The prostate gland plays a vital role in men’s sexual health. It is responsible for adding fluid to semen and pushing it through the urethra. Reach out to a urologist to learn about preventable prostate issues.
The prostate gland is an important part of the male reproductive system. As men age, their prostate gland may grow, causing an enlarged prostate. Or, their gland may experience severe swelling (prostatitis). Also, there could be health or environmental factors that may put them at a greater risk of developing prostate cancer. Notably, having a healthy and well-functioning prostate gland can help fight all these issues easily.
Connect with one of the best urologists in Chennai at Apollo Hospital Vanagaram to discuss your prostate health. Also, read ahead to learn more about the prostate gland, its issues and tips to keep it healthy.
What is Prostate?
The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that is situated below the bladder and in front of the rectum in men and/or people assigned male at birth (AMAB). Comprising connective and glandular tissues, the gland contributes additional fluid to the semen, allowing sperm to travel from the penis.
Responsible for closing off the urethra when ejaculating, the prostate contains an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Notably, DHT is crucial for regulating prostate function and secondary sex characteristics (such as facial hair).
Common Problems Affecting Prostate
While the risk of prostate problems increases as one enters middle age, all men can develop prostate issues. The following are three common problems that affect the prostate gland:
- Prostatitis: A common prostate condition in men under 50 years, prostatitis typically consists of inflammation and swelling. Bacterial infections can also lead to acute prostatitis, which is usually treated with antibiotics. If an inflammation lasts over three months, then it can become chronic prostatitis.
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): Also known as enlarged prostate, BPH is the most common condition observed in men over 50 years. Upon growing larger in size, the prostate can press on the urethra, making it harder to empty your bladder. It is to be noted that this prostate problem can be treated with medications that lower tension around the urethra or reduce the size of the prostate gland. However, if nothing else works, then surgery may be necessary.
- Prostate Cancer: Affecting one in nine over their lifetime, it is considered the most common form of cancer in men. The cancer typically starts at around the age of 65. As prostate cancer is often slow-growing, only 1 in 35 men die of it. But, some forms of prostate cancer are more aggressive and deadly. That is why, it is important to undergo screenings regularly or visit a specialist or one of the best urologists in Chennai at Apollo Hospital Vanagaram from time to time.
The standard treatment options available for prostate cancer are surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation, radiopharmaceutical, targeted, bisphosphonate and hormone therapies.
Besides, the typical symptoms of prostate problems include difficulty starting or stopping urination, urinary urgency, poor bladder control, or weak urine stream. Further, prostate problems can create issues with bladder stones, urinary tract infections, sexual function, and even kidney failure.
Tips to Maintain a Healthy Prostrate
Let’s delve deeper to learn about the tips that can be followed to maintain a healthy prostate gland.
- Consume more fruits and vegetables, and stay away from food items that are high in sugar. Incorporate healthy fats (like avocado) and omega 3-rich foods (such as salmon) into your diet. Also, prefer plant protein over animal protein.
- Keep yourself hydrated by consuming a lot of fluids throughout the day.
- Exercising regularly can not only help combat inactivity and weight gain, but also improve prostate health. Also, exercising daily helps strengthen your pelvis.
- Leave bad habits like smoking, tobacco use, drinking alcohol and lack of proper sleep, that can weaken your immune system.
- Maintaining a healthy sex life can keep your prostate strong and help fight potential symptoms.
- Schedule regular appointments with your urologist to detect the early signs and symptoms of potential issues with the prostate gland.
Conclusion
To sum up, maintaining prostate health is vital for men to prevent problems like prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer. They can achieve this by consuming healthy fats, plant protein and omega-3-rich foods. Also, drinking a lot of fluids, stopping tobacco use, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking can promote prostate health.
Further, you must schedule regular appointments with one of the best urologists in Chennai at Apollo Hospital Vanagaram to detect any symptoms related to prostate problems early on.