Prostate Health

Prostate Health

Prostate health issues (also known as prostatitis) affect men most commonly over the age of 50; yet, these issues can affect men at any age. These conditions often don’t show symptoms until the prostate has been out of balance for a significant period of time. Some of the most common symptoms of such conditions include pain, swelling, uncomfortable urination, or pain during intercourse. 

Common Prostate Issues

The prostate is a gland that is ruled by testosterone. Whenever there is an imbalance of testosterone in the body (or of outside forces that impact the groin), there is a chance of a prostate issue. 

A common misconception is that only older men experience prostate issues, but that’s not accurate. Men can experience symptoms at any age. The most common prostate-related conditions include:

• Inflammation 
• Benign enlargement 
• Prostate cancer 

Symptoms of Prostate Conditions

When something is out of balance with your prostate, the first place you’ll feel it is in your groin area. The most common symptoms are related to the bladder, as an enlarged prostate can press down on the bladder and the urethra. Some of the most common symptoms of prostate issues include:

• Blood in semen
• Blood in urine
• Burning
• Difficulty starting urination
• Erectile dysfunction
• Frequent urination
• Inflammation
• Pain during urination and/or ejaculation

Causes of Prostate Issues

The bad news is that doctors don’t know the exact cause of an enlarged prostate. Some researchers guess that the cause has something to do with age, as the cells in the glands change with age; many researchers also surmise that enlarged prostates might have something to do with changing testosterone levels. 

What researchers do know is that the prostate may become enlarged due in part to lifestyle choices — such as the way you sit or stand, the fabrics your clothes are made of,  and other environmental issues. 

Tight clothing in the groin, long bike rides, and sitting down for too long may all lead to an enlarged prostate. 

Some researchers also believe there may be a link between caffeine as well as dehydration and an enlarged prostate. 

How to Prevent Prostate Conditions

If you’re over the age of 35 and are concerned you might develop prostate issues, you can make a few lifestyle changes to ensure your prostate stays healthy, including:

• Limiting caffeine, soda, and energy drink intake
• Wearing comfortable and loose pants or shorts
• Drinking plenty of water
• Getting your testosterone levels checked regularly

If you’re worried about your testosterone levels, we recommend getting your testosterone levels checked via an at-home testing kit from Thriva. 

Medical Treatments for Heart Health

You should always consult your doctor if you’re concerned about your prostate health. If you get an annual physical, your doctor will generally ask about your prostate. Should you need medical treatments, the most common treatments available to reverse prostate issues (especially prostate cancers) include:

• Alpha-blockers
• Cancer surveillance
• Cryotherapy
• Hormone therapy
• Radiation
• Surgery

If you’re concerned about your prostate health, make an appointment with a digital clinic to find out what preventative measures to take.