The prostate gland is a small, but critical gland for male fertility health. Around the size of a large walnut, the prostate is located between the bladder and penis. Its main function is to secrete fluid that helps to nourish and protect sperm. During intercourse, the muscles of the prostate propel seminal fluid through the urethra for normal ejaculation.
While working on any male fertility health concern, all men must consider the health of the prostate gland. As men reach age 40, the prostate gland often grows larger and becomes more susceptible to congestion or infection. For some men, this makes intercourse uncomfortable and leads to more nighttime trips to the bathroom.
Fortunately, men can address minor prostate concerns naturally with changes in diet, lifestyle and with supplements. This article discusses easy ways to support prostate health naturally to aid healthy sexuality and male fertility.
Natural Therapies For Prostate Health, Male Fertility & Sexuality
The same diet that supports male fertility supports the prostate. Choose organic lean poultry, wild fish and vegetarian protein sources. This helps you avoid chemicals that imbalance hormones and drain energy. Reduce fried foods, non-organic meats and dairy foods. Increase high-fiber foods like whole grains, apples and pears. Fiber keeps the digestive system free flowing. Add healthy fats from olive oil, avocado, wild fish, and nuts and seeds to support a normal inflammatory response.
Focus on antioxidant foods for protection. A 2000 study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found just 3 servings of cruciferous vegetables each week decreased prostate cancer risk by up to 46%! So be sure to include dark greens and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower to your diet. Lycopene, a carotenoid found in tomatoes, watermelon, and pink grapefruit has also been found to decrease prostate cancer risk and is known to boost low sperm count. It also improves sperm motility and morphology. Have a daily cup of green tea for extra free-radical protection.
Boost zinc-rich foods for sexual health. Zinc is very concentrated in semen and is vital for male sexual health and function. Include zinc-rich foods daily like wild seafood, oysters, liver, nutritional yeast, spirulina, and organic nuts and seeds. Many men notice an improvement in libido and energy right away from this change alone.
Stay well hydrated and watch alcohol intake. Dehydration worsens prostate congestion and slows the healing process. Too much alcohol increases prostate irritation and can lead to impotence. Heavy drinking also imbalances testosterone production and can increase estrogen levels in men. Stick to a few glasses of wine or beer a week, or skip alcohol altogether.
Daily exercise. Participating in regular exercises like cardio, aerobics, walking, swimming or jogging reinvigorates male vitality and libido. Further, research finds regular exercise may help prevent BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia), ease prostatitis pain, and even prevent prostate cancer’s progression.
Consider Herbs For The Prostate
- Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens)– From Certified Herbalist and Doula Dalene Barton in Male Aging & Fertility – 7 Nutritional Supplements to Consider, “Saw Palmetto specifically helps support a healthy prostate. This herb has been shown to help reduce Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), or an enlarged prostate by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and improving testosterone breakdown and excretion. According to Web MD, BPH affects almost all men over the age of 50. BPH may affect male fertility by minimizing the secretion of semen, the fluid that nourishes and protects sperm during ejaculation.”
General dosage: take 400mg or 1 tsp of the extract daily. Note: Use for at least 6 weeks to see the benefits.
- Ginger (Zingiber officinale)– The popular food-spice, Ginger has been found to inhibit the enzyme 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) (which is needed for prostate cancer cell growth). Further, Ginger can ease inflammation and encourage better circulation to the reproductive system.
General dosage: Use ginger in cooking, in tea, or take 2-3 grams daily in capsules.
Support The Prostate To Support Male Fertility & Sexuality
While talking about prostate health may be uncomfortable, taking care of this gland is critical for male reproductive health and well-being. If you’re having prostate gland concerns, explore natural therapies for support. The right changes in diet and lifestyle can set the stage for reduced symptoms and improved fertility. Dietary therapy, along with targeted herbs and supplements, can protect the prostate from inflammation and potentially even more serious concerns, like prostate cancer.
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- Page, L. and Abernathy, S. (2012). Healthy Healing 14th Edition, Healthy Healing LLC.
- 3 Ways Exercise Helps the Prostate. (2019). Retrieved from: https://www.health.harvard.edu/mens-health/3-ways-exercise-helps-the-prostate-yes-the-prostate
- Barton-Schuster, D (May 2016). Male Aging & Fertility – 7 Nutritional Supplements to Consider. Retrieved from https://natural-fertility-info.com/male-aging-and-fertility.html
- Bond, O. (2017, Aug.). Ginger & The Prostate. Retrieved from https://healthfully.com/466323-ginger-the-prostate.html
- Emanuele, M. and Nicholas E. (2019). Alcohol and the Male Reproductive System. Retrieved from: https://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/arh25-4/282-287.htm
- Charnow, J. (2014, Feb.). Lycopene May Decrease Prostate Cancer Risk. Retrieved from: https://www.renalandurologynews.com/home/news/urology/prostate-cancer/lycopene-may-decrease-prostate-cancer-risk/
- Rowles, JL 3rd et al. (2017, Dec.). Increased dietary and circulating lycopene are associated with reduced prostate cancer risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Disease; 20(4):361-377. doi: 10.1038/pcan.2017.25. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28440323
- Fagelman, E. and Lowe, F. (2001). Saw Palmetto Berry As Treatment for BPH. Reviews in Urology; 3(3): 134–138. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1476047/
- Cohen JH, Kristal AR and Stanford JL.(2000, Jan.). Fruit and vegetable intakes and prostate cancer risk. Journal of the National Cancer Institute; 92:61-68. Retrieved from: https://academic.oup.com/jnci/article/92/1/61/2905797
Hethir Rodriguez is the Founder and President of Natural Fertility Info.com. She has been a Certified Herbalist for over 19 years, holds a Bachelors degree (BS) in Nutrition Sciences and is a Certified Birth Doula. Since founding Natural Fertility Info.com in 2007, Hethir has written and co-authored over 1200+ articles on Fertility; and her research, articles, and guides have been read by over 40,000,000 people. Hethir has dedicated her life to helping provide a source for high quality, research based information and support for those on their journey to becoming parents.
