Research>BPH Treatments

Enlarged Prostate Herbal Treatment - Why it Works

Benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, is also known as an enlarged prostate and is the second most common prostate disorder (prostatitis is considered the most common). BPH is not a cancerous condition but it can be very serious when left untreated.

When your prostate becomes enlarged you will notice gradual symptoms occurring over time such as:

• Dribbling urination instead of a steady stream
• Weak stream
• Urine leakage
• Incontinence

The symptoms will increase in severity if your BPH is not treated. When it comes to treating BPH you have a choice of either prescribed drugs or enlarged prostate herbal treatment options.

BPH Prescription Treatment

The two categories of prescription medications used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia are Alpha-adrenergic receptor blockers and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors. Both work in different ways but have one thing in common: they treat the symptoms of BPH rather than trying to fix the underlying cause.

That means, if you stop using the medication your prostate symptoms will simply reappear.

They will also cause a range of side effects ranging from mild to severe, including:

• Impotence
• Incontinence
• Breast tenderness and enlargement
• Decreased sex drive
• Retrograde ejaculation (ejaculation back into the bladder)
• Erectile dysfunction

Enlarged Prostate Herbal Treatment Options
You have a few options for all natural prostate remedies. These include:

• Ayurvedic medicines
• Saw palmetto based herbal remedies

Saw Palmetto

Still a highly popular active ingredient, Saw Palmetto is now known not to be effective in treating enlarged prostate.

Ayurvedic Remedies

Ayurveda is a 5000 year old herbal teaching that uses 100% natural extracts to treat health conditions.
Ayurstate is the Ayurvedic remedy for BPH and has proven to work for thousands of men the world over - without side effects.

You will find a host of positive testimonials about Ayurstate. I have extracted a comment from one:
"I started taking it 6 months ago and it has given me an excellent result. The growth of my prostate has been completely stopped."

Benefits of Herbal Remedies

• All natural treatments do not produce the side effects of prescription drugs.
• They are also cheaper and safer to use in the long term.
• They treat the cause rather than just covering up the symptoms of enlarged prostate

It is good to know that you have viable and safe alternatives to aggressive and expensive prescription medications that you may not be comfortable using.

Treating The Enlarged Prostate Naturally

It is estimated that over half of men between the age of 40 and 59 have enlarged prostates. Also, nearly 25 percent of 50 year old males have cancerous cells in their prostate. Prostate disorders are normally due to age related changes in sex hormones. As testosterone begins to decline around age 40, a variant called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) begins to increase. Cell growth is stimulated by DHT which causes enlargement of the prostate.

The prostate is a walnut sized gland that is located below the bladder. Its purpose is to produce seminal fluid. Prostate problems sometimes affect urination because the prostate surrounds the urethra which drains the bladder. Most prevalent among possible disorders are:

1) Prostatitis which is an inflammatory infection

2) A non cancerous enlargement of the prostate called Benign-Prostatic-Hyperplasia, and

3) Cancer of the prostate.

Disease of the prostate is often referred to as a nutritional disease because it is considerably more common in developed western countries where diets include red meat and dairy products. Some scientific studies have changed the view that dairy products are nutritionally beneficial. In fact, countries that consume the most milk have the highest occurrence of prostate cancer. Nine different studies have shown the strongest and most consistent dietary factor linked with prostate cancer was a high consumption of milk and dairy products.

On the other hand, men who consume tomatoes, guavas, watermelon, and pink grapefruit have been found to be less likely to contract prostate cancer. All of those foods contain an antioxidant called lycopene. Lycopene is also available as a supplement and is beneficial for the prevention of prostate cancer and may also be helpful in reducing the size of existing tumors. There are several alternative medicine possibilities for the treatment of prostate disease that can be used to avoid drugs or surgical procedures but these should be used in addition to regular prostate screening examinations.

Other foods that are beneficial to a healthy prostate include fructose, garlic, and soy based products. Fructose assists in the production of vitamin D and garlic contains sulphur compounds that are natural cancer inhibitors. In addition, there are several vitamins and trace nutrients that are especially effective in the battle against cancer such as; vitamin D, vitamin E, zinc, selenium, saw palmetto, pyguem and cernilton.

Many clinical studies have demonstrated saw palmetto's effectiveness. In fact, the herb saw palmetto was found to work better in treating prostate enlargement than the widely prescribed drug Proscar. Saw palmetto was proven to be effective in nearly 90% of patients after 4-6 weeks, while Proscar was effective in fewer than half of the patients after a year. Since Proscar is less effective and much more expensive, choosing saw palmetto seems elementary.

Herbal remedies are widely accepted and frequently used to treat prostate disorders in European countries. Meanwhile, America is bogged down by a regulatory bureaucracy. As scientific studies continue to verify the validity of vitamin and herbal therapy as medicinally favorable, the FDA continues to label them as nothing more than folk remedies. Economic factors influence our health industry. For example, the dairy supporters relentlessly promote the benefits of milk for adults in spite of much evidence to the contrary. And physicians, who many of us rely on for advice, are primarily influenced by profit-motivated drug companies when it concerns our medicines and they have little training in nutritional, herbal, and alternative healing procedures.

Natural Remedies For Enlarged Prostate - Can I Reduce Enlarged Prostate?

Enlarged prostate is the most common prostate problem. It is so common that it has been said, "All men will have an enlarged prostate if they live long enough". It is not life threatening nor is it cancer; however, if left untreated it can lead to more serious health problems such as urinary retention, bladder stones, urinary infections or kidney damage. An enlarged prostate is often called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or benign prostatic hypertrophy. Treatment for an enlarged prostate is determined by the severity of your symptoms. You will need a medical examination and a PSA test to establish if there are any cancerous cells around. Once cancer is ruled out, there are a variety of options.

Prostate Surgery

Prostate surgery can result in problems such as impotence and/or incontinence. The actual cause of prostate enlargement is unknown. After taking a complete medical history, your doctor will perform a digital rectal exam to feel the prostate gland. The urologist may recommend medication which lowers levels of hormones produced by the prostate, reduces the size of the prostate gland, increases urine flow rate, and decreases symptoms of BPH. The choice of a specific surgical procedure is usually based on the severity of your symptoms and the size and shape of your prostate gland.

Natural Remedies For Enlarged Prostate

You may, with your doctor's advice consider herbal supplements. Many herbal prostate supplements with saw palmetto oil, one of the top 10 herbal remedies in the world used for prostate conditions, can significantly improve symptoms. In fact, herbal remedies for prostate enlargement frequently combine these herbs along with saw palmetto.. Enlarged prostate is known to improve with nutrients such as Beta Sitosterol, Lycopene, Campesterol, Selenium, zinc and Uva ursi. Cod liver oil and borage oil are also useful. A diet rich in fibre and a clean colon will contribute enormously to a healthy prostate.

Massage

Prostate massage, when performed on a regular basis, can be used to reduce an enlarged prostate and get rid of toxins and increase its suppleness. Prostate massage is also a form of sexual play. Whatever your reason may be, let's say you would like to have a prostate massage from your husband or partner. First of all, make sure you are okay with having a prostate massage. Massage may cause you to ejaculate and become sexually stimulated. If you are suffering from a prostate disorder like prostatitis, BPH, have to frequently use the bathroom or are simply looking to promote a healthy prostate, then prostate massage may be a viable alternative to conventional treatments like antibiotics and surgery.

Prostate massage has long been used as a means of maintaining prostate health and to promote increased sexual health. If you want to pursue the matter further, the website below will answer many of your questions about an enlarged prostate.

Some New Cures for Enlarged Prostate Conditions

Prostate enlargement is a fact of life for many men ages 50 and up. For some, it could be little more than a painful inconvenience. However, if left untreated it could progress to worse ailments, and may become more difficult to treat over time. Not to fear: new cures are enlarged prostate are continually being discovered, so no matter what problem stage your prostate is in, you can look forward to the best aid possible from your nearest health institute.

As far as the new cures for enlarged prostate go, there are two frequently recommended options: medication and surgery. If the prostate enlargement is not yet alarming, doctors would normally prescribe medication first, with surgery being recommended as an advanced form of treatment.

In many cases, a condition where the prostate is swollen is actually harmless, in which case doctors will refer to it as benign enlargement of the prostate (BEP) or benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). It could also be a symptom of a more severe ailment, like prostatitis. Medications differ for different situations.

Prescription medicine to improve the flow of urine is commonly prescribed to men with BPH. These are called alpha blockers, and could come in a variety of forms, such as terazosin (commercial name Hytrin), tamsulosin (market name Flomax) and doxazosin (market name Cardura). It must be noted, however, that tamsulosin has been proven to cause eye disorders, and it is not recommended for men who have undergone or are about to undergo eye surgery.

There is also a medicine called finasteride (Proscar), which is also used to shrink the prostate. This is a controversial medicine that may provide some relief from an enlarged prostate and may even reduce prostate cancer risk, but has also been proven to accelerate the growth of tumors in people who already have prostate cancer.

When taking medication, you should be careful about the other substances you ingest. Go easy on the alcohol and caffeine, and only use herbal supplements with the go signal of your doctor. Also avoid over-the-counter medications, especially decongestants and antihistamines, as these may affect the muscles that control the bladder, as well as the bladder itself.

While you're reading up on new cures for enlarged prostate, and anticipating your doctor's diagnosis, it always helps to take a few traditional "home cures" to alleviate your condition. These home cures include drinking less liquid after 7PM (to minimize midnight trips to the bathroom), cutting down your alcohol and caffeine intake, keeping warm and exercising regularly. The best relief for enlarged prostate is still proper medication, but clean living and moderating your liquid consumption would certainly help make the medicine work better!

BPH Treatment - Rye Pollen

In this article about the BPH treatment of rye pollen, you will discover:

• What is rye pollen?
• Why rye pollen is considered a BPH treatment?
• How much rye pollen do you need to take as a BPH treatment?

What Is Rye Pollen?

Most plants produce pollen in their flowers. Pollen contains:

• Carbohydrates
• Fat
• Minerals
• Protein
• Vitamins

Pollen from certain plants also have beneficial health properties.

The pollen from rye is one such plant.

Rye pollen contains anti-inflammatory and painkilling properties similar to ibuprofen and aspirin, which have been shown to reduce symptoms in cases of BPH and prostatitis.

Why Rye Pollen Is Considered A BPH Treatment?

Rye pollen is considered a BPH treatment because of its anti-inflammatory and painkilling properties.

Trials have shown rye pollen extract to reduce swelling, pain, inflammation, irritation associated with BPH plus it improves urine flow.

Rye pollen is thought to reduce the symptoms associated with BPH due to its anti-inflammatory properties and the ability to reduce the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase.

This enzyme produces inflammatory substances, by reducing it, the prostate gland is able to shrink.

How Much Rye Pollen Do You Need To Take As A BPH Treatment?

As a BPH treatment, you will need to take 252 mg tablet twice daily for eight weeks, then one tablet daily.

It may take a couple of months before you symptoms start to noticeably decline.

Research has shown that rye pollen is quiet safe to take with very little side effects reported.

So, to sum up…

Rye pollen is a good BPH treatment, it is safe to take and trials have shown improvement of BPH symptoms within a couple of months.

An Insight Into 21st Century Herbal Medicine - The Treatment of Enlarged Prostate (BPH)

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a benign (non-cancerous) disease of the prostate gland, which, if left untreated, can lead to medical complications including kidney and bladder damage. If BPH is diagnosed and treated early, there is a lower risk of developing these complications. Enlargement of the prostate typically affects men as they age. As men grow older, the size of their prostate can increase and start pressing on the urethra. This can lead to difficulty in passing urine and pain associated with sexual function. BPH is not a life-threatening disease but it is likely to negatively impact a man's quality of life.

Increasing numbers of men are consulting Medical Herbalists for an effective solution to medically diagnosed Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) and prostatitis. Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate gland. The medicinal plant Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) has been safely and effectively used for hundreds of years to maintain prostate health. This tradition has now been underpinned by scientific research, which has been widely and favourably reported in the media. In fact, many men are now taking herbs for prostate health as a preventive measure to help avoid prostate problems. It is important for men aged 50 and over to see their GP annually for a PSA (prostate specific antigen) test and prostate examination to help monitor prostate health.  

What is the prostate?  

It is a gland approximately the size of a walnut, which encircles the urethra at the exit from the bladder. Its function is to produce a fluid in which ejaculated sperm are suspended.  

What is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?  

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a benign (non-cancerous) disease of the prostate gland, which, if left untreated, can lead to medical complications including kidney and bladder damage. If BPH is diagnosed and treated early, there is a lower risk of developing these complications. Enlargement of the prostate typically affects men as they age. As men grow older, the size of their prostate can increase and start pressing on the urinary canal (urethra). This can lead to difficulty in passing urine and sexual function. BPH is not a life-threatening disease but it is likely to negatively impact a man's quality of life.   Who gets BPH?   Studies have shown that the prevalence of BPH increases from 24% of men in their 50s to over 50% of men in their 70s.  

What are the symptoms and signs?  

The symptoms can include a decreased force of urine stream, which can be hesitant and intermittent. The man may need to strain to empty his bladder. Often he is unable to completely empty his bladder. There is often a feeling of urgency to urinate, frequency, night time trips to the bathroom, pain on urination and urge incontinence. There can also be pain associated with sexual function.  

The Herbal Treatment of BPH  

The mainstay of herbal treatment to support prostate health is the use of Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens), which was seen to be both safe and very effective in clinical trials. It has been widely and favourably reported in the media. Saw Palmetto is given along with other medicinal plants to decrease inflammation of the prostate. This approach is proving to be very effective for men, who have either been diagnosed with BPH or who simply want to support prostate health. It is important to use a formulation of Saw Palmetto, which states on the label exactly how much of the important active chemical constituents are in it. Without this verification, the herb may not provide the required therapeutic action.

An Introduction To Minimally Invasive BPH Treatment

For many men suffering from BPH (a swollen or enlarged prostate) drug treatment is the answer and can reduce BPH symptoms to an acceptable level. For others however medication does not prove effective or is not a viable option and the doctor may recommend one of a number of minimally invasive surgical procedures.

The first procedure to consider is catheterization. Catheterization involves the insertion of a catheter into the penis and bladder to act as a drain and is normally considered only as a temporary solution. It is used mainly for patients who are waiting for the effects of drug treatment to kick in (some drugs used in BPH treatment can take 6 to 12 months before they start to show results) or for other surgical treatments. It can also be used to assist in treating infections.

The next procedure to consider is Holmium laser enucleation prostate (HoLEP). This procedure, which is carried out under anesthesia and requires a short 1 or 2 day stay in hospital, involves the insertion of a resectoscope through the penis and into the urethra. A laser is then passed through the resectoscope and is used to vaporize prostate tissue.

A similar procedure to HoLEP is that of interstitial laser coagulation. This procedure is again carried out under anesthetic, although patients are not normally required to remain in hospital overnight. In this case a cystoscope, which is a metal tube through which a visual lens and laser can be passed, is used and tissue is burnt away from the prostate using laser energy.

In cases where a patient cannot tolerate anesthesia a prostatic stent may be used. Stenting involves the placement of a spring-like device into the urethra at the point at which it passes through the prostate in order to hold the urethra open. Unfortunately there are a number of problems associated with this form of BPH treatment and it is normally only used for patients who suffer from additional medical problems and for whom surgery would present unacceptable risks.

Transurethral microwave thermotherapy of the prostate (TUMT) is a form of minimally invasive surgery that does not require hospitalization or anesthesia and is carried out using a local anesthetic and oral pain medication. In this procedure a catheter is inserted through the penis and computer controlled microwaves are used to heat, and thus shrink, sections of the prostate.

Another office-based procedure is the transurethral radio frequency needle ablation of the prostate (TUNA). Here light anesthesia and medication is used to make the patient sleepy and prostate tissue is heated using radio frequency energy transmitted through a series of needles placed directly into the prostate. This procedure initially causes a swelling of the prostate, followed by shrinkage, and patients will usually be required to use a catheter for a short period after the procedure.

There are clearly a number of different forms of minimally invasive surgery available for BPH treatment and patients will need to discuss each of these with their doctor to determine which will best suit their particular circumstances.

The Use Of Medicine In BPH Treatment

There are a number of ways of treating BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia or an enlarged prostate) of which medical treatments, or the use of drugs, is the commonest form of treatment following watchful waiting.

(Watchful waiting applies in cases where symptoms are mild or where the patient is not particularly troubled by his symptoms and involves simply checking on the patient once or twice a year to ensure that he is not developing complications as a result of his BPH. This can be a useful option for some patients as it avoids the risks associated with other forms of BPH treatment and, on occasions, the symptoms will actually lessen over time.)

One commonly used group of drugs in BPH treatment are alpha-blockers which were originally designed for the treatment of high blood pressure. Alpha-blockers act to relax the muscles of the prostate gland, as well as the neck of the bladder, and so reduce pressure on the urethra and improve the flow of urine.

Although alpha-blockers relieve BPH symptoms they do not reduce the size of the prostate and so the symptoms are likely to return if treatment is stopped. Alpha-blockers will usually produce a moderate reduction in symptoms and common side effects include dizziness, headaches, a stuffy nose and stomach and intestinal problems. These problems appear in about 12% to 15% of patients.

Another frequently prescribed group of drugs are 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. This particular group of drugs acts to lower the level of the main male hormone found in the prostate gland and thus marginally reduces the size of the enlarged prostate. It is however a very slow acting drug and patients will normally need to take the drug for 6 to 12 months before any effects are evident.

5-alpha reductase inhibitors usually produce less of a reduction in symptoms than alpha blockers but can be particular useful in cases where the prostate is considerably enlarged and patients are at risk of developing acute retention – an inability to urinate. Common side effects resulting from the reduction of the male hormone include erection problems, a decrease in sexual desire and a reduction in the amount of semen produced. These problems are seen in about 5% to 8% of patients.

In cases where the prostate is particularly enlarged and patients are finding that they are especially troubled by their symptoms, the doctor may recommend a combination of both alpha-blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors.

In addition to prescription drugs patients may also wish to consider the use of herbal remedies. A number of such over-the-counter remedies are available but, at present, their effectiveness and safety have not been proved and none are approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In addition, the use of some of the herbal remedies available can lead to distortions in the results of diagnostic tests and also interfere with the actions of prescription drugs. As a result, you should consult your doctor before using any form of herbal remedy.

BPH Treatment With Alpha Blockers

One out of four men ages 55 and over will suffer from the effects of BPH. This stand for benign prostatic hyperplasia (or benign prostatic hypertrophy). The prostate gland is below the bladder and surrounds the urethra. One of its jobs is to control the flow of urine. BPH means either the prostate has enlarged, or that the muscles of the urethra and bladder neck have tightened, or both. This results in urinary problems. It is not prostate cancer but it could cause serious health problems.

The symptoms of BPH include trouble starting a urine stream or making more than a dribble, passing urine often especially at night, feeling that the bladder has not fully emptied, a strong or sudden urge to urinate, a weak or slow urine stream, stopping and starting again several times while passing urine, and pushing or straining to begin passing urine. Severe BPH symptoms may include a weak bladder, backflow of urine causing bladder or kidney infections, complete block in the flow of urine, or kidney failure.

Treatment of BPH falls into four categories. First, BPH can be treated with certain herbs such as saw palmetto, stinging nettles, and Pygeum. Second, it could be treated with drugs, falling into two categories, alpha blockers and enzyme inhibitors. Third, it could be treated with heat or microwaves that burn away part of the swollen area of the prostate so the urethra is not constricted. Fourth, it could be treated with surgery, removing part or all of the prostate. This article will deal with the first medication of the second option, treating BPH with alpha blockers.

How do alpha blockers work? They do not deal with the prostate enlargement, only with the muscle tightening. The tightening or contraction of the muscle cells is controlled by nerves. One type of nerve, the alpha adrenergic or alpha-1 nerves, cause the muscle cells to tighten by releasing a chemical related to epinephrine (adrenalin). For the treatment of BPH, blocking alpha-1 receptors helps to relax the muscles of the prostate and the bladder neck.

Four medications are approved as alpha blockers: Terazosin (Hytrin), Doxazosin (Cardura), Tamsulosin (Flomax), and Alfuzosin (Uroxatral). There is a slight difference in cost but all work equally well. We will focus on the best known of these, Flomax.

Flomax is actually tamsulosin hydrochloride, a product manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Alpha blockers were originally developed to treat hypertension. They do not shrink the prostate as enzyme inhibitors do. However, by relaxing the muscles of the prostate and bladder, they help to quickly relieve BPH symptoms. Some have recorded significant improvement in the above symptoms in a day or two and most men are improved within a week.

Alpha blockers work best for men with mild or moderate prostate enlargement problems. If the enlargement is great, then relaxing the muscles may not help. Side effects include reduced semen released during ejaculation, low blood pressure, dizziness, headache, stomach or intestinal irritation, and stuffy or runny nose.

One Flomax pill contains 0.4 mg of tamsulosin hydrochloride, the prescribed daily dosage. If this amount does not help, some doctors increase it to 0.8 mg daily. Recent studies indicate that those taking Flomax every other day have the same level of relief and often fewer side effects.

Men who already have low blood pressure should probably not take alpha blockers since they tend to lower blood pressure even more. Also, men who have a greatly enlarged prostate and problems related to this will probably want to move to step three in treatment. At least they should take a combination of alpha blockers and enzyme inhibitors. A urologist will advise him what is best.

An Introduction To Surgical BPH Treatment

Although drug treatment and minor minimally invasive surgery can be the solution for many men suffering from BPH (a swollen or enlarged prostate), for others surgery is necessary and there are currently three main surgical procedures carried out for BPH treatment.

The first is known as a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). This is the commonest form of surgery used in BPH treatment and involves the removal of the inner core of the prostate. The procedure is performed under general anesthetic (or using a spinal anesthetic) and a wire cutting loop is inserted through the penis and urethra to remove tissue from the prostate. Patients will normally stay in hospital for one or two days for this procedure and, following surgery, will need to uses a catheter to drain the bladder for two or three days.

In cases where the prostate is not too enlarged a more limited form of surgery known as transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP) may be used. In this procedure instead of removing tissue from the prostate a series of cuts are made in the prostate to relieve pressure on the urethra. This procedure is again carried out under anesthesia and patients will remain in hospital for between one and three days.

In the case of both TURP and TUIP patients will normally require about two to four weeks for recovery and may experience moderate levels of pain or discomfort following surgery. The most commonly seen side effects of surgery are erection difficulty, which appears in about 3% to 13% of patients, and urinary retention, which appears in about 1% to 21% of patients. Some degree of urgency and frequency of urination will also be seen in most patients.

The final form of surgery used today is the open prostatectomy. Carried out under general anesthetic, an incision is made in the lower abdomen to allow the surgeon to gain access to the prostate and the inner core of the prostate is then removed. Patients will normally remain in hospital for several days and will also be required to use a catheter for a time at home after surgery. Recovery from open surgery typically takes about three to six weeks during which time patients may experience a moderate degree of pain or discomfort. The main side effect of open surgery is incontinence which will be seen in about 6% of patients.

Surgery is an excellent form of BPH treatment and can reduce BPH symptoms considerably for most men. It is not however 100% effective and some symptoms will often remain even after surgery.

One point to remember is that BPH treatment does not act as a treatment for prostate cancer. BPH treatment involving the removal of tissue from the prostate only removes tissue from the inner core of the prostate. Prostate cancer however normally first appears on the outer tissue of the prostate from where it will often spread. It is important therefore that BPH patients continue to have regular checkups and screening for prostate cancer.

Herbal Prostate Treatment, BPH

Prostate enlargement is found in males and human beings came into existence long ago, much before the surgical treatment of this disorder was available. The question arises, that how people used to tackle this problem in those days. The answer is herbal prostate treatment. Herbs are considered as a source of enormous medical possibilities. They can cure life threatening diseases if applied appropriately. The use of herbal treatment is much more prevalent in Asia where it is really popular in countries like china and India. Let us now understand how these herbs can help us in getting relief from enlarged prostate by herbal prostrate treatment.

Doctors confirm that there is no way to stop prostate from enlarging after a certain age. The basic prostate enlargement occurs in two phases. One of the phases is around the puberty of a male during puberty the gland almost doubles in size. The second phase comes around 28 years of age when the prostate again starts growing. There are large numbers oftreatment products available in the market that can help some one suffering from this disorder. They can provide you the much needed relief from this disorder and hence in urination.

Some of theprostate treatment products available in the market are:

· Prostate Dr.: this is the product that can provide certain and fast relief to the patients suffering from enlarged prostrate problem. It helps in reducing the pressure built on the urethra by the increased size of the prostate gland and hence the patient feels relief while urination. It also helps in reducing the size of swollen prostate and hence strengthens the immune system of the body.

· Sabal Serrulata: it is another popular medicine used for BPH treatment. The medicine is an excellent tonic and can reduce the prostrate gland in quick time. You will feel the effects of this herb within 2 days of its medication. The symptoms like bleeding in urine, stress needed for urination will disappear in no time. Apart from this the medicine being an herbal prostate treatment doesn't has any side effects. The only weak point of this treatment is that though the symptoms of enlarged prostate will go quickly but it takes long time to reduce the prostate size.

· Beta-Sitosterol: this herb is one of the significant ingredients in Saw Palmetto berries which are known for providing relief in prostrate problems. Saw Palmetto is extracted from this herb, Beta-Sitosterol, which can reduce the prostrate size effectively and hence is a key relieving agent in BPH. Beta-Sitosterol can help in reducing the inflammation of the enlarged prostrate and hence the patients find relief in urination.

· Epilobium Parviflorum: this is a herb that can help in getting relief from inflammation and hence is also referred as inflammation-inhibiting herb. Thus if you are getting irritating inflammations in the prostrate then this herb can be the best herbal prostate treatment for you.

Which ever herbal treatment you choose the most important thing to look for the one with least side effects.

BPH Affects More Than Half Of All Men Above The Age Of 60

BPH stands for benign prostatic hyperphasia (sometimes also called benign prostatic hypertrophy) and is a condition that will affect one man in every two by the age of 60, rising to nine out of every ten men by the age of 80. So what is it?

Well, in plain language, having BPH simply means that you are suffering from a swollen or enlarged prostate.

The prostate, which is situated just below the bladder and in front of the rectum, starts life at about the size of a pea and then grows rapidly during puberty to reach the size of a walnut by a man's early twenties. It then continues to grow very slowly normally throughout life. In many cases however the inner cells of the prostrate begin to show signs of abnormal growth and the prostate gland becomes enlarged to the point at which it may start to interfere with surrounding tissue and organs. At this point it is important to state that this cell growth is confined to the inner cells of the prostate and is not, and should not be confused with, prostate cancer.

The prostate gland is sometimes described as being "donut" shaped with part of the gland being wrapped around the urethra, which carries urine from the bladder out of the body. As the prostate gland enlarges it begins to pinch the urethra causing problems with urinating. This is usually the first sign that you may be suffering from BPH.

As time progresses you may experience a range of problems including difficulty in urinating (problems both starting and stopping the flow of urine), a frequent and urgent need to urinate, a feeling that your bladder is still full even after you have urinated and dribbling after you have finished urinating.

Although BPH is very common it need not necessarily present a problem and for many men the symptoms are so slight they really don't notice it at all, while for other men the problems are relatively minor and they simply don't worry about it. For a significant number of men however the symptoms can be sufficient to warrant one of a range of BPH treatments, usually starting with one or more of a variety of BPH drugs and moving on to surgery if necessary.

The most important thing to remember is that if you start to experience BPH symptoms then the chances are that you are suffering from BPH. This may not however be the case and there are a range of other problems that can produce the same or similar signs.

So, whether it worries you or not, it's always a good idea to check with your doctor if you start to develop BPH symptoms just to be on the safe side.

What Does Zinc Have to Do With BPH, Cancer and Other Prostate Disease?

Did you know that more than 60% of male Americans have a deficiency of zinc? Male semen has 100 times more zinc than the blood! Here is another the fact: You might have read somewhere that DHT (dihydrotestosterone) causes the prostate to grow.

WAIT! Maybe I am getting ahead of myself, let's start again.

• The prostate gland is highly unusual because it undergoes an increase in size at several stages during most of a man's life.
• The first growth phase is completed before or at birth, when the average prostate weighs about 1.5 grams.
• The second growth phase occurs early during puberty, when the weight of the prostate gland increases to around 11 grams.
• The third growth phase occurs during the mid-20s, when the weight of the prostate gland increases to approximately 18 grams. There is another apparent gro
• wth phase that begins when a man is in his 50s. Size varies depending on the males health.
• By the time a man is in his 70s, the prostate gland has reached a maximum weight of 31 grams.

Although the prostate gland grows during much of a man's life, urinary flow problems Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH) and/or cancer usually appears only after the age of 50 as a consequence of the final growth phase.

The medical researchers don't really know yet why the prostate gland enlarges during multiple growth spurts. However, there are two theories that attempt to explain this pheomenon. Both theories believe hormonal changes over time are responsible.

(1) Changes in the normal balance of sex hormones. With advancing age, the amount of the male hormone testosterone The primary male reproductive hormone. Made in the testes, it is responsible for the growth and maturation of the primary male reproductive organs and the development of characteristics such as a low-pitched voice, the male's unique distribution of body hair, the relative lack of fat below the skin, and bigger bone structure. , decreases relative to the amount of circulating estrogen

A female hormone that is also normally found in small quantities in a man's bloodstream., the main female reproductive hormone which also circulates in the male.

There is some evidence to suggest that this relative increase in circulating estrogen may strengthen the effect of the testosterone derivative DHT, which promotes cell growth in the prostate gland and is formed when testosterone is acted upon by a specific enzyme. As a consequence of estrogen and DHT acting together, cell growth and glandular enlargement are promoted.

NOTE: Ah-ha, DHT seems to get out of control and may be the cause of BPH. Every wonder exactly what DHT is? Well here you go. DHT is a biologically active metabolite of the hormone testosterone, formed primarily in the prostate gland, testes, hair follicles, and adrenal glands by the enzyme 5a-reductase by means of reducing the 4,5 double-bond. DHT belongs to the class of compounds called androgens, also commonly called androgenic hormones or testoids. Androgens are part of the biology of gender by stimulating and controlling the development and maintenance of masculine characteristics. DHT is 3 times more potent than testosterone; testosterone is 5-10 times more potent than adrenal androgens.

(2) Now here is the 2nd theory about DHT. Prostate gland development requires the conversion of testosterone into DHT. In the presence of a specific enzyme called 5-alpha reductase. As aging occurs, the amount of DHT in the prostate gland remains high, even through the circulating testosterone level drops.

Some evidence supports the idea that this high level of prostate DHT may by itself promote cell growth and lead to enlargement.

Now after that introduction we come to zinc. The role of zinc in a wide range of cellular processes, including cell division (ah - that means getting larger - right?) and proliferation, immune function, and defense against free radicals, has been well established. Zinc is the most abundant trace element in cells, and increasing evidence emphasizes zinc's important role in both genetic stability and function.

Zinc deficiency can lead to immune dysfunction and impairments in growth, cognitive function, and hormonal function. Over 2 billion people worldwide may have a zinc deficiency, you don't need to be one of them.

Research has established a link between zinc deficiency and cancer is now established by human, animal, and cell culture studies. We also know that zinc status is compromised in cancer patients compared to healthy people.

Zinc also appears to play an important role in maintaining prostate health. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in American men, and most elderly men have some abnormal prostate cells. BPH may or may not be a precursor to prostate cancer. The normal human prostate ccumulates the highest level of zinc of any soft tissue in the body, but we don't know why. However, cancerous prostates have much less zinc than normal rostates, and several studies have implicated impaired zinc status in the development and progression of prostate malignancy. There is also some evidence that ncreased dietary zinc is associated with a decrease in the incidence of prostate cancer.

Zinc supplementation strategies may not only aid in the prevention of ancer, but could also play an important role in limiting its malignancy. As an antioxidant and a component of many DNA repair proteins, zinc plays an important role in protecting DNA from damage. The current tolerable upper intake level for zinc is 40 mg/day, established by the U.S. Institute of Medicine. Thus, it is possible that the subjects in the epidemiological study could have been in the toxic range of zinc intake. As with most therapeutics, higher doses do not always equate with an increase in
efficacy.

Just as a final note, zinc has some positive side effects such as: effective in shortening cold symptoms, reduce the severity of cold sores, increase energy levels, treat ADHD in children, fighting hair loss and managing conditions such as hypoglycemia and diabetes.The negative side effect of zine could include: A decrease your copper, iron and magnesium levels, reduce your body's immune function, and reduce your HDL (good cholesterol) level. Additional rare side effects could include: stomach upset, heartburn and nausea, fever, sore throat, mouth sores, weakness and fatigue.