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PROSTATE HEALTH
Description
The prostate is a gland that is located just
below the bottom of the bladder and in front
of the rectum and surrounding the urethra
which is the tube that carries urine or
semen. Its main role is to produce and store
semen which carries the sperm, a function
that is of utmost importance in male sexual
reproduction.
In the normal male the prostate grows from
puberty until the age of 25. However, in
some men over the age of 50 the prostate
continues to grow, an unhealthy occurrence
that may lead serious urinary issues.
Statistical studies
show the following:
The most common problem for men under the
age of 50 is Prostatitis which is
inflammation of the prostate gland (cross
reference to
conditions/prostatitis)
The most common problem for men over the age
of 50 is BPH Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy
or Prostate Enlargement (Cross reference to
conditions/BPH). Though older men are also
at a greater risk for prostate cancer (link
to cross reference to conditions/prostate
cancer) it is not as prevalent as BPH.
Prostate Cancer
is the most common cancer in men in the
United States, with African-American men
having the highest incidence and Asian men
having the highest survival rate.
Types and Symptoms
Prostatitis
The inflammation of the prostate is
classified into four categories
I: Acute Prostatitis Bacterial
Symptoms include:
chills, fever, lower back pain and genital
area discomfort,
urinary frequency and urgency often at night,
burning or painful urination, general body
aches,
evidence of infection in the urine i.e.
presence of white blood cells.
II: Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis
Symptoms include:
This is a very rare condition and often does
not present itself with any symptoms though
there is bacteria present in the urine.
Symptoms that do occur are often the result
of a bladder infection that might also be
present.
III: Chronic Prostatitis
Symptoms
include:
pelvic pain of unknown cause, lasting longer
than 3 months,
unexplained fatigue, abdominal pain, constant
burning pain in the penis,
frequency and pain on urination
pain after ejaculation (the most
distinguishing symptom)
IV: Asymptomatic Inflammatory Prostatitis
Patients present with no symptoms
however bacteria is found in their urine
upon evaluation of other conditions.
Benign
Prostatic Hyperplasia or Hypertrophy (BPH)
The enlargement of the prostate gland as a
man ages.
Symptoms include:
a hesitant, interrupted, weak stream
urgency and leaking or dribbling
more frequent urination, especially at night
Prostate
Cancer
The cells of the prostate mutate and begin to
multiply out of control
Symptoms include:
A need to urinate frequently, especially at
night;
Difficulty starting urination or holding back
urine;
Weak or interrupted flow of urine;
Painful or burning urination;
Difficulty in having an erection;
Painful ejaculation;
Blood in urine or semen
Frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back,
hips, or upper thighs
Questions to ask the
expert
How many years
experience have you had treating this
disorder
What is your
success rate
Certificates and
Licenses
References
General Tips
Eat a diet low in saturated and trans-fats,
substitute them for the healthier
monounsaturated and omega-3 fats.
Eat more whole soy foods. Researcher found
that Asian men have a lower risk of BPH
which is believed to related to their
increased intake of soy foods.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which often
increase the need to urinate.
Increase fiber in your diet to avoid
constipation which may make the symptoms of
BPH worse.
The National Institute on Aging recommends
that men get regular medical checkups
including a prostate exam.
If symptoms of BPH do occur, try managing
them with saw palmetto (Serenoa repens).
Lifestyle changes should be incorporated with
BPH such as decreasing fluid intake before
bedtime and following timed voiding
schedules.
To help maintain and promote normal prostate
health consider herbs and nutrients such as
green tea extract, stinging nettle root,
ginger, rosemary, zinc, lycopene, and
selenium
For prevention of prostate cancer eat a diet
that includes broccoli and the spice tumeric.
List of Products &
Services
Biofeedback practitioners specializing in
Pelvic Muscle Dysfunction
Yoga-type exercises with the aim of relaxing
pelvic floor and abdominal muscles Yoga
Practitioners to be contacted
Physical Therapy for Pelvic Pain and
Incontinence
Books & DVDs
Dr. Katz's Guide to Prostate Health: From
Conventional to Holistic Therapies
by Aaron E. Katz
Prostate Health in 90 Days
by Larry Clapp
The Natural Prostate Cure
by Roger Mason
The Prostate Health Program: A Guide to
Preventing and Controlling Prostate
Cancer
by Daniel Nixon, Max Gomez, and The
Reference Works
Mayo Clinic on Prostate Health
by Michael Blute M.D. and Mayo Clinic
Conquering Bladder and Prostate Problems:
The Authoritative Guide for Men and Women
by Jerry G. Blaivas and M.D., Jerry G.
Blaivas
The Natural Way to a Healthy Prostate (Good
Health Guides)
by Michael B. Schachter
Winning the Battle Against Prostate Cancer
(DVD
- Jun 25, 2007)
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