Most men do not know the importance and function of the prostate glands. It is a walnut sized portion of the male sex organ that contributes to the production of semen. The gland grows larger with age, a normal condition. However, it should stop its growth at a certain point. Too large prostate gland invites possible health problems.
Ignorance and lack of enough knowledge are the reasons why most prostate diseases go unnoticed and are discovered at late stages. Men are not very particular with their prostate health. Thanks to the media, awareness of possible prostate health problems has been spread.
Studies of the prostate glands and the diseases that go with it have helped to develop self-examination and early warning signs of prostate problems. Checking the prostate gland aids in early detection of potential diseases. Self-examination of the prostate gland could be very uncomfortable and disturbing at first. It can be done by inserting a finger in the rectum and carefully looking for the prostate. A soft prostate would mean that it is healthy while a hard and clenched prostate would suggest further examinations.
There was a gradual increase in the number of individuals that suffered from prostate diseases. The top three most common prostate health problems are Prostatitis, Prostate cancer and BHP or Benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Prostatitis is an infection of the prostate and may be classified as bacterial and non-bacterial. Bacterial prostatitis could be acute or chronic and could be both treated with antibiotics of different strengths. The symptoms are severe and lead to easy detection. The problem with bacterial prostatitis is it is recurrent. It keeps coming back though the initial infection has already been cured. Non-bacterial prostatitis on the other hand exhibits the same symptoms and conditions with bacterial prostatitis but the cause is not bacteria.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia is the enlargement of the prostate and is the most common prostate problem among men. It is non-cancerous and develops gradually with old age. Late detection and treatment could lead to bladder stones, kidney infections, inability to urinate, urethral diseases and incontinence. This condition has great possibility of advancing into cancerous stage.
Prostate cancer is the number two killer cancer for men. Men over the age of forty are prone to this disease. The risk factors develop after the age of 65. Symptoms include difficulty in controlling urine, low back pain and pain with ejaculation. Treatment includes surgical removal, watchful waiting, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and hormonal therapy. The treatment is dependent on the stage of the cancer.
Prostate problems may be difficult to cure once they have progressed. They can be prevented however by following a healthy lifestyle. Diet has a major role in the physiological processes of the body, eating the right foods with a constant supply of fruits and vegetables could help you stay fit. Regulating weight and sleep could reduce stress and possibility of prostate cancer. Avoidance of salts and sweets and drinking plenty of water cleanses the prostate. Exercising helps not only to avoid prostate diseases but could strengthen the cardiovascular system as well. Taking in supplements and vitamins are also recommended.
