Enlarged Male Gland
Prostate Gland
The prostate is a small, walnut-sized gland surrounding the tube that carries out pee in men. It sits right under the bladder. It produces some of the reproductive fluid. As we age, it enlarges, which can cause problems.
Signs of Trouble
When the prostate goes wrong, it most often causes difficulties with peeing. The first symptom may be a weaker stream. It can also cause frequent nighttime peeing or a sudden urgency. Issues with answering nature’s call may also cause the bladder not to empty fully. Emptying the bladder is important, as a bladder that isn’t entirely empty can cause infections or, over time, lead to bladder stones.
PSA Test
PSA leakage
A blood test is used to check prostate health. The prostate produces a substance called PSA. Some of it enters the bloodstream. As the prostate swells, more PSA tends to end up in the bloodstream. A blood test that measures PSA can give some indications of prostate health. When the PSA number is high, it can signal that it is swollen, or it might indicate cancer.
PSA and cancer
PSA is not a test for prostate cancer; other tests have to be done to check for cancer. Often, they take a tiny sample of the prostate for examination. If the PSA level is very high, there is a 50/50 chance of cancer. It is also possible to have prostate cancer without a high PSA level. Over age 70, men don’t generally need to continue PSA tests, as most prostate cancers grow so slowly that they are unlikely to cause problems.
Prostate Exam
The prostate can also be viewed in an ultrasound or MRI. If the test shows concern, the prostate is examined through the rectum. It sits just in front of the rectum, so a doctor may want to check it for size and irregularities.
Prostate Problems
Enlarged prostate
The prostate gland starts growing at around age 25. By 75, 90% of men have a prostate large enough to cause problems. It can grow as large as a baseball! An enlarged prostate can cause issues with peeing. Most often, with BPH (non-cancerous growth), the prostate grows inward, pinching off the tube that carries pee. The good news is that treating BPH can reduce the risk of getting prostate cancer in the future. The prostate can also become inflamed due to an infection.
Cancer
Although lung cancer causes twice as many deaths, prostate cancer is by far the most common cancer in men. 1 out of 8 men will get it. Many cancers in the prostate grow slowly enough that nothing needs to be done besides monitoring. When diagnosed early, prostate cancer is seldom fatal. Prostate cancer discovered before it spreads through the entire body (at stage I—III) has a 5-year survival rate of nearly 100%.
Maintain Prostate Health
Over age 50, men may want to consider getting their prostate health tested, beginning with a PSA blood test. Also, if you have to pee often at night or have trouble starting a stream or the stream is weak, it may be time to get a prostate checkup.
Supplements
Prostate health is related to overall health. Healthy eating and exercise reduce prostate problems. A few supplements can help maintain a healthy prostate, especially as we age. In Germany and Austria, herbal remedies are the first option for an enlarged prostate. The primary recommended herb is saw palmetto.
Saw palmetto
The berries of the saw palmetto have been used for centuries to help with an enlarged prostate and its symptoms. It grows natively in Florida. It works by reducing an imbalance of a male hormone called DHT. This hormone imbalance triggers an enlarged prostate. Take around 300 mg once a day, ideally with food.
Beta-sitosterol
Beta Sitosterol is another plant compound found in many fruits and vegetables. In addition to reducing bad cholesterol numbers, it may reduce swelling in the prostate. It can also help with improving flow. To get these compounds from your food, eat nuts, whole grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Unless you eat a lot of these foods, take 500 mg twice daily with meals.
Pygeum
African Plum extract, or Pygeum africanum (not pine bark extract), can help with prostate symptoms. It is a traditional African medicine used for generations for the symptoms of an enlarged prostate. It can help with excessive nighttime peeing and improve the flow rate. Take 100 mg twice a day.
Garlic and zinc
Garlic has also been shown to help with prostate health. It lowers the frequency of peeing and increases the flow rate. It also reduces the size of the prostate in those with BPH, as well as lowering the PSA score. Take 600 mg a day. Zinc also supports male health.
Pomegranates
Recently, there has been some research about pomegranates and prostate cancer. Taking 1,000 - 2,000 mg of pomegranate extract slowed the progression of prostate cancer slightly. More research is needed to know for sure, but the results are promising.
Recommendation
For men over 50, take 300 mg Saw Palmetto, 100 mg Pygeum, and 500 mg Beta Sitosterol daily as a preventative. They offer wide benefits at low risk. In addition, both garlic and zinc may have protective effects on the prostate. Given their wide-ranging cardio and immune benefits, both are good supplements to add to your routine.
Other Prostate Treatments
Drugs
Some drugs can help with more severe cases of enlarged prostate. Interestingly, some ED drugs also help with prostate enlargement, giving a two-for-one benefit. Some prostate drugs have severe side effects, so always discuss the side effects before taking any prescription drug.
Surgery
Sometimes, surgery is the only option. In the lowest-risk surgery, the doctor puts a tube up the pee hole to reach the prostate. There is also laser surgery to shrink the prostate. The most invasive for severe cases requires a cut to access the prostate. This surgery has a longer recovery time.
Prostate Health
The small prostate gland makes itself known as men age. It messes with the basic function of relieving yourself. If you have enlarged prostate symptoms, try some supplements or if you don’t have problems yet, take them as a preventative.
