Prostate Gland - Part 2

Don’t frustrate your prostate, follow these tips

In this article, you will learn some common treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, and prostate cancer. We will also include some things you can do to keep your prostate healthy.

1. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Treatment for prostate enlargement can be either surgical or medication. Some medications do their work by relaxing muscles inside your prostate. This makes it easier for your urethra to open. If your urethra easily opens, your urine flows freely. Other medications shrink your prostate so it hugs or squeezes your urethra less tightly.

Approximately 25 percent of males with an enlarged prostate need surgery to treat their BPH. This is often because of how it affects their quality of life. The most commonly performed surgical procedures is called TURP which stands for transurethral resection of the prostate.

TURP is performed by a urologist (a doctor who specialises in the urinary tract) and usually requires the patient to be under general anesthesia (you’re asleep and will not feel a thing). A heated wire loop is used to shave away excess prostate tissue. This can also be done by laser (laser resection).

Here are other surgical procedures for BPH:

Transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP)
Open prostatectomy

2. Prostatitis. While prostatitis may have similar symptoms to BPH, it's an infection of your prostate and is usually treated with antibiotics prescribed by your doctor.

3. Prostate Cancer. To reduce your risk of dying from prostate cancer, there are two things you have to accomplish. One, you have to catch it early, and two, embrace a healthy lifestyle. Have your prostate checked, not because you feel symptoms, but because you want to know your risk of developing prostate cancer.

Simple tests for screening prostate cancer include a DRE (digital rectal exam) and PSA (prostate specific antigen) test. A DRE is performed by your doctor to see or “feel” for enlargement and irregularities on your prostate. A PSA test is a blood test that checks the level of PSA in your blood. A higher than normal level is a risk factor for cancer, but it can also be high with BPH or prostatitis so a biopsy must be done to rule out cancer.

The treatment for prostate cancer will depend upon the stage, as determined by your doctor.

There are some things you can do to keep your prostate from being frustrated with you. Take a look at our tips below:

Zinc. This mineral plays a protective role for your prostate when it comes to prostate cancer.
Saw Palmetto. This herb claimed its fame status when it was shown to decrease the symptoms of patients with an enlarged prostate.
Nettle. Stinging nettle when used in combination with saw palmetto has been shown to decrease BPH symptoms like reduced urinary flow, incomplete emptying of your bladder, dribbling, and the nagging urge to urinate. Nettle tea is a good way to get the health benefits without being stung!
DIM (Diindolylmethane). As men age testosterone decreases and estrogen may increase, leaving an imbalance in these hormones which can raise your risk of developing prostate cancer. DIM supercharges your liver to metabolise estrogen into a less harmful metabolite. DIM may also enhance prostate function.
Chrysin. This antioxidant flavone in honey has been found to enhance programmed cell death in a particular prostate cancer cell line and may also reduce cancer cell growth.

Pumpkin Seeds and oil. The phytosterols present in pumpkin seeds and their oil may help to shrink your prostate. Pumpkin seeds also have a compound that stops testosterone from being converted to DHT (dihydrotestosterone). DHT is often high in those with BPH. Pumpkin seeds are loaded with zinc too! Add a handful of pumpkin seeds to your diet three times a week, try them roasted with soy sauce for a healthy snack.
Iodine. Reduce your chances of developing prostate cancer by loading up on iodine. Just like other glands in the body, adequate iodine is important for a healthy prostate.
Crataeva. The anti-inflammatory properties of this plant decrease the symptoms of BPH and prostatitis.

Selenium. Another important mineral for a healthy prostate and its low in both New Zealand and Australian soils so make sure you’re getting enough. Brazil nuts are a good source of selenium, 2-4 nuts each day can keep you topped up.

Keep your prostate from getting frustrated with you. Follow the easy tips outlined above to keep your prostate healthy into old age. Get regular checkups even if you have no symptoms and remember if you feel that something is wrong down there, consult your doctor. Your life may literally depend on it.

If you haven't already read Part 1 of this article click here.