As men get older it's almost inevitable that their prostate gland will become enlarged, in fact eight out of 10 men will experience this. The prostate gland is located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It's normally the size of a walnut the size and the shape of a walnut. It partially surrounds the urethra, the tube where the urine flows from the bladder and out of the body. The prostate gland produces an important fluid that helps transport sperm and keeps them safe. If it gets enlarged it can squeeze the urethra and effect the flow of urine. Enlarged prostate is called Benign Prostatic hyperplasia or BPH. They say that 90 % of men over the age of 85 will experience BPH and 30% of men will have symptoms that will become bothersome.
3 Symptoms of BPH:
Your bladder doesn’t empty completely
Urine flow may stop and start several times
You have to strain to get any flow going
I experienced some of these symptoms around the age 50. It was worrisome at first but as I educated myself my fear diminished and I learned what steps I could take to improve the physical manifestations.
3 Treatments for BPH:
Herbal Remedies-Saw Palmetto, I have found this helpful.
Medication
Surgery
It’s important to get regular checkups by your physician. I've been going for a yearly physical exam since I was in my 20s. It’s particularly important for men over the age of 50 because you are more at risk of prostate cancer and other health conditions. One of the blood tests that will be performed will assess your Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) levels. High levels of PSA may be an indicator of prostate cancer. Your physician will also conduct a physical exam to check the size and the shape of your prostate gland.
3 Things you can do to help prevent prostate cancer:
Choose a healthy diet
Maintain a healthy weight
Exercise- aim for 30 minutes most days of the week
In conclusion, the prostate gland plays a crucial role in men's health and well-being. From its involvement in reproductive functions to its potential for causing health issues like BPH, or prostate cancer, it is essential to prioritize its care and take proactive measures. Regular check-ups, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and being aware of the signs and symptoms are key to ensuring early detection and effective management of any prostate-related conditions. By staying informed and taking action, you can promote your own prostate health and overall quality of life.
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