5 New Year’s Resolutions for your prostate

Christmas is coming, a time for joy and indulgence.

As thoughts after the festive period often turn to a healthier lifestyle, Mr Stuart Graham, Consultant Urological Surgeon at The Holly discusses the simple steps you can take to help keep your prostate healthy.

Moving around makes a difference

Due to Covid-19, I am seeing more people with symptoms of prostatitis, an infection of the prostate gland. One of the reasons is that people who normally travel to work are now staying at home and sitting at their computer desks all day. Spending whole days only getting up to make the odd cup of coffee, and not passing urine regularly, is leading to significant problems for many men with this unpleasant inflammatory condition.

It is highly likely we are going to face some type of extended time in the home office in the future. Get into the habit of giving your prostate a break: get up often and make sure you pass urine regularly. Consider investing in a home prostate seat to keep the pressure of your prostate gland.

Check your bike seat

With cycling continuing to grow in popularity, it’s important to examine your bike seat. The typical bike seat puts significant pressure on the prostatic area. If you have a razor-type bike seat, you should think about investing in one with a wide base and a groove down the middle.

Eat Healthily

There are some rules of thumb which can be helpful when it comes to diet and preventing prostate issues. If you have some prostate symptoms already, avoid drinking large amounts of fluid in the evening, as you will wake up to pass urine. Caffeine also stimulates the bladder so consider switching to decaf tea and coffee.

Some research has shown links between prostatic issues and a high animal fat diet, so it may be worth avoiding red meats etc. The bottom line is to lose weight, eat a good amount of fruit and veg, and be wary of animal fats.

Look out for danger signs

The obvious symptom is blood in the urine, and if you see this you should report it immediately to your doctor. Prostate cancer often does not cause symptoms, but you may wish to have your prostate assessed if you are over 50. Older men may find they have benign prostatic symptoms and if these bother you, it is worth having these assessed.

Know that help is there

Men often suffer in silence with health issues and this is totally unnecessary. A lot can be done to help prostate symptoms including help with a healthy lifestyle – and surgery if needed. If you find your healthy lifestyle still leaves you with troublesome symptoms, have them checked as part of your New Year resolution.

About Mr Graham

Stuart Graham has a clinic every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at The Holly. To book an appointment call 020 3925 1323.