The Prostate – Boon and Bane

It is the prostate gland, not the prostrate gland, as many people refer to it in general conversation. Under certain conditions it can turn a macho male into a prostrate mess, but it's correct name is the prostate.

The prostate is a boon to a human male because it is an important part of male sexuality. As part of the male reproductive system, the prostate and the seminal vesicles attached to it produce fluid that mixes with sperm from the testicles to produce semen. This fluid aids in the ability of the sperm to 'swim' in search of female ova to fertilize.

The prostate is a small gland, which is normally about the size of a walnut. The prostate wraps around the urethra just below the bladder. The bladder is the repository for urine before it is expelled from the body. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to be eliminated. The prostate controls the flow of urine for elimination.

The prostate is a muscle, as well as a gland, as it helps pump semen through the urethra during ejaculation. The sperm enters the urethra just below the bladder, via the vas deferens, and combines with the fluid produced by the prostate. Since the urethra is the channel for both semen and urine, any problem with the prostate can cause sexual problems as well as urinary tract problems.

The prostate gland requires male hormones known as androgens to work properly. Androgens include the various component testosterones. Androgens are also responsible for other male sexual markers such as facial hair and increased muscle mass.

The prostate can also be a bane for the human male. For such a small gland, the prostate can have BIG problems. Some males have problems beginning in their teens and it is estimated that by age 70 at least 80% of males have some type of prostrate problems.

The most common of the problems associated with the prostate gland is prostatitis, some type of infection. These are fairly common occurrences and as with all infections the degree of dysfunction varies according to the problem. The symptoms can include difficulty urinating, painful urination, or pain during sex. Those problems, though sometimes difficult to treat, are usually relatively short term and leave no lasting effects.

Of more concern than prostatitis is BPH, benign prostatic hyperplasia. This is an enlargement of the prostate, non cancerous as defined by benign. As the prostate enlarges, it can cause significant problems with expelling urine. This may be manifested in several ways, the male suffering from prostatitis may strain to start urination, have a weak stream during urination, an excessive urge to urinate, and other problems. There are several prescribed cures for BPH, depending on the conditions and what part of the prostate is enlarging. This requires tests and interpretation by medical personnel experienced in prostate problems to determine the treatment that will provide the best prognosis for the condition.
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More worrisome than prostatitus or BPH is prostate cancer. Very frequently prostate cancer has no symptoms. If there are symptoms, they are generally the same as BPH, with the added possibility of blood in the urine. The lack of symptoms is why it is important that males take the initiative and have a prostrate exam on a fairly regular basis. Generally prostate cancer is discovered with a rectal examination, but there are screening blood tests that can be useful. The only test that will confirm the presence of cancer in the prostate is a biopsy. As with all cancers, the earlier it is detected, the better the chance for cure.

Prostate cancer most generally is detected in older men. Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in men and kills more men annually in the United States than any cancer other than lung cancer. There are, however, cases of older men with prostate cancer dying of other causes before the prostate cancer spreads. The diagnosis of prostate cancer is not necessarily a death sentence.

Some studies believe that genetics and diet may be a major factor in the development of prostate cancer. It is documented that certain genetic populations are more at risk for prostate cancer with a higher number of deaths. As with some other types of cancer having a close blood relative with prostate cancer increases the risk for this cancer.

There are many active treatments for prostate cancer among them, surgery, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy, cyrosurgery or some combination of these and other procedures. Depending on the stage and location of the disease, doctors will use watchful waiting. This includes regular monitoring, with out any invasive action. A procedure called HIFU (high intensity focused ultrasound) is in use in Canada, South America, Japan, and Europe. Though it has not been approved for use in the United States many men with prostate cancer have been treated in Canada or South America. .

The decision on the course of treatment must be made between the doctor and the patient with the following considerations: depending on age, underlying health issues, degree of progress of the disease, the quality of life the patient wants to have after treatment and other factors. Some treatments can leave the patient alive but incontinent and impotent.

What keeps the prostate healthy? Is there a magic formula? Probably not, but a generally healthy lifestyle will do a lot to keep the whole body healthy including the prostate.

There are some indications that dietary supplements Vitamin E and selenium may help prevent prostate cancer. Some studies suggest that estrogens from plant sources (called phytoestrogens) may also help reduce the risk of prostate cancer.

As with all supplements, talk to your health professional about your risk factors and possible side effects or reactions with your current medications before beginning a supplement regime.