What do you know about your prostate? You probably know that prostate health is important for men, but there’s more to know. Rather than asking your doctor or buddies about your prostate, here’s a quick primer on what you should know about this small gland.
What is the prostate?
The prostate is a gland that sits between the bladder and rectum. It’s fairly small (just the size of a walnut) but it plays a role in creating semen, so it’s a vital part of a guy’s reproductive system.
Why does the prostate get bigger?
Over time, a man’s prostate can grow. Men in their 40s, 50s, and 60s have this problem. By the time you’re 60, your prostate can be the size of a lemon. The condition is called benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH.
What are the symptoms of BPH?
An enlarged prostate can cause some medical problems, mainly trouble urinating. The prostate wraps itself around the urethra, which is how urine leaves the body. Since the prostate is putting pressure on this tube, it’s harder to urinate and feels uncomfortable.
Additional symptoms of an enlarged prostate including:
- Stopping and starting a urine stream
- Dribbling after urination
- Not being able to empty the bladder
- Feeling the urge to go frequently
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- The need to go is often urgent
- Some blood in the urine
What symptoms point to a more serious condition?
For men, there’s a concern about developing prostate cancer. The symptoms of BPH and prostate cancer do overlap a bit, but prostate cancer is usually associated with these symptoms:
- Pain or burning during urination
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Frequent lower back pain
How to maintain a healthy prostate
- Focus on nutrition
- Stay hydrated
- Get regular exercise
- Cut out bad habits like smoking and drinking
- Talk with a urologist
