About Prostate Health

Overview

The prostate is a small gland that helps make semen, the fluid that contains sperm. It surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the penis. The prostate gland of a young man is the size of a walnut. It slowly grows larger as men get older, usually after age 40. If it gets too large, it can cause acute or chronic problems. Prostate cancer is a serious concern among many men. About half of men are not bothered by a growing prostate, but the other half can develop prostate diseases.

Enlargement

Prostate enlargement is the most common prostate problem for men over 50, according to researchers at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The prostate begins to squeeze the urethra as it grows, which sometimes causes urinary difficulties. These problems include a frequent need to urinate, trouble starting to urinate, a weak stream of urine, small amounts of urine, feelings of wanting urinate even after you have finished, dribbling urine and small amounts of blood in the urine.

Infection

Prostatitis is an infection in which the prostate becomes inflamed or irritated. It can cause pain. It's the most common prostate problem for men under 50. Sudden prostatitis has symptoms that include fever and chills, pain and burning during urination and ejaculation, frequent urges to urinate but only small amounts are passed, lower back or abdominal pain, and blood in the urine. See a doctor immediately. It's life-threatening, but it is easily diagnosed and treated.

Pain

Chronic prostatitis is difficult to diagnose because symptoms aren't the same for everyone. Signs may include pain during urination and incomplete emptying of the bladder, but these symptoms occur with other diseases. It's also called chronic pelvic pain syndrome. It cannot be cured, but treatment helps to manage it.

Cancer

No one knows the exact causes of prostate cancer. The risk factors include being 50 or older, a family history of the disease, being African-American, and eating a diet high in fat--especially animal fat. But like many other diseases, prostate cancer can happen to any man. When found early, it can be treated.

Checkups

It's highly recommended to get regular checkups of the prostate after reaching age 40. Waiting for symptoms may be too late. Often, there are no warning signs for prostate problems and prostate cancer. Screening tests can help detect prostate cancer early. Make sure you let your doctor know about any possible problems you have, and don't be afraid to talk about them because the doctor sees many patients with similar difficulties every day.

Diet

A good diet may help prevent he development of prostate cancer. There is plenty of evidence that a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains is the best way to beat the possibility of cancer, says Dr. Marc Garnick of Harvard Medical School.

Drugs

Drugs called 5-ARIs are being used to prevent prostate cancer. They are already being used for enlarged prostate and male-pattern baldness. Research shows the drug can lower the risk of prostate cancer in men with no earlier signs of it by 25 percent, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.