Steroid use and prostate health.

Prostate health in men is often dismissed or overlooked. Lots of folks are working towards healthy blood counts and liver values, but the fact is that your prostate gland is highly affected. This may not be a big deal to you, but a lot of concern will be raised once you understand your prostate's purposes and the negative effects it can cause. Hopefully this article will serve to educate you further, and you'll be able to make a much more informed decision on how you handle your future cycles.

    What Exactly is the Prostate?

    Opposite of endocrine glands, this is an exocrine gland; such as the liver and pancreas. It's part of your reproductive system and it sits just under your bladder. The main reason this gland exists is to enhance the quality of sperm by secreting Prostate Specific Antigen fluids (PSA). The alkaline content in the fluids it produced in ejaculate protects the sperm because vaginal areas are acidic and can damage sperm. All the nerves that affect male erections wrap around the prostate.

    As mentioned earlier, the penile nerves are surrounding the prostate. These are the nerves that control our erections. Another reason to keep a healthy prostate because an unhealthy prostate could damage these nerves, inevitably leading to erectile dysfunction. Furthermore, being an actual muscle, it also controls the force of which your ejaculate content exits. A weak ejaculate would be an indication of a weak muscle. This is a "pumping" type action and it's the reason males feel "good" at the climax point.

    Kind of like the liver, it also acts as a filter to make sure your sperm stays healthy. Toxins can reach the prostate just like anything else, and the prostate will filter these toxins out. This is not only important for the sake of healthy sperm, but overall health as well because if filtration is hindered due to an unhealthy prostate, big complications can occur such as prostate cancer.

    Urinary infections are more likely in women than it is in men, but it's still possible and these infections start with an unhealthy prostate. Speaking of urinary issues, the prostate has 2 muscles called the "Sphincter" muscles. These exit to control the release of ejaculate and urine, where it literally turn valves on and off so that they are not released simultaneously.

    So that's your prostate and it's functions. Let's look at how steroids affect your prostate...

    How Anabolic Steroids Negatively Affect Your Prostate

    Earlier we mentioned that the prostate is a muscle. Continuous steroid use will eventually enlarge the prostate, as it would with anything else. This isn't a drastic increase but certainly something to consider if you plan on using anabolic steroids for extended periods. The truth is, as you age, your prostate will get bigger. This is why folks over 40 are always recommended to get it checked periodically. But there are some precautions we can take to delay this process as much as possible.

    Here's a quick study on an athlete that was using anabolic steroids and volunteered himself for this study. Please note that in the medical industry, any use of steroids that is not done under a doctors care is considered abuse. So don't let the word "abuse" scare you as it does not mean he was injecting several grams of anabolic steroids.

    Steroid abuse in athletes, prostatic enlargement and bladder outflow obstruction.

    OBJECTIVE:
    To evaluate the effects of exogenous androgenic-anabolic steroids on the human prostate gland.

    SUBJECT AND METHODS:
    A white male athlete, who was routinely using anabolic steroids, volunteered for the study. He was studied during a 15-week period of steroid self-administration. Both objective and subjective parameters were measured, including: prostatic volume (transrectal ultrasound), digital rectal examination, urine flow rate, serum acid phosphatase and prostate specific antigen, symptom scoring for bladder outflow obstruction and other associated symptoms.

    RESULTS:
    During the period of steroid self-administration, prostatic volume increased and urine flow rate decreased. The man also noticed an increase in nocturnal urinary frequency, libido and aggression.

    CONCLUSION:
    In this pilot study, the administration of exogenous androgenic-anabolic steroids has been demonstrated to have profound effects on the human prostate gland, including an increase in prostatic volume, reduction in urine flow rate and an alteration in voiding patterns. These findings warrant further investigation.

Why You Should Avoid Abusing Anabolic Steroids?

In today’s cutthroat world, second chances are rare due to intense competition and able contenders more than ready to take your place, at the workplace or the sport field. This is one of the biggest reasons why more and more people, and not just sportsmen, are using anabolic steroids these days. However, some of them often fail to differentiate between the right use of steroids and steroid abuse and this is exactly where health complications come into the picture.

Anabolic steroids abuse is related to interference with efficient collagen deposition in tendons that may cause weakening of the tendon structure. Few studies in the past have indicated that steroid users are more likely to face tendon injuries as their muscle tissue become so strong that they tend to surpass ability of the muscle to transmit force. Moreover, the use of steroid drugs (even if for the first time) may enhance infrequent or dysplastic development of bovine collagen materials that may cause stiff tendons with significantly reduced elastic qualities. The use of steroid drugs is also relevant to a rise in prothrombin time, which is time taken by our body to produce blood clots. This means that a steroid user’s body may take slighter longer than others (non-users) for a small cut to stop blood loss that can lead to a more serious trouble. Moreover, these changes may get aggravated with the use of medicines such as Tylenol, Pain killers, and especially anticoagulants.

In short, anabolic steroids should always be used sensibly and for medical purposes only such as the treatment of severe burns, prostate cancer, breast cancer, knee or shoulder injury (joint repair), anemia, thrombosis, osteoporosis, endometriosis and hereditary angioedaema, asthma, and muscle-wasting disorders. They may also be used for help individuals gain weight for chronic nutritional deficiencies or AIDS wasting syndrome, improve protein synthesis, and nitrogen balance.

10 facts every man should know about his prostate

Every year, 35,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer in the UK, making it the most common type of cancer in men.

Yet according to a survey carried out by the Prostate Cancer Charity, two-thirds of British men don't have a clue what their prostate actually does.

Knowing the symptoms of prostate cancer can help to catch it early, when treatment success rates are at their highest.

Read our 10 basic facts about the prostate, prostate cancer and tips for prevention, with Dr Tom Stuttaford, an expert in prostate cancer and vice-president of Prostate UK.
1. What is the prostate?

Only men have a prostate. The role of the prostate is to make seminal fluid, which is mixed with sperm to make semen.
2. What does it look like?

It is a walnut-sized gland situated just below the bladder between the root of the penis and the anus.

In older men with prostate problems it may swell from the size of a walnut to that of a plum.

If the prostate grows too big, urine flow may be weaker.
3. How do I know if my prostate is healthy?

Urine flow is a good indicator of prostate problems. If your once proud stream of urine has dwindled to a feeble trickle, you'll need to see your GP.

There are a variety of reasons for a change in the pressure of urine flow, such as a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate, called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostatitis – inflammation or infection of the prostate.

Prostate cancer doesn't always affect the urinary stream until the disease is advanced, so it isn’t a reliable indicator on its own.

Symptoms to look out for are getting up more at night to urinate, dribbling before or after urinating, and a weak urine flow.

Less common symptoms include pain in the testicles, problems getting an erection, pain when ejaculating, pain when passing urine and blood in the urine.
4. Is age a factor?

Prostate cancer usually affects men over 50 and approximately half of this age group also show signs of prostate enlargement. According to Cancer Research UK, the largest number of cases is diagnosed in those aged 70 to 74.

One in 25 men (3.8 per cent) will die from the disease and around 7 in 10 newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients now survive beyond five years. Prostatitis can affect men of any age.
5. What is a PSA test?

If your GP wants to rule out prostate cancer he will probably suggest that you have a PSA test. This is a blood test that measures the level of a protein called Prostate specific antigen (PSA). PSA is produced in the prostate gland and found in small amounts in the blood.

A raised PSA level can be a warning sign of the presence of prostate cancer. It can also indicate other problems that aren't cancer - three out of four men with a raised PSA level will not have prostate cancer. However, the higher the PSA level, the greater the likelihood of a cancer being present.
6. Is there a genetic link?

Look at your family tree. Has your father, grandfather, uncle or brother had prostate cancer? If this is the case, then you have a greater risk of developing the disease.

It’s hoped that in the future genetic profiling will be developed in order to identify men with a high risk.

Tell your doctor if any family members have had the disease so you can be given regular blood tests to monitor your PSA.
7. Eat more

Try to eat six portions of brightly coloured fruit and vegetables a day. Include three portions of oily fish a week, such as salmon, herrings, mackerel or sardines, which are rich in vitamin D and essential fatty acids, omega-3 and omega-6.

There is evidence that selenium, a trace mineral, helps lower the risk of prostate cancer by combating cell damage. Selenium is found in broccoli, Brazil nuts, seafood, asparagus, brown rice and onions.

Selenium can also be taken in supplement form and works best when combined with vitamin E and zinc.

Mediterranean men have a lower prostate cancer rate and this is believed to be down to a diet rich in fruit and vegetables, garlic, olive oil, fish and tomatoes.

Tomatoes contain a bright red pigment called lycopene, a powerful carotenoid antioxidant, which helps to repair damaged cells.

According to an American study of 47,000 men over six years, those who had at least 10 servings a week of tomato-based foods were up to 45 per cent less likely to develop prostate cancer.
8. Eat less

There is also a clear link between obesity and cancer – putting on those extra cuddly pounds around your waist doubles your risk of dying of cancer.

Reduce your fat intake and replace saturated fats with monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.

Saturated fats are found in found in meat, some margarines, crisps, chips, and many processed foods.

Lower salt intake and drink moderately. Avoid too much cured meat such as smoked dishes, or processed hams, as they may contain carcinogens, a substance that may promote or aggravate cancer.
9. Drink plenty of the right stuff

Japanese and Chinese men have very low levels of prostate cancer and green tea is thought to be one reason why. This is because it's rich in polyphenols, which have antioxidant properties.

Alcohol and fizzy drinks are rich in sugar, which can pile on the pounds. Instead, you should try to drink six to eight glasses of water each day to help flush out the kidneys and keep the body hydrated.
10. Be active

Exercise helps to balance hormone levels, prevent obesity and boost the immune system. And it's never too late - studies have shown that exercise is still beneficial for men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer and are receiving treatment for it.

Scientists in Boston found that maintaining a healthy weight and diet helps cancer sufferers live longer. Results of the trial, involving over 900 men, showed that overweight men with prostate cancer doubled their risk of death in the five years after the study, compared to men who maintained a healthy weight. Buy steroids

Do Steroids Cause Prostate Cancer?

This is a very common question among bodybuilders thinking of doing steroids. It  also is a concern for middle aged men thinking of trying testosterone supplementation. You may have read about some links between prostate cancer and steroids/HRT therapy. Is it really fact or is it just based on far reaching assumptions?

Steroids and prostate growth (BPH)
Before we discuss anabolic steroids and it’s role on prostate cancer, first we must discuss steroids’ possible actions on prostate growth (BPH). The prostate first grows during puberty. Then around 25, the prostate starts to grow again in a 2nd phase. The 2nd phase eventually may lead to prostate enlargement years down the road. Half the men in their 60′s will have significant prostate enlargement.
Steroids(including normal testosterone in the body) stimulate the androgen receptors in the prostate. Excessive levels of androgenic steroids (such as through steroid use) causes prostate growth/enlargement called BPH (Benign prostate hyperplasia) in a short period of time. Once excessive system levels of androgenic steroids drops, than the prostate will start to shrink back again. It may not shrink completely back to it’s former size however.
In non-steroid users, testosterone mainly causes it once it converts to DHT. DHT is much more androgenic(binds to the receptors stronger) than testosterone. The drug finasteride is prescribed to help alleviate prostate growth. It works by blocking the conversion of testosterone to DHT. Steroid users will often use finasteride, in order to block the effects of hair loss and prostate growth while on cycle.

BPH caused by Testosterone or Estrogen?
In non-steroid users, older men are afflicted with BPH. This seems backwards, since BPH is supposed to be correlated with high androgens right? We know that older men have lower testosterone(and DHT) levels, so how is this possible?
Well there is 3 basic theories on what causes BPH for non-steroid users. No one yet seems to know for certain which theory is correct.
Theory 1 - Excessive estrogen levels. Older men have a higher estrogen and lower testosterone levels. According to research, the use of anti-estrogens are well documented to help shrink the prostate. The famous steroid research chemist Patrick Arnold, has claimed that there is more evidence pointing to a high estrogen to low testosterone being the cause of BPH.
Theory 2 - Despite the lowering testosterone levels( and hence DHT) levels in older men, research suggests men still probably accumulate high levels of DHT in the prostate. This would explain why people why older men can still get BPH despite declining levels of testosterone and DHT in the body. Another fact to help support this theory, is that Men who don’t produce DHT naturally due to genetic defect, also don’t develop BPH.
Theory 3 – Genetic Programmed growth. The fact that prostate cells awaken again in the mid 20′s to re-grow suggests that maybe BPH growth is programmed genetically. By the time men are in their 90′s, 90% will suffer from BPH.
Other interesting study results: In one study, when estrogen and dht were both reduced with hormonal blockers, the prostate gland actually increased in size. This is startling since if one of these hormones is to play a role in BPH, why when reducing both, did it cause prostate growth?

What causes prostate cancer?
First we must realize BPH and prostate cancer are not the same thing. BPH is a condition of excessive growth of the prostate. They do not know currently, if BPH is a pre-cursor condition to prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is actually a very common occurence in men, much more than the public is aware. It is said that most men would die of prostate cancer, if they didn’t die of something before that. Prostate cancer is usually very slow growing. Many elderly men live decades with prostate cancer and may not even know they have it.
The truth is, no one really knows what leads exactly to prostate cancer. There is a lot of conflicting data. In fact, if you look at many studies out there, most don’t even show a link between prostate cancer and higher testosterone levels. Yet, many doctors seem to believe it does. Some recent studies have shown that there was no increased risk of prostate cancer based on testosterone levels. Many doctors who put middle aged men on testosterone replacement therapy, have not seen a higher incidence of prostate cancer developing. Doctors are also usually worried about BPH from testosterone, but men have actually had a reduction in their BPH from using testosterone hormone replacement therapy to treat low testosterone.
The fear of prostate cancer by doctors, is one reason why doctors are often hesitant to do HRT(hormone replacement therapy). HRT therapy is for older men and others deficient in testosterone, to bring them up to healthy levels. The January 2004 New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) wrote that testosterone does not cause prostate cancer, but they need to be monitored, since it may stimulate hidden prostate cancer. What do they mean by hidden prostate cancers? Apparently in about half the men over age 50, they may have prostate cancer, but it is asymptomatic. In other words, it is not growing and causing harm. If they were to supplement with testosterone, according to them, it may possibly stimulate these harbored cancer cells into a aggressive form of prostate cancer. That is why doctors will check for PSA(prostae specific antigen), BPH, and have more frequent prostate exams when starting HRT therapy. PSA is a very accurate marker of existing cancer and when it goes back to zero it means the person has been cured. Testosterone therapy could “awaken” these sleeper cancer cells. This is what they theorize, yet there is no scientific research to show that this is really what happens.
What we do know, is that there is many factors that might increase the risk of prostate cancer.
1) Increased ejaculation in your 20′s. This may sound awkward, but there were some studies that recently came out with this result. They found that those who ejaculated a lot more frequently in their 20′s, had less likely occurence of prostate cancer. The prostate gland is known to hold a much higher concentration of the bodies’ toxins. The researchers believed that ejaculation may lead to “cleansing” the prostate from carcinogens (cancer causing toxins).
2) Genetics & Heredity – Prostate cancer also seems to run at a higher rate in families with a pre-disposition to it. There is currently research looking at various enzymes and prostate genes, that may be involved in developing the cancer. African americans also have a higher incidence of prostate cancer.
3) Diet/Environment – Diets high in animal fat increase incidence of prostate cancer. Men who moved from Japan where prostate cancer incidence is lower, had increased risk in their sons and grandsons when living in the U.S. Therefore, diet and other environmental factors seem to increase risk of prostate cancer.

Summary
Prostate cancer is caused by a variety of risk factors. Experts seem to continue to try and make this link between high testosterone levels (or other steroids) and prostate cancer, yet there is no real solid research proof that testosterone levels is the direct cause. There is a growing body of research showing there is no link and that it may be caused by other factors. If Testosterone and steroids caused prostate cancer, a lot of men at a young age would probably be getting prostate cancer.

How Steroids May Be Beating Your Prostate Into Dysfunction

Ask any teenager the effects of steroids, and his mainstream media brainwashing will likely cause him to respond with the three most commonly cited side effects. The first side effect mentioned will likely be liver damage. We all know that injectables don't affect liver function much, and even orals cause rises to levels, which are still typically acceptable.

In most healthy males, only long-term abuse of anabolic steroids leads to liver damage. The second side effect he'll recall is acne. While this is unavoidable as skin receptors do react to anabolics, many topical and oral medications exist which can mostly alleviate this problem. This third side effect - harder to determine without a very invasive examination - is prostate damage. Do steroids really cause prostate damage?

For decades, scientists have cited prostate enlargement as a side effect of steroid use. The media has run with this assumption and declared steroids cause prostate cancer. In reality, this is not the case. It is correct that the prostate enlarges when androgens are present in the body. DHT or Testosterone inserted into the body will bind to receptors in the prostate, and new growth will occur as a result. However, once the bodybuilder stops the cycle, the prostate returns to regular size.

There are only two periods of life in which the prostate is enlarged. The first occurs during puberty when the body is producing obscene amounts of testosterone. After that, the prostate remains a constant size for the next 25 to 40 years. As men reach their 40's and 50's, prostate growth does begin again in all men. For men in this position, Dutasteride or Finasteride can help with prostate size reduction as well.

Therefore the average steroid user in his 20s or 30s will experience an enlargement of the prostate, but it will typically be nothing to become alarmed about. This does present an interesting set of risks for steroid users age 40 and above. Their prostate may begin growing naturally. Coupled with anabolic steroid use, real problems can occur.

If you are over age 40 and using steroids, annual prostate exams are essential. Males under the age of 22 should not use steroids. Not only because their prostate may be enlarged, but also because their bodies are already producing levels of testosterone sufficient for muscle growth. Toying with levels at this age can lead to a lifetime requirement of hormone replacement therapy.

The 6 Pillars of Prostate Health

The 6 Pillars of Prostate Health are a total plan for wellness and living a life of maximum prostate health and prevention. The foundations of the 6 Pillars are based on over 200 international studies over 15 years.

The 6 Pillars bring together a plan not just for prostate health, but a plan for total health and wellness based on nutrition, weight control, lifestyle, natural treatments, hormone management and a healthy sex life.

   
The Prostate Diet: Cancer experts estimate that our food choices account for up to 90 percent of cancers of the prostate, breast, pancreas, and colon.  Making changes to your diet can significantly lower your risk of getting prostate disease.  In The Prostate Diet you will find meal plans, recipes, supplements and the 10 Foundations of The Prostate Diet; a total diet, supplement and eating plan for inflammation management, cancer prevention and prostate health.  In order to make informed nutrition decisions you also need to know what foods and additives to avoid and what supplements can actually contribute to prostate disease.

Exercise and Weight Control: Both exercise and weight loss can have a significant impact on prostate health.  Men who have prostate cancer have more than double the risk of dying of the disease if they are obese than if they were of normal weight.  Some specific exercises are also great for prostate disorders and reduce your risk of prostate cancer, prostatitis and BPH while others such as Kegel exercises can also aid in sexual health and stamina.

Lifestyle: Smoking, sleep patterns, some medications and alcohol all can affect your prostate.  

Natural Management: Natural prevention and treatment approaches for prostate health include acupuncture, biofeedback, homeopathy, hormone restoration, massage, reflexology and stress management techniques. 

Hormone Balance: Hormone management and hormone balancing play a major role in prostate health.  According to the World Health Organization “diet might influence prostate cancer risk by affecting hormone levels.” Learn all about the major male hormone players and what you can do to keep them in balance; and keep you free of prostate disease.

Sex and ED (Impotence): Sex is generally healthy for your prostate but can you have too much of a good thing? 

How Steroids May Be Beating Your Prostate Into Dysfunction

Ask any teenager the effects of steroids, and his mainstream media brainwashing will likely cause him to respond with the three most commonly cited side effects. The first side effect mentioned will likely be liver damage. We all know that injectables don't affect liver function much, and even orals cause rises to levels, which are still typically acceptable.

In most healthy males, only long-term abuse of steroids leads to liver damage. The second side effect he'll recall is acne. While this is unavoidable as skin receptors do react to anabolic steroids, many topical and oral medications exist which can mostly alleviate this problem. This third side effect - harder to determine without a very invasive examination - is prostate damage. Do steroids really cause prostate damage?

For decades, scientists have cited prostate enlargement as a side effect of steroid use. The media has run with this assumption and declared steroids cause prostate cancer. In reality, this is not the case. It is correct that the prostate enlarges when androgens are present in the body. DHT or Testosterone inserted into the body will bind to receptors in the prostate, and new growth will occur as a result. However, once the bodybuilder stops the cycle, the prostate returns to regular size.

There are only two periods of life in which the prostate is enlarged. The first occurs during puberty when the body is producing obscene amounts of testosterone. After that, the prostate remains a constant size for the next 25 to 40 years. As men reach their 40's and 50's, prostate growth does begin again in all men. For men in this position, Dutasteride or Finasteride can help with prostate size reduction as well.

Therefore the average steroid user in his 20s or 30s will experience an enlargement of the prostate, but it will typically be nothing to become alarmed about. This does present an interesting set of risks for steroid users age 40 and above. Their prostate may begin growing naturally. Coupled with anabolic steroid use, real problems can occur.

If you are over age 40 and using steroids, annual prostate exams are essential. Males under the age of 22 should not use steroids. Not only because their prostate may be enlarged, but also because their bodies are already producing levels of testosterone sufficient for muscle growth. Toying with levels at this age can lead to a lifetime requirement of hormone replacement therapy. 

How to Improve Prostate Health

The prostate is a small gland found in men, near their bladders. Many men experience prostate problems, and as they get older it is important to watch for signs of prostate cancer. There are many lifestyle changes that can be made in order to protect yourself from issues with your prostate. Be sure you know about any family history with cancer or prostate problems. Improve prostate health by eating healthy foods, keeping your weight in check and visiting your doctor regularly.


    1. Eat well. Make sure your diet includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean protein and whole grains.

•         Include foods with a lot of lycopene, such as red peppers and tomatoes. Lycopene is what makes fruit and vegetables red, and has been proven as a cancer-fighting ingredient.
•         Eat fish with high levels of omega-3 acids, including salmon and tuna. These foods will help your prostate as well as your heart and immune system.
•         Increase the amount of soy you eat. The properties of soy, which is found in many vegetarian dishes, fight cancer. Trading cow's milk for soy milk is one way to get more soy into your diet.

    2. Lose weight. If you are overweight, get yourself on a diet and exercise plan that will get you in a healthy range. Maintaining a healthy weight will keep your prostate healthy.
    3. See your doctor regularly. Have your prostate examined every year.
        Talk to your doctor about any issues in your family history as it pertains to your prostate.
        Discuss any symptoms you have experienced, including incontinence, impotence or if you have noticed an enlarged prostate.
    4. Take zinc supplements. Most men do not get enough zinc in their diets, and supplements can help keep your prostate healthy. Zinc deficiencies have led to enlarged prostates.
        Take 50 to 100 milligrams of zinc per day to reduce an enlarged prostate.
        Be sure to discuss any supplements you are taking or thinking about taking with your physician.
    5. Perform kegel exercises. Tighten the muscles around your scrotum and anus for a few seconds, then release. Do this exercise in 10 repetitions 5 times a day to improve your prostate health.
    6. Try taking saw palmetto berry. This supplement has received mixed reviews from users and the medical field, so talk to your doctor before you try it. Some people believe it reduces inflammation and prostate enlargement.
    7. Avoid alcohol. Limit the amount of caffeine you consume. Try to have only 1 cup of coffee per day. 

Massaging the Prostate to Check for Prostate Cancer

Massaging the prostate gland is used both as a diagnostic tool to check for prostate cancer and treatment for some conditions of the prostate, such as benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). Many men are not aware of the location and purpose of a gland that plays such an important role in male sexual health. When it comes to massaging the prostate gland, those men do not know what to do and how to do it.

The prostate gland is a walnut-sized organ located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It partially surrounds the ureter. Its function is to secrete fluid that makes up part of the male ejaculate. This fluid contains nutrients to nourish semen and help neutralize female vaginal secretions. In addition, the prostate can be a source of sexual pleasure for men when it is stimulated; the prostate contributes to ejaculation.

There are several conditions which may affect the prostate. Prostatitis is an infection or inflammation of the prostate, which often results in difficult urination. Benign prostatic hypertrophy is a benign enlargement of the prostate gland which commonly affects men as they age. The most serious condition of the prostate, however, is prostate cancer.

During a prostate exam, a physician will examine a prostate with a massage. A patient can either stand and bend over with slightly spread legs or on his side on an examining table.  The physician will insert a lubricated, gloved finger gently into the rectum. A reflex will cause the rectum to squeeze closed; this sensation will pass. When the patient is relaxed, the finger is advanced until the prostate is felt against the front wall of the rectum. The procedure is brief and may be mildly uncomfortable. Relaxing during the procedure will ease discomfort.

By palpating the prostate in this manner, the physician can judge its size and shape. An enlarged and tender prostate may indicate an inflamed prostate or benign hypertrophy of the gland. An irregular or nodular contour may indicate possible prostate cancer; further tests may be ordered if prostate cancer is suspected upon exam.

Physicians will sometimes recommend that patients massage their own prostate in order to relieve the pressure that swelling of the prostate may cause. The steps to massage the prostate are as follows:

    Assume a comfortable position. You can either stand and lean against an object at a comfortable height or lay on your side with your knees flexed.
    Use a liberal amount of lubrication on the index finger of your dominant hand.
    Gently insert the finger into the rectum. The prostate gland will be felt as a bulge in the rectal wall towards the front of the body.
    Gently massage the gland, applying no more pressure than you would apply to rubbing your eye. Stop immediately if any pain occurs. Expression of seminal fluid is normal (and is the goal). However, if blood is present, discontinue massage immediately.
Prostate massage can be beneficial in some conditions. However, care should be taken not to damage the delicate tissues of the gland. Massaging the prostate can be important in both diagnosis and treatment of certain conditions of the prostate, such as prostatitis and benign prostatic hypertrophy. Before commencing prostate massage, a physician should be cnsulted to ensure there are no contraindications to the procedure.

How To Keep a Healthy Prostate

 A man should keep an active lifestyle in order to be healthy. To avoid problems with prostate a man should get sufficient physical load and live a full sexual life. When a man doesn't make sex, there increases 50 times heart attack risks in him. 

Lack of physical activity strengthens development of negative processes in prostate gland. Sedentary lifestyle dramatically slows down blood circulation in small pelvis which leads to stagnation of the circulation. This results in development of different disorders in prostate gland.

Here are good any general strengthening procedures helping to restore and strengthen work of immune system and other protective systems of the body. Outdoors walking, hydrotherapeutic procedures and cold water treatment are very healthy. Serious physical activity are contraindicated.

Sex has healthy effects on the whole male body. It was proved that making sex 2 – 3 times a week increases by 30% level of immunoglobulin A which responds for antitumor immunity. Regular sexual life prevents dark blood from stagnation in small pelvis and in prostate itself.  

Insufficient blood supply of prostate may lead to development of inflammations and hyperplastic tissue of the gland. During an orgasm vessels get widen and thus blood supply gets increased. Therefore, regular sexual life makes prostate healthy. Sex is a perfect preventive measure against prostatitis and adenoma, and besides this it greatly improves male potency.

How Prostate Massage Is Performed?

Massage of prostate is aimed on prostate drainage which provides:

- release of prostate secretion;
- ejection of plugs from its canals with further withdrawal of gleet from acinuses (prostate glands)

In urology are used next types of prostate massage:

- digital prostate massage
- vacuum urethral prostate massage
- rectal prostate pneumomassage
How prostate massage is performed?
Patient lies on his right side with the knee’s tucked up closer to his chest or takes knee-elbow position. In this position is achieved relaxation of musculature surrounding the gland and also pelvic organs are shifted upwards.

Bladder should be full, which helps to bring prostate nearer to massaging finger. Moreover, after massage, along with strong stream of urine is released pathological secretion from prostate. Doctor gets rubber glove on his right hand, slowly inserts his lubricated index finger into rectum and massages lobes of prostate gland.  Image below shows how prostate massage is performed.

Rough massaging movements at first sessions of massage may cause unpleasant sensations in patient . He may experience pricking, pains in urine, severe micturate urges, pains in anus with irradiation in loin, and urine delay after massage for a short time.

Usually prostate massage is painless. CLICK IMAGE BELOW TO ENLARGE.

Prostate Cancer: Face To Face With Horrible Diagnosis

If you are diagnosed with prostate cancer you should know how this disease is progressing and you should understand medical terminology. This information should help you to take serious decisions when chosing appropriate methods of treatment.

Course of the disease.

In most cases cancer of the prostate is slow-growing. In fact, aged men do not need treatment because tumor does not influence life time and the disease courses without symptoms.

Condition connected with slight change of shape and size of cells of prostate is called prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) and a half of men over 50 years are diagnosed with it. PIN is considered precancerous disease.

Rate of progression prostate cancer: Gleason staging system.

Gleason staging system is used to help to evaluate the prognosis of cancer of the prostate.

• Biopsy. Tissue samples of prostate tumor are taken. Obtained material is going in laboratory for a microscopic examination.


• In laboratory every sample assigns a grade from 1 to 5: one means that sample has only healthy cells and five means the sample has pathological cells.


• The two grades of two most specific tumor samples are added together to get a Gleason score (from 2 to 10). Higher Gleason score means a worse prognosis.

Prostate cancer stages.

Stages do characterize where cancer have spreaded. Doctor needs this information to choose treatment. To define cancer stage the next examinations can be made:

• Digital rectal examination
• Blood tests
• Bone scans
• Computerized tomography
• Magnetic resonance tomography
• Biopsy of prostate and lymphatic glands

There are two systems of describing prostate cancer stages – Whitmore-Jewett staging

and TNM.

Whitmore-Jewett staging system

In this case to describe stage of disease are used letters of A, B, C, D:

A – the tumor has microscopic size and it is not detectable when palpation

B – the tumor or lump are felt (without metastasis)

C – the tumor with metastasis spreaded to the organs located near prostate

D – the tumor with great metastasis spreaded to lymphatic glands and other organs

TNM staging system

Cancer stages can be described also in TNM system. TNM stands for Tumor, Nodes, Metastases.

T – characterises process of primary tumor

T1 – the tumor is not detectable while visual examination and on X-ray picture. Cancer cells are presented in tissue samples taken during prostate hyperplasia operation or during biopsy.

T1a – cancer cells are detected in less than 5% of tissue that was removed. Gleason score is less than 7.

T1b - cancer cells are detected in more than 5% of tissue that was removed. Gleason score is more than 7.

T1c – cancer cells are detected in tissues taken during biopsy (performed due to an elevated serum PSA)

T2 – the tumor can be felt but it does not spread outside capsule covering prostate.

T2a – the tumor is in less than 50% of one part of prostate.

T2b – the tumor is in more than 50% of one part of prostate.

T2c – the tumor is in both parts of prostate.

T3 – the tumor is spreaded on other organs including seminal vescile.

T3a – the tumor is spreaded on other organs but not in seminal vescile.

T3b – the tunor is spereaded on seminal vescile.

T4 – the tumor is spreaded on other organs near prostate, for example, on rectum.

To detect metastasis to other organs it is necessary to make some additional examinations. Prostate cancer often does metastasis to lymphatics glands, bones, lungs and other organs.

To describe metastasis marks of M and N are used.

N – characterises spreading of tumor on lymphatic glands.

Nx – it is not clear if lymphatic glands are invaded or not.

N0 – the tumor is not found in lymphatic glands.

N1 – the tumor is found in one lymphatic gland in small pelvis caverna and it has size of not more than 2 sm.

N2 - the tumor is found in one lymphatic gland in small pelvis caverna. It has size of more than 2 cm but less than 5 cm. The other variant is when the tumor is found in several lymphatic glands in small pelvis caverna but tumors have size of less than 5 cm.

N3 – at least one tumor in lymphatic glands has a size of more than 5 cm.

M – describes spreading of tumor in other organs.

Mx – it is not clear if there is metastasis to other organs.

M0 – metastasis are detected only in prostate and in the nearest lymphatic glands.

M1 – the tumor does metastasis to lymphatic glands beyond small pelvis and\or into other organs (bones, lungs, livers and brain).

Prognosis for prostate cancer.

Almost all cancerous growths of prostate (91%) are detected before they spread beyond prostate. If cancer is diagnosed being at this stage, in 99% of cases patients can live at least 5 years. But the prognosis of survival exacerbates when the tumor did metastasis to other organs.

The second detecting of prostate cancer after a year or more of treatment is called recurrence. Cancer can recur in prostate (even if it was removed) and in other organs including bones. To treat recurescence can be used methods different from those that were used for primary tumor treatment.