While this might not be the most comfortable topic for discussion, it is an important one. Your prostate. What is it, how do you care for it, and what do you do if something goes wrong?
The Urology Associates of South Bend have all the information you need about your prostate. They are also experts at taking care of you, your prostate, and anything else related to your urinary system and male reproductive system.
Now let’s answer some of your burning questions about your prostate.
What Is a Prostate?
The prostate is a small, rubbery gland, only found in men, that produces seminal fluid. It’s roughly the size of a ping-pong ball or a walnut. It is located deep inside the groin, between the penis and the rectum. The urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body, runs right through the prostate.
The prostate is not essential to life but is essential to reproduction as it produces the seminal fluid, or semen, that carries and ensures survival of the sperm. If it is unhealthy, it can lead to male infertility.
How to Care For It
Johns Hopkins offers excellent advice for how to best care for your prostate. It all boils down to taking better care of yourself in general. Here are some specific tips:
- Eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of leafy, green vegetables.
- Get a healthy amount of sunshine for the all-natural Vitamin D.
- Make exercise a regular part of your routine.
- Quit smoking.
- Get screened, especially after the age of 55.
Regular checkups with a urologist is ideal for early detection of any problems. And, of course, if you experience any concerning symptoms, setting up an appointment with the Urology Associates of South Bend is a wise choice.
Warning Signs
Unfortunately, prostate issues are common, especially among men over the age of 50. With age, the prostate grows in size and will cause problems with urination. As a result, the warning signs of prostate problems are not easily overlooked as they can impact your daily life. Some of these symptoms may include:
- Urgent need to urinate
- Frequent urination, including through the night
- Pain or burning while urinating
- Urination dribble
- Blood in urine or semen
- Painful ejaculation
- Pain or stiffness in lower back, hips, thighs, rectal area
Prostate Disorders
Three of the most common disorders are:
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): This simply means that the prostate is enlarged. While it is not cancer, it can have similar symptoms to cancer, making it essential to visit a urologist should you experience frequent, sudden urges to urinate and struggle to begin the urine stream.
- Prostatitis: This is inflammation of the prostate that usually develops quickly. Symptoms include pain in the groin or surrounding areas and flu-like symptoms. Prostatitis is usually easily treated or heals on its own, but a visit with a urologist is key to correct diagnosis and to ensuring that there are no further complications.
- Prostate Cancer: This is the most common cancer among men. Since symptoms are similar to other prostate issues, it is important to get screened.
You no longer need to wonder: What is a prostate? How do I care for it? And what do I do if something goes wrong? Knowing a little more about your prostate will help you take better care of it from here on out. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above or you are dealing with male infertility, contact the Urology Associates of South Bend today.
Read More: 5 Reasons Why Women Need Urologists, Too