June is Men’s Health Month, so it’s a perfect time to think about your prostate — especially if you’re over age 40. This small gland sits below your bladder, in front of your rectum, and produces the fluids that make up your semen.
When you’re young, your prostate does its work behind the scenes. You don’t even know it’s there. But as you grow older, your prostate grows larger (one of the few organs that do!). At that point, your prostate makes itself known with a range of unpleasant symptoms.
Your prostate is also susceptible to cancer. In fact, one in eight men in the United States will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.
Alex Lesani, MD, is a highly experienced and caring urologist who urges you to pay attention to your prostate as you age. He offers enlarged prostate treatments and prostate cancer screening at our office in Las Vegas, Nevada.
What should you know about your prostate health? Here’s a brief rundown on the little organ that grows.
When your prostate is healthy, you can’t feel it. A doctor, though, can test its size through a digital rectal exam (DRE), which you should undergo if you have any changes in your urinary patterns or pelvic pain. During a DRE, they insert a gloved finger into your anus to palpate your prostate.
As your prostate grows, you may develop a condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Although BPH isn’t cancer, it can severely affect your lifestyle and comfort by pressing upon your bladder. Symptoms of BPH include:
You might also notice blood in your urine. Contact us immediately if you do. Although it can be a symptom of BPH, it could also be a sign of prostate cancer.
You can shrink your prostate with prescription medication and even some lifestyle changes, such as eliminating ultraprocessed foods and focusing on whole foods. Greenlight laser therapy can also reduce your prostate’s size. In rare cases, you may need surgery.
Every man has at least an average risk for prostate cancer. Some, however, are at high risk. When you start and how often you screen depends on your personal risk factors:
The two main tests for prostate cancer are DRE and a blood test for prostate-specific antigen (PSA). If your PSA levels are elevated, that doesn’t mean you have cancer. However, it does mean we conduct further tests, including an ultrasound-guided biopsy.
The healthier you are, the healthier your prostate will be … and the healthier you’ll be as you age. There’s no magic pill to keep your prostate healthy and prevent it from growing or developing cancer. However, you can adopt lifestyle habits that reduce your risk for both BPH and prostate cancer:
Traditional diets in long-standing cultures often emphasize healthy foods that your body thrives on. Eliminate junk foods, processed foods, sugar, charred foods, and alcohol. Focus on:
Shop international markets for new ingredients. Explore ethnic restaurants, and become a cookbook fan. Your prostate (and your palate) will thank you.
Sunshine on your skin helps your body produce vitamin D, which reduces the risk of prostate cancer. Just 10-20 minutes outdoors without sunscreen in the morning could help you attain healthy vitamin D levels. Go for a stroll, a jog, or take the dog for a walk.
Once the sun is high in the sky, or if you’re outdoors for long, it’s time for sunscreen. Excessive exposure to sunlight without sunscreen increases your risk of skin cancer.
Are you over 40 and want to know more about prostate health and prostate cancer screening? Or do you suspect you have BPH and want help? Call us today at 702-470-2579 or book your appointment online.
