Having a healthy prostate can prevent such issues as infections, impotence, erectile and other penile dysfunctions, and even cancer. Like any other body part, prostate health can be influenced by genetics, the normal aging process, and hormonal influences, as well as environmental elements such as chemicals and toxins. However, prostate health can also be positively influenced by diet and lifestyle choices. Scientific studies have shown that green tea helps prevent prostate cancer growth in mice, and green tea extract is reported to literally kill cancer cells and starve tumors of additional flow necessary for them to grow.

Non-cancerous conditions of the prostate gland can include the following: Benign prostatic hyperplasia is an enlargement of the prostate gland, and is also known as benign prostatic hypertrophy, nodular hyperplasia of the prostate, and is abbreviated as BPH. When the gland enlarges, it can compress the urethra, slowing the flow of urine, or in sever cases, stop the flow completely, causing injury to the kidneys. Acute bacterial prostatitis is a bacterial infection of the prostate, whose symptoms include fever, chills, painful urination, and pain between the legs and in the lower back. Chronic bacterial prostatitis, is a recurring prostate infection, marked by lower back pain, testicular pain, pain in the area between the anus and penis (perineum), and sometimes painful and frequent urination, if the infection spreads to the bladder. Nonbacterial prostatitis is the most common, but least medically understood form of prostatitis, and is often associated with other conditions, such as reactive arthritis. Prostatodyni is similar to nonbacterial prostatitis, and is usually treated with anti-inflammatory drugs. More gravely, prostate cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer among American men.

The prostate gland is as important to a man’s sexual health as a woman’s ovaries are to her sexual health. This is why prostate health is so important. So, beginning at age 40, or before if you have a family history of prostate cancer, have yearly prostate exams. Or, if you experience any of the following symptoms, you should contact your doctor immediately to ensure your prostate is in good health. Frequent urge to urinate, difficult or painful urination, dribbling of urine, complete inability to urinate, blood in semen, pain with ejaculation, and tenderness or swelling in the testes, scrotum or groin area are all signs that your prostate may need medical attention.

Prostate Facts