Did you enjoy the weekend? Has your dad, granddad or uncle been taking care of his prostate? You may not want to think about your father's Prostate, but in this week's countdown to Father's Day we want to share with you why it's important for your dad to care for his prostate health. The prostate gland is usually about the size of a walnut in an average adult man's life, but it grows larger in size to the size of a lemon. This is a naturally occurring growth in older age, but it can interfere with urinary and sexual function in men. This condition of prostate enlargement is known as BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia). 

This condition is more likely to occur the older a man gets. However, unfortunately not many people appear to be aware of BPH. A survey in 2019 conducted in Europe found that over 60% of men over the age of 50 didn't know about BPH. Getting the prostate checked is not only important for detecting cancer, it is also important for detecting if the size of the prostate is enlarging to a point where a man begins to feel urinary symptoms. These symptoms include frequent urination, sensation of urine remaining in the bladder, slow urinary flow, struggle to start and stop urinating, and dribble after urination. 

Frequent urination, especially at night, may also cause a man to get less sleep. On top of lack of sleep, men who experience stress and depression as a result of struggling to manage their BPH may also be more vulnerable in terms of their immune system. His health is important, so even if he doesn't make the time to care, you can hold him accountable. 

Having this talk this month may be good timing because June is Men's Health Month, and the best gift you can give to any dad this father's day is knowledge about keeping his health. Don't get squeamish about bringing up frequent bathroom trips or prostates- it's a conversation well worth having!