Friends, today I am writing about a health-related issue which is generally with men of 40+ years of age. But it will help even women who know a man of 40+ years, who could be a father, husband, brother, uncle, colleague, friend etc. The health topic is PROSTATE HEALTH.
Only men have a prostate, and generally when men cross 40 years of age the problems related to prostate start.
What is the background on prostate health?
Every day your blood passes through the kidney several times to be filtered. As the blood is filtered, urine is formed and stored in a temporary storage tank called the urinary bladder. The function of the urinary bladder is to hold the urine, and when it is full the urge for urination starts.. In the men’s body, there is a pipe that runs from the urinary bladder to the tip of the penis and is called the urethra. Just below the bladder and surrounding urethra is a little organ called PROSTATE GLAND.
The prostate gland is the size of a walnut and weighs about 20 grams. Its job is to make the seminal fluid that is stored in the vesicle. Now, after the age of 40 due to hormonal changes, the prostate gland from 20 grams may grow to almost 100 grams. As it enlarges, it squeezes the urethra and the man begins to notice changes in the way he urinates. His urine stream becomes weak, can not travel long distances,s and sometimes may come straight down on his legs. So he may need to stand in an awkward position to urinate.
Terminal Dripping
The man begins to notice that after urinating and repacking, urine still drops on his pants. This is the reason why an older man urinates, he has to wait to observe the wetness of his clothes and act accordingly, while a younger man delivers the last drop and walks away.
Hesitancy
At this point, the old man has to wait longer for the urine flow to start. There are two valves that must open for you to urinate-the internal and external sphincters. Both are open but because of obstructions in the urethra, you wait longer for the flow to start.
Incomplete Emptying
You have this feeling immediately after urinating that there is still something left.
As all these happen, the bladder begins to work harder to compensate for the obstruction in the urethra. The frequency of urination goes up. Urgency sets in. Sometimes you have to practically run into the toilet. Nocturia also becomes common, and you wake up more than 2 times at night to urinate. Now men being men may not talk to anyone even at this point. Then the more serious complications start.
Stored urine gets infected and there may be a burning sensation when urinating. Stored urine may form crystals. Crystals come together to form stones either in the bladder or in the kidney. Stone may block the urethra. So chronic urinary retention sets in. The bladder stores more and more urine. Generally, the bladder can store 400 to 600 ml, as the bladder starts storing more urine, it gets enlarged. An overfilled bladder may leak and this leads to wetting/urinary incontinence. Also, the volume may put pressure on the kidney and may lead to kidney damage. What may likely bring the man to the hospital is acute urinary retention. He wakes up one day and is not able to pass urine.
There are other diseases of the prostate like- Prostaitis, which is inflammation of the prostate, and cancer of the prostate.
Today, I am writing about the conditions associated with prostate enlargement. There is good news and bad news.
The bad news is that every man will have prostate enlargement if he lives long enough. The good news is that there are lifestyle changes that can help men after 40 to maintain optimum prostate health.
Nutrition
Look at what you eat. Red meat every day triple your chances of prostate disease. Milk every day doubles your risk. Not taking fruits/vegetables daily quadruples your risk. Tomatoes are very good for men. It has loads of lycopene, which is the most potent natural antioxidant. Foods that are rich in Zinc are also good for men, like pumpkin seeds. Zinc is the most essential element for male sexuality and fertility. Men need more zinc than women. Every time a man ejaculates he loses 15 mg of zinc, which is important for metabolism.
Alcohol Consumption
As men begin to have urinary symptoms associated with prostate enlargement, it is important they look at alcohol consumption. More fluid in means more fluid out. Drink less, drink slowly.
Exercise
Exercise helps build muscle tone. Every man should exercise. Men over 40 should avoid high-impact exercise like jogging. It puts pressure on the knees. Cycling is bad news for the prostate. Brisk walking is recommended.
Sitting
When we sit, two-thirds of our weight rests on the pelvic bones. Men who sit longer are more prone to prostate symptoms. Do not sit for long hours. Walk around as often as you can. Sit on comfortable chairs.
Dressing
The man should avoid tight underwear. It impacts circulation around the groin and heats it up a bit. The groin optimal temperature is 33 degrees C. Wear boxers, and wear breathable clothing.
Avoid smoking. It affects blood vessels and impacts circulation around the groin. Regular sex is good for the prostate.
Celibates are more prone to prostate illness. While celibacy is a moral decision, it is not a biological adaption. Your prostate gland is designed to empty its contents regularly.
Hope the above information will be useful.
Waiting for your views on this blog.
Anil Malik
Mumbai, India
6th March 2023.