Protecting Prostate Health

As you start to get older, many men start to wonder about their prostate health. Prostate health is all over the news and media, and you may even know someone that has been diagnosed with prostate cancer within the past few years. If you are concerned about your prostate health, or want to learn ways to help protect it, you have come to the perfect place. We'll go over what this important gland does, and discuss the various options that you have in protecting your prostate health.

First, you have to understand what the prostate actually is. It's a sexual gland, about the size of a walnut that is located around the base of the bladder and urethra. It essentially, hugs the tube that carries urine from your body. This partially muscular, partially glandular organ produces a slightly alkaline substance that is present in semen.

It's important to understand that there are many problems with prostate health that aren't life threatening. So in the event you believe that you may have a problem with your prostate, usually shown by a difficulty to urinate, it's important that you seek medical advice. Prostate disease is a condition that can vary from individual to individual. Some simply have an infection that can be treated with medication; others have an inflammation of the prostate gland, while others simply have an enlargement of the prostate gland. While all of these many indicate cancer at a latter point, they do not necessarily mean cancer right off the bat.

Getting a diagnosis is the first step to improving your prostate health. Your physician may perform one or more of the following tests to access the situation. The majority of them are painless or may only be uncomfortable. Discuss your choices with your health care provider when you have a low threshold for pain.

o DRE (digital rectal examination). The physician will fell the prostate manually to look for enlargements and problems.

o PSA (prostate-specific antigen) testing. Your doctor will perform a simple blood test to ascertain your level of PSA. Small amounts are normal, but large amounts could indicate a problem.

o TRUS (transrectal ultrasound). This test uses wave echoes to create an image of the prostate.

O Cystoscopy- where the doctor looks through the urethra using a thin, lighted tube.

o Biopsy- a small tissue sample is collected from the area and studied.

The key to preserving your prostate health is go get proper treatment early on. Many men are ashamed to seek treatment, which can ultimately lead to further complications. Prostate disease and cancer are easily treated as long as you get diagnosed early on. At the first sign of pain or discomfort contact your physician immediately. Men over the age of 50 should get their prostate checked out at least once a year. Find a doctor that you are comfortable with, and make sure that you ask questions. Many patients decide to do research online before they see a doctor, which can help you ask the appropriate questions during your trip.