Prostate health: Problems, symptoms and solutions

It's not just prostate cancer.

The prostate ...

Although we hear a lot about it, this organ remains rather misunderstood. As part of the internal male reproductive system, the prostate is impossible to see, adding to its mystery.

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. That's why we'd like to answer your questions about the prostate, and demystify the problems, symptoms and solutions associated with prostate health.

Find out how healthy your prostate is with your International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) by answering the 7 short questions at the end of this article, or download the PDF. here.

What is the prostate and what does it do?

The prostate is part of the male reproductive system. It's a small, hazelnut-sized gland located under the bladder in front of the rectum, whose main function is to supply sperm with fluid and nutrients. Prostate cells are produced by testosterone secreted from the testicles.¹

What are the problems associated with the prostate?

For hormonal reasons, the prostate gland is prone to a number of problems. Some are minor, while others can be life-threatening.

The most common problems are benign prostatic hypertrophy.

The prostate can also become inflamedsuch as prostatitis.

Finally, prostate cells can reproduce abnormally, as in the case of prostate cancer.

Find out how healthy your prostate is with your International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) by answering the 7 short questions at the end of this article, or download the PDF. here.

What is benign prostatic hyperplasia?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition in which the volume of the prostate enlarges without posing a threat to health. Although this condition is uncomfortable and inconvenient, it does not increase the risk of prostate cancer.

Benign prostate enlargement affects half of all men between the ages of 51 and 60, and up to 90% of men over 80. Since the prostate is a gland that continues to grow throughout adult life, age is the determining risk factor for prostate enlargement. However, only 50% of men affected by BPH will develop symptoms. A small percentage of these men will also experience BPH-related complications.²

Prostate enlargement can cause urinary discomfort and have a negative impact on quality of life. That's why it's important to seek professional help to control symptoms, and to reduce the negative effects associated with enlargement. Sometimes, simple lifestyle advice will suffice to improve men's quality of life. Other times, more specific treatment options may be required.

What is prostatitis?

Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland. which may be acute or chronic, and may or may not be caused by bacteria. Because of these variants, there are four (4) types of prostatitis.

The first type is acute bacterial prostatitis. Uncommon, it is caused by bacteria, and the symptoms associated with this prostatitis appear suddenly. Men who contract it generally have a history of urological disorders.³

The second type is chronic bacterial prostatitis. It is, once again, caused by bacteria, but symptoms tend to appear and resolve repeatedly. Urological history is an important risk factor, and it seems to predominate in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia.³

The third type is chronic non-bacterial prostatitis. It is also referred to as chronic pelvic pain syndrome. The discomfort caused by this syndrome is not of bacterial origin, but rather due to inflammation, and inconveniences 95% of men with prostatitis. This manifestation causes real urinary discomfort that can affect a man's quality of life.³

The fourth type is asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis. In this case, inflammation of the prostate is usually detected when a blood test is carried out for another immune, sexual or urological disorder, while the man experiences no prostatitis-related symptoms. This type of prostatitis requires no treatment.^3,4

When it comes to prostate cancer ...

In a healthy individual, the body's cells divide and reproduce according to an organized system called mitosis. This is a natural cycle of cell division that allows cells to regenerate and maintain the integrity of the body's tissues.

However, when cells divide abnormally and uncontrollably, following a disorganized cycle, a cancerous tumor can form.

This is what happens in prostate tissue in the case of prostate cancer.

In Canada, prostate cancer affects 1 in 7 Canadians.. It is the most common cancer among men. Prostate cancer generally progresses slowly. However, it can also migrate to other parts of the body, including lymph nodes, bones and organs. This is known as metastatic cancer, and is the most threatening form of prostate cancer. When cancer metastasizes, the affected tissues and structures become sensitive and painful. For example, if prostate cancer has metastasized or spread to the hip bone, it will be painful.

Prostate cancer is often asymptomatic, meaning that it causes no symptoms. That's why it's recommended that men undergo frequent screening tests, in line with current recommendations. In the absence of symptoms and screening, it can take several years before the problem is detected.^5,6

Who can get prostate cancer?

All men can be affected by prostate cancerbut the risk is higher when the man :

• Has a family history of prostate cancer ;
• Is over 50;
• Is of African-American or African-Caribbean origin;
• Overweight;
• Is diabetic;
• Does not have good eating habits;
• Does not exercise.¹

What are the signs of a prostate disorder?

In addition to being attached to the bladder, the prostate encompasses the urethra, the small urinary canal that allocates the flow of urine. Because of this anatomical location, the majority of symptoms associated with prostate problems are urological (urinary) in nature. Ejaculatory disorders may also be experienced. The most commonly reported symptoms are 

• Urinary urgency;
• Burning or pain during urination;
• Frequent need to urinate at night;
• Difficulty starting, stopping or controlling urine flow;
• Incontinence: inability to control urine output;
• Weak urine flow;
• Incomplete emptying of the bladder;
• Painful ejaculation;
• Loss of libido;
• Presence of blood in semen or urine;
• Swelling in the legs, feet or pelvis;
• Sudden weight loss.⁷

A man experiencing any of the symptoms listed above should consult a physician immediately.

Sadly, research shows that men are half as likely as women to seek medical or professional help when a health problem arises. That's why support from those around you is so important. Family and friends can all make men aware of the importance of prostate health.⁸

What prostate screening tests are available?

Given the high incidence of prostate disorders, it is recommended that men be tested regularly. In a way, it's the equivalent of breast cancer screening for women.

The blood test measuring the level of PSA (prostate-specific antigen) is a method used to detect certain prostate disorders, including prostatitis and cancer. The PSA test is a simple, effective and non-invasive way of detecting prostate disorders as soon as a man presents risk factors or symptoms. It is, however, a controversial practice, as it can lead to unnecessary additional tests.¹

The palpation testThe palpation test, or digital rectal exam (DRE), is used to detect lumps, rigid and/or irregular areas of the prostate. The DRE is performed by a doctor or urologist using a gloved, lubricated hand. Although this test can be invasive, it is performed with great care and is generally painless. Once considered the test of choice, recent data show that palpation is less effective than blood sampling, calling into question the value of routine palpation. According to a report by urologist Dr. Ryan Terlecki, who collected data from 38,000 men, DRE alone does not improve prognosis or screening for prostate cancer.^{1, 9}

Biopsy is performed to confirm the results of the blood test or DRE. Performed under local anaesthetic, this procedure is used, among other things, to detect the presence of cancer. The test is invasive, but short-lived.¹

Improve my prostate health by clicking here!

Are there any natural approaches or complementary therapies to treat the prostate?

It is possible to support prostate health and its functions through natural approaches.

First and foremost, diet plays an important role in both preventing and improving prostate problems. Certain foods are known to improve prostate health. These include tomatoes, broccoli, legumes, soy, green tea, fish, pomegranate and olive oil.^{10, 11}

When prostate problems cause urinary discomfort, physiotherapy can help. Indeed, as described by Marie-Ève Bérubé, physiotherapist in perineal and pelvic rehabilitation, PhD candidate and owner of Clinique Pelvi-Solutions in Gatineau: "Physiotherapy can help men with urinary difficulties accompanied or not by [burning sensation]. We will work on relaxing, strengthening and coordinating the pelvic muscles to improve urinary control and function. [Optimizing] muscle function through various exercises promotes urine evacuation, alleviates symptoms and can aid recovery following surgery."

Marie-Ève Bérubé also notes the importance of the urinary assessment performed by the physiotherapist. "The urinary assessment [illustrates] all behaviors related to the urinary system, including eating and urinary habits. Sometimes, it's enough to institute behavioral modifications [causing] the urinary urgency."

According to the Centre Intégratif d'Urologie, several behavioral changes help reduce the risk of prostate cancer and improve its prognosis including :

• Maintaining a healthy weight;
• Antioxidant intake through fruits, vegetables and natural health products;
• Reducing chronic inflammation by taking Omega 3 and curcumin;
• Detoxification: perspiration, good intestinal transit, physical exercise and liver cleansing;
• Natural anti-cancer agents such as the maïtaké mushroom;
• Reducing exposure to bisphenol A (BPA);
• Reducing exposure to pesticides;
• Reduced consumption of conventionally raised red meat and dairy products;
• Reduced consumption of caffeinated and alcoholic beverages.¹²

Finally, in the field of natural health and folk medicine, saw palmetto (serenoa repens) is considered the botanical extract of choice for prostate health. Indeed, studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing symptoms associated with BPH and prostate inflammation. It has been reported to up to 90% of men with improved symptoms after taking saw palmetto for 4 weeks.¹³

Available at all La Boîte à Grains stores, Prostate 1the only botanical extract of saw palmetto with proven clinical efficacy. Prostate 1manufactured by the Swiss company A. Vogel, prevents and relieves symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and reduces bothersome urinary symptoms.

Improve my prostate health by clicking here!

Like September marks Prostate Cancer Monthwe invite you to talk to the men in your life to encourage them to take their health to heart, and to seek advice if they have any doubts about their prostate health. Speaking of Prostate 1 to the men in your life, you could have a positive impact on their quality of life.  

Prostate 1 is available in 2 formats: 30 and 60 capsules. Simply take 1 capsule 1 time a day with water after a meal. Prostate 1 starts to work with the first doses, but it may take some time for the full effect to be felt. Find out more about Prostate 1 here!

Good prostate health!

About the author

Naturopaths of La Boite à Grains

Team of licensed and certified naturopaths (ND) in Gatineau, Outaouais.

Original article written by Véronique Cousineau, Naturopath

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Sources

1: Prostate Cancer Canada.

2: Martin, P. MD, Razvi, H. MD, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS) in Men. P:177-185, The Consumer's Handbook of Urological Health.

3 : Nickel C. J. MD, Roberts G.G. MD, ProstatitisandMaleChronicPelvicPain Syndrome. p:148-157, The Consumer's Handbook of Urological Health.

4: Prostatitis. Canadian Cancer Society. Accessed August 26, 2018.

5: Statistics. Prostate Cancer Canada. Accessed August 26, 2018.

6: Touma, N. MD, Izawa, J. I. MD, Saad, F. MD, ProstateCancer. p. 196-207. The Consumer's Handbook of Urological Health.

7: Canadian Urological Association. Accessed August 26, 2018.

8: Source: Summary Health Statistics: National Health Interview Survey, 2014. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - National Center for Health Statistics.

9: Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. September 6, 2016. It may be time to abandon dreaded digital rectal exam, research shows. Science Daily.

10: Capurso, Cristiano, and Gianluigi Vendemiale. "The Mediterranean Diet Reduces the Risk and Mortality of the Prostate Cancer: A Narrative Review." Frontiers in Nutrition 4 (2017): 38. PMC. Web. 27 Aug. 2018.

11: Marcin, A., Reviewed by Chen, R., MD. 2017, Mar. 29. 6 Foods to Boost Prostate Health. Healthline. Accessed August 26, 2018.

12: Espinosa G., ND, LAc, CNS. Six Naturopathic Methods to Combat Prostate Cancer. The Integrative Urology Center

13: Murray, M.T., ND, Pizzorno. J. ND., Prostate Enlargement. The encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. Third Edition. NY. Atria. July 2012. 915-922. Print.