Prostate Health: What Every Man Needs to Know

Jun 8

5 min read

0

1

0

By Viraj V. Tirmal, MD | MDVIP-Affiliated Concierge Primary Care 3905 National Drive, Suite 220, Burtonsville, MD 20866 | Tel: 240-389-1986

For too many men, prostate health is an afterthought—until symptoms disrupt daily life. Yet whether you’re seeking to stay ahead of risks, decipher warning signs, or live well after a diagnosis, it pays to understand the prostate and how it changes as you age. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through the essentials, bust myths, and offer actionable insights rooted in the latest science—all from the perspective of a local, accessible physician committed to proactive, concierge care.

Understanding Your Prostate: The Gland with a Big Job

The prostate is a small, walnut-shaped gland nestled below the bladder and in front of the rectum, encircling the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body). Despite its small size, the prostate plays vital roles:

Reproductive health: Produces seminal fluid, nourishing and transporting sperm [MD Anderson].
Urinary function: Muscular elements of the prostate help control urine flow.

As men age, the prostate often enlarges—sometimes causing urinary changes. It’s crucial to distinguish between normal, age-related shifts and signs of more serious problems.

Common Prostate Conditions & Their Symptoms

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): Most men over 50 will experience some degree of non-cancerous prostate enlargement. This can lead to:
- Frequent urination (especially at night)
- Urgency and difficulty starting urination
- Weak stream and sensation of incomplete emptying. [Mayo Clinic]
Prostatitis: Inflammation (can be bacterial or non-bacterial) resulting in pelvic pain, burning during urination, sometimes fever, or flu-like symptoms.
Prostate Cancer: The most common non-skin cancer in American men. Risk factors include age, family history, and African ancestry. Early disease often causes no symptoms; more advanced cases may present with urinary blockage, blood in urine, or pelvic pain. [Advanced Urology]

Note: Because symptoms overlap—and may also signal bladder or urinary conditions—consult your doctor for accurate diagnosis. [NCI]

Screenings & Diagnostics: How Prostate Health is Monitored

PSA blood test: Measures prostate-specific antigen, a protein produced by prostate tissue. Elevated levels may suggest inflammation, BPH, or cancer but are not always diagnostic. [NCI Fact Sheet]
Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): A quick in-office procedure where the doctor checks for abnormal texture, shape, or size of the prostate.
Imaging (ultrasound, MRI) & Biopsy: Used when PSA or DRE raise concerns, providing definitive diagnosis.

Should you get screened? General guidelines recommend shared decision-making by age 50 (or 40–45 if high risk). Discussing your personal risks and preferences with your physician is essential. [American Cancer Society]

Lifestyle, Diet, & Prostate Wellness

While age and genetics can't be changed, there’s much you can do to promote lifelong prostate health:

Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity increases risk of aggressive prostate disease. Aim for gradual, sustained weight loss if needed.
Exercise regularly: Both aerobic and resistance training lower inflammation and support hormonal health. Learn more in Building an Exercise Routine That Works for You
Nutrition: Mediterranean-style diets—high in vegetables, fruits, oily fish, healthy fats, and fiber—are associated with lower prostate cancer risk. Limit red/processed meats and high-fat dairy; increase cruciferous veggies (like broccoli). [UCSF Nutrition Guide]
Quit smoking & limit alcohol: Both negatively impact prostate and cardiovascular health.
Don’t forget Vitamin D: Sufficient sun exposure or supplementation may support prostate and bone health.

Tip: These strategies go hand-in-hand with other key prevention advice from The Importance of a Balanced Diet: Macros and Micros

Treatments: A Personalized Approach for Every Diagnosis

BPH: First-line options are often medications (alpha blockers, 5-alpha reductase inhibitors). If needed, minimally invasive procedures (steam therapy, radiofrequency ablation) or TURP (transurethral resection) can dramatically ease symptoms. [Mayo Clinic]
Prostatitis: Acute bacterial forms are treated with antibiotics; chronic cases may require specialized pain/floor therapy.
Prostate cancer: Depends on grade, age, and preferences. Can include:
- Active surveillance (for low-risk cases)
- Surgery or radiation (for localized cancers)
- Hormonal or targeted therapy (for advanced disease)

Deciding on a path should always involve second opinions and patient-centered discussions on potential side effects, especially regarding sexual/urinary function.

Prostate Changes with Age: What’s Normal, What’s Not

Prostate volume increases gradually after age 40–50. Mild urinary changes may be normal, but persistent, severe, or rapidly worsening symptoms warrant evaluation.
Risk for both BPH and prostate cancer rises with age and family history. Regular check-ups help catch problems early, when they’re most treatable.
Stay alert to changes in urinary flow, blood in urine, bone pain, or unexplained weight loss—all should prompt early medical attention.

Prevention & Proactive Health Strategies

Screening by age & risk: Discuss PSA and DRE by age 50, or 40–45 with family history or African ancestry. [Mayo Clinic]
Lifestyle: Diet, exercise, weight control, and moderation in alcohol/tobacco are proven, evidence-based ways to reduce risk.
Stay informed: Continue regular check-ins even when symptom-free. Understanding trends in your urinary function and overall health is key for early detection.

Life After Diagnosis: Mental Health, Adaptation, and Support

Adjusting to a prostate diagnosis, particularly cancer, is never just physical—it’s psychological as well. Common concerns include:

Depression, anxiety, worry about relationships or body image
Changes in sexual function or continence
Post-treatment fatigue or “new normal” adjustment

The good news? With attentive medical teams, good communication, and peer/community support, the vast majority of men adapt and reclaim a high quality of life. Explore more strategies in Managing Stress for Better Mental and Physical Health and Simple Mindfulness Practices for Stress Reduction

Support Resources

Prostate Cancer UK: Life After Diagnosis
Local support groups and counseling—ask our office for referrals
Open communication with loved ones and caregivers

Ready to take charge of your prostate health? Call 240-389-1986 today for a comprehensive men’s health evaluation at our Burtonsville, MD office. Prostate health is a conversation worth having—whether for prevention, symptom relief, or living well after a diagnosis.