Caring Now for Prostate Pays Off in Long Run

The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that surrounds the urethra at the base of a man's bladder. It is responsible for creating seminal fluid to carry sperm during ejaculation, and plays an important role in urinary health as well as fertility. Most men live in blissful ignorance of their prostate gland. Lack of penis-specific vitamins, poor immune function, hormone imbalances and lifestyle choices all effect the health of the prostate, and eventually, the health of a man's sex life. If something goes wrong with the prostate gland, often sexual function and impotence are soon to follow. Knowing this now may help some men to prevent problems in the future.

Prostate Disease

There are a variety of diseases that can effect the prostate and increasing the risk of erectile dysfunction. In many cases, it is the medical treatment for the disease that interferes with a man's sex life, and not the disease itself. Benign prostate growth (BPH), prostatitis and prostate cancer are all very common in men in the later stages of a man's life, with prostate cancer currently second only to lung cancer as the leading cause of cancer deaths in North America. 30,000 men die from prostate cancer each year in the U.S., and those who survive are often badly affected by the medical treatment of prostate cancer. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy and prostate surgery may all cause erectile dysfunction and impotence in men. Supporting circulation, improve antioxidant-status, and using neuroprotective agents such as alpha-lipoic acid and L-carnitine are all important in protecting penis health during these treatments.

Sexual Activity

Scientists have been debating about the effects of frequent sexual activity on the health of the prostate for decades. While popular opinion is that frequent ejaculation is beneficial for the prostate, there is still some evidence to the contrary. University of Nottingham Medical School in the U.K. published a study in BJU International in 2009 that showed frequent sexual activity in young men led to an increased risk of prostate cancer. In men over the age of 50 frequent sexual activity had the opposite effect by decreasing the risk of prostate cancer. Some studies have supported these findings, while others have contradicted them entirely. Most doctors and researchers agree on one thing though -- sexual transmitted infections (STI's) of the penis do contribute to prostate medical issues.

Preventing prostate and penis health issues

Vitamin C and E are both known to offset impotence by balancing nitric oxide levels in the smooth muscles of the penis, and they also offer antioxidant protection to the nerves and blood vessels. Zinc is found in high quantities in the seminal fluid, offering immune protection from infections. Vitamin A is another nutrient that has shown to benefit the immune system and reduce the risk of cancers. Essential fatty acids, such as those found in pumpkin seeds, linseeds and fish, are useful for promoting microcirculation to the penis and reduce the symptoms of prostate growths. L-Carnitine, L-arginine and alpha-lipoic acid have also shown in some studies to be effective in reducing impotence and promoting strong erectile function.