Health and Men

Prostate Health

by Scott on August 5th, 2007

We hear about this often and often at times ignore it. Some people don’t even know what a prostate is or it’s function in the male anatomy. Well let us begin there.

What is the prostate and what does it do? The prostate is a gland that is located in the male pelvic area and is about the size of a golf ball. The prostate are attached to the seminal vesicles which produce material that when mixed with prostatic fluid create semen which we all know is the transportation source for sperm during ejaculation.

Cancer usually starts in a certain zone referred to as the peripheral zone of the prostate. This is the area in which Doctors can detect by finger insertion into the rectum. Some of the symptoms of prostate problems may be weak urinary stream,  interruption of urine flow, difficulty starting urination, painful or burning with urination, Urgency or difficulty postponing urination,  awakening frequently at night to urinate, frequent urination,and / or blood in urine.

Early detection of prostate cancer greatly increases the chances of survival. Most men don’t like the idea of rectal exams but it is of utmost importance for men generally 50 years of age and older but it doesn’t hurt to be cautious and have it done in your 40’s.

Image Source: Prostatehealth.com

Additional resources: Prostatehealth.com, http://www.pccnc.org

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POSTED IN: Prevention