What men can do to prevent problems in the prostate

The prostate is a small gland that is part of man's reproductive system. In size and shape it is similar to a walnut, and is located in the pelvis, below the bladder and almost opposite the rectum. It surrounds part of the urethra, a tube through which urine is expelled. Its function is to help produce semen, the fluid that carries sperm from the testicles to the penis in the ejaculate.

After a certain age, men usually take on the problems that appear in their prostate as they belong to the stage they are in, and do not go to the doctor. It is an error since in many occasions, with a series of advice from a specialist, the situation could be improved significantly.

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How the prostate changes over time

As the prostate gland tends to grow with age, it can press on the urethra and cause problems to pass urine. Some men may begin to have these urinary symptoms by age 30 or 40 and need medical attention. For others, the symptoms are not felt until much later in life.

Problems caused by the prostate

1. Benign prostatic hyperplasia

The most common in frequency. Starting at age 40, the prostate increases in size due to the effect of male hormones, which usually leads to a series of voiding problems. It is the first cause of consultation of men above that age in urology. As the urethra goes over the prostate, it is compressed when the gland increases in size. Consequently, the man does not finish urinating.

The symptoms tend to progress progressively, that is why it is very important to go to the specialist from the first moment. Usually the frequency increases when urinating, the sensation of not having completely urinated, dripping at the end, stinging, weak urine stream and difficulty maintaining urination, among other symptoms.

2. Prostatitis

The prostate of young men can become infected. According to the American Institute of Health (NIH, for its acronym in English) is the swelling of the prostate gland, an inflammation of the tissue. This problem can be caused by an infection with bacteria. Acute prostatitis begins quickly, while chronic prostatitis lasts three months or longer.

Any bacteria that can cause a urinary infection can produce acute bacterial prostatitis. Generally many are transmitted by sexual practices. Also, acute prostatitis can be caused by problems with the urethra or the prostate.

If blood or pain is felt, chills, fever, difficulty to start urination, redness of the skin or weak urinary stream, among other symptoms, you should see a specialist.

3. Prostate cancer

The most frequent in western societies. According to the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC), it is estimated that 10% of cases in which this disease occurs may have a hereditary component. Several studies have shown that men with a first-degree family history (father, siblings) of prostate cancer have a twice higher risk of suffering from it. On the other hand, there is evidence that high-fat diets may increase risk.

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Guidelines to prevent problems in the prostate

Men are recommended to go to the urologist regularly after the age of 50 to have an examination and a blood test, which can give you very important information. In case there are problems to urinate, they should advance the consultation.

Although the prostate is the second cause of cancer death in men, after lung cancer, between 85 and 90% of times prostate cancer is curable if it is treated on time.

Men should take into account that it is advisable not to drink a lot of water after eight o'clock in the afternoon so as not to have to hold on to urine for so long, nor to accumulate many hours without voiding, because it could lead to a retention of urine water . For example, if a young man goes by car and wants to go to the bathroom, it's best not to hold him back. In turn, they should follow the basic dietary hygienic measures.

From the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC) recommend avoiding obesity, reduce alcohol consumption and suppress smoking, "a very advisable attitude to keep the health of the body in good condition."

Important: It should be clarified that Bioguía does not give medical advice or prescribe the use of techniques as a form of treatment for physical or mental problems without the advice of a doctor, either directly or indirectly. In the case of applying for this purpose some information of this site, Bioguía does not assume the responsibility of those acts. The intention of the site is only to offer information of a general nature to help in the search of development and personal growth.

Sources:

Take carePlus

National Cancer Institute