The prostate gland is a walnut-sized organ that sits below the bladder in men and is a vital component of the genitourinary system. It encircles and communicates with the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body through the penis.
Prostate problems are, unfortunately, a common occurrence. Phytage Prostate 911 is a natural supplement that can provide relief to those who may have prostate problems. Several conditions can affect the normal functioning of the prostate gland, but the top 3 are particularly threatening.
Normal Prostate Function
Understanding the normal function of the prostate gland is essential to comprehending threats to your prostate health; here is a brief rundown of how it works.
The influence of hormones on specialized structures in the testicles creates sperm in the scrotal sac. When formed, sperm migrates up tubes called the vas deferens to chambers called the seminal vesicles that sit on top of the prostate gland.
The prostate gland makes the liquid part of ejaculate. During orgasm, the prostate gland contracts sending a mixture of stored sperm and seminal fluid through the penis. A vasectomy prevents sperm from reaching the prostate and renders the man infertile. Orgasm will still produce ejaculation from the prostate’s seminal fluid but cannot fertilize an egg.
What Can Go Wrong?
While there are several uncommon conditions your prostate may face, the top issues are relatively common. Here are the symptoms that can help detect the problem, how to improve the situation, and prevention techniques.
Infection
Any organ in the body can become infected; the prostate gland is no exemption. When it happens in the prostate gland, it is called prostatitis and is often the result of bacteria entering the prostate gland from other parts of the genitourinary system.
The source may originate in:
The Urethra and Bladder
External bacteria can contaminate anything in the body open to the outside environment. For example, the urethra directly communicates with the bladder outside the body. Once the bacterium finds its way inside, it can easily access the prostate gland.
Sexually transmitted disease, frequently from chlamydia, is the most common mechanism. Other bacteria, such as E. coli, a bowel contaminant, are also common, especially from unprotected anal sex. Using condoms and overall good genital hygiene are the best methods of prevention.
A foley catheter, a tube inserted through the penis to drain the bladder, increases the risk of infection. However, daily foley care and frequent replacement with sterile technique significantly reduce the chance of infection.
The Kidneys and Ureters
The kidneys filter toxins from the general blood circulation. Bacteria often circulate in the bloodstream; however, your immune system usually eradicates them before they can infect an organ. Because of the vast blood supply to the kidneys, bacterial seeding (pyelonephritis) can infect the prostate gland.
Another way that infection can occur is from a kidney stone. The irregular surface of a kidney stone and its size results in pain and local inflammation of the ureter as it passes. If the stone obstructs the ureter, urine backs up into the kidney, causing hydronephrosis, a swollen kidney. Both are setups for an infection that can then seed the prostate gland.
Prevention includes maintaining adequate hydration and maintaining good immune health. If a kidney stone is suspected or flank pain with fever presents, seek immediate medical attention before the infection can spread.
Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH)
BPH is the most common threat to your prostate gland. It occurs when normal prostate tissue overgrows. The enlarged prostate tissue can press inwards or grow outwards.
When the enlargement is concentric, it puts pressure on the ureter, resulting in difficulty initiating urination and voiding in small amounts. Occasionally, the swelling is significant enough that it blocks the ureter, and urination is not possible. Then a catheter must be used to relieve accumulated urine from the bladder.
If the prostate gland expands outward, it can press against the bladder. A small triangular neural network at the base of the bladder called the trigone signals the brain the need to urinate.
Usually, this is from urine filling the bladder from the inside. The pressure from the enlarged prostate pressing the trigone from below results in frequent urination with little residual urine in the bladder. It is the most common cause of men getting up to urinate several times during the night.
BPH is ubiquitous. Estimates suggest that 60% of 60-year-old men, 70% of 70-year-old men, and 80 % of 80-year-old men have symptoms of BPH. The prescription medication Tamsulosin (Flomax) helps relax the smooth muscle of the urethra and can reduce prostate enlargement. Research shows that the Saw Palmetto palm tree berries are as effective as Tamsulosin.
Prostate Cancer
Cancer of the prostate occurs when the prosthetic genetic information (DNA) undergoes malignant mutation. Because the DNA programs cell reproduction and function, the malignant changes instruct prostate cells to divide more rapidly and interfere with the usual self-regulating cellular death (apoptosis).
As the unregulated cells proliferate, a tumor forms in the prostate gland. Then malignant cells break away and become implanted in distant otherwise healthy tissues and develop more tumors. The most common metastasis sites are bones, lymph nodes, liver, lung, and brain.
Because of routine screening for a prostatic-specific antigen (PSA) biomarker that increases with prostate cancer and new advances in treatment options, prostate cancer is not as deadly as it once was. Be aware that PSA can also elevate from nonmalignant causes, but it is a vital screening device.
Cancer of the prostate appears to follow two different courses. One is an aggressive course, and the other is a more indolent disease progression. Younger men seem to have the more aggressive form, while older men have the less threatening variety.
Routine screening for PSA and a yearly digital rectal exam (DRE) can lead to earlier diagnosis and better outcomes.
The Bottom Line
Prompt evaluation of any genitourinary change is paramount to identifying the top 3 threats to your prostate health. The sooner a diagnosis is confirmed, the better the outcomes that you can expect. Commit to protecting yourself with regular checkups. Look into other natural supplements like nerve control 911 to keep your body functioning properly and healthy for as long as possible.
Awareness of the top 3 threats to your prostate health is the first step. Listen to your body and address any changes. Waiting can only lead to a potentially deadly mistake.
