Now Clinical Strength Prostate Health
Now offers a pretty boilerplate prostate health supplement that provides the mineral benefits of zinc and selenium alongside the herbal extracts saw palmetto, beta-sitosterol, stinging nettle, and pumpkin seed oil.
Several of these have solid evidence behind their use for prostate health, and while the dosage isnt anything special, its a reliable way to get an array of potentially helpful aids for urinary issues.
Self Prostate Massage Advantages
The prostate gland consists of muscle tissue, glandular tissue and fascia, a connective tissue covering the gland. Glandular tissue is, unlike the other two mentioned, because it is very fragile and can be injured easily. While muscle and fascia are more similar in texture to chicken or steak, glandular tissue is akin to raw beef liver it can break and tear when pressure is applied to it. Massaging the inner prostate and the organ in general, can cause serious injury to the prostrate if performed too strongly, so anyone attempting self prostate massage should be careful.
If performing self prostate stimulation, one can ensure that risks such as bruising and injury of the glandular tissue are greatly lessened. Correct instruments are required to perform a self prostate stimulation, as the finger cannot reach far enough for the full effect. An Aneros prostate massage device is a recommended utensil.
Prostate exams are an unpleasant experience that leads to discomfort, and occasionally even pain. These feelings can sometimes last several days. The doctor is frequently not gentle enough, causing more uncomfortable circumstances.
Self prostate exams, on the other hand, allow a person full control over the time period, location and magnitude of the prostate examination. The feedback prostate exams provide regarding pain or depth of the instrument are invaluable, as the patient is effectively treating himself, feeling what functions well for him and what does not.
Average Psa Test Doubling Time
Another red flag. This calculation denotes the time it takes your PSA values to double.
Therefore it may signify the aggressiveness of any prostate abnormalities, whether it’s an enlarged prostate, prostatitis, or prostate cancer.
If your average PSA readings double in less than three years your doctor will most likely order a biopsy, to look in to the problem further and discuss possible prostate cancer treatment options.
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Treatment To Lower Androgen Levels From The Adrenal Glands
LHRH agonists and antagonists can stop the testicles from making androgens, but cells in other parts of the body, such as the adrenal glands, and prostate cancer cells themselves, can still make male hormones, which can fuel cancer growth. Drugs are available that block the formation of androgens made by these cells.
Abiraterone blocks an enzyme called CYP17, which helps stop these cells from making androgens.
Abiraterone can be used in men with advanced prostate cancer that is either:
- High risk
- Castrate-resistant
This drug is taken as pills every day. It doesnt stop the testicles from making testosterone, so men who havent had an orchiectomy need to continue treatment with an LHRH agonist or antagonist. Because abiraterone also lowers the level of some other hormones in the body, prednisone needs to be taken during treatment as well to avoid certain side effects.
Ketoconazole , first used for treating fungal infections, also blocks production of androgens made in the adrenal glands, much like abiraterone. It’s most often used to treat men just diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer who have a lot of cancer in the body, as it offers a quick way to lower testosterone levels. It can also be tried if other forms of hormone therapy are no longer working.
Ketoconazole also can block the production of cortisol, an important steroid hormone in the body, so men treated with this drug often need to take a corticosteroid .
Orgasm After Radical Prostatectomy
Men can experience changes in their sexual responses after radical prostatectomy, the gold-standard treatment for localized cancer of the prostate. Early operations caused damage to the nerves that passed along the organ that subserved erection but later nerve sparing operations were designed to preserve this innervation. Koeman et al. , for example, reported that in their series of prostatectomies no patient could maintain a rigid erection but 5 could manage to have coitus with their partial erection. None experienced the sensation of ejaculatory inevitability. A few complained that their orgasm was weakened and 9 had involuntary loss of urine at orgasm . A very extensive, comprehensive, and up-to-date review of orgasmic dysfunctions after radical prostatectomy by Capogrosso et al. report that despite technical surgical advances the achievement of good operative functional outcomes is still considered a troublesome issue both for patients and urologist. These include impairments in sexual desire, penile morphology and orgasmic function. In relation to the latter the conditions of climacturia, orgasm associated pain and modification of orgasmic sensation are prevalent and even complete anorgasmia occurs. Unfortunately, reliable data from which to estimate these impairment risks are lacking.
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The Prostate Gland: Mans Center Of Gravity
The prostate gland is a mysterious male reproductive organ that can be a source of curiosity, anxiety, fear and potential trouble. Since this gland is a midline organ nestled deep within the pelvis, I like to think of it as mans center of gravity.
Where exactly is the prostate gland?
The prostate gland is located behind the pubic bone and is attached to the bladder and the urethra . The rectum is directly behind the prostate . The prostate is situated at the crossroads of the urinary and reproductive tracts and completely surrounds the urethra, allowing its many ducts to drain into the urethra. The relationship between the prostate and the urethra can potentially be the source of problems for the older male. When a man ages, the prostate gland gradually enlarges. This prostate enlargement can constrict and block the urethra, giving rise to bothersome urinary symptoms.
What is the prostate, what purpose does it serve, and how does it function?
The prostate is a male reproductive gland that produces prostate fluid, a nutrient and energy vehicle for sperm. The prostate consists of glandular and fibro-muscular tissue enclosed by a capsule of collagen, elastin and smooth muscle. The glandular tissue contains the secretory cells that produce the prostate fluid.
What are the zones of the prostate gland?
Curious facts about the prostate:
How To Locate Your Prostate
This article was medically reviewed by Erik Kramer, DO, MPH. Dr. Erik Kramer is a Primary Care Physician at the University of Colorado, specializing in internal medicine, diabetes, and weight management. He received his Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine from the Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2012. Dr. Kramer is a Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine and is board certified.There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 140,179 times.
The prostate is a walnut-sized organ in males that plays a major role in the production of semen. The easiest way to access the prostate is by way of an index finger carefully inserted into the rectum. The processes for accessing the prostate as part of a medical exam or for sexual pleasure are the same, and the same precautions should be taken. You should also keep an eye out for signs of potential prostate problems and contact your doctor as needed.
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Would You Be Interested In Learning About The Minimally Invasive Urolift System Treatment That Could Allow You To Discontinue Your Bph Medications
Print My Results
During the last month, how often have you found it difficult to postpone urination?
5. Weak Stream During the last month, how often have you had a weak urinary stream?
6. Straining During the last month, how often have you had to push or strain to begin urination?
7. Sleeping During the last month, how many times did you most typically get up to urinate from the time you went to bed at night until the time you got up in the morning?
8. Quality of Life If you were to spend the rest of your life with your urinary condition the way it is now, how would you feel about that?
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Where Is The Prostate And What Does It Look Like
The prostate is situated between the bladder and penis, just in front of the rectum . It is above the muscles of the pelvic floor.
The urethra, a narrow tube that carries urine and semen out of the body through the penis, runs through the center of the prostate, which weighs less than 1 ounce .
The word “prostate” comes from the Greek word “prostates,” which means “one who stands before,” aptly describing the position of the gland. That is, when viewed from below, the prostate “stands before” the bladder.
Because the rectum is behind the prostate, it is possible to feel the prostate with a finger when inserted through the rectum. The prostate feels elastic because it’s surrounded by a supportive tissue called the stroma, which is made of flexible smooth muscle fibers and connective tissue .
The muscle cells contract during ejaculation, forcing fluid stored in the prostate into the urethra.
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Side Effects And Risks
The tissues lining the prostate and rectum are delicate and vulnerable to cuts, tears, and abrasions. Massaging the prostate too intensely can easily lead to soreness. In the study described above, for example, 8.3% of participants reported discomfort after prostate massage.
Overly aggressive prostate massage can also cause rectal bleeding, creating a risk of bacterial infection or aggravating hemorrhoids.
Furthermore, manual prostate massage is discouraged for men with acute bacterial prostatitis. The massage increases inflammation and may promote the spread of bacteria to the urethra, other parts of the urinary tract, and the bloodstream.
That said, a few small studies of the effects of prostate massage performed by a physician have shown it to be beneficial as a therapy for chronic prostatitis when paired with antibiotics.
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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Prostatitis: A Common Prostate Problem In Younger Men
Prostatitis, or prostate inflammation, is the most common prostatic and urinary tract problem for men under age 50, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases . It accounts for 2 million doctor visits in the United States each year.
There are several types of prostatitis.
Prostatitis caused by bacteria is known as bacterial prostatitis, and it can cause an acute or chronic infection.
A Guide To Prostate Massage
Caitilin Kelly, MD, is a clinical physician at Indiana University Health Bloomington Hospital and is board-certified in internal medicine.
Prostate massage is a procedure in which a finger is inserted into the rectum to stimulate the prostate gland. The goal is to release excess seminal fluidthe fluid that mixes with sperm to create semenfrom the ducts of the prostate gland.
Alternative medical practitioners claim that prostate massage can ease prostate inflammation while alleviating pressure on the urinary tract. Among the conditions prostate massage is said to treat are:
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia : enlargement of the prostate
- Prostatitis: inflammation of the prostate
- Urinary hesitancy: difficulty urinating
- Erectile dysfunction: difficulty getting or keeping an erection
Prostate massage is also used for sexual stimulation to help achieve arousal, enhance an erection, or relax the rectum in advance of anal sex.
This article will discuss the medical and sexual purposes of prostate massage. It also covers how the procedure is done, along with the risks and side effects that may come with it.
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What A High Psa Level Means If Its Not Prostate Cancer
Other important components of prostatic fluid include an enzyme called prostatic acid phosphatase, citric acid, zinc, spermine and prostatic inhibin .
During an orgasm, prostate muscles squeeze the gland’s stored fluid into the urethra, where it mixes with the sperm cells and other semen components.
This expulsive process also helps propel the semen out of the body during ejaculation.
Positive Psa Score Association With Other Conditions
The amount of PSA in your blood test may increase with other prostate conditions such prostatitis, enlarged prostate , or within two days after ejaculation.
Rest assured, even though your results may be high, it doesnt necessarily mean you have prostate cancer. Just a greater risk of developing it.
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Another Common Issue: Enlarged Prostate Or Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Noncancerous prostate enlargement is the most common prostate problem for men over 50 years old, according to the NIDDK.
It’s not well understood what causes prostate enlargement, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia , but research suggests age-related hormonal changes may be to blame. Men younger than 40 rarely experience symptoms of BPH.
In men with BPH, the prostate presses into and pinches the urethra as it enlarges.
This pressure can negatively affect the urine-holding bladder, which is connected to the urethra, by weakening it and preventing it from emptying completely.
Prostate enlargement can cause a number of related urination symptoms, such as:
- Increased urinary frequency and urgency
- Weak or interrupted urine stream
- Urine with an unusual color or smell
- Nocturia, or frequent urination during periods of sleep
- Pain after urination
Over time, BPH may cause complications, including urinary tract infections, damage to the bladder or kidneys, and bladder stones, among other things.
Treatment of BPH includes lifestyle changes, medication, and surgery, which may be minimally invasive.
What Men And Women 35 And Older Must Know About Fertility Infertility And Getting Pregnant
The prostatic fluid mixes with sperm and fluid from the seminal vesicles which makes up the majority of semen and contains various other components, including the fructose that provides the main energy source for sperm outside of the body inside of the urethra.
Changes in the composition or secretion of the prostatic fluid affects the health and function of sperm, impacting male fertility. These changes may arise due to various health issues with the prostate.
Learn More About the Form and Function of the Prostate
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What Are The Symptoms Of Prostate Cancer
In most cases, prostate cancer causes no symptoms.
In rare cases, men may experience certain symptoms when they have advanced prostate cancer. However, these symptoms are also present in many men who do not have cancer, so it is best to discuss them with a doctor before jumping to any conclusions. Some of these symptoms can include difficulty emptying the bladder, blood in the urine, and bone pains.
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Who Should Buy A Prostate Supplement
Prostate supplements are specially formulated for older men who are having problems associated with their prostate, like poor urinary flow and frequent nighttime urination.
These problems become far more common among men who are over age 50, though they arent unheard of in younger men too. Still, older men are affected by far the most. Medication like Flomax and other so-called alpha blockers are commonly prescribed for benign prostate hyperplasia, but research on prostate supplements suggests that, in some cases, supplements like saw palmetto or beta sitosterol can be effective too.
If you are considering a prostate supplement, you should talk with your doctor about the potential benefits of using a supplement in addition to or instead of a prescription medication.
With any supplementation regimen, its always a good idea to talk with your doctor about potential prescription medication interactions and possible side effects, both from a supplement or from a medication. If the side effects from prescription medication for prostate problems is causing problems, youre a good candidate to talk to your doctor about whether a prostate supplement would be a good alternative.
Les Labs Prostate Health
LES Labs is laser-focused on only the most effective prostate supplement ingredients, but they are all delivered at fairly solid dosages.
Youll get zinc and copper for trace elements , and saw palmetto, stinging nettle, beta sitosterol, and pumpkin seed for the herbal ingredientsall proven prostate supplements.
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