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Enlarged Prostate

Hot Baths, Hot Tubs, and Prostate Conditions

Sometimes there’s nothing better than the soothing relaxation of submerging in a hot tub. Whether it’s after a particularly grueling workout, or a stressful workday- spending time relaxing the body and mind in a hot tub can be very beneficial. But what effect if any, does it have on prostate health?

Studies have found evidence that soaking in a hot tub or hot bath can help decrease inflammation. This can be particularly helpful for men dealing with the uncomfortable symptoms of an enlarged prostate.

According to a study in the Scandinavian Journal of Urology and Nephrology, regular use of a hot tub or a hot bath increases blood circulation in the pelvic area and can ease the constriction of the urethra, thus providing some relief. They also found clear indications that these benefits are due to the heat of the water, and not necessarily what’s in it.

For example, some claim that the only way to get the benefits of heat therapy is to add Epsom salts or other bath salts into the water to help calm symptoms. However, there isn’t much evidence to back this claim. In fact, research primarily shows that the heat of the hot tub or bath relaxes the tightened pelvic muscles. Not only is a hot tub or bath a fast reducer of muscle tension in the pelvis, it can also reduce levels of stress and anxiety, which can aid in recovery.

Though hot water submersion can help relieve symptoms, it is not a cure for prostate enlargement or prostatitis. Men that use hydrotherapy to reduce symptoms, often report that they feel better when they are in the hot water but the effects tend to fade soon after they get out. Nevertheless, the relief of time spent in a hot bath or hot tub can be a true gift to those suffering from pain in the pelvis-  as more often than not, any reduction of symptoms for any length of time is welcomed by those suffering from prostate conditions.

When it comes to using a hot tub, whether it’s your own or one that belongs to a gym or a spa- it’s important to check to make sure the tub is clean and properly maintained. It’s also important to avoid water that is too hot. Most studies recommend that the water isn’t any hotter than 104°F (40°C).

Another important factor is to drink plenty of water and limit your time in the tub. Hot tubs make you sweat, and can leave you dehydrated, which will only exacerbate prostate symptoms.

Therefore to get the benefits of relaxation and a reduction in inflammation, most research recommends spending 10 to 15 minutes, or longer if the temperature is lower or you are comfortable.=

Lastly, this may seem obvious- but a critical aspect of using a hot tub as opposed to a bath at home is to make sure to shower after and thoroughly wash your body with soap. And, as tempting as it might be to make the shower cold- it’s best to avoid doing that, as this can spike your blood pressure and potentially lead to headaches, dizziness, chest pain, and other issues.

The bottom line, there is evidence to show to submerging in a hot tub or a hot bath regularly, can help provide temporary relief from the symptoms associated with prostate conditions. However, it’s important to check with your doctor to make sure this form of therapy is safe for you and your recovery. It’s also important to refrain from using any public hot tub if you are experiencing a UTI, an infection, or are recovering from a prostate procedure or surgery.

So check with your doctor, and if you get the green light, try relaxing in a hot bath or a hot tub. You might feel better physically better, and, as a bonus, mentally better as well.

 

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Enlarged Prostate

Erectile Dysfunction and an Enlarged Prostate- What’s the Connection?

We’ve all seen the commercials, and heard the jokes. Or maybe you are someone or know someone who’s used it. We’re talking about viagra, and more specifically Erectile Dysfunction. Fortunately, erectile dysfunction, commonly referred to as ED,  is no longer something that’s only whispered about within a relationship, or embarrassingly disclosed to a doctor. It’s an accepted issue, with accepted solutions. However, for those with an enlarged prostate, the solution might not be as easy as a prescription and a pill.

We already know that a man’s prostate continues to grow as he ages, making an enlarged prostate, or BPH, quite commonplace. However, sometimes, without proper treatment, an enlarged prostate can be problematic. An enlarged prostate can lead to many urinary symptoms and increased urinary infections, and yes, it can affect a man’s sex life.

A study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings looked at the link between common BPH urinary symptoms and sexual dysfunction. Researchers studied 2,115 men between the ages of 40 and 79, by having them complete a questionnaire about their sexual function and urinary tract symptoms every two years. What they found was that sexual function and severy of urinary tract symptoms had a definite inverse relationship. The more urinary problems, the less sexual function.

The study also found that the urinary tract symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate that were most associated with sexual dysfunction were:

  • A feeling of urgency
  • Needing to get up multiple times at night to urinate
  • A weak urine stream
  • Straining to start urinating

These urinary symptoms were all associated with:

  • Difficulty getting or maintaining an erection
  • The way men felt about problems with sexual drive, erection, and ejaculation
  • Sexual satisfaction problems

So the solution is to treat the BPH that is causing the urinary issues that are then leading to ED, right?

Yes, but it’s complicated.

Treating the enlarged prostate can be helpful when it comes to urinary issues and ED, however, not all treatments are created equal. In fact, some drugs that are used to treat BPH can actually cause ED and reduce sperm count. Proscar, for example, which is an anti-testosterone drug used to treat BPH has been linked to ED. In fact, studies have found that 3.7% of men using Proscar struggle with ED, and 3.3% report having diminished libido.

That being said, research has also discovered that there is a  positive correlation between drugs used to treat ED, like Viagra and Cialis, which can actually improve BPH and reduce urinary symptoms. It has also been shown that the drug Flomax, an alpha-blocker that relaxes the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier to urinate- can improve the symptoms of BPH with a lower risk of sexual side effects.

Another treatment option that can help solve problems with ED by reducing or even eliminating the symptoms of BPH, is Prostate Artery Embolization ( PAE).

This minimally invasive procedure, which we offer here at MidAtlantic Vascular and Interventional,  has a high rate of success, with over 90% of men experiencing relief in the first year. And unlike some of the other treatment options, PAE does not affect sexual performance.

If you are one of the many men that struggle with prostate conditions that are causing or contributing to ED, there is a solution.

Please call us today to talk about your treatment options.

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Enlarged Prostate

Preventing Summer UTIs

Summer is here, and with that comes sunny beach days, vacations, barbecues with family and friends, and an increase in Urinary Tract Infections.

Yep, you read that correctly. Each year, more than 8 million people are treated for urinary tract infections, and research shows that the majority of them happen in the summer. According to a report on LiveScience.com, one particular study tracked a 15% increase in diagnosed UTI cases when temperatures climb to around 80 degrees.

Why is this?

First, let’s look at what a UTI is.

A UTI is an infection that occurs when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra and travel up to the bladder. These bacteria are the result of e. Coli or other bacteria which can grow in the urine, affecting both the upper and lower urinary tracts. This includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. This bacteria thrives in warmer temperatures, making it more likely that the urinary tract will be exposed to bacteria during the summer months.

Common symptoms of a urinary tract infection include:

  • Frequent urination
  • A burning sensation when urinating
  • A strong, persistent urge to urinate
  • Cloudy, bloody, or strong-smelling urine
  • Pelvic pain or pressure in your lower abdomen
  • Fever or chills

It is estimated that about one-third of men with benign prostatic hyperplasia will develop urinary tract infections. The reason is, that when the prostate gets bigger, it can squeeze or partially block the urethra, which leads to problems urinating, such as the inability to empty the bladder completely. That stagnant urine can then act as a growth medium for bacteria, which can potentially lead to a UTI.

Given that BPH is most common in older men, this can also coincide with other problems, such as fecal incontinence. This occurrence can significantly increase the likelihood of developing a UTI. One way this can be avoided is to always wipe from front to back after going to the bathroom. This will prevent bacteria, such as ecoli, from having access to the urethra. Another contributing factor to UTIs is the long-term use of urinary catheters since using a catheter can also introduce bacteria into the bladder.

So what can be done to help prevent a UTI this summer?

Practice safe sex: Condom use can help prevent bacterial infections that are transmitted through sexual contact. As well as urinating after sex to clear out any bacteria that may have entered the urethra.

Don’t “hold it in”: Urinate when you feel the urge. Holding it in can lead to a collection of bacteria in the bladder or urinary tract.

Use good hygiene: Wipe from front to back after bowel movements, and wash your hands thoroughly afterward.

And a big one, when it comes to the summer months, is wearing the right clothing and drinking enough water. This means, instead of playing that game of beach volleyball in your wet swimsuit, which can promote bacterial growth, switch to a dry pair of shorts.

As for drinking enough water, this is critical for a number of reasons- one being, that dehydration can increase the likelihood of a UTI. So, in order to avoid dehydration, it’s important to sip cool drinks throughout the day. Not only can water help to prevent UTIs, but it also helps our blood to more efficiently transport nutrients and oxygen throughout the body. Even more, staying hydrated lubricates joints, keeps mucus membranes moist, and helps regulate not only our body temperature but also our heart rate and blood pressure.

Most UTIs are easily treated with antibiotics, depending on the bacterial strain, and do not cause significant complications. However, if left untreated, UTIs can cause many serious issues, most commonly, kidney infections. These infections can cause permanent damage, including reduced kidney function, scarring, and more. And, if the infection spreads from the kidney to the bloodstream it can even cause septicemia – which can be life-threatening.

If an underlying cause of a UTI is an enlarged prostate, treatment may be needed to avoid a recurring infection. Undergoing a procedure such as Prostate Artery Embolization, which we offer here at MidAtlantic Prostate Care, can improve lower urinary tract symptoms caused by a Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, thus helping you to avoid not only UTIs but other uncomfortable symptoms as well.

For more information, call us today at: 301-622-5360.

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Enlarged Prostate

To Stand or Not To Stand

Believe it or not, when it comes to urinating with prostate issues- sitting down may be the best choice.

According to research from the Leiden University Medical Centre in the Netherlands, “sitting down to pee allows for a more favorable urodynamic profile”. This means, roughly, the flow of uring is stronger which can help keep prostate symptoms at bay.

Researchers found that when men stand at a urinal, muscles around the lower abdomen, pelvis, and spine are activated- which can actually prevent proper and complete urination- and, in turn, adversely affect the prostate.

This kind of study isn’t new. The researchers stated that “Ever since men had the choice to urinate either standing or sitting, the optimal voiding position ( squatting) has been a topic of discussion.” However, they acknowledged that “Only a handful of studies have investigated the effects of voiding posture on urodynamic parameters by comparing the standing versus the sitting position.” Therefore they went further and conducted a meta-analysis of studies regarding Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms ( LUTS).

After analyzing a whopping 2,352 publications and 96 studies, the team was able to narrow down the material to the most viable studies.

What did they find?

They found that the findings were consistent across each study, saying “We found that in patients with LUTS the sitting position is associated with a trend towards a more favorable urodynamic profile.” The profile confirmed each measure they hypothesized about: When men with LUTS sat down to urinate, they did so faster, longer, at a greater pressure, and released more urine than men with LUTS who stood.

Sitting down to urinate is especially beneficial to older men with prostate problems. According to urologist Jamin Brahmbhatt M.D., in an interview published in the online publication Fatherly, “Men may start peeing sitting if their prostates are large and they need to help relax the pelvic muscles in an effort to help push the urine out.” As a result of emptying their bladders more effectively, these men can reduce the risks of cysts and a bevy of other health complications.

In Japan, a new study has shown that since the beginning of the pandemic more Japanese men than ever, are sitting down for relief. The study found that 70% of men sit, compared to 51% a few years back. There is also evidence to support a cultural change surrounding the habit in Germany, France, Sweden, The Netherlands, and Taiwan.

Though there are many health benefits to sitting versus standing, let’s not overlook another contributing factor as to why more men are sitting down to pee- many mothers and partners want them to. Why? It’s quieter, it’s cleaner, and they never have to tell you to put down the toilet seat, again.

So whether you sit or stand to urinate, is ultimately up to you. However, if you do have a prostate condition, or are struggling with LUTS, maybe give sitting down the old college try. It could help you feel better, sleep better, and… it could make your partner happy to never have to put the seat down again.

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Enlarged Prostate

Swimming for Prostate Health

The weather is warmer, the pools are open, and it’s time to swim- especially if you’re looking to maintain prostate health.

Swimming is a low-impact form of exercise that provides a cardio workout, helps improve muscle strength, and has numerous health benefits that contribute to overall prostate health.

Though all exercise is beneficial to overall health, when it comes to prostate health, particularly for those recovering from prostate cancer, prostatitis, and any other prostate condition- swimming may be the best choice. Though biking has many cardiovascular benefits, it puts pressure on the perineal area ( the area between the anus and scrotum), which can exacerbate uncomfortable symptoms and potentially make things worse.

Swimming, like yoga or pilates, stretches the muscles in a way that feels good and can is also easy on the joints. The buoyancy of being in the water, takes the pressure off of the pelvis and the prostate, allowing for all the benefits of a cardio workout without the risks of irritation.

Research has also shown that swimming can boost overall brain health. Evidence has shown that not only can it improve mood, cognition, and immune response- but it can also alleviate stress, benefit the central nervous system, and- the limited breaths during laps can even help the body to use oxygen more efficiently.

When it comes to swimming, one of the challenges is finding access to a local pool. If you’re lucky enough to have one of your own- use it. Otherwise, pools can be found at local gyms, and many have set times when the pool is exclusively used for working out. Even just swimming once a week, when combined with another form of exercise, such as walking or jogging, can make a big difference.

So what kind of swimming is a workout? Do you just swim back and forth from wall to wall? And for how long?

All the different strokes of swimming can be a good workout. Whether is breaststroke, backstroke, front crawl, side swimming, kickboard kicking, or doggy paddling. It’s all swimming and it’s all beneficial- though maybe leave the doggy paddling to the dogs. To get a good swimming workout, most trainers suggest starting with 15 to 20-minute swims, and then gradually increasing it to 30 minutes.

Of course, this isn’t without taking breaks and making sure to stay hydrated. It’s surprising how many swimmers become dehydrated, as sometimes the sweat from all the exertion gets lost in the pool. But just like running, biking, hiking, and another exercise- hydration is crucial.

Alex Kostich, a former Standford University swimmer, believes in the benefits of swimming. And has even outlined a work-out for those interested in adding swimming to their exercise routine. She laid out the following swim work-out, which can serve as a helpful guide- however, it is just that- a guide. This workout is not the only way to exercise in the pool, but it can give some ideas as to how to structure a workout.

Sample: Basic Training Swim Workout

Warmup: 2 laps (100 meters) Rest

1 lap easy 1 lap fast (repeat five times, with no rest if possible: 500 meters) Rest

2 laps KICK (100 meters)

1 lap backstroke 1 lap freestyle 1 lap breaststroke 1 lap freestyle (200 meters) Rest

Swim down 2 laps (100 meters)

Total: 1,000 meters

Kostich says that “The above workout is an outline for someone wanting to achieve basic conditioning while maintaining muscle tone and flexibility. If it is too much of a challenge, you may need a few swimming lessons to correct your technique before tackling the sets above.” Also, if it’s too much of a challenge, just do what you can do. Start small, even 10 minutes and pay attention to your form- you may discover that you could use a little help with your form and technique.

The bottom line, swimming is an excellent choice when it comes to overall health, and prostate health. It’s a low-impact form of cardio that provides a full-body workout and can aid in weight loss, muscle tone, and development, as well as cardiovascular health- all while reducing stress, improving mood, and best of all- It’s fun!

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Enlarged Prostate

Kegels for Men?

Anyone that’s picked up a women’s magazine or heard any mainstream conversations about women’s health, has probably heard about Kegels. For women, Kegels are contractions of the pelvic floor muscles, that are done in order to help strengthen the muscles that surround and support the bladder, vagina, uterus, and rectum. By doing these exercises, women can strengthen the muscles against bladder leaks, lower back pain, hip pain, and prolapse, and can improve sex. But what about men? Can they do Kegels?

Yes, they can. And they can benefit tremendously by practicing Kegels and strengthening their pelvic floor. So what is a pelvic floor? A pelvic floor is the group of muscles that support the bladder and bowel and affect sexual function. The three muscles that make up this area are the pelvic floor muscle, the bladder, and the sphincter. Through exercising this muscle, studies have shown that it is can be effective at controlling incontinence without medication or surgery. In fact, by strengthening the pelvic floor muscles, more blood is able to flow to the sex organs which can help with erectile dysfunction and can even provide some relief from prostatitis and other prostate conditions.

In 2021, a clinical trial found that training the kegel muscles can offer a range of advantages regarding medical issues. In the study, patients were evaluated in order to study the impact of kegel workouts on the pelvic floor muscles. The goal of the researchers was to find out whether or not these exercises could help prevent urinary and fecal incontinence in patients undergoing radiotherapy for prostate cancer.

What they found, was that there was a drastic improvement in those who practiced regular pelvic floor muscle exercise. Those patients experienced better bowel movements, less urinary problems, less diarrhea, constipation, and fatigue. Other studies have also found kegel exercises to be hugely beneficial in treating urinary incontinence, leakage, as well as erectile dysfunction, and other sex-related problems.

One of the great benefits of Kegel exercises is that they can be done even while sitting in front of a desk at work. Though there are various types of kegel exercises that can strengthen a weak pelvic floor, the most common technique involved clenching and releasing the muscles that are used to keep from passing gas and urine. To find these muscles, a good approach is to practice stopping urination midstream and take notice of the muscles that provide that for you. These muscles that you used to stop the urine flow are your pelvic floor muscles. And therefore, these are the muscles that you will clench and release in order to practice kegel exercises.

So practice Kegels, and know that in doing so, you can strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, and get some much-needed relief from prostatitis and other prostate conditions. 

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Enlarged Prostate

Prostate Conditions and Mental Health

We’ve all experienced the stress of needing to find a bathroom quickly to relieve our bladder. Whether that’s after being in the car for a long time, on a plane, or waiting in line somewhere. However, as one of the primary symptoms for men with prostate issues, this experience can be acutely stressful during the waking hours, and can also interrupt sleep, thus adding to mental distress as well. But this isn’t the only troublesome symptom that men with prostate conditions experience that can affect their mental health. Let’s take a look at the most common prostate conditions, and what, if any, impact their symptoms can have on mental health.

Enlarged Prostate or BPH

The most common symptom of prostate enlargement is Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS). The symptoms of LUTS include increased frequency of urination, increased urgency of urination, and needing to urinate more often during the night. Other symptoms that exist alongside an enlarged prostate, involve issues emptying the bladder, such as a weak urinary stream, hesitancy when trying to urinate, dribbling of urine after you have finished urinating, and incomplete emptying of the bladder.

These symptoms are annoying at best, but at their worst, they can create tremendous amounts of stress and may be a source of anxiety and depression in men. The stress of needing to constantly get to a bathroom, and having to get up multiple times throughout the night, can lead to mood changes and exhaustion and can exacerbate other mental and physical health issues.

Prostatitis

Prostatitis is an infection or inflammation of the prostate gland. Prostatitis also causes, amongst other troublesome symptoms, difficulty urinating, pain and discomfort, as well as a lowered sex drive.

Experiencing prostatitis can be painful, stressful, and difficult to treat. This reality can often lead to feelings of hopelessness in men afflicted with prostatitis. These feelings and experiences can not only exacerbate anxiety, they may even lead to the development of depression.

Prostate Cancer

Men that are diagnosed with prostate cancer are at a higher risk of experiencing mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. Not only are the symptoms a contributing factor, but more often than not, a cancer diagnosis, in general, is enough to incite feelings of anxiety and stress. These feelings over time can develop further leading to depression and other stress-related health problems.

Though all of the symptoms related to prostate conditions can adversely affect mental health, there are many ways to lessen their impact.

In the case of enlarged prostate issues, there are several things that can be done to relieve symptoms. By speaking with your doctor, you can determine the best course of action. This can be everything from diet and lifestyle changes, medications, and potentially the non-invasive procedure, Prostate Artery Embolization- which, has a high rate of success, with over 90% of men experiencing relief in the first year. When it comes to prostatitis, the key is to remember that there is a solution. It may take time to uncover the cause, and find the most effective treatment- but it is treatable. And, once the right treatment is found, it can relieve symptoms more often than not, completely. In the case of a prostate cancer diagnosis, knowledge is key. Just knowing how common prostate cancer is in men, and how often it is successfully treated, is a great start towards shifting the thoughts and feelings associated with it. There are also various support groups that can be found online that have proven to be very helpful.

Regardless of the diagnosis, seeking out professional mental health counseling and treatment can be extremely beneficial. Talking to someone about the thoughts and feelings that come up regarding your prostate condition, can help provide relief and a framework for further recovery. In some cases, it may be helpful to speak with a psychiatrist who can help treat anxiety and depression with medication.

The bottom line is that your thoughts feelings and experiences surrounding your prostate problems are valid. Feeling stressed, and having an increase in anxiety and depression is not uncommon, and there is no shame in asking for help.

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Enlarged Prostate

Prostatitis. What is it? And How is it treated?

Did you know that half of all men will experience the symptoms of prostatitis at some point in their lives? In fact, prostatitis is the most common urinary tract issue in men under 50, and it is estimated that more than two million men seek treatment for prostatitis symptoms every year. So what is prostatitis?

Prostatitis is the term given to inflammation or infection of the prostate gland. It is often detected due to urinary symptoms caused by the inflamed prostate, which surrounds the urethra. Though there are several different types of prostatitis, the common symptoms associated with it are:

Pain or burning sensation when urinating. Difficulty urinating. Frequent urination, particularly at night. Urgent need to urinate. Cloudy urine. Blood in the urine. Pain in the abdomen, groin, or lower back. Pain in the area between the scrotum and rectum. Pain or discomfort of the penis or testicles. Painful ejaculation. Fever, chills, muscle aches, and other flu-like symptoms.

Prostatitis is not contagious and is not transmitted during sex. And diagnosing it can be tricky because other problems such as prostate cancer or an enlarged prostate need to be ruled out before an accurate diagnosis can be made. In order to determine this, the doctor performs a physical exam, including a rectal exam. Depending on the symptoms, the doctor may also test the patient’s urine and semen for infection.

There are four classifications of prostatitis: acute bacterial, chronic bacterial, chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome, and asymptomatic.

Though the exact cause of prostatitis and its corresponding pelvic pain is not always known, there are several things that can raise the risk of developing it. These include a bacterial infection such as a bladder infection, an infection caused by a catheter, an infection from sex, or an issue within the urinary tract. Prostatitis can also be caused by non-bacterial sources. These include stress, injury, prior urinary tract infections, and nerve irritation or inflammation. 

Fortunately, prostatitis is treatable and curable. Your physician will usually treat it with a few weeks of antibiotics. However, in the case of chronic prostatitis, your doctor might also treat the infection with ibuprofen, an alpha-blocker- to help relax the muscles in the prostate making urination easier, as well as antibiotics.

The bottom line: If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of prostatitis, it’s important to make an appointment with a physician. During your visit, you can discuss your symptoms, and your doctor can rule out if there are any other conditions, such as an enlarged prostate with could be contributing to the problem. If the problem is connected to an enlarged prostate, call us up at MidAtlantic Vascular and Interventional, and we can go over treatment options, such as Prostate Artery Embolization, which we offer here at our office.

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Enlarged Prostate

Spin Classes and Prostate Health

High energy, motivational, and fun, are just some of the words people use to describe attending an exercise bike class, or “Spin Class” as it’s often called. In fact, the influence that uplifting and encouraging spin classes have had has led to a whole slew of Soul Cycle gyms, that offer these classes exclusively. And, during the height of the pandemic, when we were sheltering in place, the company Peloton, made a fortune selling exercise bikes with a screen attached, that allowed people to attend spin classes at home.

But what effect, if any, does all this intense cycling have when it comes to prostate health?

First of all, it’s no secret that a man’s private parts are what make contact with a bike seat. Putting pressure on the area known as the perineum. Located between the pubic bone and the coccyx is the perineum, and just below the skin are nerves and blood vessels that supply the scrotum and penis with blood as well as the prostate gland.

So what, if anything does this pressure from the bike seat, do?

Well, this is highly debatable. Yes, there are studies, such as one published in the Journal of Men’s Health, that found a correlation between hours spent cycling, and the incidence of prostate cancer. The results suggest, that in men over 50, the more hours they spend on the bike, the higher the rates of prostate cancer. However, these results are debatable, given that studies have shown that cycling can increase a man’s PSA level ( prostate-specific antigen), which is often used as an indicator of potential prostate problems, such as cancer. Therefore, in order to avoid a false reading, men should avoid cycling before getting this test.

There is also some evidence that suggests that bike riding, especially rigorous bike riding, can irritate the prostate and could potentially exacerbate and even lead to prostatitis and pelvic pain. This repetitive compression to the perineum from the bicycle seat can also at times, though rarely, cause inflammation of the prostate, and chronic inflammation is known to be a risk factor for cancer and other problems.

So what can be done about this? The solution is rather simple:

  1. If you have prostate problems and you cycle frequently you may find it helpful to discuss the potential impact with your doctor, particularly if you are going to have a PSA blood test.
  2. It’s best to avoid cycling during episodes of prostatitis or chronic pelvic pain syndrome.
  3. Find ways to reduce putting pressure on the perineum and in doing so, the prostate, by wearing padded shorts, standing on the pedals more, and adjusting the bike seat.

The bottom line, biking and spin classes are excellent forms of cardio and have many health benefits, however, using caution and common sense when it comes to biking and prostate health should always be a priority.

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Enlarged Prostate

Drinking Green Tea for Prostate Health

Chances are by now, you’ve heard about the many health benefits associated with drinking green tea. But did you know that drinking green tea is beneficial for your prostate?

Green tea has long been associated with powerful antioxidants called polyphenols, which are believed to positively affect skin health, and weight loss, and can potentially reduce the risk of some cancers and cardiovascular diseases. And, according to several studies, there is also a link between green tea and prostate health.

So what is Green Tea? And where did it come from?

Green tea is believed to have originated in China, and based on a popular legend, it is suggested that Shennong, an Emperor of China, discovered green tea had medicinal benefits as far back as 2737 BC. The legend suggests that he discovered the tea when tea leaves from a nearby tree fell into his cup of freshly boiled water. As the legend goes, he then drank the tea and found that it eliminated toxins from his body and bought about tremendous improvements in his health.

Though it is unlikely that a bunch of green tea leaves magically fell into a cup of boiling water, what is likely, is that the ancient Emperor, who was also a renowned Chinese medicine man, discovered the health benefits of this rather common tea and spread that knowledge to others. Thus making it a cultural staple in China, as well as Japan, and now, many other regions of the world.

Most studies regarding green tea and its effect on overall cancer prevention have been somewhat inconclusive, however, there have been some studies that concluded that consuming this popular tea, can help in the prevention of prostate cancer.

At the City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, physician Sumanta Pal, MD reviewed the results of an Italian study that found that men who had a precursor to prostate cancer and drank green tea daily, were less likely to get prostate cancer.

Commenting on these results, Dr. Pal, said “Studies such as this are critical to confirm or support a plausible explanation for how green tea may work,” however, he like many other researchers, believes that more studies are needed before making any diet recommendations for the use of green tea in the prevention in certain types of cancer.

So the jury is still out regarding the impact that green tea has on cancer prevention, however, there is evidence to suggest that drinking green tea can contribute to prostate health. Studies have found that regularly consuming green tea, helps to reduce inflammation of the prostate, so as to reduce the pressure it can put on the urethra.

Green tea has also been discovered to have anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties, which can help protect the bladder from infections. This is especially important for men who have an enlarged prostate, as the impact it can have on emptying the bladder completely, can leave excess urine to grow stagnant and increase the likelihood of a bacterial infection.

The bottom line, adding green tea to a diet and lifestyle, can benefit a man’s overall health. With its potent antioxidants, regular consumption of green tea can contribute beneficially to prostate health by boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation. And, though more studies are needed, there is some evidence out there that suggests that drinking green tea can help slow the growth of prostate cancer, and in some cases, potentially prevent it from forming.

As more research continues to be done regarding the cancer-fighting benefits of green tea, one thing is for sure- when it comes to reaching for a healthy beverage, a soothing cup of green tea is an excellent choice.

DISCLAIMER: When consumed in moderation, green tea is safe for most people. However, please check with your doctor before consuming it, if you have an iron deficiency, or are on medications, especially those for anxiety disorders or heart conditions.