Understanding the Symptoms of Male Impotence

Have you recently had trouble maintaining or getting an erection? Are you worried that you may be suffering from male impotence, otherwise known as erectile dysfunction?

Studies have shown that one in ten men in the United States suffer from erectile dysfunction. While that's a large number of men in itself, what's even more astounding is that of those men, almost half never realize they're suffering from it. It's easy to see why a man might try his hardest to ignore the signs in front of him-no one wants to admit to anyone, let alone himself, that he possibly has impotence after all. Still, it's important that all men recognize the signs which may point toward ED as the underlying causes may require immediate medical attention.

There is no single medical test which can be performed to determine whether or not a man is suffering from ED. Like many dysfunctions, the total combination of symptoms and possible causes have to be evaluated by a trained professional to determine if you're suffering from impotence or a more serious issue.

Obviously the main symptom and sign of erectile dysfunction is the inability to maintain or achieve an erection. Even if you're unable to achieve an erection, however, you may not be suffering from the condition, as there are a number of other reasons both physiological and psychological which may be causing your problems.

One of the simplest ways to deduce if your problem is physical or something else is to monitor the activity of your nocturnal erections. If your night time erections are occurring without any problems your issue is likely a psychological one and not something physical.

In fact, the biggest warning sign of impotency in men is never having an erection. If you ever have an erection, that's a surefire sign that you're not suffering from erectile dysfunction. Even if your erections last for less than a minute and occur only every other day, the mere act of having one instantly points the cause of your erectile issues you may be suffering from to other sources. A variety of other influences including aging, recent surgery, hormonal disorders, arterial damage, psychological issues, alcohol, drugs, obesity, cigarette smoking, obesity, and more can be the cause of your problems, and most of them can be easily treated and diagnosed by visiting a doctor.

If you find yourself having trouble maintaining or getting erect but aren't suffering from erectile dysfunction, it's important you notify your doctor at your next visit so they can run tests to make sure it's the effect of stress, aging, or psychological causes and not something more serious.

Prostate Massage - From a Partner's Perspective

Participating in the Prostate Massage ritual involves being free of inhibitions from both sides. When venturing into the prostate area, keep in mind that half the fun is getting there. You need to be comfortable with your partner. You can do this by yourself, but it's very nice to have assistance from a willing partner.

To begin, you will want to work your way up to the area with a bit of foreplay. Kissing and licking your partner, teasing with the tongue, making sure to lubricate the area well and not make any sudden moves. You can use your index finger or a toy (or your own penis!) that is made for such an occasion.

The prostate gland can be properly milked from outside of the body just by placing gentle massaging strokes in the area between the anus and the scrotum. But for the real deal and the most sensational orgasm that can come with a prostate massage, you really should consider manipulating things on the inside. You should not press too hard. Stick your finger in slowly and curve it downwards towards the scrotum area as if you are gesturing somebody to "come here". Pay attention to your partner as you are massaging to and from the prostate area.

Continue this massage for several minutes while things get heated. This will bring an orgasm or ejaculation from the prostate gland. Don't worry if you do not hit the nail on the head the first couple of times. The key thing to remember is to be gentle so that if you don't succeed the first time, your partner will be willing to let you try again.

How to Prepare for a Prostate Massage

Prostate massage is a healthy and pleasurable activity that can be enjoyed as part of your intimate life. Many men feel more comfortable receiving anal touch after they have prepared. Preparation can range from a simple shower to a complete internal rinse. This document will outline your options for preparation and suggest easy steps for maintaining hygiene while enjoying the pleasures and health benefits of prostate massage.

The minimum preparation for enjoying prostate stimulation is a regular bowel movement followed by complete external cleansing. Washing the external anal area with warm soap and water is often enough to allow you to feel at ease.

If you would like to rinse internally, you have a few easy options. A disposable bulb enema is quick and easy. Fill the bulb with plain warm water, gently insert the nozzle into your anus and squeeze the bulb, immediately allowing the water to rinse out. Repeat several times, or until the water runs clear. Never use hot or cold water- aim for wrist-temperature warm.

Larger enema bags are not required for prostate massage, and may cause discomfort. If you are interested in receiving a full colonic enema, it is recommended that you see a professional or do additional research before trying it at home. If you ever feel cramps or discomfort, stop your enema immediately and allow the water to pass.

When you feel sufficiently prepared, clean and ready for your prostate massage, begin gathering the supplies you will need. Vinyl or nitrile gloves are great for all kinds of erotic touch. They feel smooth and soft on sensitive skin, and when you are finished the gloves can be stripped and disposed of easily. Make sure you take the time to find gloves to fit the person giving the massage, as the touch will feel much better when the gloves fit taut against the skin.

Another essential tool for pleasurable prostate massage is lubricant. Water-based lubricants are now readily found in every major drugstore and even many supermarkets. Use plenty of lube, reapplying when needed. External and internal anal massage can be highly arousing, without a moment of discomfort. If you experience any pain at any point in the massage, slow down or stop. There is no need to endure anything.

If you and your partner are just beginning to explore prostate massage, take the time to communicate and share any excitement, questions or concerns. Learning more about the anatomy of the prostate and male sexual system may make you more comfortable with trying prostate massage. Education is excellent preparation for sharing new intimate acts, and allows you both to continue with more confidence.

Preparing for prostate massage can make this intimate exchange more pleasurable and allow you to relax deeper into the experience. Thorough cleansing prior to the massage will take your worries away, and proper hygiene including gloves and lubricant will make the experience more enjoyable for both you and your partner.

How to Give Your Partner a Prostate Massage

rostate massage, when performed on a regular basis, can be used as a preventative treatment against prostate cancer. It is good for prostate health in general, and can decrease the risk of prostate enlargement--that is, benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH). Prostate massage is also a form of sexual play. Whatever your reason may be, let’s say you would like to do prostate massage on your husband or partner. Here is how to go about doing it.

First of all, make sure he is okay with having a prostate massage. Let him know the procedure so that he understands what will happen. If he seems comfortable with it, then you can go ahead with it.

Keep your fingernails neat and trim. File off any jagged edges.

Ask your partner to urinate or do a bowel movement before having a massage. It is important that he should be as relaxed as possible. You may want to try a relaxation technique as well.

Clean your hands, use a sterile latex glove, and dab a bit of water-based lubricant on the glove’s fingertips. Then gently insert your fingers into his anus. Carefully push them inwards and upwards, against the rectal lining towards his front side. Move your fingers roughly the direction of his navel.

You do not have to push in too far, just a little more than an inch--about 3 cm. Then you will touch the prostate gland, a small round bulb of tissue about the size of a large walnut. Give it a gentle massage by rubbing it lightly along its sides. Do not press hard on the gland’s central portion, as that is where some sensitive nerves are located. Do not touch the prostate gland with your fingernails.

At some point, your partner may feel like he wants to urinate, even though he does not have to. That may feel somewhat confusing, but try to reassure him and, if he is okay with it, you can continue.

Your partner will become stimulated and may even ejaculate--but it is all right if ejaculation does not occur, as it doesn’t always happen.

And that is how you give your partner a prostate massage.

How You Can Benefit From A Prostate Massage

A prostate massage is a great way to maintain a healthy prostate or to treat a swollen, painful prostate gland. If you suffer from prostatitis, then you could use a special prostate massage technique to reduce the pain quickly. You must massage your prostate daily or every two days to achieve best results.

During the massage you simply put your finger into your rectum and put gentle pressure on your prostate to drain the stored fluid which is causing your problems. It sounds easy but is not. In fact, chances are that your fingers are too short or that you are not that flexible anymore to do the massage yourself.

In this case you can use a special prostate massager. You put it on a chair, sit on it and use your own body weight to perform the massage.

Do not get discouraged by the imagination of a prostate massage. It is very useful, healthy and brings immediate relief when done correctly. It is not abnormal to do it and when you ask your doctor, he will advise you to do it frequently.

Prostatitis is usually treated with medication but drugs are not effective when the access is clogged. In this case the drugs can not reach the affected area. This is where the prostate massage comes into play. If done correctly, the massage can drain the fluid which is stuck in your gland.

The procedure may sound odd and painful but it is not. Many report that the massage itself can be quite pleasurable. The chances are low that you can hurt yourself. Cut your finger nails and massage with gentle pressure and it will not do any harm. When your prostate is highly infected then you should not do a massage as it can spread the bacteria.

It also helps to take a high dosage of vitamin C a day before you do the massage, about 1000 mg. This will make your urine more acid and help to neutralize the fluid. You should always urinate after the massage to wash out the fluid. Drink one or two glasses of water 30-60 minutes before you do the massage.

Milking the prostate that way does not any harm to your prostate. It may burn a little when the fluid leaks but it goes away quickly and is not really painful.

When you do the massage correctly, you should be able to feel the fluid moving. The burning sensation is also a sign that the fluid is on the way and the massage works. With more practise you will get better results. You will get results of a reduced pain within a few minutes.

Use disposable gloves for your massage. You can get them in every pharmacy. There is no special preparation needed but an ejaculation before you do the massage is helpful.

After two or three massages you should experience a clear improvement already. Many report that they could reduce the size of their prostate successfully over time.

Natural Cures for Prostatitis

Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland usually caused by a migrant bacterial infection originating from another part of the anatomy. When this inflammation develops all of a sudden, it is called acute prostasis; when it builds up over time, it is called chronic prostatitis. Having prostatitis is very unpleasant and a man who has it lives a very unnatural and uncomfortable life - but having it is not the end of the world; there are cures to it. While traditional cures are present and varied, there is another school of thought that believes natural cures for prostatitis are even more effective.

Benign prostatitic hyperplasia, or BPH, is the nonmalignant enlargement of the prostate which often afflicts men whose age is over-60. This disease could often cause nocturia, the uncomfortable sensation that one has to wake up at night because he feels like he needs to go to the bathroom. This sensation may or not mean urinating normal volume of liquid - often, the volume is minimal and there is pain in the process.

Not only are these natural cures for prostatitis effective, the benefits are also more lasting. And, since these alternative treatment are herbal and, therefore, organic by nature, the debilitating side effects that are characteristic in most traditional medications are simply not there. Take saw palmetto, for example; the extract from this herb is widely popular for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia, or enlargement of the prostate gland. Oral ingestion of saw palmetto extract in small doses and on a regular basis inhibits the actions of testosterone on the prostate which is known to cause enlargement of the prostate interfering with the natural urinary flow.

Another one of these wonder natural cures for prostatitis is pygeum africanum, extracted from the sap of the evergreen African prune tree that grows in central and southern Africa. It is as popular, and has similar actions, as the saw palmetto extract in the treatment of BPH. Both of these famous extracts are also believed to be effective in curing other prostate-related problems like erectile dysfunction and impotence. These are also rumored to make good aphrodisiacs!

Saw palmetto and pygeum africanum are both used alternatively in the same pharmacologic sense, often in the same dosage, and both are recommended to be taken continuously to obtain the ultimate benefit, even after the infection has subsided. Other herbal extracts in the list of often-administered natural cures for prostatitis are Cernilton, extracted from rye pollen, and Bazoton herb extract. Benefits from ingestion of natural honey, ginseng extract and the pristine water from young coconuts are also among the popular natural cures for prostatitis. Of course, for overall wellness, these natural cures for prostatitis should always be coupled with physical exercises - a healthy body has natural resistance to diseases in its system.

Health Concerns for Gay Men

Anyone can have health problems, regardless of sexual orientation. The following article will discuss the more common health problems found among gay men. For simplicity's sake, I will use the word "gay" here to represent both homosexual and bisexual men. I will also discuss some ways to improve health among gay men.

Let me first review various health concerns commonly found among gay men:

Gonorrhea

Although the overall rate of infection with gonorrhea is going down in many countries like the United States, the rate of gonorrhea has recently begun to rise specifically among American gay men. Between men, gonorrhea is transmitted primarily through unprotected anal intercourse and giving oral sex. Gonorrhea can be found in the penis, the rectum and the throat. The Rise in gonorrhea rates among gay men indicates an increase in high-risk sexual behavior. Because of the close link between infection with gonorrhea and HIV, the increase in gonorrhea rates may lead to a subsequent increase in HIV rates and other STDs as well, unless immediate public-health intervention takes place.

Genital/anal warts

Genital and anal warts are caused by infection with the human papilloma virus (HPV). Genital warts on the penis are common in both heterosexual and gay men. However, anal warts in males tend to occur more frequently in gay men. Anal warts are primarily a result of unprotected anal intercourse and direct penis-to-rectum contact during sex.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is transmitted through the oral-fecal route. Sexually, this infection is transmitted by oral-anal sex (rimming). Sexually transmitted hepatitis A tends to occur more commonly among gay men. Outbreaks of hepatitis A among gay men are a recurring problem in many large cities in Western nations. There is now a very effective vaccine to prevent infection with hepatitis A. Unfortunately, despite the higher rates of hepatitis A infection among gay men, most members of the gay community are unaware of this vaccine. Most gay men who are at risk for this infection have never been vaccinated, despite the availability of the vaccine. A strong effort needs to be made to increase hepatitis A vaccination rates among gay men.

In addition to the risks of hepatitis A, rimming may also pose a risk for certain bacterial and parasitic infections, due to potential exposure to feces while rimming is taking place.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is transmitted the same way as HIV, but is much more infectious than HIV. Between men, the infection is most commonly transmitted through unprotected anal intercourse and giving oral sex. Some gay men have been infected through sharing drug needles as well. In Western nations, sexually transmitted hepatitis B tends to occur more commonly among gay men. There is now a very effective vaccine to prevent infection with hepatitis B. Unfortunately, despite the higher rates of hepatitis B infection among gay men, most members of the gay community are unaware of this vaccine. Most gay men who are at risk of this infection have never been vaccinated, despite the availability of the vaccine. A strong effort needs to be made to increase hepatitis B vaccination rates among gay men.

HIV/AIDS

Worldwide, most of the people with HIV and AIDS are heterosexuals. But in North America, Western Europe and other developed nations, most cases continue to be transmitted sexually between men. In the United States, according to a recent report, most cases of recent HIV infection continue to be among gay men. This information also indicates that the rate of new HIV infections is relatively stable (it is not going down). We can therefore assume that the rate of infection among gay men is remaining relatively stable as well. Most cases of HIV transmission among gay men continue to occur through unprotected intercourse and, to a lesser extent, through giving oral sex (especially with ejaculation). Some gay men are also becoming infected through sharing drug needles. Based on all available data, the rate of HIV infection among gay men is not going down.

Cancer and the risks of smoking

Gay men may be at increased risk for certain forms of cancer, and illnesses linked to cigarette smoking.

Some cancers are more commonly seen in persons with HIV infection. For example, Kaposi's sarcoma and certain types of lymphomas are more common in people with HIV. Since HIV is found in higher rates among gay men in Western nations, cancers associated with HIV infection are more common among gay men in these parts of the world.

Some strains of HPV -- the virus that causes genital and anal warts -- are linked to certain forms of cancer. When this virus causes cancer in men, it most often causes anal cancer. Anal HPV infection primarily occurs through unprotected anal intercourse, and direct penis-to-rectum contact during sex. Anal cancer occurs more frequently in men with damaged immune systems (including those with HIV). Smoking may increase the risk of cancer as well. HPV on the penis can also cause penile cancers, but this quite rare.

Gay men may also be at increased risk for liver cancer. As stated above, gay men are considered at increased risk for hepatitis B infection, which has been linked to liver cancer and other forms of liver disease (including cirrhosis of the liver).

In addition to anal and liver cancers, gay men may also be at increased risk for lung cancer and other cancers linked to cigarette smoking. It has been suggested that smoking rates among gay men may be higher than the general population. Of course, smoking also has many other health risks, including an increased risk for emphysema and heart disease.

Alcoholism and drug abuse

It has been suggested that alcohol use (and abuse) may be higher among gay men. This may, in part, be related to many gay men meeting in gay bars, where alcohol use is common. Alcoholism is itself a health-care problem since alcohol abuse can also lead to liver disease. In addition, alcohol use (and abuse) can also increase the risk for HIV and other STDs. While under the influence of alcohol, people tend to have sex more often, are less likely to use condoms or are less likely to use condoms correctly.

It has also been suggested that drug abuse may be a significant problem among gay men. Recreational drug use (and abuse) includes the use of poppers, cocaine, speed, crank, marijuana and other drugs. Like alcohol abuse, drug abuse leads to various health problems, including an increased risk for HIV and STDs, due to changes in judgment, while a person is under the influence of these drugs.

Gay bashing and gay domestic violence

These are often not viewed as health concerns, but they should be. Physical violence can lead to bodily harm, trauma, hospitalization, etc. Many gay "hate crimes" never get reported, due to the victims' fear of further discrimination, shame, intimidation by police and similar concerns. On a related matter, gay domestic violence can also lead to significant bodily harm, and is also very rarely reported, due to victims' fears of discrimination, intimidation by police, lack of services for male victims of domestic violence, etc. Due to the lack of reporting of these crimes, the rates of gay bashing and gay domestic violence are most likely much higher than statistics indicate.

Mental-health issues

Mental-health issues cannot be ignored. Many gay men suffer from depression and low self-esteem. Gay men live in a world where they are often told they are "bad." Some gay men are abandoned by their families. Discrimination against gays is all too common. The way that society often treats gay men can lower their self-esteem and lead to depression. For example, suicide rates among gay youth are higher than heterosexual youth. When a person has low self-esteem, they tend to value their life (and their health) less seriously. They are therefore less likely to protect themselves against HIV and other STDs, and other health problems.

* * *

I would now like to review some solutions to the health concerns discussed above.

Reducing the rate of STDs among gay men

A concerted effort needs to be made to reduce the rate of STDs among gay men. This can be accomplished in several ways:

1. More effort needs to be made to increase condom use among gay men. Educational efforts need to be increased to teach men ways of having safer sex to reduce the risk of infection with STDs.
2. Classes teaching about STDs, as well classes in HIV and STD prevention need to be developed specifically for the gay community. Many classes in HIV and other STDs are taught from a "straight" (heterosexual) perspective. Many gay man (and especially gay youth) cannot relate to a heterosexually oriented class. These classes are often taught in a way that gay men cannot understand. In addition, although there is a huge amount of information about HIV specifically for gay men, there is almost no information about other STDs geared specifically to gay men. A strong effort needs to be made to teach the gay community about HIV and other STDs in a way that gay men can related to. The levels of knowledge of HIV and other STDs is lower in the gay community than many people realize.
3. A strong effort needs to be made to increase vaccination rates for hepatitis A and hepatitis B among gay men.
4. Because sexual activity commonly occurs while under the influence of alcohol and other recreational drugs, a strong effort needs to be made to reduce the use (and abuse) of alcohol and other recreational drugs among gay men.

Reducing the rates of cancer in the gay community

This can be accomplished in a number of different ways:

1. Since some cancers are associated with STDs, the reduction of STD incidence rates can lead to a reduction in certain forms of cancer.
2. A strong effort needs to be made to reduce the incidence of smoking in the gay community. A reduction in smoking rates can lead to a reduction in lung cancer, heart disease, emphysema and other smoking-related illnesses.
3. Getting men immunized against hepatitis B can reduce the rate of liver cancer and other liver diseases (including cirrhosis of the liver) which are associated with hepatitis B infection.

Reducing the rate of alcoholism and drug abuse among gay men

This can be best accomplished by teaching gay men how to control their drinking habits before they become alcoholics. This means teaching gay men to stop drinking before they become drunk. In addition, local gay communities may want to establish programs for gay men to meet one another outside of a bar setting. Another solution is to get men with drinking problems into alcohol-treatment programs. Doing this will not only solve their drinking problems, but it will also reduce the risks of problems commonly associated with alcoholism (liver disease, increased STD risk, relationship problems, etc.).

On a related note, we need to take strong prevention efforts to prevent drug abuse with recreational drugs. One part of this solution is to get men who have drug problems into drug-treatment programs. Like treatment programs for alcoholism, drug treatment programs also reduce the risks of problems commonly associated with drug abuse (drug dependence, increased STD risk, relationship problems, etc.).

Reducing the rate of violence against gay men

This is a very difficult problem to solve, since this would involve changes in how our societies views gay men. Reduction of gay domestic violence is another issue that is very difficult to solve. However, we can teach gay men how to avoid getting into situations where violence against them is more likely to occur. And when a situation does occur (for example, having a lover who beats his boyfriend up), we need to teach gay men how to get out of that situation. This would also involve teaching local domestic-violence hotlines and law enforcement agencies about gay domestic violence and gay hate crimes, and how to handle those types of situations.

Reducing the rate of mental-health problems among gay men

This is another difficult problem to solve. A strong effort needs to be made to increase self-esteem in the gay community, especially in young gay men. Perhaps programs using gay role models can be developed to teach young gay men that their futures can be successful. In men who are suffering from depression, low self-esteem and similar issues, an effort must be made to get them into mental-health counseling, with counselors who are comfortable in dealing with gay issues.

In summary

The gay community cannot depend on the straight community to solve its problems. The gay community must depend on itself to solve these health issues. Gay problems are best solved by gay solutions. If the incidence of various health problems are to be reduced in the gay community, then it is up to the gay community itself to take action.

If you are a gay man, think about what you personally can do to make your community healthier. Work to keep yourself healthy. Get yourself vaccinated against hepatitis A and hepatitis B. Buy condoms, and learn to use them correctly. Reduce your use of alcohol and other drugs.

If you are a gay man, work to keep your community healthy as well. Teach gay youth the value of their health. Encourage them to be vaccinated against hepatitis A and hepatitis B. Encourage them to use condoms. Teach them to drink responsibly. Be a gay role model. Take pride in your community. The health of the gay community depends on you.

Prostate Natural Health Tips Any Man Can Do

Natural Prostate Health Tips:

You may think that it’s kind of weird for a female naturopath to be discussing prostate issues, but I had a partner die of colon cancer and the cancer spread to his prostate. I miss him.

He had no clue that there were actually alternative treatments that he could do for his cancer. He knew something was wrong, but when he went to his doctor, they couldn’t find anything. He happened to be a veterinarian who worked in a teaching hospital, so he went to the horse barn, pulled out the ultrasound machine and did an ultrasound on the place on his body that hurt. He saw what he thought was a lump, so he took a videotape of the procedure, took it to his doctor who looked at the tape and said, “Gosh! I think you are right!” So, he was scheduled for surgery, but when they opened him up, the cancer had advanced too far. They closed him up without doing anything and sent him home to die. Which he did.

I made up my mind that if I could help anyone develop lifestyle changes that helped them overcome or prevent cancer of any kind that I would do just that—and there are some basic things that every person can do to prevent and overcome cancer. It just so happens that there are some specific things men can do for their prostate health so I’m sharing them.

Prostate Disease Statistics:

Prostate disorders usually begin after age 35
By age 50, over 25% of all men have an enlarged prostate
By age 70, that increased to over 50% and by age 80 it’s 80%

Signs of prostate dysfunction include many bladder outlet obstruction symptoms such as:

• Getting up to pee more than normal for the amount of fluids you ingest
• Can’t empty your bladder all the way or sensations of incomplete emptying
• Increased frequency of urination
• Smaller stream of urine—takes a long time to empty bladder
• Foam in the urine- sign of protein in the urine (a sign of kidney disease)
• Hesitancy with intermittency and decreased flow of urine
• Terminal dribbling or urinary incontinence
• Pain during intercourse, burning sensations when urinating, tugging sensation around the base of the penis, low back pain, blood in the urine or an orange staining in the underwear may have a different cause than Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH)

Products that can keep the prostate healthy and decrease the PSA scores:

Saw Palmetto is the herb of choice for Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH) because it tones the prostate, affects the hormones in a positive way and is also a urinary remedy. Tonic value: Strengthens and builds body tissues and encourages muscle mass. Anabolic. Hormonal: Estrogenic actions good for impotence, reduced or absent sex drive, testicular atrophy, premature ejaculation (in women it has been used for breast enlargement) Urinary remedy: Saw Palmetto is nicknamed the “plant catheter” because it strengthens the neck of the bladder and helps reduce enlarged prostate glands. It is used as a diuretic to improve urine flow (raw parsley is excellent for this as well) and it acts as a urinary antiseptic in cystitis. Take up to 3 capsules daily.

Raw Hulled Pumpkin seeds (Food of choice for BPH) Dose: 4 teaspoons/day raw and hulled. Sources: Huckleberries, Local Co-ops, Winco (about $1.75/pound) and Health Food Stores

Foods are the strongest medicines we use but, “If a little is good a lot ain’t necessarily better.”Eating a BUNCH of them can give you diarrhea. All you need is a couple tablespoons/day maximum.

How to use pumpkin seeds:

• Put them in a bowl next to the stove and eat a small handful once a day
• Put them in sandwiches if you like crunch
• Put them in omelets and salads
• Put them in stir fry or on top of steamed vegetables
• Add them to cookie recipes

Raw Fruits: 1 ½ to 2 cups/day

Raw Vegetables: 1 ½ to 2 cups/day. If you can’t chew them, juice them!

Power Foods For Prostate Health Include:

• Wheat Germ oil-- (high in zinc and opens up the seminal vesicles- great for infertility) Dose: 1/3 tea/day or 3 capsules/day.
• Oatmeal (Aveno sativa)-- Great zinc source and fiber even for blood type O. Dose: about ½ cup cooked oatmeal per day or 3 ½ cups/week.
• Parsley-- awesome source of minerals and highly recommended for most health problems. Dose: 2 tablespoons/day chopped.
• Zucchini-- I think there’s a reason why God made an excess of zucchini. Dose: 5 cups cooked or raw per week.
• Yellow dock tea-- Dose: 1 cup/day max. Do not use if you have sensitive teeth or gouty arthritis.
• Watermelon is a great diuretic and good for the kidneys as well as the prostate. Dose: 3 cups/day in season.
• Unsweetened Cranberry Concentrate: For urinary tract infections you will want to add unsweetened cranberry concentrate to your diet for a couple of weeks. That is NOT cranberry juice off the shelf with all the sugar in it. You can get this product at the Co-op or at Huckleberries. It comes in an 8oz. bottle and costs about $8. Dose: Take 2 Tablespoons/day. Chase it with water and it will taste sweeter. Cranberry causes a tightening of the bladder sphincter muscles and causes the inside of the bladder to be slicker so bacteria cannot stick to it. Good brands are Knudson’s or Tree of Life.

Techniques to Help the Prostate:

Inguinal massage technique—Move that lymph for about 3 minutes/day. Lying down on the bed, face up, massage from where your legs attach to your body up towards the heart. Pay special attention to the lower abdomen just above the base of the penis. Be gentle. It should not hurt, but you should feel pressure.

Total Body Massage—Once a week is best, but every other week is the very least you should shoot for.

Reflexology points—Achilles tendon and heel area. Massage each leg about 5 minutes/day.

Exercise: Dead Lifts to increase circulation in the pelvis area. Start light. Breathe in as you lift the weights. Breathe out as you set them down. Bend at the knees. Squeeze your buttocks, throw your shoulders back and stick your chest out. Do about 2 sets of 10/day and work up from there. Don't overdo it. Repetitions are much better for your body than the amount of weight you lift.

The Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test. What is it? How often? How is it scored?

The PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) is a protein produced only by the prostate gland. The current recommendation is to get a PSA test done once a year beginning at age 50. Other doctors recommend less frequent testing. I am a proponent of getting that base level test done so that if there is a problem in the future, there is something to compare to. Some men have a predisposition to prostate cancer or have had cancer. For this group of people the PSA test is recommended more frequently.

PSA Tests Can Be Elevated For Several Reasons Including:

• Cancer
• Benign Prostate Enlargement (BPE)
• Inflammation
• Infection
• Age or Race (Blacks have higher PSA. Indians have the lowest amount of PSA)

PSA Scoring:

• 0-4 nanograms/milliliter is normal
• 4-10 ng/ml is slightly elevated
• 10-20 ng/ml is moderately elevated
• >20 is considered elevated

There are two types of PSA—Free and Attached.

The Free fraction is elevated with Benign Prostate Enlargement and the Attached fraction elevates with tumor involvement. Since there are both false positive and false negative tests, scientists are still studying various aspects of the Prostate Specific Antigen.

The "finger test" may pick up enlarged prostate, but increased PSA may not accompany enlarged prostate.

OK, men. . .Now get out there and take care of yourselves because we love you and want you around for awhile.

Dr. Denice Moffat is a practicing naturopath, medical intuitive, and veterinarian working on the family unit (which includes humans and animals) through her phone consultation practice established in 1995. She has a content-rich website at

Prostate problems
Techniques for prostate massaging

Diet Influences on Cancer Risk

Diet is a double edged sword. Improper diet increases the risk of cancer but a proper, well balanced diet reduces the cancer risk.

Diet is one of the most important lifestyle factors and has been estimated to account for up to 80% of cancers of the large bowel, breast, and prostate. Diet affects the risk of many other cancers, including cancers of the lung, prostate, stomach, esophagus and pancreas.

Prostate Cancer:

High consumption of meat, especially red meat, substantially increases the risk of prostate cancer.

Vegetables, especially cooked tomatoes, reduce the risk of prostate cancer. In one clinical trial, the role of Vitamin E as a prostate cancer reducing factor was established. In this study there was a 32% decrease in prostate cancer incidence and 41% decrease in prostate cancer mortality in people receiving Vitamin E supplements when compared to controls.

Breast Cancer:

In Japan, people consume Tofu, a soya product. It contains isoflavones that moderate the estrogen receptors in the body such as breast tissue. The incidence of breast cancer is low in Japan when compared to Western women; only 1/4th of the mortality rate of Western women. Japanese women's low fat diet, high fish consumption and drinking green tea also decrease their breast cancer risk.

One case control study found that regular consumption of soy foods was associated with a marked decrease in breast cancer risk in premenopausal women. No effect in post-menopausal women.

A Japanese case-control study also found that tofu intake (3 times/wk compared with less than 3 times/wk) was associated with decreased risk of breast cancer in premenopausal women. Again, soy intake was not protective against post-menopausal breast cancer.

In one study conducted in America, the relation between soy intake and breast cancer risk found that tofu consumption was protective in both premenopausal and post menopausal Asian women.

Lung Cancer:

Lung cancer risk is substantially decreased by a variety of carotenoids. Carotenoids act as antioxidants and thus minimize cell damage.

One study in Boston focused on the effect of different types of carotenoids on lung cancer risk. It was observed that lung cancer risk was significantly lower in subjects who consumed a diet high in a variety of carotenoids. This was especially true with non-smokers who had 63% less risk.

One study conducted in Hawaii reported further evidence for a protective effect from certain carotenoids against lung cancer and that greater protection was afforded by consuming a variety of vegetables compared to only foods rich in a particular carotenoid.

Stomach Cancer:

Nitrates in food and other preservatives added to food including meat are converted into 'nitrites' in the human stomach. The nitrites undergo nitrosation to form 'nitrosamines' and 'nitrosamides'. This increases the risk of stomach cancer in people eating vegetables from nitrate rich soil.

In one study, Vitamin C appeared to protect against the risk of stomach cancer by inhibiting formation of nitrates in stomach.

Cancer of the stomach is 5 times more common in Japanese people compared to Western populations. When Japanese people migrated to the United States, they progressively acquired the low incidence of the US due to changes in their diets.

In one study conducted in Hawaii that involved both Japanese and Caucasians, the stomach cancer risk was associated with consumption of rice, pickled vegetables, and dried/salted fish, and a negative association with vitamin C intake.

One ecological study in Belgium showed a relation between the nitrate and salt consumption and stomach cancer. The analysis of this model showed that the significance of nitrate as a risk factor for stomach cancer mortality increased markedly with higher sodium levels.

Dietary habits and stomach cancer risk was studied in Shanghai, China. According to this study, risks of stomach cancer were inversely associated with high consumption of several food groups, including fresh vegetables and fruits, poultry, eggs, plant oil, and some nutrients such as protein, fat, fiber, tea and antioxidant vitamins.

By contrast, risks increased with increasing consumption of dietary carbohydrates, frequent consumption of preserved, salty or fried foods and hot soup/porridge, with irregular meals, speed eating and binge eating. This provides evidence that diet plays a major role in stomach cancer risk.

No single food can completely prevent cancer but a balanced combination of different groups can help. Appropriate diet can prevent 3-4 million cancers each year.

Natural Cures For Prostate Cancer

Natural cures for treating prostate cancer often consist of a number of treatments, including herbal remedies, natural vitamins, minerals or dietary supplements. Other treatments include massage, acupuncture, homeopathy and magnetic therapy.

Most natural treatments are used in conjunction with a medical treatment plan, they are not intended as a complete cure for prostate cancer. The effectiveness of natural remedies is under debate, many patients claim that these treatments have been beneficial for them, while many medical practitioners claim that they are not much use and cause patients to have false hope. They also claim that natural remedies can interfere with regular treatments in prostate cancer patients.

Homeopathy is a well-known natural therapy that works on the principal that substances that can make normally well people ill can have the opposite effect on patients who are already ill if the doses of the substance are very small.

There have also been studies conducted for the usefulness of magnetic therapy to help with the cure of prostate cancer. It is believed that the north pole of the magnets can aid in slowing down the growth of a tumor. Patients treat themselves with magnetic therapy by sitting on a pad that contains magnets.

Acupuncture and massage are often recommended for prostate cancer sufferers as a complimentary treatment. Proper massage will make the patient feel more relaxed and able to cope better with stress. Massage and acupuncture are widely known as complimentary treatments rather than alternative cures for sufferers. Doctors often suggest that a patient use these treatments to help them cope with their condition.

Natural cures for prostate cancer are still being debated between doctors and natural therapy professionals, in regard to their effectiveness and ability to cure prostate cancer. If a patient is interested in learning more about natural therapies or remedies, a good place to start is to consult the doctor who is treating them and discuss the treatment, including the advantages or disadvantages of using these treatments in conjunction with the normal treatment programs.

It is important that patients make sure to tell their doctor about any natural remedies or therapies that they are thinking of using before starting them. Even herbal remedies can have a reaction to some treatments that are already being used to treat prostate cancer.

Prostate Message therapy

Massage Therapy

In some societies, it is taboo to talk about sex, especially if it is concentrated on the man's sexual pleasure. Society has however reached its maturity. Being now in the generation past the millennium, people enjoy more freedom and are more liberal with their thoughts and actions. Sex are not conversation stoppers anymore, instead they are conversation starters and sustainers.

Massage Therapy is becoming more and more popular these days as the avearge baby boomer searches for ways to relax and reduce everyday stress. Using massage therapy on a regular basis you can stay in better shape and be much more in tune with your body. But as you are about to learn, there are other uses for massage therapy other then just to reduce stress and unwind.

Pleasuring a man is actually one topic that enjoys a wide coverage. Everybody is in fact quite interested on what the new thing is around the block when it comes to keeping that man partner happy and content inside the bedroom. And just like any other lovemaking techniques or positions that are being invented, developed and improved every so often, new concepts and styles on just how to completely and erotically pleasure a man are being introduced.

One hot topic that is rapidly making the rounds not only in the circles of the new generation but also in the previous ones, is the prostate massage, which is said to have not only a sexual benefit but a medicinal purpose as well.

One question remains though, what is in prostate massage that gives enormous pleasure to men?

Studies have actually shown that aside from being just a prostate gland, the G-Spot or sacred spot of a man is his emotional sex center. Thus, prostate massaging becomes a vehicle to release tremendous amounts of emotional and physical stress. Usually coupled with stimulation of his penis, prostate massage can be extremely pleasurable and a powerful sexual experience to the man.

Aside from heightening the man's ejaculation reflex sensation, prostate massage also increases anal sensitivity, thereby yielding the most pleasurable sensations he can experience. One of the most pleasurable effects of prostate massage is that it enables the hidden or the buried penis inside the body be pressured in a similar manner as the prostate. The effect of stimulating all three can be awesome, if done in concert with genital stimulation. Still, more overwhelming than the physiological effects is the psychological aspect of prostate massage because of the unaccustomed nature of penetration of the receiver.

Aside from revealing a powerful physiological stimulation that is immeasurably greater than what psychologist would like to call the mental high,?prostate massage is also used as a technique to care for the anal area of the body. One can actually massage his prostate by simply inserting his finger into the anus and reaching back and up towards the navel until he feels the prostate gland. Still, more pleasure can of course be derived from having your partner do the erotic actions on you. A willing partner can do wonders in getting that ultimate climax.

More than the pleasure that can be derived from prostate massage, it also has therapeutic and medicinal purposes. In fact, most physicians also advise their patients to massage their prostates regularly to cure or prevent disease from occurring in the area. Most men, however, feel that doing prostate massage on themselves is a sign of homosexuality. The fears of becoming homosexuals make them veer away from the practice despite its proven therapeutic benefits. It is important for them to note though that neglecting to exercise or massage your prostate can actually lead to prostate dysfunction, prostate malfunction and even prostate disease. Inserting one's finger into the anus has never turned anybody into a homosexual and it's not going to start now.

So better think differently and change your tune. Men who are psychologically or morally blocked against examining or massaging their prostates should try this practice to discover its health benefits.

Steve Medina is a publisher for Massage Therapy Info. His research and personal experience with massage therapy allows him to write articles that will benefit the average person and help them reduce stress and relax.

Why Are Enlarged Prostate Symptoms So Often Ignored?

It's a sad fact that most men are into their seventies before prostate cancer is diagnosed, by which time the disease is often well advanced and beyond a cure. This is particularly sad because many men begin to experience enlarged prostate symptoms in their forties and fifties and simply choose to ignore them.

In many cases of course an enlarged prostate is not a problem and, if it does become a problem, then it can be treated without presenting any real threat. In addition, an enlarged prostate is often simply something of an inconvenience which many men feel that they can live with quite happily, so why bother the doctor. The problem of course is that, although not connected, cancer can develop alongside an enlarging prostate and, as a normally very slow growing cancer, it can be easily masked by enlarged prostate symptoms.

One answer, although somewhat controversial, would be to make screening for prostate cancer a routine procedure for men in their forties, or certainly in their fifties.

Prostate screening comes in a variety of different forms but the first line of screening is normally a digital rectal examination, or DRE. This is a simple examination in which the doctor inserts a gloved and lubricated finger into the rectum and feels the prostate gland to gauge its size and to identify any irregularities.

Another less invasive test is the prostate specific antigen, or PSA, test. This is a simple blood test to look for the presence of antigens in the blood which are specific to the prostate. This test will not in itself indicate the presence of cancer but monitoring PSA levels over time will indicate whether or not there is a likelihood of cancer developing and thus whether or not further more specific testing should be undertaken.

To provide a definitive diagnosis of prostate cancer a doctor may typically order a cytoscopy and transrectal ultrasonography in the first instant. A cytoscopy allows the doctor to view the urinary tract as it passes through the prostate gland, by using a thin camera inserted through the penis. A transrectal ultrasonography is carried out by inserting a probe into the rectum and creating a picture of the prostate gland using sound waves.

As a final test, and really the only test to definitely confirm the presence of cancer, the doctor may order a biopsy. A typical biopsy will be carried out through the rectum with a number of needles being inserted into different parts of the prostate gland to remove small pieces of tissue for microscopic examination.

There is considerably controversy surrounding the whole subject of prostate screening, much of it political (or economic) rather than medical, but prostate cancer is a serious condition which kills millions of men every year and an early and definitive diagnosis could certainly reduce the annual death rate very considerably.

For more information on enlarged prostate symptoms and prostate cancer cures, please visit ProstateCancerExplained.com

Techniques for Prostate Massaging

Prostate infection or Chronic Prostatitis causes inflammation, pain and no doubt much discomfort for the male suffering from it. There are treatments and medications available to relieve the symptoms of Chronic Prostatitis but there is a procedure – Prostate Massage – which is performed in hopes of relieving the prostate gland of pain and a build up of secretions.

There is a Prostate Massage Technique that effectively helps the patient with Chronic Prostatitis. The Prostate Massage Technique is performed to help take some stress off of the prostate gland. The prostate gland, the rectal area, these are both areas of heightened sensitivity. Realizing this it is imperative to be fully knowledgeable of the correct Prostate Massage Technique. This procedure should be performed by a doctor or medical professional – an individual who is fully aware of the prostate gland and its sensitive state. Of course if the prostate gland is infected or in poor health, it would be even more fragile. In this procedure, technique is everything.

The Prostate Massage Technique can be performed with two instruments, a prostate massager or the index finger. The Prostate Massage Technique is similar no matter which tool is used. The main difference of course is the use of the index finger is a much more gentle way of performing the massage. With the index finger and a latex glove inserted into the anus, the prostate gland is gently massaged and stimulated. This massage and stimulation relieves the prostate gland of the painful build up of fluid. The other route to take to carry out the Prostate Massage Technique is the use of a prostate massager. The prostate massager is designed to be similar to a finger with a curve at the top. Inserted into the anus the prostate massager is used to perform the Prostate Massage Technique. With light to medium pressure, the massager is maneuvered in circular motions repetitively to massage the prostate gland and lobes. It’s also important to specifically avoid any vigorous motions around the nerve in the center of the prostate gland.

Whichever tool is used to perform the Prostate Massage Technique is up to the doctor and the patient. The doctor may choose the prostate massager as the instrument for the job while the patient might prefer the manual digital approach because of its softness and ability to be gentle. Whichever tool is chosen is not as important as the Prostate Massage Technique. It is essential that this technician be very familiar with this technique.

How do you prevent prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in men. In fact, only skin cancer is more common. Over 200,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year, and one in six men will be diagnosed with the disease during their lifetime.

But, there is some good news about prostate cancer, too. Of the one in six men who will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, only one in 34 will die from the disease. And, death rates from prostate cancer are declining because of earlier detection and better treatments. Prostate cancer is usually a slow growing form of cancer, making it an excellent target for prevention.

Who Gets Prostate Cancer?

While doctors don’t fully understand exactly what causes prostate cancer, there are some risk factors that do increase a man’s likelihood of developing this disease.

Age – Most men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer are over the age of 65. By the time a man reaches the age of 80, his chances of getting prostate cancer are greater than 50%. However, at this age, prostate cancer is often not fatal, because it grows so slowly that other health factors are more significant.

Ethnicity –Doctors do not understand why, but African-American and Hispanic men are at a greater risk for prostate cancer than Caucasian men. Asian and Native American men have the lowest risk for developing this disease.

Diet – Diets high in saturated fats and low in fruits and vegetables increase a man’s risk of developing prostate cancer. Conversely, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, high in anti-oxidants and low in saturated fats reduces a man’s risk. Some foods that are particularly thought to be important in decreasing your risk of prostate cancer include:

• Soy

• Tomatoes – the lycopene in tomatoes is a powerful anti-oxidant and is thought to be particularly effective in preventing prostate cancer.

• Omega 3 Fatty Acids – such as those found in salmon and mackerel

• Vitamin D

• Selenium

Family History – A man’s risk for developing prostate cancer is greater when he has had a father or brother who has developed the disease. This is especially true if his relatives developed the disease at a young age.

How Can I Prevent Prostate Cancer?

Well, obviously diet is of significant concern in preventing prostate cancer. Make certain that your diet is low in saturated fats and high in fruits and vegetables. Stick to lean cuts of meat and be sure to get your fair share of fish that is rich in omega 3 fatty acids.

Another important aspect of protecting your prostate health is seeing your doctor. Currently, there are two ways of testing for prostate cancer. The first is a simple digital rectal exam. Most men will have this exam as part of a regular physical beginning after age 40.

In this test, the doctor inserts a lubricated, gloved finger in the anus and manually feels the prostate gland. The doctor can feel if the prostate is enlarged, or if lumps can be felt. This is an important exam, but it’s not perfect, because the doctor can only feel the bottom and sides of the prostate gland. There could still be problems with the top of the gland, or there could be tumors too small to feel.

The second test is called a PSA (prostate specific antigen) test. This is a blood test that checks the level of a protein made by the prostate. A normal prostate makes just a little of this protein, but when a man has prostate cancer, he typically produces very high levels of PSA.

Finally, along with your healthy diet, consider adding green tea. Green tea has been shown in many studies to prevent some forms of cancer, prostate cancer among them. There has been a fairly wide body of research on this subject, as well as on the ability of other foods and vitamins (such as the ones listed above) to prevent prostate cancer.

The Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial is a document that examines all of these possible preventers, and looks at the evidence that exists to support their effectiveness. This report has been published by the UK Tea Council and covers much of the research that supports the theory that green tea can prevent prostate cancer. In addition, this report discusses the strides made in prostate cancer prevention, and why this cancer in particular should be a target for prevention, rather than treatment.

Men often assume that at some time in their lives they’ll be facing prostate problems, or possibly prostate cancer. And, it is still a common health issue that many men will face in their life time. But, if all men can practice some simple prevention techniques, such as eating a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables and green tea, and visit their doctor regularly, it’s very possible that we can even further reduce the number of men who suffer prostate cancer.

Jon M. Stout is the Chairman of the Golden Moon Tea Company. Golden Moon Tea carefully selects the finest rare and orthodox teas, which are processed slowly and handcrafted with extreme care. At their website, you can learn more about their current offerings at http://www.goldenmoontea.com/

Ways to Detect Prostate Cancer and How It Can Be Treated

Prostate cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer found in men today. With 230,000 cases diagnosed annually in the United States, the thought alone can make anyone cringe. Just mentioning that you have cancer can be very frustrating and very depressing. You have to consider the fact that cancer is one of the most deadly diseases known to man.

You have to realize the fact that the causes of prostate cancer are not yet very clear in the medical community. There may be theories but it would take a very long time to confirm the theories today that suggests the different causes of prostate cancer.

First of all, you need to be educated on what prostate cancer is in order to know what to expect in case you have one. Prostate cancer is the dangerous duplication of malignant cell in the male prostate gland or in the reproductive organ. You have to consider that almost half of men suffer from problems with their prostate. However, even men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer will have an excellent prognosis. The key to cure prostate cancer is to detect it as soon as possible.

Prostate cancer is a slow-moving disease. The fact that men die from other causes before they even realize the disease will tell you how prostate cancer works. Basically, there are no symptoms on prostate cancer in the early stages of the disease. Only the advanced stage of prostate cancer can have visible symptoms that will include bone pain, leg weakness and incontinence.

Today, you have to consider that your prostate health is very important. You have to realize that cancer is the second-leading killer in the United States and it is definitely a great idea if you know just what's going on in your body.

The advanced stages of prostate cancer will include enlarged prostate gland, difficulty in urinating, little bladder control, and sexual dysfunction. It may also lead to painful ejaculation.

These symptoms can also be the symptoms of nonmalignant prostatitus, which can be easy to treat as long as it is detected and treated on its early stages.

Today, there are different methods to treat prostate cancer. Most of the time, if the cancer has been detected at its early stages and have not spread to other parts of the body, radiation therapy will usually be recommended by your doctor. Another common treatment for prostate cancer is Radical Prostatectomy. In this procedure, the whole prostate and its dependent parts are removed. You have to consider that this type of surgery is very intense and are only recommended for people in good health.

However, on the advanced stages of the cancer, and if it has spread to other parts of the body, chemotherapy is usually recommended and is also considered as the best way to treat cancer. It uses chemicals to kill cancer cells.

So, if you are concerned about your prostate health, you should visit your doctor and express your concerns. The doctor may recommend you to a specialist where you will be tested for prostate cancer. Always remember that there is a greater chance of recovery and effective treatment if the prostate cancer is detected at its early stages.

Always keep in mind that there is nothing wrong or embarrassing if you are concerned about your health. The doctor will be able to advice you on the different treatments available and will recommend which treatment is right for you.

For more information on your Prostate Cancer try visiting http://www.prostate-cancer-101.com

Prostate Problems - From A Mere Inconvenience To Life Threatening

For many men prostate problems represent nothing more than a mere inconvenience and just another one of those things that we all have to put up with as we get older. To others however they represent a truly life threatening condition.

Prostate problems fall into two broad categories – a benign enlarged prostate and prostate cancer and, for many men, the real problem is that one often hides the other.

An enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH) is a very common condition indeed that will affect the majority of men as they pass through their 50s and 60s and beyond. A benign condition that is confined to the prostate gland, an enlarged prostate will cause a variety of problem with urination but these are often quite mild and many men simply choose to live with them. If symptoms do become troublesome then often medication will do the trick and, if all else fails, there is a range of minimally invasive procedures with few risks or complications that can be brought into play to solve the problem.

Prostate cancer on the other hand is a very different kettle of fish. In its early stages prostate cancer is confined to the prostate gland and can be very effectively treated. However, as the disease progresses cancer spreads into the surrounding tissue, organs and bone of the abdominal region and can then be carried through the lymphatic system to just about any and all areas of the body. Once prostate cancer starts to spread treatment becomes increasingly difficult and it is often a case of simply trying to arrest or slow the spread of prostate cancer rather than trying to eradicate it.

Prostate cancer kills thousands of men every year despite the fact that it can be very effectively treated if caught in its early stages. So just why is it such a killer?

Unfortunately because so many men suffer from an enlarged prostate, and know that it is a benign condition which they are often half expecting, they don't worry when the symptoms first appear and simply soldier on, not thinking to bother their doctor. After all they reason, the doctor will only tell them what they already know and advise them to live with it and come back again if the symptoms become so bad that they feel that they need treatment.

In some cases however the problem creating the symptoms may well be an enlarged prostate but, alongside this, prostate cancer could well be developing. Waiting until an enlarged prostate requires treatment may well mean that it is too late to easily treat an often now quite advanced case of prostate cancer.

The answer of course is simple. If you start to develop the symptoms of an enlarged prostate then pop along and see your doctor. He'll run a few tests and may tell you that you indeed have an enlarged prostate and not to worry. But, if you are developing prostate cancer he'll tell you that too and, more importantly, he'll be able to offer you treatment now when it will do you some good.

Prostate problems are more often than not nothing to worry about, but why take the risk.

Please visit ProstateCancerExplained.com for further information on http://prostatecancerexplained.com/

The Earliest Signs of Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the second most common type of cancer found in men (skin cancer is first). The incidence of prostate cancer increases with age, and some people think that all men would eventually have prostate cancer if they lived long enough. As with all types of cancer, the best outcomes happen when the cancer is detected early, so it is important to know the signs of prostate cancer.

The earliest signs of prostate cancer are:

• Difficulty urinating
• Frequent urination, especially at night
• Decreased flow and force of urinary stream

Unfortunately, these early signs of prostate cancer can be caused by other problems, such as acute or chronic prostatitis or benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). There is no specific warning sign or symptoms of prostate cancer.

There are two tests doctors perform to aid in early detection of prostate cancer: a rectal exam (feeling the prostate gland through the rectum) and PSA (protein-specific antigen). Neither of these tests is specific, either.

If a man has urinary symptoms, an enlarged prostate or an elevated PSA, most physicians will refer him to a urologist for a biopsy of the prostate gland. This is the only surefire way to diagnose prostate cancer. Several biopsies are taken from different parts of the gland to make sure they don’t miss anything. Prostate biopsy can be done as an outpatient. The discomfort is usually minor, and most men are able to return to their normal activities within a day or two.

Since PSA testing has become available, prostate cancer is being detected and treated earlier. Early treatment options, such as brachytherapy, have fewer serious side effects than more aggressive treatments, and the treatment is more successful.

Dean Iggo is the webmaster of a website on http://www.prostatehealthadvice.com/ providing prostatitus advice for everything from an enlarged prostate to prostate cancer.

Prostate Pain

Prostate pain is caused by the inflammation of the prostate gland, which is an exocrine gland of the male reproductive system. Its main function is to secrete and store a fluid that constitutes up to one-third of the volume of semen. This inflammation of the prostate is also known as prostatitis. If the prostate grows too large, it may constrict the urethra and impede the flow of urine, making urination extremely difficult and painful and in extreme cases, completely impossible. Prostatitis is usually treated with antibiotics, prostate massage or in extreme cases, surgery.

In older men, the prostate gland often enlarges to the point where urination becomes very difficult. This is known as benign prostatic hyperplasia and can be treated with medication or with surgery that removes a part of the prostate gland. The surgery technique most often used in such cases is called transurethral resection of the prostate. In this case, an instrument is inserted through the urethra to remove excess prostate tissue that is pressing against the upper part of the urethra and restricting the flow of urine.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting elderly men in developed countries and a major cause of death among them. Regular rectal exams are recommended for elderly men to detect prostate cancer in its early stages. There is also a blood test that measures the concentration of a protein, Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA), which is normally very low.

Elevated and more sophisticated test results may be an indicator of disorder within the prostate either prostatitis or benign hyperplasia or prostate cancer. The PSA test cannot distinguish between them, but can certainly lead a doctor to investigate further. Prostate cancer is treated with hormone manipulation, which is the prevention of production of testosterone, with radiation and surgery. It has recently been found that a drug known as Docetaxel can be effective in the treatment of prostate cancer.

Pain Medications

Pain medications generally deal with painkillers, medically known as analgesics. They are a member of the diverse group of drugs used to relieve pain. The word analgesic is derived from the Greek word 'an' which means 'without', and 'algia' which means 'pain.'

Analgesic drugs act in different ways on the peripheral and central nervous system of the body. They include paracetamol (acetaminophen), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as the salicylates, narcotic drugs such as morphine, synthetic drugs with narcotic properties such as tramadol, and various others. Some other classes of drugs, not otherwise considered analgesics, are also used to treat neuropathic pain syndromes, which include tricyclic antidepressants and anticonvulsants.

Analgesics can be broadly categorised into three groups. The first one comprises of Paracetamol and NSAIDs. The exact mechanism for action of paracetamol is uncertain, but it apparently acts centrally. Aspirin and the NSAIDs inhibit cyclo-oxygenase, leading to a decrease in prostaglandin production. This improves pain and also inflammation, in contrast to paracetamol and the opioids. Paracetamol has few side effects, but dosing is limited by possible hepatotoxicity (potential for liver damage). NSAIDs may predispose to peptic ulcers, renal failure, allergic reactions, and hearing loss, and may also increase the risk of hemorrhage.

The second group is of Opiates and morphinomimetics. Tramadol and buprenorphine are considered to be partial agonists of the opioid receptors. Morphine, the common opioid, and various other substances like pethidine, oxycodone, hydrocodone and diamorphine, all exert a similar influence on the cerebral opioid system. Dosing may be limited by toxicity caused by opoids leading to confusion, myoclonic jerks and pinpoint pupils, but there is no dose ceiling in patients who can tolerate this. Opioids, though very effective analgesics, may have some unpleasant side-effects. Up to 1 in 3 patients starting morphine, may experience nausea and vomiting, which is generally relieved by a short course of antiemetics. Pruritus or itching may require switching to a different opioid. Constipation occurs in almost all patients on opioids, and laxatives such as lactulose, macrogol-containing or co-danthramer are typically co-prescribed. When used appropriately, opioids and other similar narcotic analgesics are safe and effective, carrying relatively little risk of addiction. Occasionally, gradual reduction of the dose is required to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

The third category is of the specific agents consumed by patients suffering from chronic or neuropathic pain. Tricyclic antidepressants, especially amitriptyline, have been shown to improve pain in apparently a central manner. The exact mechanism of carbamazepine, gabapentin and pregabalin is unclear as well, but these anticonvulsants are used to treat neuropathic pain with modest success.

http://www.pain-web.com provides detailed information on Pain, Back Pain, Pain Relief, Arthritis Pain and more

The latest articles about prostate cancer risk and its prevention on this blog:

The latest articles about prostate cancer risk and its prevention on this blog:

Prostate Cancer as Number One Preventable Health Crisis

Prostrate Cancer Warning Signs

Prostate Natural Health Tips Any Man Can Do

Diet Influences on Cancer Risk or Healthy diet to prevent Prostate Cancer

Use Medicine In BPH Treatment

Preventing Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in men. In fact, only skin cancer is more common. Over 200,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year, and one in six men will be diagnosed with the disease during their lifetime.

But, there is some good news about prostate cancer, too. Of the one in six men who will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, only one in 34 will die from the disease. And, death rates from prostate cancer are declining because of earlier detection and better treatments. Prostate cancer is usually a slow growing form of cancer, making it an excellent target for prevention.

Who Gets Prostate Cancer?

While doctors don’t fully understand exactly what causes prostate cancer, there are some risk factors that do increase a man’s likelihood of developing this disease.

Age – Most men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer are over the age of 65. By the time a man reaches the age of 80, his chances of getting prostate cancer are greater than 50%. However, at this age, prostate cancer is often not fatal, because it grows so slowly that other health factors are more significant.

Ethnicity –Doctors do not understand why, but African-American and Hispanic men are at a greater risk for prostate cancer than Caucasian men. Asian and Native American men have the lowest risk for developing this disease.

Diet – Diets high in saturated fats and low in fruits and vegetables increase a man’s risk of developing prostate cancer. Conversely, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, high in anti-oxidants and low in saturated fats reduces a man’s risk. Some foods that are particularly thought to be important in decreasing your risk of prostate cancer include:

• Soy

• Tomatoes – the lycopene in tomatoes is a powerful anti-oxidant and is thought to be particularly effective in preventing prostate cancer.

• Omega 3 Fatty Acids – such as those found in salmon and mackerel

• Vitamin D

• Selenium

Family History – A man’s risk for developing prostate cancer is greater when he has had a father or brother who has developed the disease. This is especially true if his relatives developed the disease at a young age.

How Can I Prevent Prostate Cancer?

Well, obviously diet is of significant concern in preventing prostate cancer. Make certain that your diet is low in saturated fats and high in fruits and vegetables. Stick to lean cuts of meat and be sure to get your fair share of fish that is rich in omega 3 fatty acids.

Another important aspect of protecting your prostate health is seeing your doctor. Currently, there are two ways of testing for prostate cancer. The first is a simple digital rectal exam. Most men will have this exam as part of a regular physical beginning after age 40.

In this test, the doctor inserts a lubricated, gloved finger in the anus and manually feels the prostate gland. The doctor can feel if the prostate is enlarged, or if lumps can be felt. This is an important exam, but it’s not perfect, because the doctor can only feel the bottom and sides of the prostate gland. There could still be problems with the top of the gland, or there could be tumors too small to feel.

The second test is called a PSA (prostate specific antigen) test. This is a blood test that checks the level of a protein made by the prostate. A normal prostate makes just a little of this protein, but when a man has prostate cancer, he typically produces very high levels of PSA.

Finally, along with your healthy diet, consider adding green tea. Green tea has been shown in many studies to prevent some forms of cancer, prostate cancer among them. There has been a fairly wide body of research on this subject, as well as on the ability of other foods and vitamins (such as the ones listed above) to prevent prostate cancer.

The Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial is a document that examines all of these possible preventers, and looks at the evidence that exists to support their effectiveness. This report has been published by the UK Tea Council and covers much of the research that supports the theory that green tea can prevent prostate cancer. In addition, this report discusses the strides made in prostate cancer prevention, and why this cancer in particular should be a target for prevention, rather than treatment.

Men often assume that at some time in their lives they’ll be facing prostate problems, or possibly prostate cancer. And, it is still a common health issue that many men will face in their life time. But, if all men can practice some simple prevention techniques, such as eating a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables and green tea, and visit their doctor regularly, it’s very possible that we can even further reduce the number of men who suffer prostate cancer.

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