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Author: Debbie Humphrey

When it comes to reproductive health, men and women face different needs and recommendations. For women, annual mammograms and gynecologic exams are standard preventive measures. For men, yearly physicals often include prostate exams—an important step in monitoring the health of the prostate gland.

This small but vital part of the endocrine system produces fluid that carries semen through the penis and provides essential nutrients like zinc, citric acid, and enzymes to protect and support sperm cells.

Several conditions can affect the prostate gland as men age, and they include complications that can range from mild to severe. However, men can follow 5 steps to promote prostate health in West Pasco and Pinellas Counties, according to the Urology Center of Florida.

“Over time, your prostate may start to enlarge, and early on can be asymptomatic. This happens for men around age 40, although it affects a higher percentage of men around age 55.”

An enlarged prostate increases the risk of conditions like:

• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) – Also known as an enlarged prostate, BPH is a noncancerous condition that affects a man’s ability to urinate due to pressure at the base of the bladder that can lead to obstructions in the urinary tract that cause urinary retention.
• Prostatitis – This is inflammation of the prostate that can develop in the form of bacterial prostatitis and is most common in men ages 30-50. The cause is frequently unknown, and the nonbacterial type is harder to treat because symptoms vary from person to person.
• Prostate Cancer – This is more common in men over age 50. The overall cause is unknown, but family history and age are primary risk factors. Early stages of prostate cancer are confined to the prostate gland, but as it develops and becomes more aggressive, it can spread to other systems and become dangerous to the whole body.

Ways to Maintain Prostate Health

• Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity can help prevent the prostate from growing larger.
• Keep a healthy weight: A healthy weight prevents the exertion of extra pressure on the bladder that may cause changes in the prostate gland.
• Maintain a healthy diet: Fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can help maintain a healthy prostate.
• Avoid tobacco products: Smoking and using other tobacco products can lead to prostate cancer, so quit now.
• Get regular screenings: Beginning at age 50, men should have regular prostate screenings to detect any changes. If there is a family history of prostate conditions, screenings should begin sooner.

September is Prostate Health Awareness Month, and at Home Helpers®, our compassionate caregivers help senior men every day by providing exceptional in-home care services to promote senior independence and a healthier quality of life. We gladly help with transportation assistance to doctor appointments and medical screenings to support men in achieving their health goals.

I encourage senior men who could benefit from the help of a compassionate caregiver to take advantage of my no-obligation FREE Consultation so I can assess specific needs and create a customized care plan to make life easier and healthier every day!

We, at Home Helpers® Clearwater, are honored to have been ranked among the Activated Insights Top 100 Leaders in Experience for home care providers in 2025 and to have received the Best of Home Care® Provider of Choice, the Best of Home Care® Employer of Choice, and the Best of Home Care® Leader in Experience Awards in 2025, along with the Caring Super Star 2025 Award.

Home Helpers Clearwater proudly serves male and female seniors, veterans, and differently abled individuals in Bayonet Point, Clearwater, Clearwater Beach, Dunedin, Gulfport, Holiday, Hudson, Largo, Madeira Beach, New Port Richey, North Redington Beach, Oldsmar, Palm Harbor, Pass A Grille, Pass A Grille Beach, Port Richey, Redington Shores, Safety Harbor, Saint Petersburg, Seminole, South Pasadena, Tarpon Springs, Tierra Verde, Treasure Island, Trinity, and surrounding areas. Home Helpers®…we are Making Life Easier® 727.942.2539

Source:

Urology Center of Florida