows in size, however if it grows too big it can lead to some serious health problems.
Enlarged prostate
One of the most common prostate problems is enlargement of the prostate. Also called BPH or benign (non cancerous) prostatic hyperplasia, this condition is very common and cannot be prevented. When a man reaches the age 40, the size of the prostate gland may increase to a size of an apricot and when he reaches the age of 60, it may be the size of a lemon. Because it surrounds part of the urethra, an increased prostate size can cause the urethra to be squeezed, which can lead to problems passing urine.
Statistics showed that 8 out of 10 men will eventually develop enlarged prostate and about 90% will develop this condition at the age of 85 years old. The good news though is that, only about 30% of men will find the symptoms disturbing.
What are the common symptoms of enlarged prostate?
- Difficulty passing urine or freely urinating.
- Frequently urinating, especially at night.
- You feel that your bladder is not empty after urinating.
- The urge to suddenly urinate.
- Repeatedly starting and stopping while urinating.
- Straining while urinating.
Prostatitis
Prostatitis is an infection or inflammation of the prostate. It can affect men at any age.. Although it is not considered contagious and cannot be transmitted sexually, just like any infection its symptoms can be disturbing and need treatment.
Types of Prostatitis:
Acute Bacterial Prostatitis - this usually starts suddenly from a bacterial infection. The person may have fever, chills or pain when he has this condition and it may hurt when urinating. Blood may also appear in the urine. If this happens, immediately see a doctor.
Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis - this is a recurring infection which is rare and hard to treat. It may be treated with long term use of antibiotics. Consult with your doctor about your treatment options.
Chronic Prostatitis - also known as Chronic Pelvic Syndrome (CPS) this is also a common prostate concern. Symptoms include pain in the lower back, in the groin area or at the tip of the penis. You may also feel the frequent need to pass urine but be able to pass only a small amount. Men who suffer this condition may experience pain during ejaculation. Treating this condition involves a combination of taking oral medicine, surgery and lifestyle changes. Consult your doctor for diagnosis and your best treatment options.
Tips for maintaining a healthy prostate
Do a monthly self-examination. It is best to check with your doctor to find out the proper way to do this.
Exercise and stay active
Eat a healthy diet, which includes fruits and vegetables. Eating 5-7 servings of fruits and vegetables and adding fish to your diet will benefit your overall health. Salmon and cod are your best options.
Take supplements that are specially made for men such as multivitamins and minerals with zinc. Some herbal preparations have known properties to aid prostate health, such as saw palmetto, nettle extract, and green tea extract.
What are the causes of sexual dysfunction?
There are two causes of sexual dysfunction in men: physical and psychological.
Physical cause - a number of medical conditions can cause problems with sexual function. Some of these conditions are: diabetes, heart and vascular disease, neurological disorders, and hormonal imbalances among others. It can also be caused by alcoholism and drug abuse as well as side effects of certain medications.
Psychological cause - stress and anxiety that are associated with work, too much concern about sexual performance, marital or relationship problems, depression or past sexual trauma can all cause sexual problems.
Understanding male fertility
Infertility in men is often considered taboo and can cause a lot of distress. It is important to know how to help your body achieve maximum fertility health. If you are in your 20s to late 30s and are regularly having unprotected sex for six months to one year without conceiving, it would be wise to see a doctor to check for a possible infertility problem.
Corresponding fertility tests will be given. An initial semen analysis will be performed and if it falls below normal levels plus something else is detected that has to do with your reproductive system, you may be referred to a urologist for a more thorough examination.
What are the common causes of fertility problems in men?
Lifestyle and medical history. Overall healthy lifestyle plays a vital role in fertility health. If you are a heavy smoker, heavy alcohol drinker, have a poor diet, or have taken illegal drugs, these factors can greatly affect fertility health.
Other causes are: ejaculation problems, low sperm count or motility rate, or anti-sperm antibodies. Page updated 06/04/18 12:47:36 p.m.
