Many men only worry about the prostate when it causes problems in everyday life. More frequent urge to urinate, going to the toilet at night or a weakening urine stream are initially accepted as normal side effects of getting older. However, changes in urination should not be dismissed too quickly, but rather should be clarified by a doctor. There can be different causes behind the complaints.
September is internationally dedicated to prostate cancer awareness. A good reason not to take your men’s health seriously until you have acute symptoms. Prostate health includes more than just the question of a possible disease: it starts with knowledge about your own body, an informed decision about early detection and a lifestyle that supports general health in the long term.
A small organ that changes throughout life
The prostate lies below the urinary bladder and surrounds part of the urethra. When young it is about the size of a walnut. As many men age, their glandular tissue grows. This is often a benign enlargement of the prostate, medically known as benign prostatic hyperplasia.
The growth can cause the urethra to become narrowed. Possible consequences are:
- frequent or sudden urge to urinate,
- repeated urination at night,
- a weak or interrupted stream of urine,
- difficulty starting to urinate,
- the feeling of not being able to completely empty the bladder.
Such symptoms do not automatically mean that you have cancer. Conversely, prostate cancer often does not cause any clear symptoms in its early stages. Complaints and early detection cannot therefore be directly deduced from each other: Anyone who does not notice any changes is not automatically free of the disease, and anyone who has symptoms does not necessarily have to have cancer.
Early detection means an informed decision
In Germany, men aged 45 and over can take advantage of statutory prostate cancer screening once a year. The current health insurance offering includes a targeted anamnesis, an examination of the external genital organs and lymph nodes as well as a palpable examination of the prostate.
However, the importance of the palpation examination has changed. The current German S3 guidelines no longer recommend it as a method for the early detection of prostate cancer. Men aged 45 and over who decide on early detection after an open-ended medical consultation should instead be offered an individually tailored examination based on the PSA value. In addition to the measured value, age, family history and other personal risk factors are also taken into account.
PSA stands for prostate-specific antigen, a protein that is produced almost exclusively in the prostate and is determined using a blood sample. An elevated value does not mean cancer. Benign prostate enlargement, inflammation and other influences can also change the PSA value. At the same time, the measurement can provide information that must be classified depending on age, baseline values, family history and other risk factors.
The PSA test is currently not part of the regular statutory early detection program for symptom-free men and usually has to be paid for by yourself. However, if there is a specific suspicion of illness, the determination of the PSA value can be a service provided by statutory health insurance.
The decision for or against a PSA test should therefore not be made in isolation. It makes sense to talk to your family doctor or a specialist urological practice about the possible benefits, but also about false-positive findings, overdiagnosis and any follow-up examinations that may arise from this.
Family history also belongs in this conversation. If first-degree relatives, especially father or brother, suffer from prostate cancer, this should be taken into account when assessing your personal risk. If a hereditary change relevant to the disease is known, advice at a specialized risk consultation can be useful from the age of 40.
What lifestyle can contribute to men’s health
Neither a single measure nor a single nutrient can guarantee prostate health. Still, it’s worth considering prostate health in the context of overall metabolic and cardiovascular health. Exercise, body weight, diet, alcohol and smoking influence numerous processes that play a role in healthy aging.
Keep moving regularly
Physical activity supports the cardiovascular system, metabolism, weight control and general well-being. It’s not just classic sport that’s important. Brisk walking, cycling, gardening and regular breaks from long periods of sitting also bring more exercise into everyday life.
As a guideline for adults, at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week as well as muscle-strengthening exercises on at least two days.
Bring plant-based diversity to your plate
A balanced diet should consist predominantly of vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grain products, nuts and high-quality vegetable oils. These foods provide fiber, vitamins, minerals and a variety of phytochemicals.
In connection with men’s health, lycopene from tomatoes, lignans from flaxseed and curcuminoids from turmeric, among others, are being scientifically investigated. However, it cannot be concluded from individual studies or laboratory findings that these substances prevent or treat prostate diseases. It makes more sense to view them as components of a varied diet.
For example, lycopene-rich tomato products can be combined with olive oil, ground flaxseeds go well in muesli or yoghurt and turmeric can be used regularly in cooking. It is not a supposed “superfood”, but the diet as a whole that is crucial.
Don’t ignore body weight, alcohol and smoking
Permanently increased body weight is associated with various chronic diseases and several types of cancer. Gradual weight loss can therefore be part of a comprehensive health strategy.
Alcohol should be consumed as little as possible and tobacco should be avoided completely. These recommendations are not exclusively aimed at the prostate, but they strengthen the health foundation that men build on as they age.
Classify nutritional supplements consciously
Dietary supplements can complement a balanced diet, but do not replace it. This also applies to early detection examinations and medical treatments. Pain, blood in the urine or semen, difficulty urinating and other new changes should always be checked by a doctor.
Since the initial health situation and individual needs differ, medpro offers various recipes for men’s health.
ProstaLin-C™ combines lignans from flax seeds, the curcumin extract BCM95™ DC, lycopene from tomato extract as well as zinc and selenium. Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal testosterone levels in the blood and normal functioning of the immune system. Zinc and selenium also help protect cells from oxidative stress.
ProstaSol™ contains an extensive plant complex, including plant sterols, the curcumin extract BCM95™ DC, lignans from flaxseed, quercetin, Pygeum africanum, ginseng, saw palmetto extract, resveratrol, reishi and an extract from Japanese knotweed.
PROSTECTAN™ combines eleven herbal components. These include, among others, curcuminoids, soy extract, lignans from linseed, Baikal skullcap, woad, ginseng, reishi and saw palmetto extract.
Prostapinol™ is based on beta-sitosterol from pine, green tea extract, rye pollen extract, Pygeum africanum as well as zinc and selenium. Zinc contributes to maintaining normal testosterone levels and normal fertility. Selenium contributes to normal sperm formation. Both trace elements also help to protect cells from oxidative stress.
IMUPROS™ focuses more on the man’s general nutrient supply. The formula contains, among other things, vitamins C, E and D, calcium, zinc and selenium as well as soy, green tea and tomato extract. Vitamin C helps reduce tiredness and fatigue. Vitamins C and E help protect cells from oxidative stress. Vitamin D, zinc and selenium contribute to the normal functioning of the immune system.
The different recipes have different focuses within men’s health. They are to be understood as a supplement to a health-conscious everyday life – not as a means of preventing or treating benign prostate enlargement, prostate cancer or other diseases.
Which product suits your personal situation should be discussed in advance with a doctor or in a pharmacy, especially if you have existing illnesses, are undergoing medical treatment or are regularly taking medication. Multiple prostate products should not be combined with each other without professional consultation.
Men’s health begins before complaints determine everyday life
The prostate does not only deserve attention when sleep is disturbed by going to the toilet at night or changes in urination become stressful. From middle age onwards, it makes sense to know your own family history, to consider early detection options in an informed manner and to have any noticeable symptoms clarified at an early stage.
An active everyday life, a plant-based diet and a conscious approach to health risk factors do not create absolute safety. However, they are important components of long-term men’s health.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month can therefore be one thing above all: the impetus to stop putting off the topic any longer.
Note: This article is for general information and does not replace medical advice, examination, diagnosis or treatment. Dietary supplements are not a substitute for a balanced, varied diet and a healthy lifestyle. The recommended daily consumption amount must not be exceeded.
