Prostate Health Introduction   Only found in males, the prostate is a chestnut shaped gland that surrounds the beginning of the urethra in the urogenital system.  Its main functions are to produce a component of semen, to help eject semen during ejaculation, and to help prevent the backflow of urine from the urethra.  The prostate can only be felt by rectal examination; also known as a digital rectal examination, or DRE.   In the U.S., a DRE is considered standard within the complete physical examinations performed on every man over the age of 50, as well as in higher risk populations.  Prostate health is an important component in all wellness examinations and should be monitored.   Prostate disease is multi-factorial and many disorders of the gland are still unknown. Acute and chronic prostatitis, benign prostatic hypertrophy, and prostate cancer are the most common conditions seen in men. Prostatitis is one type of lower urinary tract infection, which can become chronic over time.   Acute prostatitis is usually spread via sexual activity and is more commonly seen in younger men.   Chronic prostatitis is usually associated with a western lifestyle, in which the patient is inactive, obese, or eats a low nutrient diet.  It has been estimated that half of all men will have symptoms of chronic prostatitis at some point in their lives. [1] One of the most common issues in the development of benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH) and cancer is hormone dysfunction.  Estrogens and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) accumulate and inhibit the normal cell death in the prostate, causing cell accumulation and increasing the size of the gland. It is common in men past the fifth decade to have a gradual decline in testosterone and a rise in estrogen.  However, these normal characteristics also support higher than normal levels of estrogen and  promote prostate disease. [2] Evaluating and treating the endocrine (hormonal) component of both conditions is imperative to a healthy outcome.   BPH is a condition in which there is an excessive growth of prostatic cells.  It is a benign process and may be a normal part of aging. [3]  Recent studies have suggested that 80% of men over the age of 80 will develop BPH. [4]  Most men with BPH are asymptomatic, but some will develop symptoms that affect urination and sexual function.   BPH can be diagnosis by DRE.  The gland will be boggy and enlarged.  Symptom evaluation is usually done with a questionnaire that evaluates the frequency and discomfort with urination.  Prostate specific antigen (PSA), a blood serum test used to measure the inflammatory markers, should be measured before a digital examination, as this may increase levels that were previously normal.     Prostatitis Symptoms Acute Prostatitis: fever, pain on urination, low back pain, urinary urgency and frequency   Chronic Prostatitis: fatigue, chronic pain (perineal, testicular, penile), sexual dysfunction, sense of rectal fullness   BPH: urinary frequency, nocturia (urination at night), urgency, hesitancy, weak stream, straining to void, incomplete sensation at voiding [11]   Prostate Cancer: usually asymptomatic but may include all urinary symptoms seen in benign prostatic hypertrophy   Prostate Cancer Statistics Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men in the United States. [5]   It is estimated to affect approximately 1 in 6 men, but diagnosis is uncommon before the age of 50.  Approximately 70% of cancers are now diagnosed with the monitoring of PSA (prostate specific antigen) levels. [6]  However, PSA levels can be falsely elevated and should not be considered the only parameter when making a diagnosis. [7]  PSA levels between 4-10 ng/ml are considered to be more treatable than levels above 10ng/ml. [8]   In 2003, 220,900 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer.  28,900 died from the disease.   Autopsy studies show that 30% of men over the age of 50 have evidence of prostate cancer at death, even though it was not the direct cause of death. [9]   Chinese men at autopsy have the same rates of prostate cancer as American men but do not have the same mortality rates. [10]  It can be hypothesized then that cancer is common to many, but only clinically evident and aggressive in some populations, perhaps due to certain dietary and lifestyle choices.   Learn More About Prostate Health Prostate Introduction Prostate Treatment Products helpful for Prostate   Learn More

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