Causes of Prostate Cancer
Difficulty Urinating, Enlarged Prostate, Infection and Viruses
Sep 8, 2009
As men age more male hormones such as testosterone collect in the prostate and in the blood stream. This testosterone is converted by the body into a more potent form called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Too much DHT in the body causes varying reactions in different individuals, including male pattern baldness, excess body hair growth and cell multiplication, which eventually produces enlargement of the prostate.
This can eventually lead to uncomfortable symptoms and a common condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or an enlarged, swollen prostate gland. The symptoms caused by this condition include frequent nighttime urination, difficulty in urinating, pain and other uncomfortable symptoms. Left untreated, a certain percentage of cases will lead to prostate cancer.
What Causes Frequent and Difficult Urination in Men?
The prostate is a chestnut-sized male gland that lies between the bladder and rectum, wrapped around the urethra, a tube that leads from the bladder to the outside of the body. When the prostate enlarges, it can tighten around the urethra, putting pressure on it and making it difficult to urinate. This causes trickling and discomfort when urinating and frequent urination.
Prostate Infections can be Due to STD and Fungal Infection
Sudden, severe infections of the prostate are usually caused by bacterial infections, which may spread from urinary tract infections or a sexually transmitted disease such as gonorrhea. Pressure of the enlarged prostate against the urethra is the main cause of the urinary problems associated with the prostate. There is also thought to be a connection between prostate cancer and fungal infections. Good hygiene can therefore help protect the prostate. Don’t ignore symptoms, consult your family physician. Follow medications dosages and treatment guidelines carefully, as repeated for lengthy infections, especially due to sexually transmitted disease, increase the risk of prostate cancer.
Read here to learn more about the symptoms of prostate disease and disorders.
10 ways to decrease the risk of prostate cancer and other prostate disorders
- Diet: Add nutrients that help balance hormones and strengthen the body’s immune system.
- Drink plenty of water, fruit juices and teas to promote healthy kidney and bladder function.
- Stick to a low-fat and low-sodium diet.
- Exercise: Exercise in fresh air and practice meditation and relaxation techniques to decrease stress and aid the bladder in emptying completely.
- Good hygiene and lifestyle: Prevent bacterial and fungal infections, especially those of the urinary tract.
- Carefully follow instructions for medications and treatment guidelines if suffering from an infection or illness.
- Maintain a healthy weight and low cholesterol
- Check your blood pressure regularly and ensure that it is not high.
- Take herbal supplements for prostate health to prevent and help treat prostate conditions.
- Get regular check ups by your physician
Prostate Enlargement and Cancer Linked to Hormone Changes
Both prostate enlargement and cancer are linked to hormonal changes that occur as men get older, similar to the menopausal changes in women. Severe hormonal imbalances are usually due to diet, nutrient deficiencies, obesity and high cholesterol. Men over the age of fifty should have regular prostate examinations by their physicians. A health exam will include measurements of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a marker used by doctors to detect prostate cancer.
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