As a man, taking care of your prostate health is an important part of your overall wellbeing. Regrettably, this topic, for some, may still be shrouded in unnecessary shame and stigma, creating barriers between family members and healthcare professionals. We want to encourage a more positive outlook on prostate health, empowering you to feel comfortable in your skin, communicate openly with your loved ones, and start prioritising your health and happiness.
Understand the stigma
The stigma surrounding prostate health can be traced back to long-standing cultural taboos. Even today, there’s a widely held belief that men should appear less visibly concerned about their physical and emotional health to maintain any ‘real’ macho identity (1).
Some men still believe discussions about prostate health diminish their masculinity, while others erroneously associate prostate problems with impaired sexual activity. These misconceptions often lead to men avoiding prostate checks, dodging medical screenings, or shying away from discussing prostate symptoms with romantic partners.
Prostate problems can also cause urination issues like nocturia (frequent urination at night) or needing to use the bathroom urgently. These prostate symptoms can affect self-esteem, lead to anxiety and embarrassment, and make it harder to have open, honest conversations.
If you’re unsure about how to broach the subject of prostate health or feel self-conscious and ashamed, there’s no need to worry. Given the prevailing stigma surrounding this topic, it’s perfectly reasonable to be hesitant. Many men find it hard. Just know that you’re not alone.
Nonetheless, it’s worth reaffirming that navigating the intricacies of prostate health and implementing positive changes in the name of your wellbeing won’t ever result in a loss of ‘masculinity’. In fact, taking action to support your health demonstrates strength, responsibility, and conscientiousness.
Empower yourself through education
One of the most effective ways to eliminate shame and dismantle stigma is through education. Understanding the normal ageing processes of the prostate, common health concerns, and the importance of regular prostate exams can help demystify the topic and make it easier to digest. With this knowledge in hand, prostate health can feel less scary and inaccessible.
You can arm yourself with everything you need to know about the prostate ageing process and common prostate problems, including prostatitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia here.
Don’t shy away from open conversations
The fear of judgment or vulnerability may prevent you from having frank conversations about your prostate with those around you. However, it’s important to stress that your wellbeing is paramount, and addressing concerns doesn't make you any less of a ‘man’. Not only does it take a great deal of courage to open up, but it also demonstrates your commitment to a healthy, fulfilling life.
If you’re worried about any prostate symptoms, we encourage you to chat with those closest to you – perhaps a partner, male friend, or family member – in an environment you feel most at ease. If that’s a stretch right now, don’t worry. You might find it easier to reach out to your GP, a Pharmacist, or our expert Nutrition Advice team, who are on hand to provide confidential guidance and support.
Being vulnerable can be tremendously hard sometimes. But you don’t have to weather this storm alone. Discover more ways to talk to your loved ones about prostate health in our guide here.
Lean on the professionals
If you’ve noticed common prostate problems, including inflammation (prostatitis) or an enlarged prostate (BPH or benign prostatic hyperplasia), it’s always best to chat with an expert. Seeking professional guidance not only helps with early intervention but also puts you in control of your overall wellbeing.
It’s also worth mentioning there’s currently no routine prostate screening in the UK. However, if you’re a healthy man over 50, you can have a chat with your GP about prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests. While PSA tests can be unreliable, your doctor can provide you with good information on the pros and cons before deciding to have one.
If awkwardness or embarrassment is deterring you from seeking medical advice, you’re not alone – countless men find it challenging. Nevertheless, it’s vital to understand that advocating for yourself is important.
Remember, healthcare professionals are there to help, not judge. They have the expertise to address concerns, answer questions, bust myths, provide guidance, and ensure you receive the care you need.
Feel empowered to take control
Cultivating a more positive perspective on prostate health also means feeling you have agency over your wellbeing. It's not just about waiting for problems to arise; it's about being proactive and making choices that support a healthier lifestyle. This includes adopting a balanced diet, exercising, managing stress, and going easy on alcohol.
Best vitamins for prostate health
Besides making small tweaks to your lifestyle, you may want to incorporate the following nutrients into your diet for targeted support.
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Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal testosterone, fertility, and reproduction. It also helps protect cells from oxidative damage. High levels of stress, caffeine, smoking, and drinking can deplete zinc levels in the body. Meat, shellfish, legumes, whole grains, eggs, cacao powder, nuts, and seeds are excellent sources of zinc.
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Vitamin D3 plays a critical role in immune function, which supports many areas of men’s health. The best way to synthesise vitamin D3 is from direct sunlight. However, this isn’t always possible in winter months, so the NHS recommends supplementing with 10µg from October to March. You can also find small amounts of it in meat, oily fish, eggs, and fortified foods.
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Beta-sitosterol is a sterol found in almost all plants. It’s often recommended for mature men. Fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds contain generous amounts of beta-sitosterol.
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Quercetin is a widely researched bioflavonoid and remains a popular choice for men’s health. Good sources include apples, onions, parsley, sage, tea, red wine, blueberries and dark cherries.
You can explore our expert nutritional formulas designed specifically for men aged 50 and above here.
Want to learn more about prostate health?
While navigating prostate health can present challenges, we hope this piece has made you feel more comfortable discussing it and seeking the support you need. Please know that your wellbeing matters, and addressing prostate health should never be a source of embarrassment or insecurity.
Remember, our team of expert Nutrition Advisors is available to provide free, confidential advice via email, phone, and Live Chat* should you need it. You can also read more about supporting your prostate health on Nutrition Buzz.
A final note from our Nutrition Advisors: If you experience any signs of urinary discomfort, such as nocturia (frequent urination at night), a sensation of incomplete bladder emptying, or a weakened or interrupted urine stream, it’s important to consult your doctor for medical advice. They can help determine if you have benign prostatic hyperplasia or another prostate condition that may need prompt medical intervention.
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References:
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Men's Health Forum. Key data: understanding of health and access to services. [online] Menshealthforum.org.uk. Available at: https://www.menshealthforum.org.uk/key-data-understanding-health-and-access-services
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Disclaimer: The information presented by Nature's Best is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications.
Olivia
Olivia Salter has always been an avid health nut. After graduating from the University of Bristol, she began working for a nutritional consultancy where she discovered her passion for all things wellness-related. There, she executed much of the company’s content marketing strategy and found her niche in health writing, publishing articles in Women’s Health, Mind Body Green, Thrive and Psychologies.
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