Understanding The Importance of Prostate Health

Throughout history, men have tried to overcome adversity with the strength of his body, his heart, his character and spirit. In this time of great scientific advances there are still situations in which men must use that strength to protect our own health.

It needs another kind of strength: the courage to learn, to go see the doctor and to let us test for some diseases. In the adult man one of the health problems that affects us most often are related to prostate

What is the prostate?

The prostate is a gland in the male genitourinary system, which is about the size of a walnut that sits below the bladder surrounding the first portion of the urethra. The posterior portion of the prostate is in contact with the anterior wall of the rectum.
The function of the prostate is to produce a fluid that mixes with sperm and also plays an advocacy role, preventing bacteria from the urethra ascend to the upper urinary tract.

Common prostate problems:
A man's prostate three things can happen that lead to symptoms:
- You can enlarge slowly with age (benign prostatic hyperplasia)
- can become infected (prostatitis)
- can get cancer (prostate cancer)

Symptoms and signs of prostate problems: Due to the location of the prostate, the most common symptoms suggest the gland problems relate to changes in the way the man goes to urinate: increased urinary frequency, it raises many times to urinate at night, having no urgency to urinate, the urine stream gets thinner, dribbling at the end of urination, urinary retention.

Even if the problem is not treated, it can be blood in the urine, urine infections and kidney failure. These signs are more common in benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostatitis.

With the passage of time all men are going to grow prostate and more than half of men over 60 years and approximately 90 % of those over 70 have this condition so they can have any of these symptoms which in turn alters the quality of life.

Prostate cancer: Prostate cancer is the most common malignant tumor in the adult male. Unfortunately, the disease usually shows no signs of its presence in its early stages and in more advanced cases, signs and symptoms may be similar to those of benign prostatic hyperplasia. The chance of having prostate cancer increases with age.

Having a parent, brother or uncle with the disease increases your risk. Studies show that eating plenty of foods rich in animal fat, also increases risk.

Given the foregoing, it is recommended that every male over 40, visit the doctor at least once a year for the evaluation of their prostate.

The prostate exams consist of medical history, physical examination including digital rectal examination and determination of serum prostate specific antigen (PSA)

It is important to direct the clinical evaluation of the prostate by digital rectal examination to feel the size, shape and texture of the gland, and the presence of nodules or other abnormalities.

The blood test is a complement to clinical examination and in no way replace it. If either or both of these tests are abnormal, do a prostate ultrasound and biopsy (tissue sampling) to determine the presence of cancer cells.
Treatment options: It is important to note that all prostate problems can be treated with medications or procedures to be done early will be less aggressive and less sequels that if left for too late.

The treatment will be decided by mutual agreement between doctor and patient, taking into account the age and condition of the patient, their expectations and personal preferences, the presence of other conditions and in general, what is best for him. It can choose between controlled observation, surgery, radiation, cryotherapy and hormone therapy.

I can prevent prostate problems?

All studies to date conclude that to keep your prostate healthy, it is important to do the following
* Avoid being overweight
* Exercise regularly
* Avoid fatty foods and eat only small portions of red meat Eat a low fat diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables are associated with a lower risk of prostate disease.

Foods rich in soy (tofu, soy milk and meat) as well as tomatoes, broccoli, nuts and antioxidants, may be particularly protective. Finding out you have cancer can be scary, but, in the case of the prostate, when detected early, the survival rate is high.

The important thing to remember is that the prostate exam is quick and painless and is part of a normal physical exam. Let's fears aside and we must not lose time:

Do regular assessments we can save your life!