gland men mens health cancer prostatite enlargement urine diseases

Prostate

The prostate is a specific male gland found deep in the pelvis. It is a walnut-sized and located just under the bladder and surrounds urethra (a tube) through which urine runs out when we urinate.

This gland is rich in nerves and muscle, but its function is not clearly understood yet.

The prostate is considered a gland of the male reproductive system as it produces 20% of the fluid found in the semen. These substances are not essential for fertility, they only play a secondary role in helping sperm to survive and penetrate easier during the sexual intercourse.
In addition, the gland is a source of other hormones and enzymes, but these are also not crucial for men to stay healthy

Normally, this gland is quite small, measuring 3-4 centimeters long by 3-5 centimeters in width. On average the gland weighs about 20 grams.

gland men mens health cancer prostatite enlargement urine diseases

The problem is that it is common for our prostates to enlarge as we age. By age 70, more than 40% of men will experience its enlargement. Because of where the prostate is located, it may press against the urethra and men may experience problems with weaker or slower urination.

The prostate increasement and a change in urine flow do not necessarily mean you have a serious disease like cancer; Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), an infection or another urologic condition. It is important to note that BPH is not cancer, nor has it been shown to increase the risk of prostate cancer. However, a man can have both BPH and prostate cancer.

Three common diseases of the prostate are:

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
Prostatitis
Prostate cancer

We'll discuss later about the above diseases.
Now I think it's important to know a little more about prevention as many men health experts and institutions state that prostate disease cannot be prevented and that the key is to detect and treat it as early as possible.

Part of experts disagree with this approach. I am not an expert, but reading a lot about this isues, I think that really exist a number a different strategies that can help to prevent the development of prostate problems, including cancer. And they are not only supported by me but supported by published research.

Strategies for prostate diseases prevention.

Let's begin with the simpliest practices, may be you have never been thought.

avoid venereal disease,
avoid urinary tract infections (yes, men get them too!),
keep your cholesterol low, it dramatically reduces likelihood of experiencing prostate diseases,
have a good levels of exercise, but avoid long bike rides that iritate the prostate gland,
consume plenty of fluids to stimulate urine flow,
prevent kidney infection, and dehydration.

Limited physical examination
Limited physical examination includes check of penis, testicles and examination of prostate gland. The prostate gland exam is called Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) and involves a gloved finger in the rectum for a measurement of the size of the gland and feel for prostate nodule cancer (if they are).

Urine test
A urine specimen that the patient puts into a container then is examined under microscope for evidence of blood or infection chemical test on urine also checks for diabetes, kidney and liver disease.

Uroflow
That means to urinate in to a container measuring how strong the urine stream is. It's a relevant test for men health.

Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) tests
They are substantially more sensitive for men health than DRE when it comes to detecting prostate cancer. PSA tests detect a large majority of this kind of diseases.

Bladder ultrasound
This is a simple non-invasive office procedure which may easily determine the amount of urine, if any, there is after emtying your bladder.

Prostate ultrasound
If it is ordered by your health care provider, the this test may be used to estimate the volume of the gland by using sophisticated computer software programs to help the physician.

The Intravenous Pyelogram
The Intravenous Pyelogram or IVP, is an X ray test where dye is injected into a vein, and pictures the internal tubes that drain the kidney of urine

Prostatitis

Benign prostatic hyperplasia

Men health: Prostate cancer

Prostate cancer and treatment better diagnosed in urine tests

New vaccine for prostate cancer diseases

Cholesterol supports progression of prostate cancer

Drugs for impotence after prostate surgery

Nonaggressive prostate cancer patients may live longer

Strict low-fat diet may stop prostate cancer

PSA changes over time test predicts prostate cancer risk

Prostate cancer risk may be predicted by PSA levels in young adulthood

PSA levels may help individualize testing for prostate cancer