While prostate cell growth is a part of normal aging, it is important to make sure a more serious condition does not develop. The anatomical location of the prostate is such that any growth can affect bladder and kidney function. By paying attention to your body and any changes, particularly those that interfere with quality of life, you can identify prostate issues before they become serious. 

1. Body Aches

Low back pain is one of the most common types of back pain, and people typically attribute it to injury or medical conditions such as arthritis. However, lower back and hip pain can also be a manifestation of prostate problems, although rare. Studies have shown a link between older men who reported low back pain that did not go away and an increased incidence of serious prostate issues. Reach out to your doctor for any pain that does not have an obvious cause and does not go away. 

2. Erectile Dysfunction

Some men with an enlarged prostate develop erectile dysfunction (ED) or problems with ejaculation. Severe prostate swelling and inflammation caused by infection or a chronic condition can directly cause erectile dysfunction. In more mild cases, prostate swelling can produce painful ejaculation, which can interfere with sexual pleasure and may eventually lead to erectile dysfunction if left untreated.

3. Changes in Urination Schedule

The anatomical location of the prostate causes it to compress the urethra when it becomes enlarged, which can affect urine flow. Any changes to your normal urination schedule may indicate an enlarged prostate. These can include changes in frequency, such as going to the bathroom more often and eventually incontinence. 

These urges can occur at any time but maybe especially prevalent at night and often disrupt a healthy sleep schedule. Changes can also include experiencing pain with urination or difficulty emptying the bladder, both of which can occur when the prostate grows and presses against the urethra. Any change in your usual bathroom pattern can be a symptom of prostate problems.

4. Blood in Urine

The presence of blood in the urine, known as hematuria, can indicate prostate problems and possible infections along the urinary tract. Whether the color is red, pink, or dark brown, you should seek medical attention. One of the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, is the presence of visible or microscopic blood in the urine. Infection and swelling in the prostate can also cause the same symptom.

5. Fatigue

Fatigue can be attributed to a number of causes, but that doesn't mean it should be ignored. One of the most common complaints of men who sleep poorly is that they have an urge or a need to use the restroom many times during the night. This can lead to disrupted sleep and excessive daytime sleepiness and fatigue. If your fatigue is also accommodated by changes in your urination schedule and other symptoms, it is important to see your urologist for testing and diagnosis. 

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should not delay your visit to the urologist. Several of these symptoms can be indicators of multiple different conditions and may overlap, so it is important to get an accurate diagnosis. The urologist can correctly identify the condition and work to prevent it from developing into something more serious. 

Natural Prostate Support

One of the most important parts of proactive healthcare is promoting prostate health. One of the best ways to do this is by ensuring your body gets the nutrients it needs to promote healthy prostate cell growth and urinary tract function. Some of the most beneficial nutrients for prostate health include:

♦ Saw palmetto extract, derived from the berries of Serenoa repens palm trees, has been used for centuries to support urinary tract health. USPlus^® Saw Palmetto extract contains three times the beta-carotene, ten times the lutein, and thirty times the zeaxanthin of typical saw palmetto extracts.  This makes it one of the highest-quality saw palmetto extracts for healthy prostate function, bladder control, and urinary tract health on the market today. 

♦ Pygeum, another herbal extract known for its medicinal properties, supports urinary tract function by reducing typical oxidative stress and helps occasional night-time urination and urinary issues associated with normal aging.

♦ Pumpkin seed oil extract works alone and in combination with saw palmetto to support healthy prostate size and hormone levels.

♦ Stinging nettle leaves contain several essential nutrients that act as antioxidants in the body. This supports healthy prostate and urinary tract function while increasing the production of nitric oxide in the body. This molecule helps ensure that bladder function is maintained and urinary flow can be efficiently controlled. 

Final Thoughts

Most prostate conditions can successfully be treated when identified early, but the risk of serious disease significantly increases if ignored. Your prostate will give you signs of distress, so you need to make sure you are paying attention. Keep an eye out for the signs and fuel your body with essential prostate-healthy nutrients to promote optimal prostate health and vitality. 

Dr. Daniel Brison

Dr. Daniel Brison is a board certified urologist who completed medical school at the State University of New York, and residency at the prestigious Endourology fellowship program at UCLA.