Royal Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, England, United Kingdom
Benefits of Yoga for Men
What is benign prostatic hyperplasia?
50% of men under 50 suffer with prostate problems, it climbs to 90% by age 85. The prostate only appears in males. It is a small gland, about the size of a walnut, that is part of a man's reproductive system. It secretes a fluid that keeps sperm alive while protecting them and the genetic code they carry. It is located beneath the bladder and around the urethra, which is a tube that takes urine out of the body from the bladder. The prostate is a gland, and may become enlarged. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is an enlargement of the prostate gland caused by changes in hormone levels as a man gets older. When the prostrate becomes enlarged, it puts pressure on the urethra. This may make it harder for a man to urinate.
How might yoga help?
Doing yoga can reduce the risk of BPH as it exercises and strengthens the muscles in the pelvic floor. Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles and reducing pelvic tension can help improve bladder control, making it easier to urinate.
Yoga might help to reduce stress, and stress is believed to make the symptoms of BPH worse. Reducing stress through yoga means BPH symptoms are less likely to be aggravated.
Examples of yoga poses
The lying-down leg extension pose strengthen the pelvic floor and release tension. Seated positions helps release pelvic tension. Forward bend focuses on stretching one leg, also reducing pelvic tension and improving strength in the core region. Back bending pose strengthen the abdomen, pelvic floor, and lower back.