With the progress of society and the improvement of health awareness, more and more men are beginning to pay attention to prostate health. The shape of the prostate is similar to an inverted “chestnut,” and it is a male accessory gland. A large part of the components of male semen come from the prostatic fluid secreted by the prostate, making it the true “first gland” of men. The prostate is a private part, and some men find it difficult to talk about.
So, what are the common diseases of the prostate? Let’s understand with Director Ye Daoyin from the Urology Department of Jingshun Hospital:
(1) Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
It is a common prostate problem. Prostate enlargement is stimulated by androgens, and the human body continues to produce androgens throughout life, meaning that prostate growth does not stop with age. Therefore, almost all middle-aged and elderly men will experience varying degrees of prostate enlargement. Due to the urethra passing through the center of the prostate, gradually enlarging and hypertrophic glandular tissue will gradually compress the urethra. Symptoms may include frequency of urination, urgent urination, nocturia, weak urinary stream, or intermittent urine flow.
(2) Prostatitis
Prostatitis is a prostatic glandular disease usually associated with inflammation. It can cause painful or difficult urination, as well as pain in the groin, pelvic area, or genitals. Symptoms may include urinary pain, frequent urination, nocturia, interrupted urine flow, cloudy urine, hematuria, lower abdominal pain, lower back pain, pain upon ejaculation, and erectile dysfunction.
(3) Prostate cancer
Prostate cancer is the second most common type of cancer in men. Prostate cancer is usually asymptomatic in the early stages, but as the cancer progresses, urinary issues, hematuria, bone pain, and other symptoms may arise. Risk factors for prostate cancer include aging, family history, race, diet, and lifestyle factors.
Gentlemen, to prevent potential prostate diseases and better care for your prostate, here are a few tips:
1. Healthy diet: Choosing a low-fat diet rich in fruits and vegetables may help reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Although no specific diet can specifically target the risk of prostate cancer, healthy dietary habits are beneficial for overall health.
2. Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity is associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer. If you are overweight or obese, try reducing your daily calorie intake and increasing physical activity to help reduce the risk through weight loss.
3. Regular exercise: Regular physical activity may help reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Exercise can also help maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of heart disease and other types of cancer. It is recommended to exercise for at least 30 minutes daily.
4. Control frequency: Excessive use of certain organs can increase the incidence of prostatitis, and long-term inflammation can increase the risk of cancer. Therefore, we recommend that men moderate their desires and reduce frequency of use.
Maintaining prostate health is a long-term task for men, involving lifestyle choices, regular check-ups, and seeking medical intervention when necessary. With proactive preventive measures and early diagnosis, many prostate diseases can be managed and treated. Therefore, to ensure that men can enjoy a healthier and higher quality of life, enhancing public awareness and understanding of prostate health is crucial.
