Progress with Prostate Problems

Going for an uncomfortable prostate exam is a rite passage for most men. But what do you know about this problematic gland?

The prostate is a large male gland that lies just below the neck of the blader and around the top of the urinary tract. The primary of the prosurethra during ejaculation. Because of this, it enlarges during sexual arousal. If there is prolonged arousal without ejaculation, prostate pressure on the testicles becomes very uncomfortable. Other factors can enlarge the prostate and create discomfort. Symptoms associated with enlarged prostate include frequent, painful desire to urinate, reduced flow of urine, incontinence and in extreme cases, fever, lower back pain, insomnia and fatigue. Accompanying symptoms associated with sexual dysfunction are impotence, loss of libido and possible painful ejaculation.

Contributing factors

Obesity and hormonal changes are two well-known causes of prostate enlargement. Disorders usually begin after age 35. By age 50, more than 25 percent of all men have an enlarged prostate. By age 80, the numbers grow to 80 percent. A diet high in saturated fats and low in the beneficial essential fatty acids puts people at the greatest risk. Factored in as causes are hormonal imbalance, low fiber diets, spicy foods, excessive use of alcohol and caffeine, eating meat from animals injected with hormones, prostaglandin depletion, an exhausted lymph system from chronic usage of antihistamines, a lack of exercise, zinc deficiency and venereal disease.

Enlargement of the prostate may be caused by an enzyme, 5-alpha-reductase, which interacts with testosterone and produces di-hydrotestosterone (DHT), which is primarily present in the prostate gland and strengthens the fibromuscular part of the gland. Although this is a useful function, too much DHT can cause prostate enlargement. This process is accelerated by a number of factors including the use of alcohol, zinc deficiency, and impaired liver function. Alcohol, especially beer, elevates levels of DHT in the body and thus can be a contributing factor.

An herb, saw palmetto, when taken in quantity, supports prostate health by promoting a reduction in DHT in tissue by over 40 percent. This is the same mechanism of action as the drug Proscar, the standard treatment for an enlarged prostate. But unlike Proscar, treatment with saw palmetto does not interfere with virility. Its action appears to be more gradual and it lowers DHT slightly but not so much as to interfere with erectile function. It balances the body's hormones to block painful prostate enlargement and can be an effective natural treatment. Pygeum africanum, also an herb, if taken in heavy doses, also may lower DHT levels by blocking cholesterol production.

Two growth factors have been shown to influence the size of the prostate. According to Dr. David Saul, M.D., author of Sex for Life, nitric oxide is the chemical that is ultimately responsible for the erection process and is claimed to inhibit some of the growth factors of the prostate. Made from the precursor amino acid, arginine, adequate levels of nitric oxide can help to maintain prostate health. Therefore, it is important to get sufficient protein in your diet. The second growth factor, SHBG, is a protein that binds testosterone and transports it in the bloodstream. SHBG increases with aging. Getting SHBG down to lower levels by losing weight, exercising and improving any diabetic tendency will lower the potential for this growth factor to affect the prostate.

Vasectomies also are suspect in contributing to prostate problems. Science has long debated whether risk of prostate cancer is a result of vasectomy (the contraceptive procedure which severs or seals off the vessel that carries sperm from the testes.) New studies on two large groups of men show that vasectomies increase the risk of prostate cancer. After a vasectomy, sperm builds up in the sealed off vas deferens. The body reabsorbs these cells, which confuses the immune system, making it less alert to tumor cells. It also causes the body's defenses to mount a response against its own tissue. In addition, a vasectomy affects hormone secretions in the testes and lowers prostatic fluid. When the natural movement of sperm and hormones are artificially prevented, numerous health problems may arise.

Hormonal imbalances are a primary contributor to prostate health. Testosterone supports libido and the ability to perform sexually, as well as muscle strength. The gradual decline in a man's testosterone level can create, over time, a diminished sense of manhood and virility. This can contribute to depression and typical menopausal mood swings familiar to women.

Men who have chronic constipation may create prostate problems. In a healthy person, there is space between the colon and the prostate. Constipation causes the colon to swell and push against the prostate. If this condition is chronic, bacteria from the colon can migrate through the muscles and mucous membranes of the colon and penetrate the stroma tissue surrounding the prostate. This condition is called prostatitis. Kenneth Yasny, Ph.D., in his book, Put Hemorrhoids and Constipation Behind You, gives suggestions that may alleviate constipation. Eat moist foods and drink lots of water to help waste move through your system. Eat high fiber foods that absorb moisture, and grease your intestines with polyunsaturated or monounsaturated oils.