Natural Prostate Health Care in Phoenix
Prostate health becomes increasingly important as men age. At Living Wellness Medical Center in Phoenix, AZ , our naturopathic doctors help men prevent, identify, and treat prostate conditions such as BPH and prostatitis, and provide annual prostate health checkups. If you have concerns about your prostate, call (480) 588-6856 to schedule a free brief meet and greet.
Request an AppointmentWhat Is the Prostate and What Does It Do?
The prostate is a walnut-sized gland located between the bladder and the penis, just in front of the rectum, which is why a digital rectal exam is the best way for your doctor to feel its size during your annual checkup. The urethra runs through the center of the prostate from the bladder to the penis, so an enlarged prostate can make urination difficult. The prostate also secretes fluid that nourishes and protects sperm; during ejaculation, it squeezes this fluid into the urethra, where it is expelled with sperm as semen.
Common Prostate Health Conditions
BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia)
BPH, or prostate enlargement, is the most common prostate condition and affects most men over age 50. Common symptoms include:
- Frequent or urgent need to urinate
- Increased urination at night (nocturia)
- Difficulty starting urination
- A weak stream or one that stops and starts
- Dribbling at the end of urination
- Inability to completely empty the bladder
Prostatitis
Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate, sometimes caused by infection. Symptoms include:
- Pain or burning with urination
- Difficulty urinating, such as dribbling or hesitancy
- Frequent urination, particularly at night
- Urgent need to urinate
- Cloudy urine or blood in the urine
- Pain in the abdomen, groin, or lower back
- Pain in the area between the scrotum and rectum (perineum)
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men besides skin cancer, but only about one in 41 men dies from it. Surgery, radiation, hormone therapy, and chemotherapy, combined with naturopathic treatments if desired, may be used. Some men choose watchful waiting. It is important to consult a prostate cancer specialist for appropriate monitoring.
Common Prostate Tests
- Digital rectal exam (DRE): the doctor feels the prostate to detect enlargement, lumps, or tenderness.
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA): a blood test measuring a protein made by the prostate. High PSA can indicate cancer, but BPH or prostatitis can also raise it. Screening recommendations vary by risk, so discuss the benefits and risks with your doctor.
- Transrectal ultrasound: imaging used to evaluate the prostate, typically alongside a biopsy.
- Prostate biopsy: a needle removes tissue to check for cancer.
Tips for Optimal Prostate Health
- Eat a healthy, plant-based diet that limits red meat, sugar, and alcohol. Get support with dietary counseling.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Studies show being overweight or obese increases prostate cancer mortality. Learn about our weight loss program.
- Exercise regularly to keep hormones balanced and boost immunity.
- Maintain optimal vitamin D levels, which have anti-cancer benefits and can be monitored with a blood test.
- Get a yearly prostate checkup. The general recommendation is an annual PSA and DRE beginning at age 50, or age 45 for higher-risk men, such as African American men or those with a father or brother who had prostate cancer.
6 Superfoods for Prostate Health
- Berries are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which protect cells and may ease BPH symptoms.
- Fatty fish like salmon, sardines, and herring provide anti-inflammatory omega-3s that may lower prostate cancer risk.
- Nuts, especially Brazil nuts, supply vitamin E, calcium, and selenium.
- Beans, chia, and hemp seeds offer protein, nutrients, and fiber.
- Green tea may help protect against prostate cancer.
- Watermelon and tomatoes provide lycopene, an antioxidant linked to lower prostate cancer risk.
Check out our Happy Hormones at Home Guide for more healthy living tips.
Naturopathic Prostate Support
Our physicians use botanical medicine, targeted supplements, nutrition, and hormone balancing to support prostate and urinary health. Explore more men’s wellness services.
Prostate Health FAQs
What is BPH?
Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate that affects most men over 50, causing frequent urination, nighttime urination, a weak stream, and difficulty emptying the bladder.
What is prostatitis?
Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate, sometimes caused by infection, that can cause painful or difficult urination and pain in the groin, lower back, or perineum.
When should men start prostate screening?
The general recommendation is an annual PSA test and digital rectal exam starting at age 50, or at 45 for men at higher risk.
Does a high PSA mean I have cancer?
Not necessarily. An enlarged prostate or prostatitis can also raise PSA levels. Your doctor will discuss further evaluation if needed.
What foods support prostate health?
Berries, fatty fish, nuts, beans and seeds, green tea, and lycopene-rich foods like watermelon and tomatoes all support prostate health.
Can naturopathic medicine help an enlarged prostate?
Yes. Botanicals, supplements, nutrition, weight management, and hormone balancing can help support prostate health and ease urinary symptoms.
How do I schedule a prostate checkup?
Call (480) 588-6856 to schedule a free brief meet and greet or an annual checkup.
Protect Your Prostate Health
Stay ahead of prostate problems with proactive, natural care. Call Living Wellness Medical Center in Phoenix, AZ at (480) 588-6856 to schedule your prostate health visit.
