Protecting your prostate

Nestled deep in your pelvis at the base of your bladder is a chestnut-size gland called the prostate. It is vital for proper bladder operation and control of urine flow, but its primary role is to make semen and then propel it through the penis.

For reasons no one fully understands, the prostate begins to enlarge as you enter your fifties and sixties. As it gets bigger, it presses against the urethra, the tube that transports urine out of the bladder. The bladder wall compensates by pressing out harder, creating an urge to urinate more frequently, even when there is very little urine stored. Called benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) or hyperplasia, this condition is often left untreated if it’s not causing any symptoms. BPH does not lead to prostate cancer and does not interfere with sexual function.

Some men, however, do experience symptoms as their prostate enlarges. Symptoms can include a sudden, urgent need to urinate, especially at night; a weak urine stream; or difficulty starting to urinate. And over time, bladder strain can also cause bladder or kidney damage, bladder stones and incontinence.

Several medications are available to treat BPH. However, some of them inhibit testosterone production, which can diminish sexual desire and interfere with erections. Your doctor can adjust your medication if you experience these side effects.

A popular natural alternative to medications is the herb, saw palmetto, which has been shown to significantly relieve the symptoms of mild to moderate BPH, although it won’t actually shrink the prostate. Take capsules or tablets, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Saw palmetto can be taken safely on a long-term, regular basis. Other approaches include flaxseeds or flaxseed oil, which help prevent the swelling of the prostate, and pumpkin seeds, rich in zinc, a mineral shown to reduce the size of the gland and relieve symptoms. Avoid decongestants and spicy or acidic foods, which may make symptoms worse.

If you think you have BPH, see your doctor to rule out prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate), a more serious condition often caused by an infection and accompanied by lowerback pain, burning during urination, fever, joint and muscle aches, and pain within the pelvis or scrotum.

What happens during a prostate examination