Prostate Health and Aging: What to Expect as You Get Older

13 Sep, 2023

Aging is inevitable, causing wrinkles and gray hair. However, do you know, as men grow older, there are prostate-related issues they may face? Above 50 years of age, prostate is the most significant problem in men. It causes embarrassing urination issues. Typically, there are three types of prostate problems:

• Enlarged prostate gland
• Low testosterone levels
• Prostate cancer

Many men are unaware of the fact that they've prostate. It is a walnut-sized sexual organ situated below the bladder. It makes fluid that helps protect sperm after ejaculation as it seeks eggs to fertilize.

Prostate Enlargement: A Natural Part of Aging

At the age of 25, the prostate gland starts to grow slowly. The condition is termed benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and has nothing to do with cancer. However, it is still not clear why the growth happens. But what is clear is that around the age of 50, many men experience uncomfortable symptoms.

Due to the enlargement, you may rush to the washroom more frequently or urgently, especially at night. Also, getting a solid urine stream or emptying the bladder becomes difficult.

The reason for such pressure is that the prostate gland surrounds the urethra. It's a thin tube that lugs your urine from the bladder and out through the penis. As the prostate expands, it makes urination difficult for men, and if you cannot pee, you know it's a medical emergency.

Impact of Prostate on the Sex Life of Men

With intense urinary problems because of BPH or lower urinary tract problems (LUTS), men often have problems in the bedroom. The link between LUTS and sexual issues is not scientifically understood.

However, many of these men have a lower sex drive, trouble maintaining an erection, and are less satisfied with sex. Sleep loss due to frequent nighttime trips to the toilet, depression, or some related physical pain may play a role here.

How to Keep Track of your Prostate Health as you age

Sadly, prostate cancer is the second most common cancer diagnosed in men. Therefore, detecting the disease in its early stages may improve your chances of survival. As you touch 40, visit primary centers for routine checkups to determine your risk of developing the disease.

Your doctor will test you for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) to check its levels in your blood. High PSA levels could be BPH, and if it is in the worst situation, it could lead to cancer.

How to Deal with an Enlarged Prostate

1. Lifestyle adjustments

Reducing or eliminating alcohol and coffee consumption, as well as moderating evening fluid intake, can help decrease the frequency of trips to the restroom. Additionally, it's advisable to consult your doctor about your current medications, as some drugs might worsen your symptoms.

2. Medications

The FDA has sanctioned several medications to manage benign prostate growth—these drugs function by either slowing the enlargement of the prostate or relaxing the muscles of urination. In some instances, a combination of these medications may be advantageous.

3. Surgical interventions

For individuals who do not experience medication improvement, various surgical procedures are available to provide relief. Some of these surgeries are minimally invasive, while others are more extensive.

The most prevalent method, known as TURP (transurethral resection of the prostate), involves the removal of prostate tissue that obstructs the urethra.

It's important to note that TURP may result in retrograde ejaculation, where semen flows into the bladder instead of exiting through the urethra. While this is harmless, it can potentially lead to male infertility.

4. Prostate Health Awareness

Understand the importance of prostate health screenings, especially if you are at higher risk for prostate conditions due to factors like age or family history.

5. Lifestyle Modifications

• Diet: Consider a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It is better not to consume excessive alcohol or caffeine, as they can affect your bladder.
• Hydration: Limit fluid intake in the evening to reduce nighttime trips to the bathroom.
• Exercise: Regular physical activities are necessary. You can walk or do moderate-intensity exercises. Staying active can help maintain overall health and improve urinary symptoms.

Many age-related changes can take a toll on your mental health in the long run. It is hard to stay with such a condition because BPH is non-preventable. Apart from medications, you can join community groups and be social to avoid feeling depressed or lonely. Many men out there may be suffering from the same condition as yours. Be their companion and keep communicating to stay young at heart forever!

CVMedPro has an extensive network of healthcare providers like physicians for diagnosing and treating your enlarged prostate. To know more, get in touch with our team. Call us at 866-423-0060 or visit our website – www.cvmedpro.com