Men should be aware of what a healthy prostate feels like to recognize any abnormalities in their prostate health.
Dr. Santosh Gawali, Consultant Urologist at Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre in Mumbai, highlighted the importance of the prostate in the male reproductive system. He explained that the prostate’s primary role is to produce semen, a slightly alkaline fluid that nourishes and protects sperm. Despite its significance, prostate health is often overlooked in discussions, leading many men to suffer the consequences of ignoring potential issues with the organ. Dr. Gawali emphasized the importance of understanding both the symptoms of prostate problems and how a healthy prostate functions.
Normal urinary functions are indicative of a healthy prostate
The prostate, a small walnut-sized gland positioned just below the bladder in men, surrounds the urethra—the tube responsible for carrying urine and semen out of the body. Therefore, prostate health is closely linked to the proper functioning of the urinary system. Signs of a healthy prostate include:
1. Regular and consistent urine flow.
2. Absence of urgency or frequent urination, especially during the night.
3. No difficulty initiating or stopping urine flow.
4. Complete emptying of the bladder without any issues.
Moreover, normal sexual function or pain-free sexual activity may also indicate a healthy prostate. However, it’s crucial to undergo regular prostate screenings since many problems, including prostate cancer, can be asymptomatic.
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test for Prostate Screening
To assess the health and function of your prostate, consider undergoing a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. This test measures the levels of a protein present solely in prostatic tissue. Elevated levels, exceeding 4 ng/ml, may indicate potential issues, while levels below 4 ng/ml generally suggest a healthy prostate.
Important Prostate Conditions to Be Aware Of
Prostate Conditions to Note:
– Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): Non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland leading to urinary issues.
– Prostatitis: Inflammation of the prostate gland, often due to bacterial infection, causing pelvic pain and urinary difficulties.
– Prostate Cancer: Malignant growth in the prostate gland, with symptoms including urinary problems and, in advanced stages, blood in the urine.
Signs of an Unhealthy Prostate:
Common Symptoms of Prostate Issues:
– Frequent urination, particularly at night (nocturia)
– Urgency to urinate
– Difficulty initiating or maintaining a urine stream
– Weak urine stream
– Dribbling at the end of urination
– Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
– Burning sensation during urination
– Presence of blood in urine or semen
– Straining while urinating
Conclusion
Similar to other organs, the prostate demands care too. Various conditions like prostatitis, BPH, and prostate cancer can impact this gland, causing troublesome symptoms. Neglecting these issues can escalate to more severe complications, especially in the case of cancer, posing life-threatening risks. Hence, it’s crucial to conduct regular self-examinations to familiarize yourself with how your prostate normally looks and feels. This way, you can promptly recognize any alterations that might signal a problem.