The most common prostate problem in men under 50 is prostatitis. An inflammation or infection of the prostate. Prostate enlargement is another common problem. Because the prostate normally continues to grow as a man matures, prostate enlargement, also called BPH, is the most common prostate problem for men over 50. Older men are at risk for prostate cancer as well, but it is much less common than BPH.

Sometimes, different prostate problems have similar symptoms. For example, one man with prostatitis and another with BPH may both have a frequent, urgent need to urinate. Other men with BPH may have different symptoms. For example, one man may have trouble beginning a stream of urine, while another may have to get up to go to the bathroom frequently at night. A man in the early stages of prostate cancer may have no symptoms at all. This confusing array of symptoms makes a thorough medical examination and testing very important. Diagnosing the problem may require a series of tests.

Apart from the alpha 1-blockers mentioned in yesterday’s blog, finasteride and dutasterdide lower levels of hormones produced by the prostate, reduce the size of the prostate gland, increase urine flow rate and decrease sypmtoms of BPH.

Also antibiotics are available to treat an inflammed prostate.

Apart from prescription drugs , the herb saw palmetto has been tried to treat BPH and in more severe cases even surgery had to be considered in order to treat prostate issues.

Prostatitis is the inflammation of the prostate and can be acute or chronic. Acute prostatitis is caused by a bacterial / urinary infection spread from the bladder or associated with STDs such as gonorrhoea or chlamydia.

Chronic prostatitis can be linked to high stress in one’s life, studies have shown. Depression and anxiety can be triggering a urinary infection as well as  physical abnormalities and sexual infections.

Alpha blockers are the most common  treatment for an inflamed prostate gland. For an enlarged prostate the alpha blockers relax the muscles and allow a free urine flow. To ease the pain of an inflamed prostate , ibuprofen or aspirin are a great solution.

In order to keep your prostate healthy, diet and stress seem to playing an important role. A balanced diet including lots of fresh vegetables, fruits, beans, peas and lentils as well as fresh fish and whole grains will make a huge impact on your prostate’s well being. Tomatoes, especially in combination with broccoli seem an excellent choice , studies have shown. Men who eat tomato based foods on a daily basis seem 20% less likely to develop prostate cancer as the antioxidant Lycopene is playing a key role in fighting the disease.

The prostate gland is an organ built of glandular and muscular tissue. Located below the bladder, it is about the size of a walnut, encircling the urethra. The fluid that is produced by the prostate is secreted into the urethra at the time of the semen emission. The prostate gland’s main job therefor is to produce semen, the fluid that carries sperm.

Saw Palmetto is an herb is an herb that has been used as a diuretic, urinary antiseptic, and that is known for its anabolic properties, but is most commonly used for the treatment of BPH. Lycopene is the carotenoid that provides the red color in tomatoes, guavas and pink grapefruit. Lycopene has been linked with the reduced risk of prostate and cervical cancers.

Everyone by now knows how great broccoli is for your prostate health. And I did find another recipe after my freshly picked broccoli purchase at the local farm today:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/14/dining/141arex.html

Many men past 50 years of age are experiencing an enlarged prostate : A condition in which the elimination of urine is complicated by a narrowing of the urethra. The Urethra is a tube running from the bladder through the prostate gland. As the urethra is being narrowed by an enlarged prostate gland, urinating can become difficult due to some urine left behind in the bladder.

The infrequently released urine will lead to an almost constant feeling of urgency to urinate. Other symptoms can be a weak or split stream and pain in the perineum.

Prostatic congestion happens when the prostate swells up by excess fluid. One will feel the urge to urinate frequently. Ejaculating more often may offer relief and prevention. Also prostate massages are often a great way to drain carcinogens from men’s prostate glands.Men who ejaculate often are lowering their risk of prostate cancer by draining the organ.

Here is a few tips to help you take better care of your enlarged prostate:

Regular prostate exam during your doctor’s exam- especially if you are over 40.

A healthy diet full of vegetables and fruits, low on unsaturated fats, sugar and processed foods.

Take antioxidants

Take herbal supplements as in Saw Palmetto, Hydrangea, stinging nettle and pygeum

Avoid alcohol and caffeine

Reduce stress

Perform pelvic strengthening excercises  ( Kegel excercises)