Research>Prostate Problems

Prostate Problems and What They Mean

There are two broad categories of prostate problems that all men need to be aware of; Benign prostate hyperplasia, which is an enlargement of the prostate that occurs with age or because of the effects of prostatitis, and prostate cancer. Although younger men can be affected by such problems, prostate issues for the majority of men do not appear until the age of 50 and older.

In men the prostate is a walnut sized gland that encircles the neck of the bladder and urethra, which is the tube that carries urine from the bladder. The prostate is an exocrine gland with the main function of producing fluid that carries sperm during ejaculation. It also helps to control the flow of urine as it passes from the bladder to the penis.

As men age they become more susceptible to prostate problems. The first is benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) or enlargement of the prostate. BPH is so common that some physicians consider it a normal consequence of aging in males. It results in the enlargement of the prostate, with it alternately pressing up against the urethra and bladder. BPH can also leads to sexual dysfunction; however modern medicine is still unable to understand why. BPH will affect an astonishing 50% of men during their lifetimes but rarely causes symptoms before age 40, with more than half of men in their sixties and as many as 90 percent in their seventies and eighties encountering some of its symptoms. BPH is the most common non-cancerous prostate problem.

Symptoms of Benign Prostate Hyperplasia can include difficulty urinating, waking up several times a night to urinate, frequent urination, inability to empty the bladder, uncontrolled dribbling, painful urination, and painful ejaculation.

Prostatitis, which is an inflammation or infection of the prostate, can affect any adult male but is most common in men, aged 20–50. It is usually caused by a bacterial infection that has spread from another part of the body and is typically treated with antibiotics to fight the infection. Prostatitis can cause difficulty urinating, pain, fever, and blood in the urine.

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer experienced by men and is the most common cancer in men over 50. The risk of its occurrence increases with age; about 70 percent of all cases of the disease are diagnosed in men age 65 and older. The symptoms of prostate cancer are similar to other prostate problems, particularly difficulty in passing urine, but other symptoms include lower back pain, pain in the hips or pelvis and erection problems. Every year prostate cancer kills thousands of men despite the fact that it can be effectively treated if caught in its early stages.

Even though prostate problems can be embarrassing for some men it is important to see a doctor at the first signs of any symptoms. Regular doctor's visits are also important particularly upon reaching the age of 40. More often then not any problem with the prostate is nothing to worry about and can be treated quickly and easily, but the risks of not getting frequent checkups is clearly not worth what could happen.

Prostrate Problems - Nearly All Men Will Suffer and Some Will Die!

A question to all my male readers - ' Have you ever had a full genito urinary examination, yes the one that includes the needle down the urethra?'

Not the most pleasant experience in the world I think chaps!

Don't worry ladies, my wife has already spoken on your behalf ....

"Men should try giving birth!"

I know, and my experience as a GP confirms that women generally have a higher pain threshold then us poor pitiful males.

Unfortunately no one can guarantee that all medical procedures will be pain free, but we do try to give the best preventative advice possible to keep you out of GPs surgeries, hospitals and away from any unpleasant procedures.

Over 90% of men over 45 will suffer prostrate problems!

Yes, it's a fact! Lifestyle, ageing, and a gradual growth of the prostate all inevitably lead to prostate problems.

The most common condition is an enlarged prostate also know as BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia), which can result in acute urinary retention. Its not normally a cancerous condition but the longer left untreated the higher the risk of developing more serious problems, including cancer!

The other most common condition is prostatitis. This is the inflammation of the prostate gland usually caused by an infection.

Here are the tell tale signs for BPH and prostatitis

- Frequent burning urination
- Painful erections (often the erection is not even rigid)
- Mild urinary incontinence
- Pelvic, groin and lower back pain (normally with prostatitis)

You don't need to have a medical degree to see where these conditions could lead if left undetected and untreated.

- Incontinence! ( having to wear adult nappies)
- Impotence! ( make sure to read on further about the qualities of Willow Herb)
- Surgery! ( to remove parts of the prostate)
- Cancer! ( possibly a premature death)

The problem with men is...

Come on chaps, we all know that we can be a disaster when it comes to our own health, especially when it comes to the genito urinary area.

So many of us procrastinate when it comes to seeing the doctor - we're afraid and we don't like to admit it!

I would urge you to see your doctor if ever you get any of the above symptoms, or even just for a regular check up, especially from middle age onwards.

There are prescribed medications available for prostate problems but they carry risks of some nasty side effects. For example Proscar, the leading medication on the market for treating the symptoms of BPH has produced high levels impotence(19% of users), decreased libido (10%), abnormal ejaculation (8%) and even breast enlargement (2.2%)

However, if you want to look after yourself now, and stay away from unpleasant procedures and all the potential problems that probably lay in store, then I would strongly advise you to follow this list of great prostate health tips and combine them with a proven natural supplement, such as Prostrate Power Formula.

• Limit beverages in the evening. Don't drink anything for an hour or two before bedtime to help you avoid wake-up trips to the bathroom at night.
• Limit caffeine or alcohol. These can increase urine production, irritate your bladder and worsen your symptoms.
• Limit diuretics. If you take water pills (diuretics), talk to your doctor. Maybe a lower dose, a milder diuretic or a change in the time you take your medication will help. Don't stop taking diuretics without first talking to your doctor.
• Limit decongestants or antihistamines. These drugs tighten the band of muscles around your urethra that control urine flow, which makes it harder to urinate.
• Go when you feel the urge. Try to urinate when you first feel the urge. Waiting too long to urinate may overstretch the bladder muscle and cause damage.
• Schedule bathroom visits. Try to urinate at regular times to "retrain" the bladder. This can be done every four to six hours during the day and can be especially useful if you have severe frequency and urgency.
• Stay active. Inactivity causes you to retain urine. Even a small amount of exercise can help reduce urinary problems caused by BPH.
• Keep warm. Colder temperatures can cause urine retention and increase your urgency to urinate.

If you follow these lifestyle tips you'll definitely reduce the risk of prostate problems. However to give yourself the absolute best chance of keeping your prostate in good working order, you really must consider a safe and proven natural supplement like Prostrate Power Formula.

The main reason for using taking this supplement is due to its high content of Willow Herb. There are other other supplements containing Willow Herb (often referred to as natures 'trouble shooter') but Prostrate Power Formula has been scientifically refined to a higher quality utilising all the potent properties of this remarkable plant extract!

A marvellous added bonus with Willow Herb, is its documented value as a powerful boost to virility - having taken Willow Herb myself for over 30 years I can certainly vouch for that!

An active and healthy sex life is vital to overall health!

* Please remember that although the genito urinary examinations can be unpleasant, the procedures employed are usually very quick and are normally over in a matter of seconds - so please don't be too worried!

That's all from me for now. Stay healthy and keep smiling!

Prostrate Problems - What You Don't Know About the The Prostate Gland Could Kill You

Women know more about men's health than men do themselves and that's a fact. Why is that? Is it because we find it hard to discuss these things? Is it because it's not macho! From the time that we are young, we are taught that boys have to act tough and shouldn't cry. You must have heard the saying "Big Boys don't cry!"

Most of us carry this thought process into adulthood and feel by showing concern for our health, it will be seen as a male weakness. I am guilty of that myself.

I know when my prostate troubles began, I knew absolutely nothing about the prostate. I was one of the 96%. Mainly because it didn't cross my mind that I'd ever have any problems.

In addition, the prostate is in a "private" area, and it wasn't something I wanted to examine. Many people, including myself, feel uncomfortable talking about the prostate, since the gland plays a role in both sex and urination.

I have had prostate troubles, survived a cancer scare and watched my sister die from Cancer. Believe me, when I say that when you think you are going to die, it concentrates your mind on what is really important. Suddenly your priorities get focused.

Due to my prostate troubles, I became interested in learning about the prostate and how it affected my health.

I cried the day they took a biopsy and I cried with relief the day I was told it was benign. I cried many times as I watched my sister die.

I got so frustrated having to get up every night 3-4 times due to my prostate troubles and then finding I couldn't get back to sleep.

What is prostate cancer?

Prostate Cancer develops by the growth of cancerous cells within the prostate gland. Prostate cancer occurs when some of the cells that make up the prostate gland escape from the normal controls on their growth and start to divide, grow and spread in an uncontrolled manner. In its advanced form, it can produce the same symptoms as BPH. (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia)

Warning Signs

Early prostate cancer often does not cause symptoms. When symptoms of prostate cancer do occur, they may include some of the following problems:

A need to urinate frequently, especially at night; Difficulty starting urination or holding back urine; Inability to urinate; Weak or interrupted flow of urine; Painful or burning urination; Painful ejaculation; Blood in urine or semen; and/or Frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs.

Any of these symptoms may be caused by cancer or by other, less serious health problems, such as BPH or an infection (Prostatitis). Only a doctor can tell the cause. A man who has symptoms like these should see his family doctor . Do not wait to feel pain; early prostate cancer does not cause pain.

These are two other main prostate problems

1) BPH - (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia) is the abnormal growth of benign prostate cells. In an enlarged prostate , the prostate grows larger and pushes against the urethra and bladder, blocking the normal flow of urine. BPH is often the result of prostatitis.

2) Prostatitis refers to prostate inflammation and infection, which can be brief or long-lasting, mild or severe symptoms can include frequent, urgent and painful urination, erectile problems or pain >during ejaculation.

Prostatitis is rampant in the US, affecting at least 80% of American men. Most is without major symptoms. Prostate enlargement, called Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH) is often the result of prostatitis.

Treatment for Prostate Cancer

The treatment given for prostate cancer depends on how advanced or widespread the disease is. If the cancer is small and only present within the prostate gland, it is possible to treat it with surgery (radical prostatectomy) radiotherapy (either external beam radiotherapy or brachytherapy) hormone therapy

I sincerely hope that this article can be of use to you, your partner, someone in your family or indeed a close friend.

Health to me is both physical and mental. The two cannot be separated. May I leave you with what I regard the finest bits of advice for life

If I were asked to give what I consider the single most useful bit of advice for all humanity it would be this: Expect trouble as an inevitable part of life and when it comes, hold your head high, look it squarely in the eye and say, "I will be bigger than you. You cannot defeat me." Ann Landers

I wish you perfect health and piece of mind in all that you do.

Are You Worried About An Enlarged Prostate Or Other Prostate Problem?

In older men, the inner part of the prostate around the urethra may continue to grow, a condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) - also referred to as an enlarged or swollen prostate. Perhaps a fourth of men have some degree of hyperplasia by the time they reach their fifties. By the eighth decade, over 90% of males will have prostatic hyperplasia (according to the American Urological Association).

However, in only a small number of cases (about 10%) will this hyperplasia be symptomatic and severe enough to require any surgical or medical therapy. The mechanism for hyperplasia may be related to an accumulation of dihydrotestosterone in the prostate, which then binds to nuclear hormone receptors which then trigger the growth. The normal prostate gland weighs 20 to 30 gm, but most with nodular hyperplasia can weigh as much as 50 to 100 gm. And nodular hyperplasia is NOT a precursor to cancer. A mildly increased PSA (4 to 10 ng/mL) in a patient with a very large prostate can be due to either nodular hyperplasia, or to prostatitis, rather than cancer.

It's good to know that BPH is a non-cancerous enlargement that is very common in men as they age. While this can cause problems with urinating because it can press on the urethra (the tube that carries the urine), BPH is not cancer.

The class of drugs usually used to conventionally treat BPH are the alpha 1-adrenoreceptors, including prazosin, alfuzosin, indoramin, terazosin, doxazosin, and tamsulosin.

Both BPH and prostate cancer, however, can cause similar problems in older men. The "free PSA test" may help determine the difference between BPH and prostate cancer. Prostatitis, BPH, prostate cancer and metastasis are all very common ailments. Many of these symptoms, however, can also be caused by other conditions, such as a urinary tract infection (UTI), acute prostatitis, or even a sexually transmitted disease.

Doctors must determine if a patient's symptoms are due to prostate cancer, BPH, or to a number of other non-cancer-related conditions. Your doctor conducts a digital rectal exam in order to diagnose BPH. Treatment choices for BPH also include an ever watchful waiting.

Also regular checkups are important even for men who have had surgery for BPH. Learn all you can about the treatment options for these disorders if you're having symptoms that are keeping you up at night or keeping you up at night with worry. To understand your symptoms more take one of the free self tests for symptoms that are found online.

However, with so many treatment choices now available, men with BPH or prostate cancer sometimes have difficulty deciding on which is the right treatment, and the long-term lifestyle effects that each of the disease treatments may cause, especially if conventional or standard treatment is chosen where there is more risk. Other ways to relieve the symptoms of BPH use radiowaves, microwaves, or electrical current.

Also there is always the natural approach to consider. A natural diet may be an alternative chosen by some men rather than risk chemo drugs or radiation. Many men live well into a much older age with various prostate conditions and suffer no ill consequences. Prostate cancer, an enlarged prostate and BPH used to be diseases of old age but not anymore.

Signs of Prostate Problems

As men get older, it becomes progressively possible that they are going to have a prostate problem. While there is no real method to stop this from taking place, you can learn to identify the symptoms.

It is important to catch the problem early so you can treat symptoms before they get worse. In addition, in the case of prostate cancer, catching it early will greatly improve treatment capabilities and can even save your life.

What you should keep in mind is that not all prostate problems are caused by cancer. In fact, numerous men have prostate issues and never develop cancer. Here are some problems that men could have:

- Prostatitis means that a prostate gland is swollen due to infection. Acute prostatitis is a temporary swelling caused by a one time infection. A man will likely have a fever and other signs of infection. This can be treated quickly with antibiotics. Chronic prostatitis is a continuing condition due to a repeated infection. This is more persistent and harder to cure.

- Prostate cancer is clearly the most dangerous problem you can have with your prostate. Besides looking for signs, you should also undergo regular prostate screening to help expose a problem.

- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia is an enlarged prostate that is caused by problems other that infection or cancer. The risk of having this problem increases with age and can be successfully treated. It can cause irritating symptoms but is not serious. There are medicines available that help relieve symptoms, for example the frequent urge to urinate.

As a result of the location and function of the prostate, nearly all of the issues a man face from prostate problems are associated with urination and sexual functioning.

Urination problems include:

Frequent urge to urinate

Inability to pass urine completely or urinate at all

Slow stream or dribbling

Pain or burning while urinating

Blood in urine

Sexual symptoms:

Inability to achieve an erection

Pain during ejaculation

Blood in semen

In addition to these signs, you can also experience pain in the lower back and thighs.

Prostate problems happen in a large percentage of men over the age of 50, so you should watch for symptoms if you are older. However, not all men with prostate problems are over fifty, so you should see a doctor if you notice these symptoms, regardless of your age.

Natural Remedies for Premature Ejaculation

In sex, as in life, every man would like to last a little longer. But some of them reach orgasm and ejaculate faster than you might think, usually one to four minutes after beginning intercourse.

This is premature ejaculation because it occurs before a man desires it and without control. It may be caused by problems such as prostatitis or urinary tract infections. But experts say that more often it has a psychological basis.

A lot of health professionals agree there are natural remedies that may help prevent premature ejaculation. Some of these remedies are available in many health food stores.

Angelica is a plant that can grow up to 6 feet tall. It's scientific and common names:Archangelica officinalis, Angelicaarchangelica, garden angelica, angelique, root of the holy ghost, wild angelica, wild licorice, European angelica. Generally the part used for medicinal purposes is the root. When applied directly to the skin of the penis, Angelica oil or cream have been used to treat premature ejaculation.

Men prone to premature ejaculation may benefit from regular use of the California flower essence Hibiscus. Tension and lack of emotional connection are often underlying reasons why a male partner has sexual problems. The plant helps man relax and restores warmth to the sexual relationship.

Psoralea corylifolia, Cullen corylifolium or Bu Gu Zhi by its common name, is an Asian (China; India; Nepal; Vietnam,Iran) perennial plant growing to 0.6m. Bu Gu Zhi seed is anthelmintic, antibacterial, aphrodisiac, astringent, cardiac, cytotoxic, deobstruent, diaphoretic, diuretic, stimulant, stomachic and tonic. It is used in the treatment of febrile diseases, premature ejaculation, impotence, lower back pains, frequent urination, incontinence, bed wetting etc

Ho Shou Wu (Fo ti) is an extremely important herb in the Chinese system This remarkable herb possesses properties similar to ginseng. It's ability to increase energy, preserve youth and restore impaired sexual functioning has made it a favorite ingredient in Chinese patent medicine. It is used for impotence, infertility, premature ejaculation, premature senility. Is believed to tone blood and improve sperm count.

Special note Because The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not inspect or regulate the use or prescription of natural remedies, FDA does not approve their use for treatments.

Along with desirable effects, natural remedies may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the remedy but some of them may be very serious. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Facts Men Need to Know About Prostate Problems

There are different prostate problems that men need to know about to permit them to stay in good health. When you know signs and symptoms of a prostate problem, you can go and medical treatment sooner than someone who is ignorant on the subject.

Most men don’t like to admit they have a prostate, let alone discuss any prostate problem they may have. This is a mistake. Many times a prostate problem can be treated quickly and easily and leaving a prostate problem unchecked may lead to more life threatening conditions.

If you are a man under the age of 50, the most common prostate problem you will encounter is prostatitis. What this means is that there is inflammation of the prostate gland. You may notice that you urinate more frequently or experience burning or pain when you do go. Sometimes you may have a fever or simply feel tired all the time.

Having this checked may eliminate prolonging the condition and also to check to see if there are other conditions present as well. It is always best to err on the side of precaution when it comes to men and a prostate problem they may experience.

For men who have reached the age of 50, the most common prostate problem they will encounter is an enlargement of the prostate gland. This can happen for any number of reasons and getting yourself checked quickly can help you manage your symptoms.

When you have prostate problem it is always best to see a medical professional, especially if you are over 50. Prostate cancer is not always a diagnoses, but it always a threat. If you have any of the risk factors of prostate cancer, discuss your concerns with your doctor and schedule a prostate exam as soon as possible.

Whether a man likes it or not, the condition of his prostate is part of his overall good health. It is a responsible man who takes his health seriously and has a prostate exam on a regular basis. No one can know except you if you are experiencing a prostate problem, so you are the only one who can care for it.

The Natural Approach to Prostate Problems

Prostate is not a problem just for elderly male population. Affecting 1 in 8 men, prostate disorders are much more common than would be expected in middle-aged individuals. The good news is that using natural treatments this battle can be a successful one.

The natural approach to prostate problems involves four steps.

1. Improving the blood and energy flow to the prostate region.
   This flow is affected by things like low back problems, constipation, scar tissue and injury. It can be improved by massage, manipulation therapies, acupuncture and the appropriate dietary changes.
   
2. Diet targeted at improving the health of the prostate.
   
   Soy contains natural substances which help detoxify the harmful Di-Hydro-Testosterone (DHT), thereby reducing its stimulation for cell multiplication. It's a reality that Japanese men, who eat a plenty soy diet, have very low incidences of prostate problems. Therefore, products containing a high amount of soy have been recommended as preventing prostate enlargement. Vegetables containing carotenes and red-orange fruits are also associated with low prostate cancer incidence. Finally, adequate fiber in the diet, as well as pumpkin and sunflower seeds seem to improve prostate symptoms.
   
   
3. Diet high in vitamins and supplements helping in prostate function.
   Zinc may be cancer protective as is required to utilize carotenes. In conjunction with vitamin B6, zinc also regulates the enzyme which converts testosterone to the harmful DHT. Vitamin E helps preserve the fatty acids and they are formatted in the human body to the messenger hormone prostaglandins which control, among other, inflammation.
   
   
4. Use of some herbs with beneficial effects on the prostate.
   Saw palmetto berries contain substances which inhibit the conversion of DOT from testosterone. By consequence, they prevent the DOT that is produced from acting on the prostate, and cools inflammation in the gland itself. Saw palmetto is effective only in extract form (tinctures, capsules) while a tea made from the berries has no action. Saw palmetto is used extensively in US. In France and elsewhere in Europe, Pygeum africanum has been shown to work, again, by limiting the conversion of DHT and by reducing prostates enlargement and inflammation. This herb also is a mild antibiotic, which may explain its good effect in prostatitis as well as BAH. Finally, there is a Swiss extract of Utica devoice flower pollen (Carillon) which has potent anti-inflammatory actions and is effective in prostatitis again by blocking DOT.

This type of approach may not cause any harm and it can be used as a preventive solution, but it is not a substitute for the advice of a physician or other medical professional.

The Prostate Basics

Basic Facts about the Prostate Gland: The prostate is a sex gland in males. It is around the size of a walnut, and encircles the neck of the bladder and urethra, the tube that expels urine from the bladder. It is partly glandular and partly muscular, with ducts opening into the prostatic portion of the urethra. The prostate is made up of three lobes: a centrally located lobe with one lobe on each side. The prostate gland secretes a slightly alkaline fluid that forms part of the seminal fluid, a fluid that carries sperm during ejaculation.

There are several benign prostate problems that develop in men.
Types of non-cancerous prostate problems, or clinical conditions of the prostate gland that are not cancer, including infections, inflammations, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) - an enlarged prostate. These problems are quite common and may happen to men of all ages.
Specific Non-Cancerous Prostate Problems include prostatism - this term describes any condition of the prostate that causes interference with the flow of urine from the bladder.

Prostatitis - an inflamed condition of the prostate gland. It can be accompanied by pain, discomfort, frequent or infrequent urination, and sometimes a low-grade fever.

Prostatalgia - a term that indicates pain in the prostate gland.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH)- the condition of an enlarged prostate. BPH is the main non-cancerous prostate problem. It can cause discomfort and create problems urinating. Although it is not cancer, BPH symptoms are very similar to those of prostate cancer. These include impotence, or the inability to have or keep an erection, and urinary incontinence, or the loss of bladder control.

The fear of having prostate cancer can be devastating to most men. Prostate cancer is most successfully treated when discovered early. Consider these statistics supplied from the American Cancer Society: Nearly 80 percent of all prostate cancers is discovered while they are still localized, or confined to the prostate. The five-year survival rate for men diagnosed with prostate tumors that are discovered at this early stage is a whopping 100 percent. Testing works!

In the past 20 years, the survival rate for all stages of prostate cancer has risen due to early detection and treatment. Early prostate cancer often does not present any symptoms and can only be found with regular prostate examinations by your doctor. These tests can help detect, or rule out, prostate cancer. Check back with your physician if you have had an unusual DRE (digital rectal exam), or if your PSA (prostate-specific antigen) level is high. Your physician may order additional tests or suggest repeating the PSA tests if warranted.

With my father having been diagnosed with prostate cancer a couple of years ago, I am a big believer in regular check ups and preventive treatment.