Research>Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy

Assessing The Symptoms Of Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy

One of the problems with benign prostatic hypertrophy (an enlargement of the prostate which affects the majority of men above the age of 60) is that the symptoms can vary widely from one person to the next and it can be difficult to assess the degree of treatment required, or indeed whether treatment is needed at all.

To assist in this assessment the American Urological Association has designed a short questionnaire consisting of just seven questions. For the first six questions you allocate yourself a score according to your answers as follows:

• 0 points - not at all.
• 1 point - less than 1 time in 5.
• 2 points - less than half the time.
• 3 points - about half the time.
• 4 points - more than half the time.
• 5 points - almost always.

The questions, which apply to the previous period of one month, are:

• How often have you experienced a sensation of not emptying your bladder after urinating?
• How often have you had to urinate less than two hours after your previous urination?
• How often have you stopped and started again several times during urination?
• How often have you experienced an urgent need to urinate and found it difficult to hold on?
• How often have you experienced a weak flow of urine?
• How often have you felt the need to urinate but have had to strain to begin urination?

For the final question, which also applies to the previous month, you simply allocate a point score equal to your answer (up to a maximum of 5). So, if your answer is twice you allocate 2 points and if your answer is four times you give yourself 4 points. The question is:

On average, how many times have you had to get up during the night to urinate?

Once you have completed the questionnaire and allocated a points score to each answer you then total up your score, which will fall somewhere between 0 and 35. The higher your score the more severe your symptoms and the greater your need for treatment. In general, a score of 7 or less would indicate that your condition does not warrant treatment at this time.

It should be stressed that this test is just one test among several that your doctor may use to assess whether you are suffering from benign prostatic hypertrophy and, if so, what treatment would be appropriate. It is not designed to be used in isolation or for self-diagnosis.

If you are experiencing problems and suspect that you may be suffering from benign prostatic hypertrophy then you should consult your doctor.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) - Treatment and Medication

If you are suffering from high blood pressure and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, also known as BPH, you should consider taking Cardura medication. It is a very effective drug for such treatments. It is an alpha-blocker. This helps to relax the muscles in the blood vessels. In return, it will lead to a decrease in blood pressure.

For benign prostatic hyperplasia patients, such effect from taking Cardura is desired. This is because the drug frees the tension from the muscles that surround the urethra. Therefore, there will be good improvement in urinary symptoms.

Do Not Use Cardura If:

The patient will generate an allergic reaction to any chemical that is used to make Cardura or drugs similar to Cardura. Hence, it is necessary that you consult a doctor or pharmacist before you start your Cardura treatment.

Before Using Cardura

The doctor or pharmacist who prescribes the medicine must know if the women are pregnant, planning to be pregnant or if they are breast-feeding currently.

Besides that, patients who are suffering from prostate cancer or liver and kidney problems should also refrain from taking Cardura. If patients are taking any health supplements, this must be reported to the doctor as these may interact with Cardura too and may have adverse effects.

Cardura Side Effects

Cardura may interact with Cimetidine or Verapamil. As a result, patient tends to feel dizzy or have a fainting feeling. Vardenafil must also be avoided when having Cardura treatment.

Dosage

Cardura can be taken either with food or without food. It does not matter. When the first dose is consumed, the patient may experience sudden drop of blood pressure. If the patient happens to miss his Cardura medication accidentally, it must be taken as soon as possible. But it must not be taken with 2 dosage at one time.

Trouble Starting To Urinate?

For many men, if they have problems starting the flow of urine, even in circumstances where it has never been a problem before, the cause could very well be an enlarged prostate, a condition that is commonly known as benign prostatic hypertrophy or benign prostatic hyperplasia, often shortened to BPH.

There are several reasons which may be related to why a man's prostate will enlarge when he gets older. This is a condition that is most often seen in older men, around the age of forty, though men of all ages have been known to develop this condition. This is a very common condition, and should not be a source of embarrassment. As a matter of fact, it is worth noting that some professionals will say that all men will have an enlarged prostate if they live long enough, and according to several studies, it is a condition that is common to roughly 90% of men over the age 80.

Although having trouble starting the urine stream is one of the primary symptoms of an enlarged prostate, you'll find that there are some other symptoms as well. A strong and abrupt urge to urinate is common to this condition, as is a weak urine stream or dribbling after urinating. You may also find that you are straining to urinate or that your bladder does not empty all the way. In more severe cases, you may find that urinary retention occurs, where there is no urine production at all, or you might notice pain with urination or bloody urine, which can indicate that there is an infection involved.

If the symptoms are mild and not particularly troubling, you may be interested to see if a course of self-care will keep these symptoms minor. For instance, an avoidance of alcohol, the performance of Kegel exercises and a regular course of exercise can help, as can avoiding over the counter decongestants or antihistamines. A reduction in stress has been shown to be useful, as has the avoidance of drinking water less than two hours before bed.

As for any problem, more severe symptoms mean that you should go see a doctor as soon as possible. If you experience constant fever, blood in your urine, faints or vomiting, it is time to go see a medical professional. He or she might recommend antibiotics that can treat an inflammation of the prostate or Alpha-1 blockers, which are used to treat high-blood pressure. In addition, drugs to reduce the level of hormones created by the prostate can be instrumental in this case.

The Prostate

Most guys don't have a clue where their prostate is or what it's for, so here's a quick primer on the prostate gland.

Prostate is a Greek word meaning That Which Stands Before your prostate lies just below your bladder and surrounds the top part of the urethra - the tube that drains urine from your bladder.

What Does Your Prostate Do? The Function of Your Prostate

The secretions from your prostate keeps the lining of your urethra moist. Your prostate also produces most of the seminal fluid that transports and nourishes your sperm.

Things That can Go Wrong With Your Prostate

Prostate enlargement.

Prostate enlargement occurs in 43 per cent of men over the age of 60. If you have an enlarged prostate, this means that your prostate gland has grown bigger.

Is Prostate Enlargement Common?

Yes. prostate enlargement happens to almost all men as they get older.

As the prostate gland grows, it can press on your urethra and cause prostate related urination and bladder problems. An enlarged prostate is often called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or benign prostatic hypertrophy.

Having an enlarged prostate does not mean that you have prostate cancer, and it does not raise your risk for prostate cancer.

An Enlarged Prostate Gland Is Also Called

• BPH
• Benign prostatic hypertrophy (hyperplasia)

Symptoms of An Enlarged Prostate

Less than half of all men with BPH have symptoms of the disease, which include:

* A Slowed or delayed start of the urinary stream

* A Weak urine stream

* You experience Dribbling after urinating

* You find yourself straining to urinate

* You experience a strong and sudden urge to urinate

* After you do urinate you feel an incomplete emptying of your bladder

* You find yourself waking 2 or more times during the night to urinate

* You experience urinary retention (a complete inability to urinate)

* Incontinence

* You feel pain with urination or bloody urine (these may indicate infection - see a doctor!)

You may want to do a Google search for the following terms:

• T3 Prostate Cancer
• Prostate Treatment Costs
• Prostate Cancer Explained
• Vitamins For Prostate Health
• Preventing Prostate Cancer
• Prostate Diet Tips
• PSA Test What Every Man Should Know
• Digital Rectum Exam for Prostate Cancer
• Drug Free Prostate Treatments
• Natural Prostate Health
• Prostate Cancer Vaccine
• Fish Oil for Prostate Health
• Prostate Cancer Prevention
• Cranberries for Prostate Health
• Improve Prostate Health
• Prostate Cancer Treatments
• Natural Treatments for Enlarged Prostate
• Prostate Cancer Prevention Tips
• What Is Prostate Cancer
• Prostate Videos
• Enlarged Prostate Treatment
• Cholesterol Linked to Prostate Cancer
• Questions About Prostate Cancer
• Prostate Cancer Symptoms
• Facts About Prostate Cancer
• Green Tea Fights Prostate Cancer

When I was first diagnosed with prostate problems, I went home from the doctor with a hundred and one questions and very few answers.

So I went home and threw myself into researching everything I could get my hands on in relation to getting and maintaining a healthy prostate naturally and without drugs or surgery. I encourage YOU to do the same!

Dealing With Enlarged Prostate - A Mission

The world of men faces one of the biggest threats in their lives, as they grow older. Nobody escapes the nightmare of having an enlarged prostate. For some, it means a slow deterioration of relationship with their partner; others face self-pity and diminishing self-confidence. They seek treatment or cure alone with all the secrecy brought about by shame of having an enlarged prostate. Vulnerability is not included in a man's profile. Status quo dictates that men must be strong, fervent and solid as a rock. Showing weakness means losing your capability as a man.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH, also known as enlarged prostate causes sexual dysfunction such as difficulty in maintaining or having an erection, painful sensation during sexual intercourse, ejaculation problems, and so much more. Enlarged prostate patient tends to doubt oneself when it concerns fulfilling the needs of their partner.

Dealing with Benign prostatic hyperplasia must be taken seriously and needs to be medically supervised by a doctor because it can be life threatening when neglected resulting to further complications such as cancer, inability to urinate and others.

How to deal with Enlarged Prostate without Surgery:

There are other treatments available aside from surgery, which is considered the last option. Medications for enlarged prostate, on the other hand, are a lot more common treatment recommended by doctors.

There are drugs that aim to relax the muscles in the prostate to decrease the cause of narrowed urethra thus allowing one to have a painless urination. Anti-androgens and alpha-blockers are one of the common drugs prescribed. Viagra also gives indicative aid because it is found to have a compound called Sildenafil. This compound empties the prostate of seminal fluids; as a result the prostate decreases in size. The prostate massage according to experts provides equivalent relief as well.

There are some supplements that are proven effective treatment against enlarged prostate. But before doing so, consult medical supervision from your doctor first for proper supplemental medication with beta-sitosterol.

How to deal with Enlarged Prostate by Living Right:

You can put a stop to this harmful dilemma from occurring. Merely adjusting the things you do today in your life will make a huge difference tomorrow. Experts put up some guidelines in dealing with enlarged prostate.

Diet & Exercise to Deal with Enlarged Prostate:

Too much and too little of something makes the body ill. Always bear in mind that taking in moderate portions of a well balanced diet keeps the body in place and safe. Water is also an essential part of any therapy.

Exercise regularly because it promotes happiness and health. Always be active in every aspect whether it is spiritually, physically, emotionally, mentally and sexually. When all aspects in life are well balanced and well tendered, there is complete happiness and youthful feel.

Avoid Addictive Substances to Deal with Enlarged Prostate:

Substances that cause addiction may not be linked to enlarged prostate but taking in substances like alcohol, coffee and smoking will only deteriorate your body's health and condition.

Dealing with enlarged prostate or BPH can be burdensome but knowing what to do will ease you from further complications and give you and your partner a more promising future together.

Enlarged Prostate Gland Treatment

If you have found you have a large prostate, how is it treated? An enlarged prostate gland, also called BPH (Benign prostatic hypertrophy/hyperplasia), can be treated in various ways depending on the amount of growth and. The prostate gland is the male gland that produces the fluid that carries sperm. The prostate gland lies around the tube that passes the urine out of the body, the urethra. An enlarged prostate is a natural ailment the often occurs as a man ages, but it can be quite irritating as it interferes with normal daily function. As the gland grows larger, it puts pressure on the urethra, which causes urination issues. Generally, the condition is found when the patient thinks he has a urology issue and finally consults a doctor.

There are several types of treatments for an enlarged prostate gland. The doctors you consult will help helps to reduce night time need to urinate and improve urine flow. Prescribed medications can also do this. Since herbal supplements are not regulated, some patients may feel more comfortable with the prescription rather than an over the counter product.

you choose the treatment based on how advanced your symptoms are, you how old you are, and your how healthy you are in general. You may be able to change your lifestyle and just wait it out. Other options include medication or radiation therapy to shrink the gland and prostatectomy, a surgery to completely remove the gland.

Herbal treatments can be a part of a lifestyle change to alleviate urinary symptoms. Saw palmetto
If the gland is overly large, external beam radiotherapy may be used to reduce its size. An x-ray type machine delivers controlled amounts of radiation to a specific target--in this case the prostate gland. Various forms range from photon to proton radiotherapy. "Seeding" is another form of radiation treatment in which radioactive "seeds" are implanting inside the gland. These are radical treatments for more severe cases that may be leaning toward cancer.

Another treatment includes prostatectomy, or surgery to remove the prostate gland altogether. This will require the longest recovery of any of the treatments. Using laparoscopic technology, the surgeon can go in and remove the gland with very small holes instead of a long incision. However, it still takes weeks to return to feeling natural again.

Men 60 years old or more are at greater risk of having an enlarged prostate gland, but it can start happening to 40 years old. Note, however, that many men have no symptoms or only mild symptoms. If you catch it early using natural, herbal at-home self-care steps that the doctor can recommend is often plenty to alleviate the symptoms. More radical treatments, such as the radiotherapy and surgery, will be needed only if the symptoms interfere with your daily functions. Once you have a diagnosis of an enlarged prostate gland, it is a good idea to have a yearly physical exam to keep an eye on the progression of your symptoms. If they get worse, you may need to switch to the stronger choices of enlarged prostate treatments.

2 Natural Treatments For an Enlarged Prostate

There are a number of natural and alternative treatments for the problem of an enlarged prostate and two of these are the use of pumpkin seeds and saw palmetto.

Odd as it might seem, pumpkin seeds have a number of healing properties and they have been found to be especially effective for many man suffering from an enlarged prostate. Pumpkin seed have three properties which are particularly useful in this case.

The first is that pumpkin seeds contain fatty oil that acts as a natural diuretic and helps to improve urine flow and counter the restrictive effect of an enlarged prostate gland on the urethra.

The second property of pumpkin seeds is that they contain high levels of zinc so that a half a cup of seeds contains about eight milligrams of zinc. Studies have clearly shown that taking zinc can literally reduce the size of an enlarged prostate and many doctors recommend taking sixty milligrams a day in order to combat benign prostatic hypertrophy (an enlarged prostate). Care should be taken though and it is a good idea to talk to your doctor before raising your zinc intake to this level as it is above the normally recommended daily level.

The third benefit of pumpkin seeds is that they are high in animo acids such as alanine, glycerine and glutamic acid, all of which have again been shown to provide significant symptomatic relief.

Saw palmetto is also widely used for prostrate problems. Found in the southeastern states, saw palmetto is a small palm tree the seeds of which formed an important part of the diet of Seminole Indians.

Saw palmetto works by turning testosterone into dihyrotestosterone which is precisely the process used in Proscar, which is one of the very few over-the-counter treatments approved for prostate problems by the Food and Drug Administration. Its essential benefit is that it increases urinary flow, reduces the problem of residual urine and, as a consequence of both, also lessens the frequency of urination.

As with most natural treatments opinions vary widely as to the effectiveness of saw palmetto, but there have been a number of studies carried out over the years which have clearly shown that it does produce a significant benefit. In one study, a clinical study involving more than two thousand men in Germany suffering from benign prostatic hypertrophy, a daily dose of just one or two grams of saw palmetto seeds produced a substantial easing of symptoms.

These are of course just two of the many alternative cures available but there is no doubt that these and similar natural treatments can and do work. Just as an example, it is thought that about thirty percent of American men suffer from an undiagnosed prostate cancer by the time they reach the age of sixty compared to just one percent of Artic Inuit men at the same age. There may of course be several reasons for this enormous difference, but one difference which most doctors consider to be very significant is simply the fact the diet of Artic Inuit men is high in fish oil.

So, if you are suffering from an enlarged prostate then, before you turn to your doctor for treatment, you may find that simply adjusting your diet and looking at your intake of various vitamins and minerals may be all that is needed.

The Natural Treatment That Will Help Shrink That Prostate Back to Normal

These natural health products for enlarged prostate will significantly improve the condition which affects a high percentage of men over 40. Natural health products for enlarged prostate that work.

There’s a great need for natural health products for enlarged prostate. Enlarged prostate or Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH) affects half of all men over 50, and three-quarters of those over 65--by age 80 incidence increases. Even worse, BPH if left untreated ultimately becomes prostate cancer.

We interviewed several naturopaths and folllowing is the consensus of a natural treatment approach.

BPH is treated with zinc at 50mg three times per day, essential fatty acids, high fiber diets including pumpkin seeds (a terrific source of zinc) and alfalfa (rich in protein, vitamins A, E & K and minerals – used traditionally to treat cancer and urinary disorders).

Other vitamins include high dose Vitamin A as beta-carotene (300,000 IU – in consultation with your local naturopath), Vitamin C to bowel tolerance, chlorophyll (strong antioxidant and rich source of amino acids), amino acids (glycine, alanine and glutamic acid) a 5 grams each daily for 90 days, hydrogen peroxide(20 drops per oz of aloe juice) at 1 oz twice a day, cranberry juice (at 2 pints per day), herbs including saw palmetto and selenium at 250 mc per day.

Putting all of this information together, the recommended supplements containing all of these nutrients are:

• All 90 Essential Nutrients – complete range of minerals, vitamins, amino acids and essential fatty acids..
• A prostate supplement – containing zinc, selenium, saw palmetto and amino acids.
• A hydrogen peroxide supplement – containing Aloe Vera juice, herbs and minerals and completely safe for use.

Prostate - How To Keep A Healthy Prostate

Most men over the age of 50 are liable, according to statistics, to get prostate cancer. For American men, about 300,000 new cases are diagnosed each year, and some 35,000 men die of this disease annually. The numbers are increasing as well.

This article is all about simple ways of keeping your prostrate healthy.

What is the problem?

The prostate is a chestnut-shaped gland and organ that sits right below the bladder and is wrapped around the urethra. Other than closing the urethra during erection, the prostate has nothing to do with a man’s urinary system.

The prostate is needed for ejaculation, as the ejaculate passes through the same urethra as the urine does. The prostate gland’s basic job is to add special fluid to the sperm before it exits the penis during ejaculation.

This is why the prostate sits below the bladder, and also why prostate problems interfere with a man’s ability to urinate and to have sex.

The prostate is affected three ways:

1. infection

2. enlargement

3. cancer

What are the problem’s symptoms?

For infection (called prostitis) there is a great deal of pain, fever, and uninary problems. There are medicines and conventional therapies, however following the dietary rules below are very beneficial for prostitis.

Englargement (known as BHP or benign prostatic hypertrophy) is a non-cancerous enlarement of the prostate. The symptoms are hesitancy in urinating, dribbling of urine before and after urinating, frequent urination, straining to start the stream, urgency of urination, and getting up several times at night to urinate.

Cancer of the prostate symptoms are quite the same as BHP and many men are quite unaware they have cancer of the prostate, as there are often no symptoms at all. A PSA test done every 6 months is now a necessity for every man over 45.

What can be done about it?

Actually a lot. Diet and stress appear to be the main culprits. Here is a list of “do eat” and “do not eat” that is quite time tested.

Eat the following

lots of fresh vegetables and fruits, legumes (peas, beans, and lentils). fresh fish. And especially fish from cold ocean waters (such as salmon, sardines, mackerel, and cod) have large amounts of essential fatty acids. whole grain in moderation, rather than refined (white) breads, pasta, crackers, rice, and other grains.

Dont eat the following

fatty meats, fatty meats, excess of salts, hydrogenated oils, such as those found in margarine, donuts, cookies, cakes, other desserts, potato chips, and other deep-fried foods. canned, packaged, or otherwise processed foods, sodas, alcohol, black teas (which includes most iced teas), or coffee, and dairy foods, especially if they have been pasteusterised.

Are there Special Foods that Can Cure the Cancer?

Perhaps; and this is still a subject open to debate,but chilli peppers have been shown to inhibit the cancerous cells of the prostate. There was a study done recently at UCLA in California which indicate as much.

Also there are several herbs and food additives known for their beneficial action on the prostate. They are:

•Saw palmetto: This herb is now well-known to shrink enlarged prostates and to lower PSA..

•Green tea: The catechins found in green tea are the likely “medicines” for the prostate, although it is not known exactly how they prevent or combat existing prostate cancer. The usual dose is no less than 6 cups per day.

•Pygeum: Pygenum has been used to treat diseases of the prostate and urinary tract for many years.

•Nettle: The Nettle is rich in vitamin C, iron, and other proven nutrients that bolster the prostate.

•Kelp: This is seaweed, and plentiful in iodine and contains minerals that help to prevent and treat prostate cancer. Asian men, with high doses of kelp in their diet (than American men) have a much lower incidence of any prostate problem.

If you follow the above you will have and keep a healthy prostrate.

Enlarged Prostate Or BPH - How Dangerous is It?

What is an enlarged prostate and what does it mean for you? This is a condition in which the prostate gland grows bigger and is medically known as benign prostatic hypertrophy (hyperplasia). It is more commonly known as BPH.

So what is it, how can you know if you have it, and what are the treatments options?

An enlarged prostate is typical in most every man with age but it can become a real problem when the prostate grows so much that it puts pressure on the urethra and creates bladder problems or can reduce the flow of urine. Doctors are not completely sure why the prostate becomes enlarged but it is thought that the testicles could play a role. Men who have their testicles removed due to testicular cancer do not develop enlarged prostates.

Some symptoms of an enlarged prostate are:

• Dribbling after urination
• The bladder does not empty completely during urination
• There may be incontinence
• A need to urinate two or more times per night
• Painful or blood-tinged urination, which could also indicate infection
• A delay in starting urination
• Straining to urinate
• An intense, sudden urge to urinate
• Inability to urinate
• A weak urine stream

Of course one of these symptoms alone does not guarantee an enlarged prostate and these problems could also be symptoms of something else but if you are experiencing any of these conditions, you should see your doctor right away to determine the cause.

There is treatment for an enlarged prostate and the type of treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms and how much impact they are having on your daily life. Sometimes something as simple as certain lifestyle changes can correct the problem. At other times, medication or even surgery may be needed.

Becoming aware of the symptoms of an enlarged prostate and having a yearly exam, especially once you are over the age of 60, can help you catch the condition early when treatment may be easier and your condition will be less severe

How Do You Recognize The Symptoms Of Prostate Problems?

It may appear strange but for many years men knew very little about their prostate gland and it is only in the past few years as prostate cancer has gained in prominence that men are beginning to ask just what the prostate gland is and what it does.

The prostate gland is an important component of the male reproductive system which produces a clear liquid which makes up a substantial portion of a man's seminal fluid. Sperm is taken from the testes to the prostate gland where it is mixed with proteins and prostatic fluid to form semen.

A normal prostate gland is about the size of a walnut, weighs approximately one ounce and sits just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It is also frequently described as being donut shaped and is partially wrapped around the urethra, which carrying urine from the bladder and out of the body.

The prostate gland grows throughout a man's life, although from about the age of twenty until the mid-forties this growth is extremely slow and is almost undetectable. Once a man reaches approximately forty-five however it is normal for the growth of the prostate gland to speed up and the vast majority of men will start to experience the symptoms of an enlarged prostate during their forties or fifties.

In many cases an enlarged prostate leads to little more than some mild discomfort which a lot of men simply learn to live with. In some instances however the prostate may become sufficiently enlarged so that it restricts the urethra enough to cause a variety of symptoms which need treatment or persuade a man to seek treatment to relieve his discomfort. Growth of the prostate gland at this point in a man's life is a normal part of the aging process and is known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BHP.

In all cases however the greatest problem with an enlarged prostate gland is that this might be something more than a simple case of enlargement and may be masking the growth of an underlying cancer.

When the prostate gland begins to grow it also begins to press on the urethra and to narrow it so that the first signs and symptoms of a problem are often seen when it comes to urinating. Specifically you may experience difficulty in passing water and need to 'push' in order to start the process. You might also suffer from a weak urine flow and a flow which has a tendency to stop and start. As time goes on you will also find that you have to visit the bathroom more often, particularly at night, and that you feel that you have to visit the bathroom even just after you have just done so.

Not surprisingly this could become something of a an irritation to say the least but but, all the same, a lot of men are content to simply put it down as one of the inevitable problems of aging and learn to live with it. The is nothing wrong with this of course but the mistake which far too man men make is not to seek the advice of their doctor at this stage to confirm that their problem is merely BPH and that it is unlikely to lead to other problems.

Aside from the obvious risk of the possibility of an underlying cancer present, BPH can also cause other problems like kidney disease or bladder infection.

Should you begin to encounter signs and symptoms which suggest a prostate problem then visit your doctor so that the problem can be properly diagnosed.