Prostate Function

Authored by Chris McDermott, APRN, practicing with autonomous authority in Florida

Introduction

The prostate gland is a small but vital component of male reproductive and urinary health. Roughly the size of a walnut, the prostate surrounds the urethra just below the bladder and contributes to seminal fluid production. While often overlooked until symptoms arise, optimal prostate function plays a critical role in urinary control, sexual performance, and overall male health.
At Intercoastal Health, we take a functional medicine nurse practitioner approach to prostate dysfunction, prioritizing early detection, personalized evaluation, and lifestyle-based interventions. Whether addressing benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostatitis, prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction, or kidney stones, our goal is to identify root causes, reduce inflammation, and support hormonal and urologic balance across all stages of life.

Understanding the Prostate’s Role in Men’s Health

The prostate produces prostatic fluid, which nourishes and transports sperm, contributes to ejaculatory force, and supports urinary flow. As men age, hormonal shifts—particularly in testosterone, estradiol, and DHT—alongside chronic inflammation, can lead to enlargement, irritation, or abnormal cell growth.

Signs and Symptoms of Prostate Dysfunction

Prostate issues often develop gradually. Early identification of subtle urinary or sexual symptoms can prevent progression and guide appropriate interventions.

• Urinary difficulties: Hesitancy, weak stream, straining
  
• Increased frequency, especially nocturia
  
• Urgency and incomplete emptying
  
• Dribbling at the end of urination
  
• Pelvic, groin, or lower back pain (prostatitis)
  
• Erectile dysfunction or painful ejaculation
  
• Sensation of incomplete bowel evacuation
  
• Unexplained low back or heel pain
  
  

Clinical Evaluation: Functional and Conventional Assessment

Intercoastal Health uses a comprehensive strategy integrating patient history, physical exam, biomarker testing, and imaging.

Root Causes of Prostate Dysfunction

Functional medicine explores upstream drivers of prostate disorders:

• BPH: DHT-driven glandular growth, estrogen dominance, chronic inflammation
  
• Prostatitis: Bacterial infection, pelvic floor tension, gut-prostate axis dysbiosis
  
• Prostate cancer: Genetics, oxidative stress, dietary factors, low Vitamin D
  
  

Functional Biomarkers for Prostate Health

Beyond PSA, we evaluate:

• Free and total Testosterone
  
• Estradiol levels
  
• DHT (target for modulation)
  
• CRP for inflammation
  
• Vitamin D for immune support
  
  

Functional Medicine Interventions for Prostate Health

1. Nutrition: Cruciferous vegetables, tomatoes (lycopene), green tea, flaxseed; avoid saturated fats and refined carbs
   
2. Herbal & Nutraceutical Support: Saw palmetto, pygeum, nettle root; omega-3s; zinc; vitamin D; selenium
   
3. Exercise & Circulation: Pelvic floor exercises; aerobic activity for immune support
   
4. Stress & Sleep: Mindfulness, deep breathing, restorative sleep
   
5. Conventional Therapies: Alpha blockers (tamsulosin); 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (finasteride); antibiotics for prostatitis; urology/oncology referrals as needed
   
   

Ongoing Monitoring and Patient Education

• Annual DRE & PSA for men 50+ (earlier with risk)
  
• Routine hormone and inflammatory panels
  
• Education on early signs, lifestyle, and diet