Prostate Health

Practical Advice and Treatments for A Healthy Prostate

Most prostates can safely be ignored for half a century or so, but then regular Digital Rectal Exams (DRE) and blood tests for men over 50 are highly recommended, with testing at 40 for those in high risk groups, particularly men with prostate cancer history in their families.

The prostate is a chestnut sized gland of the male reproductive system. It produces some of the fluid for semen, which transports sperm during the male orgasm. It is situated in front of the rectum, just under the bladder, around the urethra, the tube that transports urine from the bladder out through the penis. Its when your prostate becomes enlarged that it starts pressing against the urethra constricting urine flow and causing you to urinate with a trickle and later a dribble.

Some of the most common diseases of the prostate include Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), Prostatitis and Prostate Cancer.

Until 18 years ago the DRE was medicine's only guard in the battle on prostate diseases.  Later blood tests, testing the levels of a protein called Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) was developed.  A high score of PSA can signal cancer or nothing more than an enlarged prostate.

Contrary to popular believe not all enlarged prostates are signs of cancer.  A PSA score of 4.0 or higher will have your doctor send you of to the hospital for a biopsy.  If samples taken tests positive for cancer, then treatment will follow. If not, you are probably safe for at least another year.

Have a look at my prostate health plan to maintain a healthy prostate throughout your life time. 

More Articles

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Added 19 Oct 2005
BPH is the enlargement of the prostate, frequently occurring in men over the age of 50. Unfortunately, approximately 75% of men above 50 years of age have a measurable enlargement of the prostate.

Radiation For Prostate Cancer Added 21 Oct 2005
A new study suggests that not only is high-dose radiation more effective at keeping prostate cancer at bay - it also appears just as safe.