The Lowdown On Testosterone and Prostate Problems

Testosterone metabolism and prostate problems what's the connection? Each time testosterone gets metabolized, it produces Dihydrotestosterone or DHT. The DHT is a biologically active metabolite of testosterone that is responsible for the development of male gender-specific characteristics. While DHT lets erections and muscles grow, whatever DHT isn't used up in strenuous activities like having sex or working out gets trapped in the system and can lead to prostate problems.

DHT production doesn't stop. Most men are unable to get rid of it at the same speed it is created regardless of how much sex they have or how often they visit the gym.

The Testosterone Prostate Problems Debate

When it comes to prostate problems, one side believes that lack of testosterone is the culprit while another thinks it's too much of the hormone that's causing the prostate problems. There's even a doctor who reportedly proposed castration as a way of preventing prostate cancer and prostate problems from spreading. By castrating a man, his testosterone will be unable to act as fuel for the prostate cancer, or so the doctor believed.

Nearly everybody has heard the idea that more sex is the key to avoiding prostate problems. Evidence commonly cited for such a belief is the relatively high incidence of prostate cancer among celibate priests. Now, let's analyze this a second. If indeed, increased frequency of sexual intercourse is the solution to prostate problems, it fails to explain the death of a certain rock star from the same disease. With prostate cancer viewed as the top cancer killer, it seems highly unlikely that all those who died from it practiced celibacy.

It's clear that prostate cancer and prostate problems have little to do with how active one's sex life is or even the amount of testosterone fueling it. The disease has more to do with the manner males handle excess DHT in their bodies. With the various meat and hormone-rich diet varieties available these days, it is little surprise that more are falling victim to prostate problems. This is the reason most hormone-heavy supplements have labels warning people with prostate problems to not take their products.

Common Prostate Problems

There are two common prostate problems that men should look out for Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer. BPH refers to prostate gland enlargement and is common among men over 50. The enlargement gradually squeezes the urethra, making urination hard and painful. Most men who have BPH have no symptoms and only discover their prostate problems after a rectal exam.

Prostate cancer is considered the most serious of prostate problems. It's a leading cancer type diagnosed among American males. Over a quarter of a million prostate cancer cases are recorded each year; more than 30,000 men die from it. Prostate cancer is common among males over 65 but cases involving younger men have also been reported. Men with a family history of this disease are more likely to develop it. African-American males have the highest mortality rates associated with this cancer.