Prostate Function

The prostate is a gland found only in men that fits into the pelvic area and resides just behind the walls of the rectum. The prostate produces a fluid that makes up about ¼ of a man’s seminal fluids. Proteins called prostate-specific antigens, or PSAs help to keep the semen in liquid form. The normal male prostate is about the size of a large walnut and is an important part of the male reproductive system, and also works to keep male urine from getting into a man’s semen, and enhances the pleasure of a man during sex.

Prostate function declines in men as they age, which is when most problems that are associated with the prostate commence.

It is not uncommon for the male prostate to begin enlarging with age, which often decreases prostate function. The most common prostate problems include prostatitis (infection of the prostate) and prostate cancer.

Signs of Reduced Prostate Function

When the function of the prostate is reduced, there are signs that men should look for, although many men may attribute the signs of reduced prostate function to other problems, or may be asymptomatic and have no signs of problems whatsoever. The most common signal to look for is a dysfunction in the urinary system, such as hesitation when urination begins, or a feeling of not being able to completely void the bladder.

Improving Prostate Function

It is important for all men who have reached the age of forty-five to have a regular screening of the prostate to ensure prostate function and to rule out possible prostate cancer. A quick and easy prostate check (called a digital rectal exam or DRE) is now a recommended test during all routine yearly physical exams in men of this age. Men who are over the age of fifty are particularly prone to prostate enlargement which can cause urinary problems, including urinary incontinence, increased incidence of urinary tract infections, and sexual dysfunctions. Men can improve prostate function by:

• Having sex regularly. The production of semen decreases the probability that a man will develop problems of the prostate or declining prostate function.
• Supplement the diet with herbal remedies that are known to promote prostate function. Saw palmetto is a prostate-healthy herb that is rich in phytonutrients that have been shown to promote functioning of the prostate. Red clover can prevent prostate gland enlargement and is abundant in antioxidants that inhibit the growth of tumors that are associated with prostate cancer. Fish oil or flaxseed oil, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, promote the prostate function and reduce a man’s chances of developing prostate cancer.
• Eat healthier. Direct links between prostate function and diet have been found in various bodies of scientific and nutritional research. Incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh cold ocean fish like salmon and mackerel, whole grains, and fiber into your diet while avoiding red meats and fatty fried foods and limiting the amount of salt in your diet.
• Exercise. Exercise improves the functionality of every body system and can promote prostate function and prostate health.
• Bulk up on lycopene, which is a compound that is shown to prevent cancer, by eating tomatoes and products that contain tomatoes, like tomato sauce, pizza sauce, ketchup, and salsa.
• Drink beneficial green tea for its ability to reduce tumors and its fifty-one phytonutrients and free-radical fighting antioxidant properties.

Prostate Function Decline: Importance of Screening Tests

Keep in mind that in men who do develop prostate cancer, early detection and diagnosis is the key to a good outcome. The later on that prostate cancer is discovered, the harder it is to treat and the greater the likelihood that the cancer has spread to other areas of the body. Whether or not a man has noticed a decline in prostate function, early detection of prostate problems can be life-saving.