Prostate health management

What is the prostate?

The prostate gland is an organ in reproductive anatomy. It sits directly below the bladder and in front of the rectum. This walnut-sized gland has two or more lobes, or sections. The most important function of the prostate is producing seminal fluid, which plays an important role in sperm survival and mobility during ejaculation.

What does the prostate do?

The prostate’s most important function is the production of a fluid that, together with sperm cells from the testicles, makes up semen. Semen provides protection and nourishment for the sperm, allowing them to find their way to the egg. To function correctly, the prostate needs male sex hormones such as testosterone, an important sex hormone produced mainly by the testicles. 

Prostate disease and related issues

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) a common condition in older men in which the prostate gland is enlarged. This can cause urinary problems such as difficulty in getting the urine flow started, a weak urinary stream or frequent urination. Prostate cancer and prostate infection (prostatitis) are other common forms of prostate disease.Regular prostate checks are essential for maintaining good health and detecting potential issues early on, especially for middle-aged men or men with certain risk factors.

The most common prostate screenings are:

• PSA test: A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is a blood test that measures the level of PSA in a sample of your blood. Elevated PSA levels can be a sign of prostate abnormalities, such as prostate cancer. 
• Digital rectal examination (DRE): To examine your prostate the doctor puts a finger into your back passage (rectum). 

When is prostate screening recommended? Screening is recommended if you are at high risk for prostate cancer, for example, based on your family history and other clinical factors. Men should begin screening at age 50 (or earlier, depending on the risk factors). 

Symptoms of prostate enlargement

Symptoms of an enlarged prostate include difficulty urinating, frequent urination, dribbling at the end of urination, and an increased need to urinate even though the bladder is not full. Do you have any of these issues? Then do not ignore them. Left untreated, your symptoms can get worse and cause serious complications, such as urinary tract infections and bladder damage. If you have urinary problems, seek medical attention.

Tips for keeping your prostate healthy

1. A healthy diet: Switching to the plant-heavy Mediterranean diet or DASH diet can reduce your risk of aggressive prostate cancer. 
2. Regular exercise: Physical activity can benefit prostate health and reduce the risk of prostate problems. 
3. Quit smoking: Smoking can affect prostate function. Quitting leads to better prostate health. 
4. Regular prostate exams: Make sure your doctor checks the health of your prostate regularly, especially as you enter middle age or if you have certain risk factors. 
5. Vitamin D: Research suggests a connection between Vitamin D and prostate health and improved erectile function. Expose yourself to sunlight or consider taking supplements to ensure that you get all the vitamins your body needs. 
6. More ejaculations: Ejaculating more may lower the risk of prostate cancer. 
7. Stress management: Chronic stress may impact prostate health. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as through relaxation techniques such as medication, yoga or breathing exercises. 
8. Hydration: Adequate water intake supports urinary function and prostate health. Make sure you drink plenty of water.  

Importance of self-care

The key to good prostate health is to maintain good overall health by taking self-care seriously. Many men initially ignore urination problems or just put them down to old age. Left untreated, these problems can cause serious complications, such as urinary tract infections or kidney damage. It's important to be proactive when it comes to your prostate health and consult our affiliated doctors for a personalised solution.