Prostate Gland Problems

The prostate gland is a part of the reproductive organ of a male human being. It is present just between the bladder and the penis. It is a small gland shaped like a walnut. Generally, it weighs around twenty grams. The gland is partially made up of smooth muscles and is partially glandular.

This gland is divided into three zones: Peripheral Zone, Transitional Zone and Central Zone.

Functions Of Prostate Gland:

The prostate gland plays a key role in a man’s sex life. It secretes a fluid which forms a vital part of semen. This fluid not only forms the bulk of the man’s ejaculation but also nourishes the sperm. Consequently, this fluid protects the sperms and gives them mobility.

Prostate Gland

Another important feature of this fluid is that it is alkaline in nature. Thus, it reduces the effect the acidity of the vaginal tract of the female. If you remember from the chemistry class, an acid and an alkaline substance will neutralize each other.

You may wonder why is that important… Well, this helps prolong the life of the sperm which increases the fertility odds.

The smooth muscles of the prostate gland helps in the ejection of the semen. Now, one can imagine how important the prostate is for a man, to be a man! It is very important that every man understands the diseases and the problems that can affect this important gland.

Common Prostate Problems:

The problems associated with prostate are inflammation of the prostate gland, enlargement of the gland and the most dangerous of all, prostate cancer. Inflammation of the prostate gland is also known as “Prostatitis” (itis in greek means inflammation, so whenever you encounter an -itis term you will know what it stands for ). It is generally caused by bacterial infection.

The symptoms of Prostatitis and most other prostate problems or diseases are as follows:

Urinating becomes uneasy. Since, urethra (the tube through which urine is excreted) passes through the prostate gland (as you can see in the attached image), this situation gets created. If the prostate gland enlarges, the tube gets compresses and thus, urinating becomes difficult (and sometimes painful).

A desire to urinate frequently is experienced. This happens particularly during the night when the person suffering from this condition sleeps.

The person suffering from this condition also feels that the urinary bladder is not fully void.

The process of urination becomes painful.

Blood is secreted from the penis. This may or may not happen simultaneously with urination. This is not a common symptom but one must consult a doctor immediately if this is the case.

The enlargement of the prostate gland is also known as BPH or Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia can be treated with medication. It usually happens to older males. In extreme cases, removal of prostate by a surgery is the only option. As there is enlargement of the prostate gland, the urethra is squeezed and this leads to problems in urination. If the enlargement is intensive, the urination many even stop.

Prostate Gland cancer or prostate cancer is common in people aged more than sixty years. In developed countries like UK, USA and Australia, a lot of people die due to this medical condition. Initially, the cancerous (also known as tumorous) cells remain within the prostate but if the situation worsens, they may affect the other organs of the body. They can form secondary tumours in different parts of the body especially in bones.

prostate problems

These medical conditions of the prostate gland are curable. One must consult a doctor immediately if he experiences any of the above mentioned symptoms. If the individual deliberates, it can turn out to be a serious issue.

In order to cure Prostatitis, doctors prescribe anti-bacterial drugs along with other medication. If the reason that caused Prostatitis is not of this kind, the doctor may prescribe other medicines.

In order to cure the enlargement of the prostate gland, doctors prescribe medication that relaxes the smooth muscle present in the gland. This leads to the shrinkage of the gland.

The urethra may also be permanently widened by a surgery in some cases. In order to cure the prostate cancer, doctors prescribe medication depending on thekind of cancer.

Radiotherapy or hormone treatments may be given to the individual suffering from prostate cancer. Patients in some extreme cases need to under chemotherapy to cure the cancer of the prostate gland.

Since most of the problems associated with prostate gland are found in people whose age is more than fifty, it is advisable that the individuals falling in this age group visit a doctor for a medical check-up at least once a year. With awareness and regular check-ups, one can keep prostate problems away.

Couple of videos you may find interesting:

The prostate is a gland normally the size of a walnut and is found between the pelvic floor and the bladder in men. It is situated directly under the bladder where it surrounds the urethra, a tube that transports urine via the penis. The size of the gland remains the same until puberty when it rapidly grows and double in size. Understanding what does the prostate do will provide vital information on the likely health problems associated with the gland and how one can prevent them.

The gland is an important part of the body and is involved in a variety of functions. As a gland, it secretes fluids that contribute to a third of the total fluid present in semen ejaculated by a man during sexual intercourse and also controls its flow. It also produces a milky fluid which aids to nourish and transport the sperm. The antigen PSA produced by the cells lining its ducts helps to maintain the semen in liquid state.

The Prostate Specific Antigen undoes the effect caused by the clotting enzyme obtained from the fluid of the seminal vesicle. The enzyme is responsible for the production of the ejaculate gel and sticks the semen in the right place within the female cervix where the sperm stays in the gel.

Within 15-30 minutes, the PSA enzyme present in semen then dissolves the clot making the sperm free to swim directly into the uterus and this enhances reproduction. Present in the gland are high concentrations of zinc which acts as an antiseptic and is believed to play an important role in preventing bacterial infection that may occur in the gland.

The gland also facilitates the closing of the urethra throughout the sexual intercourse period and its muscle referred to as the sphincter enables the bladder to close during the ejaculation process preventing urination. On stimulation, the gland produces an exceptional intense sexual feeling and organism in men and its ability to control ejaculation causes prolonged ejaculation process.

The prostate’s health depends on its complex interaction with hormones and other cells that comprise of the gland. Therefore, certain health associated problems are likely to occur and hinder the gland’s normal functions. The main health problems include enlarged prostate (BPH), prostate cancer and prostatitis and each problem is treated separately.

Prevention of health problems of the gland can be done by reducing the consumption of alcohol and caffeine which prevents inflammation of the gland that causes prostatitis. Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables as they contain vitamins, minerals and are anti-oxidants that help to maintain good health. Reduce cholesterol levels in the body, fat intake and consume foods rich in Vitamin B to reduce prostate cancer cases. Take zinc supplements as they are vital for the proper function of the gland and maintaining hormonal balance thus reducing chances of prostatitis. Also plan for medical checkups and maintain good body hygiene.

Having information of what does the prostate do equips us with the relevant knowledge on how we can protect the gland from any health risks prior to such conditions developing into serious health problems that may be very difficult to treat.

Discussing the prostate can be an uncomfortable, or even embarrasing subject for you, but don’t be afraid to ask questions or find answers. It is really quite important that you understand where the prostate is located and ways to maintain a healthy prostate. This can help to prevent conditions such as prostate cancer, or catch any symptoms in their early stages.

The prostate gland is located in the pelvic area, just below your bladder, between the pubic bone and the rectum. The urethra, the tube that carries urine from your bladder to your penis, runs through the prostate. It is about the size of a walnut, measuring about 4cm and weighing approximately 8 grams.

The prostate controls the flow of your urine, and creates fluid that protects and nourishes sperm. When you ejaculate, the prostate squeezes this into the urethra with sperm, and is expelled as semen.

There are a few conditions of the prostate that can occur, so it’s a good idea to know what they may be and how to spot anything unusual. Firstly, prostatitis, is nothing too serious. It tends to be inflammation of the prostate, usually due to an infection. It can easily be treated with a course of antibiotics.

An enlarged prostate can sometimes make it a little difficult going to the toilet. It may be treated with medication or surgery. Then prostate cancer, which is the most common form of cancer in men. This can be treated with medication such as radiotherapy, surgery and chemotherapy.

However, there are steps you can take to prevent the onset of any of these conditions or reduce the risk of anything occuring. Firstly make sure you keep a nice healthy weight, and exercise regularly. This will improve blood flow, and essentially has many other health benefits. Include lots more fruit and vegetables in your diet.

Anything that’s rich in antioxidants is a good choice. So things such as, tomatoes, pink grapefruit, broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower. Also soy is very good to include in your diet, things such as tofu or soy nuts. And some great foods to try which are selenium rich are; herring, tuna, beef, kidney, garlic, onions, eggs, mushrooms and cashews. Selenium is proven to reduce your risk of prostate cancer.

And whatever you do, don’t smoke! If you are worried or concerned at all, don’t be afraid to go and speak to your doctor, or health professional. And once you reach 50, it’s a good idea to make an appointment and get yourself checked out regularly.

Remember though, that an enlarged prostate is not necessarily a sign of a problem. The prostate actually continues to grow at a slow rate throughout your life, but can potentially lead to problems later in your life.

It is an essential part of your anatomy, but like any other part of your body, if you don’t look after yourself properly, you may increase your risk of serious health problems. So eat well, stay active, don’t smoke, and don’t be afraid to talk to a friend and go and see your doctor, as that just might save your life.

Prostate cancer is very common among men in North America. If you are over 80 years old and male, there is an 80% chance that you will get prostate cancer. The problem with this type of cancer is that there are often no symptoms until it is too late, and treatments are difficult at such an advanced age. Early detection is the key to curing it. If it is caught in the first two stages there is a better than 90% survival rate.

The prostate is a gland in the male reproductive system. The urethra goes right through the middle of the gland, which is found between the penis and the bladder. It is involved with protecting the sperm and making sure that it reaches the female egg.

The causes of prostate cancer are unknown. There have been studies that show that genetics, diet, and even geography can affect your chances of getting the cancer. Many experts feel that if you eat healthy and take vitamin supplements you can lower the risk of getting the cancer. Also, anything that causes the prostate to become inflamed, such as STDs, should be avoided at all cost. This can be achieved by practicing safe sex. For more Prostate Gland Problems, visit our homepage.

Every man over the age of fifty should be screened for prostate cancer every year. If the cancer runs in your family, you should start the screening at forty. Your doctor can give you more information on the screening process.

If a doctor determines that you might have prostate cancer, through a screening or because of pain in the area, he or she will call for a biopsy. Unfortunately, this is the only reliable way to tell if you have the cancer. After being given a local anesthetic, a needle is used to take 6 or more samples. These samples are compared to normal prostate cells, and the doctor uses these comparisons to determine how bad the cancer is, and whether it has spread. These conclusions will factor into decisions about treatment.

After taking everything under consideration, including your age, stage of the cancer, and whether it has spread, the doctor will explain your treatment options. If the cancer is just in the prostate, the doctor might recommend High Intensity Focused Ultrasound, a highly effective treatment from Europe that uses focused ultrasound waves. Radiation therapy is also an option, although the risks involved with this type of treatment often outweigh the gains, especially if you are old. In certain cases a radical prostatectomy is recommended, which involves taking the prostate out. This is usually only in extreme cases. A particularly effective treatment for those over 80 is hormone therapy, which doesn’t cure the cancer, but rather slows the growth of cancer cells.

Cure rates for prostate cancer are good, so there is a great chance for a full recovery if you catch it soon enough. It is also a slow growing cancer, so if you are elderly, chances are it could never become an issue at all. Talking to your doctor is the best way to determine your next step when you find out you have prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer typically affects men over the age of fifty; although it can affect younger men it is extremely rare. It is different from other forms of cancer as it can remain dormant for many years. Small areas of cancer in the prostate are very common. It has been estimated that nearly half of all males over fifty years of age will have small areas of cancer cells in the prostate. This rises to eighty per cent of all men aged over eighty. The cancerous cells in the prostate grow slowly and can often spread to other areas such as the bones.

Research continues to be carried out into the causes of prostate cancer. Although definite causes of the cancer are unknown researchers tend to agree that there are several factors believed to have an impact on the chances of it developing.

The first of these factors is, as previously mentioned, age it is very rare in early adulthood and usually affects older males.

Ethnicity can also be a factor with black African and black Caribbean males most at risk. Asian men tend to suffer less from prostate gland cancer.

A faulty gene that is inherited is also believed to be another issue that may heighten the risk of developing cancerous cells in the prostate though a specific gene as yet to be identified.

Lastly a diet high in animal fat may increase the risk, as well as a high calcium intake. Tomatoes are believed to help protect the body from prostate cancer as they contain high levels of lycopene.

Here’s an interesting animation of it:

Of course treatment is available. The style of treatment will depend on many factors such as how early the cancer is detected, the age of the patient and the grade of the prostate cancer. Most doctors’ will observe the development of the cancer before deciding on the best course of treatment. This allows for a more informed choice to be made and allows the doctor to offer treatment to those that need it and eliminating dangerous treatments for men whose cancer will not progress. Hormonal therapy is offered to patients believed to be too elderly or unfit for surgery or radiotherapy. In cases where the cancer is developing patients will be offered more robust treatments, moderate to high grade prostate cancer sufferers are offered surgery to remove the prostate gland. Radiotherapy is also used as a treatment. The treatments have varying effects on the illness and all cases are unique, treatment that works for some will not work for others. The patient and the doctor will often spend considerable time discussing the various options before deciding on the best form of action. Many alternative treatments are available and many believe they are effective.

More and more is now understood about the disease and many more people are being educated about prostate cancer. Detection rates are increasing as more middle age men are having check-ups. This early detection can be vital in overcoming the disease as it allows more time for a treatment plan to be developed. Prostate cancer is serious and its consequences can be devastating but as more is understood survival rates will continue to rise.