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How to take care of the health of the prostate

The prostate is a gland that is part of the male reproductive system . Its main function is the generation of the fluid in which the sperm remain. Caring for the prostate throughout life is essential to avoid diseases such as prostatitis or cancer, among others, in adulthood.

In this article we will see some tips and tricks to prevent the appearance of diseases related to the prostate (inflamed prostate, cancer, etc). We will also give you the best natural remedies to take care of it and thus keep you in good condition over the years.

Prostate

The prostate is a glandular organ of the male reproductive system . It is chestnut-shaped and is located just in front of the rectum, next to the urinary bladder. This organ is connected to the testicles through different conduits, which rise above the bladder, thereby preventing urine from contaminating the scrotum.

The tissue of the prostate gland is divided into three distinct zones.

  • Transition zone: it is located within the gland and is the smallest part of the prostate.
  • Central zone: it is located around the transition zone and forms 25% of the total mass of the prostate. In this area are the seminal duct and seminal vesicles.
  • Peripheral zone: represents the central part of the gland, representing around 70% of the total tissue mass.

Prostate functions

  • Production of seminal fluid: a certain part of the semen is produced in the prostate. Thus, the sperm that are produced in the testicles, the fluid that comes from the seminal vesicle and the secretions released by the bulbourethral gland, and the fluid from the prostate form semen. All fluids mix in the urethra.
  • Closure of the urethra in ejaculation: During ejaculation the sphincter muscle of the bladder closes to prevent semen from entering it, in the same way that the seminal ducts close during urination.
  • Testosterone metabolism: The male sex hormone testosterone is transformed in the prostate.

Guidelines for caring for the prostate

From the age of 50, men suffer a series of hormonal alterations that cause the enlargement of the prostate. In the vast majority of cases this condition is benign, leading to what is known as benign prostatic hyperplasia.

However, in other cases, it leads to prostate cancer . This malignant tumor is precisely the third cause of cancer mortality among men in Spain, only behind lung cancer and colon cancer, in first and second place respectively.

Some believe that prostate care should only be done in adulthood. However, it is essential to adopt a series of healthy habits from youth to avoid problems in this organ during maturity.

Healthy nutrition

The first step to taking care of the prostate is to follow a healthy eating plan, avoiding the abusive consumption of both spicy foods and alcoholic beverages.

Regarding prostate cancer, there is no scientific evidence that supports diet as one of the causes of the disease. However, excessive consumption of saturated fat increases to some extent the risk of malignant cell growth in this organ. Experts agree that the intake of soy and antioxidant foods can be of great help to minimize the risk of prostate cancer.

Hydration

In addition to following a healthy eating plan, it is essential to consume between two and two and a half liters of water daily. This increases the frequency of urination and prevents bacteria from accumulating in the bladder, which increases the risk of developing prostatitis. Also, it is important to urinate whenever you feel like it.

Infusions to take care of the prostate

One of the best ways to take care of the prostate in a 100% natural way is through the consumption of infusions made with medicinal plants that help purify the body.

One of the most recommended is nettle , with great diuretic properties, which relaxes the bladder and prevents an enlarged prostate. Also horsetail , one of the medicinal plants with the greatest diuretic properties, which prevents inflammation of the prostate.

Annual reviews

In the same way that women must visit the gynecologist annually, men must periodically visit the urologist from the age of 50. The specialist performs the IPSS test, which consists of a total of seven questions and, in addition, requests both urine and blood tests.

The main objective is to detect any type of disease related to the prostate early. In the case of prostate cancer, the chances of survival are greatly increased if the disease is diagnosed in its early stages.

Physical exercise

To take care of the prostate and avoid any type of problem with this organ, it is essential to lead an active life, practicing physical exercise daily . It does not have to be of great intensity, but it can be adapted to the physical condition and age of each person. It is enough to walk 30 minutes every day to take care of the prostate.

Ejaculation

Until not long ago it was speculated that ejaculating too often was detrimental to the health of the prostate. However, new studies show that it can be of great help to protect this organ.

Most common diseases of the prostate

There are a number of disorders that affect the prostate and commonly occur in men over 50 years of age.

Prostatitis

Prostatitis is the name for inflammation of the prostate . A disease that in the vast majority of cases is not serious, but that gives rise to a series of signs that are very annoying: pain in the pelvic area, difficulty urinating and, sometimes, symptoms very similar to those of the flu. , such as fever or general malaise.

As for the causes of prostatitis, the most common is that the disorder develops from a certain bacterium ; in this case the treatment consists of the administration of antibiotics. However, in some cases it is due to an injury to the nerves of the lower urinary tract, both due to surgery and trauma to the area.

Although it can occur in people of all ages, it is more common in men under 50 years of age . There are a number of risk factors that greatly increase your risk for this disorder: having an infection in the urethra, having HIV, or having recently had a prostate biopsy.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia

An enlarged prostate is known as benign prostatic hyperplasia . Despite the numerous studies carried out on this disorder, to this day it is not known what is the exact cause why the prostate increases in size. However, there are a number of risks, such as aging or hormonal changes.

In terms of symptoms, less than 50% of men with benign prostatic hyperplasia have any symptoms of the disease. The most common signs are: abnormal dripping at the end of urination, urinary retention, incontinence, difficulty urinating, and painful urination.

Treatment of this disease largely depends on what the symptoms are. However, in the vast majority of cases the doctor simply recommends making lifestyle changes and incorporating a series of guidelines into the daily routine: urinate when you feel like it, avoid alcoholic and caffeine-containing beverages, stay warm, exercise and reduce stress .

Prostate cancer

Another disease related to the prostate is cancer. A disease that in its initial stages does not give rise to any type of symptoms. Therefore, in the vast majority of cases when prostate cancer is diagnosed it is in advanced stages according to the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology . The most common signs are: frequent urination , urgency to urinate especially at night, presence of blood in the urine , erectile dysfunction and pain during urination.

There are a number of risk factors that somewhat increase the risk of prostate cancer. On the one hand, genetic factors. On the other hand, hormonal factors . And finally, environmental factors such as prolonged exposure to high levels of pollution or the abuse of foods high in animal fats.

Urgent prostate symptoms

There are a series of indications linked in the vast majority of cases with prostate problems and that require medical attention as soon as possible.

One of them is getting up to urinate several times during the night , too often. Also the decrease in force in the urine stream, as well as the terminal drip. The feeling of not having emptied the bladder well is another warning sign.

Prostate operation

When there is a benign prostate disorder, medications are used initially to minimize symptoms and speed up the healing process. However, when treatment is unsuccessful, surgical intervention may be chosen.

Prostate surgery is also indicated in those cases in which there are complications, such as obstruction of the urethra due to excessive enlargement of the organ, or retention of urine, for example.

Also in certain cases of prostate cancer, surgery may be a treatment option, along with radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

Conclusion

The prostate is a male gland that is located under the bladder. Over the years, it is common for its size to increase, to such an extent that it sometimes causes an obstruction in the urethra, thereby generating difficulties in urinating. That is why it is recommended to take care of the prostate from youth, adopting healthy lifestyle habits.

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Hello Readers, I am Nikki Bella a Psychology student. I have always been concerned about human behavior and the mental processes that lead us to act and think the way we do. My collaboration as an editor in the psychology area of ​​Well Being Pole has allowed me to investigate further and expand my knowledge in the field of mental health; I have also acquired great knowledge about physical health and well-being, two fundamental bases that are directly related and are part of all mental health.

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