Prostate Problems? Here’s Your Guide to Prostate Health

The prostate gland has an important role in men’s reproductive system and sexual health. While many think prostate health becomes a concern only in middle age, understanding its function early on and taking proactive care is beneficial. Although the risk of prostate issues increases with age, all men face potential risks related to prostate health.

The walnut-sized prostate gland is situated in front of the rectum. It resides between the bladder and the penis, encircling the urethra — the tube responsible for carrying urine from the bladder out of the body. Only men and trans women have the prostate gland. Its primary role involves producing seminal fluid, an essential part of semen that facilitates the journey of sperm from the penis. Additionally, the prostate is responsible for sealing off the urethra during ejaculation. Keeping the prostate healthy is essential for men's overall health and well-being.

Prostate health problems are common in men aged over 50. The three most common diseases affecting the prostate gland include prostate enlargement,  prostatitis, and prostate cancer.

Prostate enlargement or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), common in men over 50, is not linked to cancer and doesn’t increase cancer risk. An increase in prostate size can exert pressure on the urethra, impacting the process of urination. This condition impacts approximately 50% of men between the ages of 51 and 60, and the percentage rises to 90% in men aged over 80.

For benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), treatment methods range from adopting lifestyle modifications and taking prescribed medications to undergoing minimally invasive operations and surgical procedures.

Prostatitis is a frequently occurring and occasionally painful disorder that impacts the prostate gland and occasionally the surrounding regions. If you're a man under 50, it's the most common urinary tract issue you might face. For those over 50, it's the third most common disease. Prostatitis can make urination painful or difficult and can cause pain in your groin, pelvic area, or genitals. Not all cases are caused by bacterial infections, but many are.

Prostate cancer is a serious condition that develops in the prostate gland. It is one of the most common cancers in men. Early detection through screening tests is crucial for timely treatment.

As per Dr Gajanana S Bhat, professor of urology at Karwar Institute of Medical Sciences, Karwar: “The most common condition that affects the prostate in men irrespective of the area of residence is BPH. The symptoms, collectively known as Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS), are the most frequently observed symptoms in these patients. The treatment includes watchful waiting, medical management and surgical management.”

• Frequent urination (eight or more episodes daily)
• Urgent need to urinate (inability to postpone urination)
• Difficulty starting or stopping urination
• Straining while urinating
• Weak or interrupted urine stream
• Dribbling at the end of urination
• Waking up frequently at night to urinate
• The feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
• Pain after ejaculation or during urination
• Cloudy urine and flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, and muscle aches in cases of acute bacterial prostatitis
• Advanced symptoms in the case of prostate cancer include bone pain, unexplained weight loss, and tiredness

Urinary symptoms could indicate bladder problems, UTIs, or prostatitis. They might even signal more serious conditions like prostate cancer.

Seek immediate care if you experience:

• Complete inability to urinate
• Painful, frequent, urgent need to urinate with fever and chills
• The presence of blood in the urine
• Intense pain or discomfort in the lower abdominal area and urinary tract

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing risk factors, and getting regular medical check-ups can help one manage prostate health and address any concerns early on.

Prostate screening tests include physical examinations carried out by doctors and blood tests that detect potential prostate issues like infection, inflammation, enlargement, or cancer.

If you're over 50 or have a family history of prostate issues, consult with your doctor to get a screening done.

A healthy diet and a physically active routine can help you beat prostate health issues. 

• Consume a minimum of five portions of colourful fruits and vegetables every day.
• Opt for whole-grain bread and cereals over refined options.
• Limit red meat and processed meats like beef,  and choose fish, poultry, beans, dal,  and eggs for protein.
• Consume healthy fats like olive oil, nuts (like almonds, walnuts, pecans), and avocados; avoid saturated and trans fats found in fast and packaged foods.
• Minimise sugar-sweetened drinks and sweets; consume them as occasional treats.
• Reduce salt intake by choosing low-sodium foods and avoiding canned, processed, and frozen foods.
• Practise mindful eating by eating slowly and stopping when full.
• Engaging in physical exercise is advantageous for maintaining prostate health, as it lessens the symptoms linked to erectile dysfunction (ED) and BPH.
• Studies show that even low- to moderate-intensity activities like regular walking can provide significant health benefits.
• Aerobic exercises like brisk walking can improve quality of life and reduce discomfort associated with chronic prostatitis.
• Excess weight can increase your risk of prostate problems, so maintaining a healthy weight is recommended.

This strategy aims to maintain general well-being and enhance the health of the prostate by ensuring a well-balanced diet and consistent exercise.

Taking charge of your prostate health is an investment in your overall well-being. By adopting healthy habits and scheduling regular checkups, you are better prepared for the future. Remember, knowledge is power; so share this information with the men in your life. Let's work together to make prostate health a priority for everybody.

The term 'prostate health' denotes the complete well-being and correct functioning of the prostate gland, an important part of the male reproductive system. It involves maintaining the prostate's size, shape, and function to support normal urinary and sexual functions.

You can assess prostate health through regular screenings and awareness of symptoms. Symptoms of a healthy prostate include normal urinary habits, minimal discomfort or pain in the pelvic area, and normal sexual function.

Early signs and symptoms of prostate disorders typically involve urinary issues, such as:

• The urgency to urinate, often feeling the need to rush to the bathroom
• Dribbling urine in small drops
• Weak urine stream
• Increased frequency of urination at night (nocturia)
• Difficulty or pain during urination
• Sensation of incomplete bladder emptying
• Constant pain in the lower abdomen
• Appearance of blood in urine (hematuria) or semen (haematospermia)
• Erectile dysfunction

Regular physical activities, including aerobic exercises like brisk walking, jogging, or swimming, are beneficial for prostate health. These exercises improve overall cardiovascular health and help maintain healthy blood flow to the prostate gland.

Diet significantly impacts the health of the prostate. Having various fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and sources of healthy fats like nuts and avocados, along with foods rich in lean protein like fish, poultry, and beans, aids in maintaining a healthy prostate. Limiting red meat, processed foods, and foods high in sugar and saturated fats can reduce the risk of prostate problems. Adequate hydration and moderate alcohol consumption also contribute to maintaining prostate health.