According to urologist Des Moines Dr. Fawad Zafar, when a man reaches the age of 40, his prostate starts to enlarge, resulting in a condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). (The prostate is the walnut-sized organ located below the bladder and in front of the rectum.)
As a result of this condition, the tube that transports urine from the bladder is compressed, resulting in frequent urination during the day and night, incomplete emptying of the bladder, weak urine flow and sometimes urine leakage. These disorders can ultimately have a negative affect on an older person’s quality of life.
Studies show that about 45 % of middle-aged persons are being affected by these medical disorders at some point in their life. And by the age of 60, approximately 80 percent will experience some lower urinary-tract symptoms.
Early screening and detection by your urologist Des Moines is justified, including the digital rectal examination, which is performed to determine the size and weight of the patient’s prostate. Through this examination, your urologist Des Moines will be able to determine whether there are lumps and other abnormalities that will prompt further tests to determine any existing health problems, including prostate cancer.
The patient’s proactive role is vitally important in the prevention of early complications of prostate problems, so early screening by your urologist is vital. Medical management is the first-line therapy, and surgical intervention is the secondary option.
Urologist Des Moines Dr. Fawad Zafar offers these suggestions for the proper care of your prostate:
- Eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables daily;
- Choose whole-grain instead of white when choosing bread, pasta and cereals;
- Control your intake of red meat;
- Pick healthier fats, such as olive oil, nuts and avocados;
- Limit saturated fats from dairy and other animal products;
- Avoid sugar-sweetened drinks such as sodas and most fruit juices;
- Limit your salt intake by choosing foods that are lower in sodium;
- Monitor portion sizes, eat slowly, and stop eating when you feel full;
- Stay active through regular exercise.
Prostate health should be a medical concern that every aging man should be concerned with…so don’t take any chances. Call the office of urologist Des Moines Dr. Fawad Zafar today to schedule a consultation.