November is Men’s Health Awareness Month, also known as “Movember”, which aims to increase early detection of prostate related issues including prostate cancer. The prostate is a small gland in males that produces seminal fluid. Located just below the bladder, the prostate surrounds the ureter which carries urine and semen out of the body. As men age, the prostate tends to grow and can cause a variety of health issues.
Most prostate conditions occur after the age of 50, however that doesn’t mean men under 50 are exempt from developing prostate issues. Some of the most common non-cancerous prostate issues include benign prostatic hyperplasia, acute bacterial prostatitis, chronic bacterial prostatitis, and chronic prostatitis. Benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH, is an enlarged, non-cancerous prostate, and one of the most common non-cancerous conditions of the prostate. Acute bacterial prostatitis is a bacterial infection of the prostate that needs to be treated with antibiotics. Chronic bacterial prostatitis is when the bacterial infection is re-occurring which can be hard to treat, and may require long term antibiotics. Chronic Prostatitis, also known as chronic pelvic pain syndrome, is a long-term prostate infection that can cause pain in the groin, low back, and pelvic region.
Prostate cancer is most common in men age 50 and older. Chances of developing prostate cancer increases among African American, Hispanic, and Native American men, if there is a family history of prostate cancer, and having a diet high in fat.
Signs and symptoms of prostate problems include; frequent urge to urinate, needing to get up multiple times during the night to urinate, blood in urine or semen, pain or burning while urinating, frequent pain or stiffness in low back, pelvis, hips, or upper thighs, and dribbling of urine.
If you have or develop any of the above symptoms, be sure to contact your primary health care provider to perform a physical exam. If there is a family history of prostate cancer, be sure to get a physical exam before the age 50. Reduce the risk of developing prostate issues by eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and taking prostate supporting supplements that include stinging nettle root extract, saw palmetto extract, amino acids and antioxidants.