What Is the Prostate?
A prostate is a walnut-sized muscular gland that can only be found in males and is important for the proper functioning of the male reproductive system. It is located below the bladder and in front of the rectum and weighs around 1 ounce(30 grams). The urethra is surrounded by the prostate and it runs through the center of the prostate carrying the urine from the bladder to the penis.
The Functionality of the Prostate Glands
The prostate secretes a fluid which is also a part of the semen. This fluid secreted is responsible to nourish and protect the sperms alive and also helps in carrying the genetic code along with the sperm. During ejaculation, the prostate contracts, and squirts the fluid into the urethra and is ejaculated with the semen. Just like any other organ in your body the prostate will sometimes misbehave or might not work properly and that might lead to some prostate problems. Here are some common prostate problems that one should not ignore.
Prostatitis
Prostatitis is one of the most common prostate problems that occur in men who are below 50. It is usually caused due to the inflammation of the prostate and the area around it. Sometimes, it might also be caused due to bacterial infection. There are mainly four types of prostatitis Acute Bacterial Prostatitis, Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis, Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome, and Asymptomatic Inflammatory Prostatitis. These types of Prostatitis may sometimes show no symptoms.
Some of Its Common Symptoms Include:
- Pain during urination.
- The constant urge to urinate.
- Pain during ejaculation.
- Blood during urinating.
- Urethral discharge.
Some types of prostatitis that are caused due to bacterial infection can be treated with antibiotics in about a month but some type can be severe, long-lasting, and may lead to other health problems.
Enlarged Prostate
Prostate tends to grow larger as you age, so when your prostate enlarges it might squeeze the urethra and it might lead to some problems while urinating. This state of enlarged prostate is also known as Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy(BPH). Mostly men over the age of 50 and above are frequently infected by BPH. 8 out of 10 men develop enlarged prostate and the major cause of BPH is considered to be age and genetics.
The Common Symptoms of BPH Include
- Frequent urination
- Difficulty while urinating
- You cannot urinate without any strain
Some common treatments for an enlarged prostate include alpha-blocks, surgery, etc. In some cases, even if you have an enlarged prostate the symptoms will not be so obvious and clear it is called watchful waiting so it is always better to go for an annual checkup to ensure your body is doing fine.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer that occur in men. The cause of prostate cancer is not clear yet but it might be cured when treated in the beginning stages. The treatments for prostate cancer include chemotherapy, hormone therapy, radiation therapy, etc.
Most of the symptoms of prostate cancer can be similar to prostatitis and enlarged prostates like pain or burning sensation while urinating, blood while urinating, difficulty in starting and stopping urine, etc.
Some Simple Solutions for Prostate Problems
Pumpkin Seeds- It has become one of the common treatments for the reduction of prostate enlargement. In a study, the pumpkin seed oil is shown to improve Benign Prostate Hypertrophy(BPH). One of the main reasons is due to the high levels of zinc in the pumpkin seeds as scientists have discovered that the zinc levels are less in those with prostatic issues. So, eating pumpkin seeds can help maintain the zinc levels in your body.
Uva Ursi- Uva Ursi is also known as Bearberry. It is an ancient medicine and is known to have antibacterial properties. This herb has been commonly used in the treatment of any urinary ailments or bladder infections. But it is advised to consult your doctor before taking it as a chemical called hydroquinone is present in it and may damage your liver. Uva Ursi is also available in supplements in case of the unavailability of the actual herb.
Other oral supplements that can be taken to solve prostate problems are sesame seeds, saw palmetto oil, bell pepper, and any other vitamin C rich foods.
