Unlock the secrets to prostate health: Is more intimacy the surprising solution?
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Disclaimer: This article cannot be considered medical advice. Please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider for medical guidance, diagnoses, or treatment.
As men enter their later years, prostate health becomes an increasingly important factor in quality of life.
But did you know that simple lifestyle changes may hold the key to preventing and relieving its bothersome ailments?
According to a consultant urological surgeon named Neil Barber, the prostate—which starts about the size of a walnut—can double or triple in size as men age, turning into something as large as a tennis ball.
This condition, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), affects men as early as their 30s. By the time they reach the age of 50, about 50 per cent of men will have an enlarged prostate, while close to 90 per cent will be affected by the age of 80.
As the prostate grows, it presses on the urethra, the tube along which urine flows out of the body.
This pressure can lead to a weaker urine flow, an increased need to urinate, pain during urination, and even incontinence and sexual dysfunction.
These symptoms can significantly impact a man's quality of life and the lives of their partners.
While BPH is a common part of ageing for men and is not cancerous, there are steps that every man can take to keep their prostate as healthy as possible.
Dr Barber shared these essential tips that men should follow:
Dr Neil shared that ejaculation clears the prostate of secretions and potentially inflammatory chemicals.
‘There is some evidence that, if you don't clear secretions from the prostate, you can end up with an obstruction which, in turn, may cause infection and lead to prostatitis—inflammation of the prostate. This can cause pain and discomfort,’ he explained.
Some studies even alluded that sexual activity may reduce the risk of prostate cancer in men.
Dr Barber also mentioned that men abstaining from sexual activity could ‘simply be storing up problems’.
‘What I've observed in the clinic is that men in their 20s and 30s with prostatitis perhaps don't ejaculate very often for someone of their age. Some of my colleagues will encourage these people to masturbate or have more sex, as they believe it will help improve their symptoms,’ Dr Barber shared.
‘There's no evidence that abstaining is good for you,’ he added.
Cycling can lead to higher levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in blood tests, and Dr Bardber said this is believed to be due to the pressure the bike saddle puts on the prostate.
‘There is a higher rate of prostate cancer diagnoses in men who cycle, but we think this is a coincidence,’ Dr Barber shared.
Despite the caveats, he doesn’t believe cycling is bad for men’s prostate health.
Adjustments to the saddle and wearing padded cycling shorts can help alleviate this pressure.
‘What cycling can lead to is erectile dysfunction due to pressure on the nerves in the perineum, and prostatitis. The impact of these can be lessened by making some adjustments to the saddle. Buy one that's cushioned, as well as padded cycling shorts. Take breaks and lower your handlebars so you lean forwards, which tilts your backside off the seat,’ he advised.
Diets low in fat, dairy, and red meat, with lots of fruit, vegetables, and lean protein, such as fish, are recommended. Research has found that consuming processed red meat can cause inflammation in the body and increase the risk of BPH in men.
‘There are also studies that suggest vegetarians have a lower risk of prostate problems,’ Dr Barber said.
He admitted that it’s difficult to determine if diet is a sole factor—since most vegetarians are more likely to lead healthy lifestyles—but it’s still beneficial to minimise the consumption of animal products and vegetable oils.
Dr Barber recommended: ‘Particularly important vegetables are those containing vitamins and minerals thought to help support prostate health, which include beta-carotene, lycopene and Vitamin C. Try carrots, tomatoes, spinach, sweet potatoes, broccoli, oranges, melon and kiwi.’
While these tips can help manage symptoms and keep your prostate healthy, it's essential to consult with your healthcare provider if you're experiencing any issues.
Regular check-ups and open communication with your doctor can help catch any potential problems early and ensure you're taking the best care of your prostate health.
SDC member Alan G. shared his experience with a problematic prostate in an article. You can read it here.
Remember, your health is in your hands. By following these tips, you can help ensure a healthy prostate and a better quality of life as you age.
So, gentlemen, do you have other tips to keep your prostate healthy? Let us know in the comments below.
As men enter their later years, prostate health becomes an increasingly important factor in quality of life.
But did you know that simple lifestyle changes may hold the key to preventing and relieving its bothersome ailments?
According to a consultant urological surgeon named Neil Barber, the prostate—which starts about the size of a walnut—can double or triple in size as men age, turning into something as large as a tennis ball.
This condition, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), affects men as early as their 30s. By the time they reach the age of 50, about 50 per cent of men will have an enlarged prostate, while close to 90 per cent will be affected by the age of 80.
As men age, the prostate could double or triple in size. Credit: Beth Macdonald/Unsplash
As the prostate grows, it presses on the urethra, the tube along which urine flows out of the body.
This pressure can lead to a weaker urine flow, an increased need to urinate, pain during urination, and even incontinence and sexual dysfunction.
These symptoms can significantly impact a man's quality of life and the lives of their partners.
While BPH is a common part of ageing for men and is not cancerous, there are steps that every man can take to keep their prostate as healthy as possible.
Dr Barber shared these essential tips that men should follow:
1. Use It or Lose It: Exercise Your Prostate
The prostate is part-muscle, and like all muscles in the body, it benefits from regular use. Regular sexual activity, whether solo or with a partner, can help keep the prostate healthy.Dr Neil shared that ejaculation clears the prostate of secretions and potentially inflammatory chemicals.
‘There is some evidence that, if you don't clear secretions from the prostate, you can end up with an obstruction which, in turn, may cause infection and lead to prostatitis—inflammation of the prostate. This can cause pain and discomfort,’ he explained.
Some studies even alluded that sexual activity may reduce the risk of prostate cancer in men.
Dr Barber also mentioned that men abstaining from sexual activity could ‘simply be storing up problems’.
‘What I've observed in the clinic is that men in their 20s and 30s with prostatitis perhaps don't ejaculate very often for someone of their age. Some of my colleagues will encourage these people to masturbate or have more sex, as they believe it will help improve their symptoms,’ Dr Barber shared.
‘There's no evidence that abstaining is good for you,’ he added.
2. Get on Your Bike: Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise is beneficial for overall health and can help manage symptoms of an enlarged prostate. Cycling is a popular choice for many, but there have been concerns about its impact—quite literally—on the prostate.Cycling can lead to higher levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in blood tests, and Dr Bardber said this is believed to be due to the pressure the bike saddle puts on the prostate.
‘There is a higher rate of prostate cancer diagnoses in men who cycle, but we think this is a coincidence,’ Dr Barber shared.
Dr Barber said that regular exercise like cycling can help manage an enlarged prostate. Credit: Martin Magnemyr/Pexels
Despite the caveats, he doesn’t believe cycling is bad for men’s prostate health.
Adjustments to the saddle and wearing padded cycling shorts can help alleviate this pressure.
‘What cycling can lead to is erectile dysfunction due to pressure on the nerves in the perineum, and prostatitis. The impact of these can be lessened by making some adjustments to the saddle. Buy one that's cushioned, as well as padded cycling shorts. Take breaks and lower your handlebars so you lean forwards, which tilts your backside off the seat,’ he advised.
3. More veg, less bacon: Eat healthy
Dr Barber shared that a healthy diet can help manage symptoms of an enlarged prostate and may reduce your risk of developing BPH.Diets low in fat, dairy, and red meat, with lots of fruit, vegetables, and lean protein, such as fish, are recommended. Research has found that consuming processed red meat can cause inflammation in the body and increase the risk of BPH in men.
‘There are also studies that suggest vegetarians have a lower risk of prostate problems,’ Dr Barber said.
He admitted that it’s difficult to determine if diet is a sole factor—since most vegetarians are more likely to lead healthy lifestyles—but it’s still beneficial to minimise the consumption of animal products and vegetable oils.
Dr Barber recommended: ‘Particularly important vegetables are those containing vitamins and minerals thought to help support prostate health, which include beta-carotene, lycopene and Vitamin C. Try carrots, tomatoes, spinach, sweet potatoes, broccoli, oranges, melon and kiwi.’
While these tips can help manage symptoms and keep your prostate healthy, it's essential to consult with your healthcare provider if you're experiencing any issues.
Regular check-ups and open communication with your doctor can help catch any potential problems early and ensure you're taking the best care of your prostate health.
SDC member Alan G. shared his experience with a problematic prostate in an article. You can read it here.
Remember, your health is in your hands. By following these tips, you can help ensure a healthy prostate and a better quality of life as you age.
So, gentlemen, do you have other tips to keep your prostate healthy? Let us know in the comments below.
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