Prostate Health Information

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Many men are concerned about their prostate health. The prostate is a chestnut-shaped gland that sits below the urinary bladder and surrounds the urethra -- the tube that carries urine from the body. The primary function of the prostate is to add a supportive fluid to sperm before it exits the penis during ejaculation.
TYPES OF PROSTATE PROBLEMS
The health of the prostate can be adversely affected in three primary ways: infection, enlargement and cancer. Infection of the prostate, or prostatitis, can be either acute or chronic. Enlargement of the prostate, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH, is noncancerous growth of the gland, which may cause urinary symptoms. Prostate cancer is the most serious problem that affects the prostate. Men age 50 and older are at higher risk of developing prostate cancer than are younger men. As of 2011, the American Cancer Society estimates that approximately 240,900 new cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed each year in the United States and approximately 33,700 deaths occur.
SYMPTOMS
With acute prostatitis, men typically experience fever, chills, burning with urination, pelvic pain, low back pain, pain with ejaculation and cloudy urine. There may also be blood in the urine. Chronic bacterial prostatitis is similar to the acute form of the illness, but the symptoms are more subtle and develop more gradually. Bacterial prostatitis is treated with antibiotic therapy.
The onset of symptoms of an enlarged prostate are insidious and rarely occur in men younger than age 40. Symptoms of BPH include urinary hesitancy; a weak urine stream; dribbling of urine before and after urinating; frequent urination; straining to start the urine stream; urinary urgency; and getting up several times at night to urinate. BPH is usually treated with medication, local treatments to destroy some of the overgrown tissue or, in severe cases, surgery. BPH is a noncancerous condition. However, if the prostate becomes markedly enlarged, it may block urinary outflow from the bladder. Urinary obstruction is a medical emergency and urgent care is necessary.
Men with prostate cancer often experience no symptoms early in the course of the disease. When symptoms do occur, they are often indistinguishable from those caused by BPH. Prostate cancer is commonly detected by a blood test called prostate specific antigen, or PSA, or a rectal exam. As of 2011, neither the American Cancer Society nor the National Cancer Institute recommend routine screening for prostate cancer because screening has not been shown to affect prostate cancer death rates. However, the decision about whether to be screened for prostate cancer is one that you should make with your doctor.
DIET AND PROSTATE CANCER
Preliminary data indicate that your diet may influence your prostate cancer risk. Although there is not yet definitive evidence whether dietary changes can reduce your prostate cancer risk, the foods that may prove beneficial are nonetheless nutritious. Include regular portions of vegetables, fruit, peas, beans, lentils and fresh fish in your diet. Fish from cold ocean waters, such as salmon, sardines, mackerel and cod, have large amounts of essential fatty acids, which are good for prostate health. Eat high-fiber foods, including whole grains; the fiber may absorb potential cancer-causing chemicals in your bowels. Decrease your intake of fatty meats and hydrogenated oils found in margarine, donuts, cookies, cakes, potato chips and other deep-fried foods. Soy milk, soy beans and cruciferous vegetables -- such as broccoli, cauliflower, kale, cabbage, bok choy and Brussels sprouts -- contain nutrients that might decrease the risk of prostate cancer. There is also some evidence that foods with high levels of lycopene, such as tomato products, might reduce prostate cancer risk.

Prostate Health Information

References

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