Prostate Problem

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Prostate Problem

  • Prostate gland is found at the base of the bladder in men, which produces fluid which forms part of the semen and helps carry sperm
  • As a man gets older the size of the prostate may get bigger. It can squeeze the urethra (like pinching a straw) and this can upset normal urine flow

Signs & Symptoms

  • If a man has a prostate problem the way he passes urine changes slowly. Changes may not be noticeable at first or may occur from time to time. Changes include:
    • Difficulty or delay in starting urine flow
    • Stopping and starting in the middle of urine flow
    • After you feel you have finished, a little more urine dribbles out
    • A smaller, weaker urine flow
    • Taking longer to urinate than before
    • Feeling that you have not quite emptied your bladder
    • Getting up more often at night to go to the toilet
    • Going to the toilet more often during the day
    • Sudden strong urges to urinate
  • There are three main prostate problems. You may have any one, or a combination of these:
    • Prostate cancer – lumps that become hard and stony. If the cancer is detected early there is a better chance of it being successfully treated.
    • Enlarged prostate (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia) – as men get older the prostate gland may grow bigger and can upset normal urine flow, causing some of the mentioned symptoms

Inflamed prostate (Prostatitis) – prostate becomes sore and swollen. May be treated with antibiotics .

Causes

  • Prostate enlargement occurs gradually
  • The result of hormonal changes associated with ageing, such as the conversion of testosterone to a more potent form called dihydrotestosterone and this causes an overproduction of prostate cells, which in turn causes the prostate to enlarge
  • As the prostate enlarges, it obstructs the urethral canal, interfering with urination and the ability to completely empty the bladder

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Self care

  • Consult a doctor if you have any symptoms of prostate problems
  • If 50 years of age or older, ask a doctor about having regular prostate checks
  • If anyone in your family has had prostate cancer, you should start having regular checks after 40 years of age
  • Talk to a pharmacist or doctor about taking medicines that work best for you
  • Smoking, alcohol, caffeine and junk food have all been associated with prostate problems. Avoid these, and try a diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods (wholegrains, vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds)

Medicine

  • For Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
    • Change hormone levels or relax the prostate
    • Some medicines need to be taken for some time before symptoms improve
    • Certain supplements can relieve the symptoms of BPH. Check with a pharmacist or doctor before trying these.
    • Surgery can enlarge the part of the urethra that passes through the prostate; laser therapy may also be used
    • For cancer
      • Medical treatment will be required to stop the cancer growing or spreading. No supplements should be used for prostate cancer without medical advice
      • Surgery will be another treatment option by removing the prostate.

Supplements/Vitamins

  • Saw Palmetto – can help to reduce the size of enlarged prostate and hence improve urination problems.
  • Nettle root – reduce obstruction of urinary flow.
  • Pygeum – improves urinary symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate.
  • Vitamin C – makes urination easier and reduce swelling
  • Zinc – zinc deficiency is associated with enlarged prostate;. can help to promote a healthy prostate.

*Consult a pharmacist at Lovy Pharmacy when choosing a supplement for your condition.

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