Posts Tagged ‘Male’

Start early to prevent prostate cancer… causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention

A prostate is a walnut sized gland which is found in men only. It surrounds the tube which carries urine from the bladder to the penis. It is located in lower abdomen. It is a very common type of malignancy that is found in men.

The symptoms of prostate cancer are:
- difficulty in starting to urinate.
- frequent urination especially at night.
- pain while urinating.
- blood in urine.
- hip lower back pain.
- pain with ejaculation.
- pain in lower part of pelvis.
- weight loss.
- loss of appetite.

The cause of prostate cancer is not exactly known but there are some factors that increase the likelihood of developing prostate cancer. These factors include:
- A family history of prostate cancer in father or brother are at higher risk.
- Risk increases if several relatives are affected especially when they are young at time of diagnosis.
- High fat diet adds the risk of developing prostate cancer.
- A diet with high lycopenes and curcumin reduces the risk of developing prostate cancer.

Diagnosis of prostate cancer involves following steps:
- Physical examination reveals an in-duration of nodule of the prostate.
- PSA blood test detects prostate cancer of low volume and is a step in initial diagnosis of prostate cancer.
- True cut prostate biopsy after positive PSA test confirms prostate cancer.

Treating early stages of prostate cancer involves watchful waiting. To treat prostate cancer, options available are:
- Surgery
- Radiation therapy
- Drug therapy
They can cause some side effects like impotence and incontinence but they tend to disappear after the treatment.

To prevent prostate cancer:
- Undergo examination and PSA test every 1-2 years interval.
- Limit animal fat consumption.
- Increase dietary consumption of lycopenes and curcumin rich food.

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Benefits of ARGININE – Essential Amino acid which Increases Male Sexual Vitality

Arginine is an essential amino acid. It is obtained from food during the growth period, but can subsequently be manufactured by the body. Arginine is needed for the formation of proteins such as collagen and elastin, and vital substances such as hemoglobin, insulin, and glucagon. Eighty percent of the male seminal fluid is made of arginine.

Arginine, also known as L-arginine, is involved in a number of different functions in the body. They include:

- Wound healing.
- Helping the kidneys remove waste products from the body.
- Maintaining immune and hormone function.
- In the body, the amino acid arginine changes into nitric oxide (NO). Nitric oxide is a powerful neurotransmitter that helps blood vessels relax and also improves circulation.
- Since arginine may help arteries relax and improve blood flow, it may also help with erectile dysfunction.

It is broken down into ornithine and urea and is, therefore, a vital part of the urea cycle in the liver, which is the main route of detoxification and elimination of urea.

The major sources of arginine are:
- Peanuts.
- Cashew nuts.
- Piyal seeds.
- Water melon seeds.
- Walnuts.
- This amino acid is found in most vegetables, especially green and root vegetables.
- Arginine exists in a free state in plants such as garlic and ginseng.

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS

Lack of arginine reduces sex impulse and can cause impotence. A prolonged deficiency is not only harmful to the immunological system but can also result in the disordered carbohydrate metabolism.

Arginine is useful in some cases of male sterility. A supplementary use of arginine minimizes post-wound weight loss and accelerates wound healing. An increased intake of in the diet can also lead to an increase in weight and muscle mass.

PRECAUTION
Several weeks of supplementation in mature adults may cause reversible thickening and coarsening of the skin. Arginine is contraindicated in cases of herpes simplex infections according to a number of authorities. Foods rich in arginine should therefore be avoided by patients with such viral infections.

What are the major side effects after the treatment for prostate cancer ?

Following treatment for prostate cancer, some men may experience :
From the day you were diagnosed with cancer, you’ve probably looked forward to getting back to your “normal” life. However, the disease may have dominated your life for so long that it might take some time to get back into your regular routine after your treatment is done. It’s important to give yourself and your loved ones time to adjust.

Incontinence

The inability to control urination affects about 10 percent of men who have been treated for prostate cancer.
- Stress incontinence
- Overflow incontinence
- Urge incontinence
Normal bladder function often returns within weeks after surgery or after radiation treatments have stopped.

Impotence

Impotence, also known as erectile dysfunction, is the inability to have an erection. Impotence can result from surgery, radiation therapy, or hormone therapies. In the months following surgery, some potency may return.
- Drugs such as sildenafil (Viagra) can help a man achieve an erection.
- Vacuum devices also assist in achieving an erection.
- Penile implants can be inserted surgically to help create an erection.

Physical Discomfort

Physical discomfort after treatment for prostate cancer may include:
- Fatigue caused by radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or hormone therapies.
- Nausea and vomiting caused by radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
- Hair loss from chemotherapy.