I am the last child for my Dad and Mom, who were both over 40 years old at my birth. They both suffered from multiple health-related conditions such as heart defects, hypertension, diabetes and prostate cancer. Unfortunately, my Dad eventually died from prostate cancer after a long and terrible battle for his life; watching him suffer and then succumb to this devastating disease has scared and scarred me ever since. Now, I am virtually paranoid about the possibility of getting prostate diseases and the many accompanying ailments.
What some of you may not know is that 60% of all men on the planet will suffer from some type of prostate-related problem (wwwhealth.harvard.edu). Several studies have also shown that Black men are more likely to get prostate cancer than Caucasian men; and when it is identified, the cancer is usually more advanced (Jama Oncology Study). One fact that is also important to note is that having a father or brother with prostate cancer more than doubles the risk of getting the disease. This problem is real. Therefore, all men and their families should take immediate actions to mitigate prostate diseases. I will be dedicating a number of my blogs over the next couple of weeks to educate us all about the prostate, prostate diseases and some suggested natural treatments.
What is the prostate gland? Our manhood is directly connected to a small chest-nut-sized-like object called a prostate gland. The prostate gland is just one element of the male reproductive system (see diagram). The male reproductive system includes the penis, scrotum, testes, epididymis, vas deferens, prostate and seminal vesicles. The prostate is located around the urethra and situated just below the bladder. The prostate glands’ main function is to develop and secrete prostate fluid, which is embedded in semen that we all ejaculate during the ecstasy of sexual interactions. The location of the prostate results in certain liabilities; when it becomes swollen it squeezes on the urethra and bladder and obstructs the natural passing of urine. What is prostate gland enlargement? The prostate gland naturally grows as all men get older, from about age 30. This is called Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH). The growth of the prostate gland can reach the size of a peach. After age 50, the rate of growth and the size of the prostate increase in most men. After age 60, most men start to experience uncomfortable urinary changes caused by an enlarged prostate. The growth of the prostate gland can also be caused by prostatitis. Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate gland and can be caused by infections or germs in the mouth, rectum, bladder and other body parts. What is prostate cancer? Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. It is dangerous because it grows slowly and for a long time it there are no symptoms. However, there are some forms of prostate cancers that grow fast and spread into many parts of the body. In most cases, when prostate cancer is detected early and remains in the prostate gland it can be treated successfully. Prostate cancer is usually caused by cells in the prostate becoming abnormal. These abnormal cells further mutate, grow and divide more rapidly than the normal cells. These abnormal cells usually grow and strive at the expense of the normal cells. The abnormal cells further accumulate to form a tumor that grows and invades the tissues in close proximity. Some of these abnormal cells will become detached, spread and contaminate other parts of the body. By then treatment and recovery are almost futile. Signs and symptoms of prostate diseases Most men are very sensitive about dealing and talking about issues with their reproductive system. Sadly, most of the ailments are only seen and experienced by them. I implore mothers, wives, girlfriends and even children to engage with the men in their lives about the signs and symptoms that they are experiencing. Some of the important signs and symptoms of prostate diseases are the following:
• Low urine stream • Pain or burning during urination • Frequent urination • Urinary incontinence • Blood in the semen or urine • Frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, pelvic or rectal area, or the upper thighs • Painful ejaculation • Decreased force in the stream of urine • Blood in semen • Bone pain • Erectile dysfunction
Watch a two-minute video more about this here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rVE_4toOWU (What are the Signs and Symptoms of Prostate Cancer? | Cancer Research UK)
In my next blog I will further explore the causes and treatments of BPH, prostatitis and prostate cancer. Subscribe to be notified when I post my next blog:
Promise me this, if you are experiencing any of the signs listed above you will visit your doctor immediately. Tell your doctor to request an ultrasound of your reproductive system, conduct a physical prostate evaluation, blood test to assess your PSA level and the presence of any inflammation and infections in your body. Please share with family and friends.
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