There’s a good chance that you, or other men you know, have experienced prostate problems. Half of all men over age 60 have prostate issues. The most common of these is an enlarged prostate, also called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Prostate enlargement does not necessarily lead to prostate cancer or sexual problems but can affect life quality. In this post, we look at what the prostate is, why it’s important, and how to maintain prostate health throughout your life.
Table of Contents
What Is the Prostate?
The prostate is a walnut-sized gland located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It surrounds the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine and semen out of the body. Knowing the prostate’s location helps you understand both its function and why problems with the prostate can affect urination.
National Institutes of Health, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
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As part of the male reproductive system, the prostate has several important functions:
- It produces about 30% of the fluid that makes up semen.
- This fluid contains nutrients and enzymes that protect and nourish sperm cells.
- It helps propel semen during ejaculation through small muscle contractions.
The prostate’s contribution to semen production is vital for fertility. The fluid it produces helps create an optimal environment for sperm survival and function. This prostatic fluid contains zinc, citric acid, and enzymes that protect and provide energy for sperm and antibacterial compounds that help protect the urinary tract.
What Are the Most Common Prostate Problems?
Several prostate conditions are unfortunately common in men over 50.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
As we mentioned, BPH is the most common prostate condition, affecting about 50% of men over 50 and up to 90% of men over 80. It involves the chronic, non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. Because the prostate surrounds the urethra, its enlargement can cause various urinary symptoms such as:
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Difficulty starting urination
- Weak urine stream
- Feeling that the bladder isn’t completely empty
- Urgency to urinate
- Straining while urinating
Prostatitis
Prostatitis refers to sudden, intense inflammation of the prostate gland and can occur at any age. It’s the most common urinary tract infection among males under age 50. There are several types:
- Acute bacterial prostatitis: A sudden infection causing severe symptoms including fever, chills, and difficulty urinating. This requires immediate medical attention and treatment with antibiotics.
- Chronic bacterial prostatitis: A recurring infection that can cause persistent pain and urinary symptoms. It’s less severe than the acute form but may require longer-term treatment.
- Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome: The most common form of prostatitis, causing long-term pain and urinary symptoms. The exact cause is unknown.
Prostatitis has some of the same symptoms as BPH but is a different condition. Prostatitis often starts suddenly, while BPH develops gradually over time. Doctors perform scans and take fluid samples to diagnose each condition.
Prostate Stones
Prostate stones are tiny deposits that form inside the prostate gland. They are relatively rare but can cause symptoms similar to those of BPH or prostatitis. These symptoms include painful urination, pelvic pain, and difficulty urinating.
Prostate stones are prostate secretions that harden inside the gland instead of exiting normally. BPH or chronic inflammation can block ducts in the prostate and lead to the formation of stones. They are most common in men aged 50 to 65.
Prostate stones are easily diagnosed using CT scans. Treatment may be unnecessary unless they cause symptoms like chronic pain or difficulty in urination. In those cases, minimally invasive surgery may be necessary.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men worldwide. About one of every eight men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. While it can be serious, many prostate cancers grow slowly and may not require immediate treatment. It is rarely fatal. Risk factors include:
- Age (more common in men over 50)
- Family history
- African ancestry
- A diet high in red meat and dairy
Early prostate cancer often has no symptoms, and there is currently no standard or routine screening test for it. However, blood tests can screen for a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) that is often elevated in men with prostate cancer.
This video by the Mayo Clinic describes the most common prostate problems.
Why Do Prostate Problems Become More Common with Age?
Prostate issues are most common in older men. The exact cause of prostate enlargement is unknown, but several factors are believed to contribute:
Hormonal Changes
As we age, cells in the prostate dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels can affect prostate growth. DHT, in particular, continues to stimulate prostate growth throughout life, which can lead to enlargement.
Cellular Changes
Years of oxidative stress and inflammation can lead to DNA damage in prostate cells. This accumulated damage may contribute to both benign growth and potentially cancerous changes.
Environmental and Lifestyle Factors
Environment and lifestyle can contribute to prostate problems. Some factors are:
- Dietary choices
- Chemical exposures
- Lack of physical activity
How Can You Maintain Prostate Health?
Prevention and early intervention are key to maintaining prostate health. Good nutrition and regular physical activity are found to reduce the likelihood of prostate cancer. Here are essential strategies for protecting your prostate:
Dietary Recommendations
Research suggests that diet plays a crucial role in prostate health.
The Prostate Cancer Foundation suggests consuming more of these foods:
- Tomatoes and tomato products (rich in lycopene)
- Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower
- Fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids
- Pumpkin seeds (high in zinc)
- Green tea
- Berries and citrus fruits
And limiting consumption of:
- Red meat
- Dairy products
- Processed foods
- Alcohol
- Foods high in saturated fats
Exercise and Physical Activity
Regular physical activity has been shown to benefit prostate health in several ways:
- Helps maintain a healthy weight
- Reduces inflammation throughout the body
- Improves circulation
- Supports hormonal balance
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise weekly.
Staying Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water helps flush out toxins from your body and keeps your urinary tract functioning properly. Chronic dehydration can lead to urinary problems, which may exacerbate prostate conditions like BPH.
Supplements and Natural Remedies
Although research is ongoing, some studies have suggested beneficial effects of supplements on prostate health, such as:
- Saw palmetto: May help with BPH symptoms
- Selenium: May help protect against prostate cancer and slow its progression
- Zinc: Adequate levels in prostate cells are important for prostate function
- Beta-sitosterol: Found in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds; thought to reduce prostate enlargement
- Selenium: May help protect against prostate cancer and slow its progression
- Lycopene and isoflavones: Some studies found lycopene in tomatoes and isoflavones in soybeans may help prevent prostate cancer.
This video describes some effects of diet and supplements on prostate enlargement. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.
Sexual Health
Regular sexual activity may benefit prostate health by:
- Helping maintain proper function
- Improving circulation to the area
- Potentially reducing cancer risk
However, this should be discussed with your healthcare provider, especially if you have existing prostate issues.
Stress Management
Chronic stress can impact overall health, including prostate function. Consider incorporating stress-reduction techniques such as:
- Meditation
- Regular exercise
- Adequate sleep
- Relaxation techniques
When to Seek Medical Help
It’s important to recognize signs that warrant medical attention:
Urgent symptoms:
- Inability to urinate
- Severe pain or discomfort
- Blood in urine or semen
- Fever with urinary symptoms
Schedule an appointment for:
- Changes in urinary patterns
- Difficulty starting or stopping urination
- Decreased force of urination
- Pain during urination or ejaculation
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer type and the second-leading cause of cancer deaths among men. About one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his life and one in 44 men will die of it.
Risk Factors
Here are some factors that increase cancer risk:
Older age: About 6 of 10 prostate cancers develop in men over age 65. The average age at diagnosis is 67.
Ethnicity: For reasons that are still unclear, prostate cancer develops more often in men of African ancestry and less often in Asian and Latino men.
Family history: Having a father or brother with prostate cancer more than doubles a man’s risk of developing it.
Enlarged prostate: Some studies suggest inflammation of the prostate might be linked to prostate cancer, but the connection is not conclusive, and further research is ongoing.
Certain gene mutations: Some inherited and acquired gene mutations are believed to be a significant factor in up to 10% of prostate cancer cases. Exposure to radiation or cancer-causing chemicals so far has not been found to be a significant cause of mutations in prostate cells.
Diet, obesity, and smoking are not conclusively linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer (though smoking is linked to other cancer types and health risks).
Prognosis
Prostate cancer is rarely fatal. The overall five-year survival rate is 97%. The rate is highest when the cancer is localized to the prostate and surrounding area; it decreases dramatically if the cancer has spread to more distant parts of the body.
Screening
There is no standard screening test for prostate cancer, although various tests are being studied in clinical trials. Currently, the most common ways to find prostate cancer if a man has no symptoms are
Digital rectal exam (DRE): A doctor or nurse inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the lower part of the rectum to feel the prostate for lumps, enlargement, or anything unusual.
Prostate-specific Antigen (PSA) test: A blood test that measures the level of PSA in the blood. PSA is a substance made mainly by the prostate; higher levels may indicate prostate cancer, but may also indicate BPH, infection, or inflammation of the prostate.
Treatments
There are multiple treatments available for prostate cancer which are quite effective, particularly when treatment is started early. Some of the current treatments include:
- Cryosurgery which uses extreme cold to destroy cancerous tissue
- Hormone therapy which decreases levels of androgen, a male hormone, to inhibit the growth of cancers
- Drugs: Many drugs have been approved for prostate cancer treatment.
In addition, the National Cancer Institute continually sponsors clinical trials for prostate cancer prevention and treatment.
This video describes prostate cancer diagnosis and treatments.
The Future of Prostate Health
Research continues to advance our understanding of prostate health and treatment options. Emerging areas include:
- New diagnostic tools for more accurate cancer detection
- Targeted therapies with fewer side effects
- Genetic testing to identify high-risk individuals
- Alternative treatments for BPH
- Lifestyle interventions for prevention
Conclusion
Prostate health is a crucial aspect of male well-being that deserves attention throughout your life. By understanding your prostate’s function, recognizing potential problems, and taking preventive measures, you can maintain good prostate health as you age. Regular medical check-ups, healthy lifestyle choices, and awareness of warning signs are key components of a proactive approach to prostate health.