It’s the physical examination every man dreads. It’s even worse than the “turn your head and cough” scenario that involves an 80-year-old doctor and his cold, clammy hands straddling the ‘ole twins. You know what I am talking about - the anal probe.
For most guys, the prostate examination is about the worst exam you could possibly undergo. Not only is it embarrassing (after all, you know how your bathroom smells after you have taking a nice, healthy shit in it), it also gets your homophobic radar blaring - particularly if that doc manages to stimulate just the right part of your prostate. You know what I am talking about. Nearly every guy who has had a prostate examination has felt a little bit of stirring up front. Does this mean you have homosexual tendencies? And, just what is the prostate and why is it so damn important for your doctor to violate you in order to check on its status?
What is the Prostate?
Put simply, your prostate is one part of your reproductive system that doesn’t get nearly as much attention as parts you play with while in the shower. The job of the prostate is to make and to store your seminal fluid, which is the liquid your sperm swims around in and is what makes up the majority of the goo you squirt when your having a really good time. Even if you get yourself fixed, your prostate will continue to kick out the seminal fluid.
Since your prostate is located in your pelvis in a spot that is both beneath your urinary bladder and in front of your rectum, the easiest way for your doctor to access it is through your backdoor.
Why is it Important to Get Your Prostate Checked?
Unfortunately for you and me, the prostate is an organ that is prone to developing cancer. As with all forms of cancer, prostate cancer develops when cells mutate and then begin to multiply rapidly. If left untreated, the cancerous cells can spread to other parts of the body. It is particularly life-threatening if the cells spread to the bones or to the lymph nodes. Even if the cells don’t spread, prostate cancer can cause a number of problems for you, ranging from pain to problems with your sexual functioning.
What are the Symptoms of Prostate Cancer?
In its earliest stages, prostate cancer usually doesn’t show any symptoms - which is why your doc needs to go spelunking in your nether regions from time to time. Once the disease does start showing symptoms, however, common signs include:
- Frequent urination, particularly at night
- Difficulty maintaining a steady stream of urine
- Blood in the urine
- Pain when urinating
- Difficulty obtaining an erection
- Pain when ejaculating
Once the cancer begins to spread, you may notice pain in your ribs, vertebrae or pelvis. After spreading to the spine, the disease may also lead to compression in the spinal cord as well as fecal and urinary incontinence.
Do I Really Need to Worry About Prostate Cancer?
Although prostate cancer occurs more frequently in men over the age of 50, it is possible for a man of any age to develop the disease. In fact, it is one of the most common forms of cancer for men and, since there are often no symptoms associated with the disease, there is a good chance the disease won’t be caught in its early stages unless you get regular check-ups.
When performing the procedure, your doc will first lube up his or her finger before going hunting for your prostate. Once there, the doctor will check the shape, size and texture of your prostate. If the doctor finds any areas that are hard, lumpy or otherwise unusual feeling, those areas will require further examination. Probing your most private of areas is not the only test that can be performed when screening for prostate cancer, as blood tests should be performed as well. So, how about that, after getting violated in the rear, you also get stuck with a needle. Sounds fun, huh? Well, suck it up, tough guy. It may not be pleasant, but it is necessary to keep your health on track.
Can Prostate Cancer be Prevented?
There is nothing you can do to completely eliminate the possibility of developing prostate cancer, but there are certain steps you can take to help reduce your chances of coming down with the disease. Some research has shown that vitamins such as vitamin E and D can help protect the body from prostate cancer, as can soy foods and even green tea. If you really want to reduce your chances of developing prostate cancer, however, you need to put that prostate to work.
According to a 2003 study performed in Australia, you finally have an excuse to spend some time with Rosie palm and her five sisters. This is because the researchers found that men who masturbate more often are less likely to develop the disease. As a result of the study, the researchers recommend that men ejaculate as frequently as possible between the ages of 20 and 50. So, if you aren’t over 50 yet, you might want to take matters into your own hands (yes, the pun is certainly intended) and take measures now to prevent prostate cancer later. Consider it to be simply part of your regular health regimen. More specifically, researchers found that men in their 20s who ejaculated six or more times per week were 1/3 less likely to develop an aggressive form of prostate cancer later
If you don’t want to go this route - and why wouldn’t you? - you can also help reduce your chances of developing prostate cancer by increasing your consumption of omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid, which is in most forms of vegetable oil as well as in fats.
The bottom line is to try to eat healthy and get your prostate exam on a regular basis. And, of course, ejaculate as frequently as possible. After all, your health depends upon it.
0 comments:
Post a Comment