Many men do not think about their prostate health until they start experiencing problems with it. The prostate is a walnut-shaped gland that plays a vital role in the male reproductive system. However, given its location, changes in the prostate gland can affect normal functions like urination.

Prostate problems can include a frequent need to urinate, incomplete bladder emptying, and painful urination. If one is experiencing any of these symptoms, one can consult Dr. Niren Rao, a leading urologist, at Dr. Niren Rao’s Urology Practice to get an effective treatment. Consult him to know how much prostate treatment cost in Delhi.

Overview

As men get older, they are more likely to suffer from prostate problems. However, most prostate problems are not cancerous. The prostate is a gland that makes fluid and lies low in the body, in front of the rectum and below the bladder. In young men, the prostate is similar to the size of a walnut. It slowly grows with age. If the prostate gets too large, it causes urinary problems. Infection or cancer of the prostate causes urinary troubles. Often, elderly men observe symptoms, or at times, the doctor finds something during a routine checkup.

How Does the Prostate Change As One Ages?

Prostate enlargement is associated with aging. That is why it is more likely to occur in men over 50. With age, the prostate gland tends to enlarge, which may narrow the urethra and make it difficult to pass urine. These urinary symptoms can sometimes start in men in their 40s or 50s, and they require medical treatment. For others, the symptoms are not noticed until much later in life. The prostate might grow larger due to an infection or a tumor as well. If one experiences any of the following urine symptoms, let the doctor know:

• Urgent need to pass urine

• Have less flow of urine

• Burning while passing urine

Men over the age of 50 are more likely to encounter prostate issues, but men in their 40s can still develop symptoms. Fortunately, most prostate issues are treatable with early detection. Even if cancer is found, all men have a relative five-year survival rate of almost 100%. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or prostate enlargement, is the most frequent prostate condition recognised in males over 50. A condition known as prostatitis, which is an inflammation or infection, is also more common in men over the age of 50.

Let’s understand the common prostate problems in detail:

1. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
   BPH, also known as enlargement of the prostate, is the growth of the prostate gland to an unhealthy size. The chances of a man having BPH go up with age:

• Age 31–40: one in 12

• Age 51–60: about one in two

• Over the age of 80: more than eight in 10
  
   

2. Prostate Cancer
   Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers found in men. Prostate cancer will be identified in about one in six men at some point in their lifetime. Since prostate cancer grows slowly, only one in 30 men dies of it. Prostate cancer risk rises with age, much like BPH does. One-third of men with prostate cancer are older than 65, on average. Although the specific cause of prostate cancer is unknown, the main risk factors include:

• Age: Men who are 50 or older have higher chances of developing prostate cancer.

• Family History: Men whose father or brothers have had a history of prostate cancer are more likely to have it than men who do not have a history of the disease. The younger the man’s relatives were when they had prostate cancer, the greater their risk of developing the disease. Prostate cancer risk is also higher for men who have a history of breast cancer.

• Diet: The risk of prostate cancer is higher for men who consume a high-fat diet.
   

3. Prostatitis
   Unlike other prostate issues, young and middle-aged men are more likely to experience prostatitis, an infection or inflammation of the prostate. Only 5% to 10% of men experience prostatitis at some point in their lives.

If one is experiencing the above conditions, one can schedule a consultation with Dr. Niren Rao, a urology doctor in Delhi, at Dr. Niren Rao’s Urology Practice.

What are the Preventive Steps that Can be Followed to Avoid Prostate Problems?

Some of the prostate problems, especially BPH, are a natural part of growing older. However, here are some ways to keep the prostate healthy:

1. Exercise Everyday: Nothing is more vital than exercising every day. This applies not just to prostate problems but also to other health issues. There is no substitute for exercising. As far as prostate problems are concerned, exercises will keep the body fit and in check.

2. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Like exercise, it is also essential for a man to maintain a healthy body weight. Men who are overweight have a higher chance of developing prostate problems and, later, prostate cancer. If men tend to be heavier than women, they should make an effort to lose weight. This can be done by choosing the type of food digested or the food's ingredients. Particular attention must be paid to the number of calories consumed.

3. Have a Balanced Diet: This is another important point that one must keep in mind that as one gets older, they must be more particular about what kind of food choices they are making. A man should choose a diet that is rich in nutrients and low in fat. Food and vegetables are the best sources of nutrients. They are also full of vitamins and never go to waste. However, fatty foods such as meats, dairy products, and oil should be avoided. It is typically seen that individuals with prostate cancer tend to eat fatty and oily foods. However, this does not imply that eating fatty or greasy foods leads to prostate cancer.

If one experiences any prostate problems, one can book a consultation with Dr. Niren Rao, a renowned urologist, to get the best prostate treatment in Delhi. Pay a visit to the clinic for more information.