Is There More Than One Type Of Prostatitis
The main types of prostatitis are bacterial prostatitis and non-bacterial prostatitis.
Bacterial prostatitis
Bacterial prostatitis is an infection caused by bacteria. Its the easiest kind of prostatitis to diagnose and treat, although it can become serious if not dealt with quickly.
Acute bacterial prostatitis is the least common form of prostatitis, but if the infection is not dealt with it can be life-threatening.
Chronic bacterial prostatitis is when bacterial prostatitis comes back again and again. Its caused by an underlying problem in the prostate, such as prostate stones or an enlarged prostate , which attract bacteria. Chronic bacterial prostatitis is also a common cause of repeated urinary tract infections , which are infections in the urinary system.
Non-bacterial prostatitis
Chronic nonbacterial prostatitis is when the prostate is inflamed, but there isnt any bacteria present. We dont yet understand this form of prostatitis very well, although we know that they dont cause urinary tract infections. Symptoms can disappear and come back later, and are often made worse by stress.
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Unrealistically High Walnut Consumption Levels Not Needed For Benefits
The researchers say their results suggest incorporating walnuts into a healthy diet could confer these health benefits, though they do caution that studies in mice do not necessarily translate to humans.
Still, the team says walnuts beneficial effects on human cancer do not require unrealistically high consumption levels, which means we do not need to dramatically increase intake to get results.
Davis adds:
In our study, the mice were eating the equivalent of 2.6 oz of walnuts. You need to realize that 2.6 oz of walnuts is about 482 calories. Thats not insignificant, but its better than eating a serving of supersized fries, which has 610 calories.
In addition to the cancer benefit, we think you also get cardiovascular benefits that other walnut research has demonstrated.
It should be noted that this study was supported by research grants to the University of California-Davis from the American Institute for Cancer Research and the California Walnut Board. The authors state, however, that neither organization had any input into their study data analysis or the contents and conclusions of their research.
Medical News Today recently reported on a study published in the Journal of Alzheimers Disease that suggested a walnut-enriched diet slows progression of Alzheimers in mice.
Additional Treatments For Bph
When an enlarged prostate starts to impact a mans quality of life, hell likely turn to his physician for relief. There are numerous drugs on the market to treat BPH. The Prostate Cancer Foundation suggests that most men over the age of 60 are either on or considering a medication for BPH.
Surgery is also an option. Surgery for BPH is intended to remove the enlarged tissue pressing against the urethra. This surgery is possible with the use of a laser, entrance through the penis, or with an external incision.
Far less invasive are lifestyle changes that may assist in managing an enlarged prostate. Things like avoiding alcohol and coffee, avoiding certain medications that can worsen symptoms, and practicing Kegel exercises may relieve the symptoms of BPH.
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Diagnosing An Enlarged Prostate
As with all incontinence conditions, a thorough diagnosis must be developed before action can be taken. You may have heard of some of these exams. And if you havent, now is a good time to familiarize yourself with them. Not only is knowledge power, but it also eliminates surprises.
Because those with BPH can experience symptoms from mild to severe, the treatment options featured here are organized from least invasive to more intense.
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Ejaculation May Lower Prostate Cancer Risk
The findings, published in the April 7 issue of The Journal of the American Medical Association, are based on data collected from nearly 30,000 predominately white men aged 46 to 81.
At the start of the study, men provided information on ejaculation frequency in their 20s, 40s, and in the previous year . Ejaculation frequency included sexual intercourse, masturbation, and nighttime ejaculations that can occur during sleep. The men were then monitored for eight years.
Researchers found most categories of ejaculation frequency were unrelated to prostate cancer risk. But when they looked at men in the highest category of ejaculation frequency, they found evidence of a protective effect.
When you look at the data in a little bit more detail, you do see that not only is there not an increased risk, but there is potentially even the possibility of a slight decrease in risk with high ejaculation frequency, says researcher Michael Leitzmann, MD, an investigator at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Md. Leitzmann conducted the research during a post-doctoral fellowship at Harvard University.
Leitzmann says researchers suspected that ejaculation frequency might be a marker of a healthier, more active lifestyle. But when they accounted for diet, exercise, and other risk factors for prostate cancer, the link between frequent ejaculation and lower prostate cancer risk remained.
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Herbs For An Enlarged Prostate
A male reproductive gland surrounding the urethra, the prostate is responsible for producing semen. Enlargement of the prostate gland occurs in many men as they get older.
Although it can lead to some complications involving the bladder, an enlarged prostate wont increase the risk of prostate cancer.
How Does The Prostate Work
The prostate is a gland about the size of a chestnut and weighs about 30 grams . It is part of the male reproductive system and is located inside the body. The prostates most important function is the production of a fluid that, together with sperm cells from the testicles and fluids from other glands, makes up semen. The muscles of the prostate also ensure that the semen is forcefully pressed into the urethra and then expelled outwards during ejaculation.
The prostate is located directly below the bladder and above the muscles of the pelvic floor. The rectum is behind the prostate, making it possible to feel the gland from the rectum using the finger. The ducts in the prostate gland flow into the urethra, which passes through the prostate. The word prostate is taken from the Greek expression meaning one who stands before, which describes the position of the prostate gland. Viewed from below, where the urethra leaves the gland, the prostate stands before the bladder.
The tissue of the prostate gland can be divided into three different zones, listed here from innermost to outermost, which encircle the urethra like layers of an onion:
The prostate has various functions:
Production of fluid for semen:
Hormone metabolism: In the prostate the male sex hormone testosterone is transformed to a biologically active form, DHT .
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With A Massager Strap
If youre playing with sex toys, you can really mix it up by playing with the different vibration settings, as well as pressure and depth.
- Pressure. Controlling pressure when using a toy is easier, especially when youre playing solo. Try pressing the toy against the prostate using more or less pressure till you find your sweet spot.
- Depth. Depth is another area where toys win out since reaching can make it hard to go deep, if thats what you crave. Try different sized anal toys or get a longer one that you can insert as deep as your bottom desires.
- Vibrations. You can buy prostate massagers that offer up multiple speed and pulse settings. Play with the different settings to find your preference. Up the vibes as you get closer to orgasm.
- Sensation. Some prostate massagers have an attached external stimulator to give your perineum some sweet lovin while the other end penetrates. Who doesnt love a hard worker?
Want a little more?
If your partner has a penis, you can kick things up a notch with penis-in-anus penetration. Prostate stimulation for you, penile stimulation for them and a happy ending for you both.
Different positions can make reaching and pleasuring the prostate easier. These positions work for external and internal prostate stimulation, alone and with a partner.
Is A Prostate Massage The Same Thing As Trying For A Prostate Orgasm
Yes. If you massage the prostate in a way that feels good, youre probably going to have an orgasm if you keep at it.
Some doctors recommend prostate massage therapy to help relieve the symptoms of certain conditions, such as painful ejaculation prostatitis.
Yep! Though evidence on the efficacy of prostate massage for certain conditions is somewhat limited, it does appear to have some benefits.
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Continue Learning About Enlarged Prostate Prevention
Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.
What Are Bph Symptoms
The prostate surrounds part of the urethra the tube through which urine leaves the body. BPH, or an enlarged prostate, can result in this tube getting blocked. The block can cause problems with peeing, such as:1
- Weak stream
- Needing to wake up at night to pee
- Pain during urination or after ejaculation
BPH symptoms can get in the way of life. For example, you might become worried with finding a bathroom when you are away from home. Or you may become scared of leaving an embarrassing wet mark on your clothes if you cannot get to a bathroom in time.
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How Are Enlarged Prostate And Erectile Dysfunction Related
Many men wonder if BPH can cause erectile dysfunction. The short answer? Not really. While the prostate is an important organ for male sexual function, BPH is more of a urination issue than a sexual one. The prostate goes through two major growth spurts during a mans lifetime: one during puberty and another around 50 or 60 years of age. It is estimated that more than half of men will have some form of BPH in their 50s , which is why we see so many older men complaining of LUTS.
Usually, an enlarged prostate isnt a problem unless symptoms become burdensome and treatment is needed. Thats where concerns about erectile dysfunction come in. To treat BPH, your options are medications to relax the prostate or stop it from getting bigger, and surgery. and similar medications are part of a class of drugs called alpha-blockers, which cause the blood vessels of the prostate to constrict, relaxing muscles in the prostate so urination can occur more easily. One side effect of these drugs is less blood to flow into the penis during an erection though, and that could be a problem. Another drug, , is an anti-testosterone drug that stops the prostate from growing. However, lower testosterone levels in the body may cause ED as well. Lastly, surgical procedures can also cause ED due to damage to structures around the penis, which I will go into detail below.
How Does Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Affect Sexual Function
Benign prostatic hyperplasia increases by 7 times the risk of erectile dysfunction and severe urinary disorders. When BPH is treated successfully, erection is also improved. It is mainly Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors that contribute significantly to the treatment of both ED and urinary problems. There is one PDE-5 inhibitor, tadalafil, that has been officially approved in the 5mg dose for the treatment of both ED and BPH.
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It Can Alleviate Painful Ejaculation
Painful ejaculation is rare, but it happens. It can come from infection or inflammation in the epididymis , prostate, seminal vesicles, and/or urethra. It can also signal a blockage in the ejaculatory duct. “Massage can reduce prostate inflammation and make ejaculation less painful,” says Mills.
Another cause of painful ejaculation can be tight pelvic floor muscles, which can occur when men have an inflammation or infection of the prostate. Again, Gonzalez says doing Kegels can help. “Manual manipulation of those muscles during prostate massage can further alleviate ejaculatory pain. This is definitely something you would want a specialist to work on with you,” he says.
A New Treatment Option For Bph
Experts at University Hospitals now offer a new, minimally invasive approach to treat BPH called UroLift®.
Instead of removing prostate tissue, this procedure implants a device that pulls the prostate away from the urethra on both sides and holds it in place. This widens the urethra and restores normal urine flow.
Its like opening a curtain, says UH urologist Irina Jaeger, MD.
This procedure is a nice alternative, because the side effects are very minimal, it can be done in the doctors office in 15 minutes or less and very little sedation is required, she says. And the results are pretty instant.
UroLift®has been in use for six years. Studies have shown that the procedure is safe, effectively relieves symptoms and does not affect sexual function.
The only side effects are a little irritation immediately after the procedure. Patients are typically back to their normal routines within a day or two.
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Supplements That Show Promise
Other supplements show hopeful signs of helping in studies so far, but thereâs less research on these than the more common options.
Pumpkin seeds: These and pumpkin seed oil extract seem to help with BPH symptoms and may shrink the size of the prostate. It may also be helpful when used along with other supplements such as saw palmetto.
Stinging nettle: This is a type of herb, and its root may help with urine flow and waking up a lot at night to pee. Itâs sometimes used along with other supplements to treat BPH symptoms.
How Do You Find It
Youll need to head south along the back road to find it in a magical place called the anal region.
Although entering through the anus is the most direct way, you can also stimulate the prostate indirectly through the perineum, or taint.
This is the skin that runs underneath the scrotum to the anus.
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Bph Medication That Can Lead To Sexual Problems
Some treatments for BPH can have sexual problems as side effects. Two types of pills, alpha blockers and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, have traditionally been used to treat BPH. Both have sex-related side effects.
If you take 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, you may have side effects such as:
- ED
- Drop in libido
- Reduced semen release
Alpha blockers have been linked to problems with ejaculation. But two newer alpha blockers, alfuzosin and terazosin, may have fewer sex-related side effects. You cant take pills for ED if you take certain alpha blockers, so always check with your doctor before taking any new medicine.
If youre taking BPH medicines and having sexual problems, talk to your doctor. They may be able to change your medications.
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It May Be Able To Help Alleviate Symptoms Of An Enlarged Prostate
An enlarged prostate, or benign prostate hyperplasia , is extremely common: in fact, according to the National Kidney and Urological Disease Information Clearinghouse, it is the most common prostate problem for men over 50. Like prostatitis, the most common symptoms are painful urination, urinary retention, and frequent urination.
Often, men with BPH can take alpha blockers to relax their bladder muscles and make it easier for them to urinate, or 5-alpha reductase inhibitors to try to reduce the size of their prostate gland by blocking hormones that contribute to prostate growth. A small 2006 case study found that regular prostate massage combined with such medications can also help alleviate symptoms.
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Enlarged Prostate And Ed
Living with an enlarged prostate can be even more difficult if you experience erectile dysfunction, or ED. ED happens when the penis cant get hard enough to maintain an erection to allow sexual intercourse.2 More than 50% of men over 40 suffer from some degree of ED.3 Like BPH, ED can lower quality of life for both you and your partner. Learn more by visiting EDcure.org.
How Is Acute Prostatitis Diagnosed
Your doctor will likely start by asking questions about your medical history. Theyll also conduct a physical examination.
Theyll probably conduct a digital rectal examination . During this procedure, theyll gently insert a gloved and lubricated finger into your rectum. Your prostate is located in front of your rectum, where your doctor can easily feel it. If you have acute bacterial prostatitis, it will likely be swollen and tender.
During a DRE, your doctor may also massage your prostate to squeeze a small amount of fluid into your urethra. They can collect a sample of this fluid for testing. Laboratory technicians can check it for signs of infection
Your doctor may also feel the lymph nodes in your groin, which may be enlarged and tender.
They may also conduct or order additional tests, such as:
- a blood culture to rule out bacteria in your blood
- a urinalysis or a urine culture to test your urine for blood, white cells, or bacteria
- a urethral swab to test for gonorrhea or chlamydia
- urodynamic tests to learn if you have problems emptying your bladder
- a cystoscopy to examine the inside of your urethra and bladder for signs of infection
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Sex Hormones And Cancer Risk
Visalini Nair-Shalliker, the studys lead author and research fellow at Cancer Council New South Wales suggests that these findings may be due to a sex hormone called antigen that is somehow linked to sexual activity. She explains that the more sexually active a man was, the greater his risk of developing prostate cancer is according to the studys findings and this might have something to do with antigen.
However, the study fails to provide a causal link, meaning the researchers could not explain why exactly prostate cancer risk increases with the number of sexual partners or orgasm frequency. Nevertheless, these findings open the door to future research on finding the causes and other risk factors of this common cancer in men.