Is There A Link Between STDs And Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer is the second-most common cancer in men in the United States.

There is a chance, that right now you have an STD in your system that is increasing your risk of prostate cancer.

Trichomoniasis, also known as trich, is an extremely common STD that is caused by the parasite trichomonas vaginalis. Typically trich goes unnoticed in the body because it can be asymptomatic. Some research has been done that found a correlation between having an STD and developing prostate cancer.

Let’s talk about trichomoniasis

Are there any symptoms?

Typically there are no symptoms. But symptoms can present themselves, like itching or irritated penis, discharge or a burning sensation when you pee or ejaculate. It’s important to remember that only about 30% of people with and STD experience any symptoms.

Is trichomoniasis treatable?

Luckily trich is very treatable. With a simple at home test you can detect if you have trich. If you are diagnosed you can be prescribed a round of antibiotics to treat this common sexually transmitted disease.

Where does the prostate come into play?

Men who have been infected with trich are 40 percent more likely to develop prostate cancer than men who have not been infected. Early detection and at home screenings can help men get treated for trichomoniasis early before it can cause serious damage.

What is prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer is a cancer that occurs in the prostate. The prostate is a small walnut shaped gland in men that produces seminal fluid, this fluid helps nourish and transport sperm. Usually prostate cancer grows slowly and is confined to the prostate gland.

Symptoms of prostate cancer

• Trouble urinating
• Decreased force in urine stream
• Blood in semen
• Discomfort in pelvic area
• Bone pain
• Erectile dysfunction
• No symptoms at all

Causes of prostate cancer

The causes of prostate cancer are not clear. However, there is a clear link between trichomoniasis and the development of prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer begins when cells in the prostate become abnormal. Mutations in an abnormal cells DNA cause cells to grow and divide more rapidly than a normal cell. Abnormal cells continue to live while healthy cells die at the end of their lifecycle. The abnormal cells lump together to create a tumor.

Prostate cancer risk factors

Age: you risk for cancer increases with age.

Race: black men carry a greater risk than men of any other race.

Family history: if men in your have had prostate cancer, your risk could be increased. Also, if you family history has genes for breast cancer, BRCA1 or BRCA2, you are also at an increased risk.

Prostate Cancer Prevention

• Choose a healthy diet that’s fruit and vegetable heavy. Avoid foods that are high in fats and eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
• Choose healthy food over nutritional supplements.
• Exercise regularly.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Get tested for STDs such as trichomoniasis.

Take the first step to ensure your sexual health and get tested! myLAB Box offers testing for a wide variety of STDs and other health risks for you to take in the convenience and comfort of your own home.