Can You Avoid Prostate Problems?

Worried about your prostate? We get it. The potential for prostate problems can be scary. But, here at Urology Specialists of Cypress, our team, led by knowledgeable board-certified urologist, Dr. James Stocks, focuses on fighting back against prostate problems. 

We understand that you want to do everything possible to avoid such problems, so we provide patient-focused care to do just that here in our Cypress, Texas, office. Here’s what we want you to know about your prostate and what you can do to protect yourself:

Understanding prostate problems

Prostate problems can take several forms. The most common are:

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

BPH, also called enlarged prostate, occurs when the prostate gland grows larger than normal. Your prostate gland is about as large as a golf ball normally. It encircles your urethra (the urine tube). 

When your prostate gland swells, it can disrupt the function of your urethra and may cause problems like urine leakage, dribbling, weak urine stream, and difficulty urinating. Untreated, BPH could lead to bladder or kidney damage or other long-term health problems. 

About half of men develop BPH at age 51-60, and incidence rises further with age. The cause of BPH is still being investigated. The Urology Care Foundation explains that hormone changes with age likely contribute. 

Prostatitis

Prostatitis is prostate inflammation. It can take several forms, including acute and chronic. With acute prostatitis, a bacterial infection triggers the inflammation. The cause of chronic prostatitis isn’t certain yet. 

Prostatitis symptoms may include chronic pelvic-area pain, urinary problems, fever, chills, and other issues. Some cases don’t cause any symptoms. 

Prostatitis is the most common prostate problem in men under the age of 50, but it can affect older men, too. If untreated, prostatitis can lead to severe chronic pain, urinary retention, or life-threatening sepsis (blood poisoning).

Prostate cancer

Prostate cancer affects about 14% of men (1 in 7) today. It occurs when abnormal cells inside the prostate gland grow rapidly to form a tumor. 

The cause isn’t certain, but older age (over 50), race (African American and Caribbean men), and a family history of the cancer are major risk factors. 

Prostate cancer doesn’t generally cause symptoms early on. But in later stages, it may cause urinary problems, bone pain, blood in urine or semen, and erectile dysfunction (ED). Cancer can be deadly, but it’s also important to know that prostate cancer survival rates are better than 99% if diagnosed and treated early. 

Can I avoid prostate problems?

Although you can’t generally prevent prostate problems, you can take control of your risk factors. That, in turn, can greatly reduce your chances of developing problems.

Dr. Stocks recommends a preventive plan tailored to your life that generally includes:

• Prostate cancer screening (starting at 45-50 based on risk)
• Exercise
• Healthy diet
• Losing weight if overweight (and maintaining it)

Some studies indicate that certain supplements and protein sources could potentially play a role in reducing prostate cancer risk. Some medications may also help. 

Dr. Stocks stays up to date with the latest research and recommends the strongest preventive strategies to help you avoid prostate health issues if at all possible. 

If you’re due for a prostate health check or have questions about preventing prostate problems, don’t worry — that’s exactly what we’re here for. Call our office or contact us online for an appointment now.