Prostate-related diseases mainly affect men aged over 50. Sometimes earlier.
Good prostate health is important in men. In France, prostate cancer (the most serious disease that can affect this organ) is the leading male cancer with around 60,000 new cases diagnosed each year. “The prostate is a sexual organ which participates in the production of sperm and which allows its emission and evacuation into the urethra canal at the time of ejaculation” reminds us of Dr Wolff, urologist at the Polyclinique Bordeaux Nord and at the Nouvelle Clinique Bel-Air. It is located just below the bladder, at the level of the urinary tract “this is why when there are pathologies of the prostate, it can have an impact on the functioning of the urinary system”.
There are two main pathologies in the prostate. The first is benign and constitutes the natural evolution of the prostate. “This is called benign prostatic hypertrophy or benign prostatic adenoma”continues the specialist. “This is an increase in the size of the prostate which can lead to pressure on the urethra, therefore urinary symptoms: difficulty urinating, frequent need to urinate (especially at night), low urinary flow, sensation for not having completely emptied the bladder.” There is no awareness campaign or screening around the adenoma, since it is the natural evolution of the prostate. “On the other hand, during a routine consultation, the attending physician can ask the patient about possible urinary problems.”
“For prostate adenoma, we know that lifestyle can have an impact both on the development of the adenoma itself and on the symptoms” informs Dr. Wolff. This goes through:
- A diet rich in fruits and vegetables which contain antioxidants.
- Reduction of saturated (and animal) fats.
- Increasing omega-3
- Limiting alcohol and caffeine consumption.
- Avoiding tobacco
- Good hydration
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- And stress reduction
It is possible to prevent the discomfort and complications caused by prostate adenoma. To do this, you need to take care of your sex life. If you have regular sexual activity, continue to keep up the pace. An Australian study showed that masturbation also limited the development of benign prostatic hypertrophy. It is also advisable not to hold back from urinating when you want to because this can irritate the bladder. Avoid certain foods. Spicy and salty foods, alcohol, drinks rich in caffeine (coffee, tea, colas) and chocolate aggravate the symptoms of prostate adenoma. If you have a cold, avoid taking medications that contain a decongestant (such as pseudoephedrine). These substances make it more difficult to pass urine. Don’t forget to exercise. Good muscle tone allows you to better control your urge to urinate. However, avoid sports that upset the bladder (mountain biking, horse riding, tennis, volleyball for example).
The second pathology is prostate cancer. It usually develops slowly, but in some cases it can progress quickly. Like breast cancer, prostate cancer is a hormone-dependent, testosterone-dependent cancer. “Avoid any hormonal treatment in the form of male hormones such as testosterone or derivatives”, indicates Professor Henri Joyeux in his book “Cure definitively from cancer” (Edition du Rocher). “These hormones like growth factors can stimulate prostate gland tissue and trigger abnormalities that progress to cancer.” He also advises avoiding the consumption of excess sugars, strong alcohol, red meats, cold meats, pasta and pizza in excess; to limit yourself to one dairy product per day (rather goat or sheep) and to follow a Mediterranean type diet with fish, seafood, white meats, fruits, vegetables, dried fruits (almonds, nuts, etc.). .).
There is no mass screening for prostate cancer but “screening is recommended for the majority of men between 50 and 70 years old, specifies our interlocutor. It is recommended for men aged 45 and over, in case of risk factors such as a family history of prostate cancer.” Screening is done by a blood test which will measure PSA, a protein produced by the prostate. “Its level in the blood can increase in the presence of prostate cancer.” A high PSA level can be an indicator of cancer, but it is not specific. It can also be elevated for other reasons, such as infection or benign enlargement.