Research>Prostate Enlargement

BPH (Prostate Enlargement) - What Is It and How Can It Be Treated?

BPH is the enlargement of the male prostate gland. It can have many associated problems including the need to urinate frequently, difficulty in urinating and inability to completely empty the bladder.

The main cause of BPH is age. It’s a very common complaint in older men - indeed over 50% of males 55 years old and over are thought to be suffering with BPH.

It’s important for BPH to be properly diagnosed, mainly to assess treatment options and to rule out other more serious problems such as prostate cancer.

The difficulty here is many males are embarrassed to seek treatment and indeed some will put up with annoying symptoms for years rather than admit to any problems in this sensitive area!

Still others fear being diagnosed with prostate cancer and will spend years worrying about the possibility while being too afraid to know.

All this, while quite understandable, coupled with a natural male reluctance to admit to any weakness is counter productive. Why suffer when it’s not necessary?

Even if there is a problem, it’s much better to know about it. This gives us back some control and ability to make choices among the many options now available.

BPH is what it says - “benign”. Meaning that there is no malignancy. Having been diagnosed then, all worry about cancer should cease! It’s sensible, however, to do everything to prevent prostate cancer - information about which can be found on the site below.

Treatments for BPH fall into 3 categories. Drugs, surgery or natural medications.

Prostate Surgery -

If the symptoms of BPH are severe and causing major problems such as complete inability to empty the bladder, then surgery is the best and probably the only option.. This can take several forms, but the most common is known as TURP.

TURP is performed without cutting and access to the prostate is through the urethra. An instrument is inserted which removes any obstructive tissue, easing the pressure thus relieving the BPH symptoms. TURP is a relatively safe operation.

Drug Treatments -

For those whoses BPH symptoms are not severe - or for those who hate the thought of surgery! - There are two main types of BPH medication.

Hormones - For example Finasteride (Proscar). Hormones work by interfering with the male hormone, testosterone. It is a slow acting and long term treatment. The side effects can be impotence and erection failure.

Alpha Blockers - These act by relaxing the muscle in the prostate itself which prevents urine flow. This is faster acting than the hormone approach but the side effects are weakness and lethargy.

Alternative BPH Treatment

These herbal remedies can be extremely effective without the side effects of drugs. For more information visit the site below.

This article is for informational use only. It is important to seek medical advice if you are experiencing BPH symptoms.

Natural Remedies for Prostate Enlargement

As men get into their late forties or fifties, their bodies become more susceptible to certain diseases and ill conditions, especially of the prostate gland. Part of the male reproductive system, the prostate is walnut-sized bulb of tissue located at the base of the bladder. After a man reaches the age of 45, the prostate gland becomes more vulnerable to prostate enlargement, also known as benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH).

The causes of BPH seem to lie in men’s diet, and a high-fat, high-sugar diet is thought to increase a man’s risk of developing BPH. Aside from making dietary changes, many men are also looking into natural remedies that would help to prevent or treat BPH and its symptoms, which include frequent urination at night, a constant urge to urinate, difficulty in starting to urinate, difficulty maintaining a steady stream of urine, and difficulty in completely emptying the bladder.

Saw palmetto has long been touted as a natural herbal remedy for prostate enlargement. Some studies have shown results in which saw palmetto apparently reduced gland swelling and improved symptoms over several weeks. But a more recent study published in 2006 has cast doubt on the previous studies’ results, with clinical tests showing that saw palmetto appears to have no better effect than a placebo. There are sure to be further studies, but in the meantime it is difficult to say whether saw palmetto can still be considered an effective herbal remedy for BPH.

Another natural remedy is pygeum bark extract, which comes from the plant Pygeum africanum, a species of evergreen found throughout the African continent. It has been popular in Europe, especially France, for treating prostate conditions in older men. In this case, clinical studies agree with traditional medicine, and show that pygeum bark extract is effective in improving symptoms of BPH. However, the pygeum plant has long been overharvested and is currently endangered, although conservation efforts are ongoing.

Stinging nettle roots are yet another natural remedy for BPH, and clinical studies have shown these to be effective in relieving prostate enlargement symptoms, although it does not appear to actually reduce gland swelling.

In the end, the best natural approach to BPH is to prevent it from occurring, by consuming a diet rich in nutrients that are known to have a preventative effect on prostate enlargement. Lycopene is especially effective, and it is found in tomatoes and tomato products (ketchup, tomato sauce, etc.), as well as in pink grapefruit, watermelon, and guava. Vitamins D and E are also considered beneficial in preventing BPH and prostate cancer. Daily consumption of pomegranate juice may also be helpful, as a 2006 study has shown that it slows the rate of progress of prostate cancer.

Natural Prostate Enlargement Medicine

Enlargement of the prostate gland is very common. It is usually seen in men over the age of fifty.

Symptoms

The first thing that is noticed is a slowing down of the urine stream. This is followed by increased frequency of urination. If infection is also present there is an urgency to urinate and a burning sensation while urinating.

There is occasionally blood in the urine, fever, cloudy urine, lower abdominal pain and distention, loss of appetite, and weakness. A hard lump is present in the fork of the thighs or rectum which becomes very painful when pressed.

The Natural Treatment:

Alcoholic beverages must be completely eliminated. The patient should keep warm at all times. If symptoms are not relieved, and urination becomes increasingly difficult, a physician specializing in diseases of the urinary tract should be consulted.

Herbal Medicine

Saw palmetto:

Functions as a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, which is what hair loss drugs try to use to prevent testosterone from converting to DHT. This converting is said to be the cause of balding. Unfortunately these unnatural treatments have some bothersome side effects.

Excellent in to use in diseases of the prostate gland. Valuable in all diseases of the reproductive organs, prostate and testes.

"Side Effects"

Excellent as a general tonic to regain strength. It's thought by some to be an aphrodisiac.

Corn Silk:

This is one of the best remedies for prostate, kidney and bladder troubles. Especially useful for pain or burning during urination and for difficulty starting urination.

Buchu:

It's one of the best remedies for urinary organs. It's very soothing and excellent for when there is pain while urinating or stoppage of the urine. When taken warm it helps reduce swelling of the prostate gland and soothes irritation of the lining membrane of the urethra.

"Side Effects"

It's a tonic, so it tones and strengthens the body.

Prevent Prostate Enlargement With Lycopene

Natural health experts have been telling men for a long time that the lycopene in tomatoes can protect against prostate cancer. In 1999 the well-respected Journal of the National Cancer Institute reported that men who eat four to five servings of tomatoes (preferably tomato paste, but other forms also work) were 25 per cent less likely to develop prostate cancer than men who ate tomatoes only rarely or never at all.

That news got millions of men over 50 eating lots of tomatoes. But recent research reports that tomatoes don't just protect against cancer.

A research team at Germany's University of Hohenheim led by Dr. Silke Schwarz has found that tomatoes can relieve the kind of prostate enlargement called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), too.

What's BPH?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is that all too common condition of dribbling, getting up to go to the toilet at night, weak urine flow, and feeling of that the bladder never gets really empty that affects 10 per cent of men over 50 and 90 per cent of men over 80. BPH is caused by healthy prostate cells growing in an unhealthy way that can foretell prostate cancer.

When the German researchers gave men with cancer-free men with BPH either 15 mg of lycopene or a placebo every day for six months, they found that the men who got the lycopene had no enlargement of the prostate, whereas the men who got the sugar pill had prostate enlargement detected by the well-known "digital (finger) exam" and ultrasound.

Lycopene supplements also lowered PSA. The German research team used a lycopene supplement called LycoVit.

The simplest way to be sure you get 15 mg of lycopene a day, of course, is to take a supplement that contains at least 15 mg of lycopene, once a day.

But it's also easy to get 15 mg of lycopene from tomatoes. That's the amount of lycopene in one ounce (28 g) of sun-dried tomatoes or one-and-one-half ounces (42 g) of tomato paste. You'd need two-thirds of a cup (160 ml) of tomato juice or vegetable juice cocktail.

There's actually more lycopene in watermelon and guavas than there is in tomatoes. There's even a little in shrimp. The problem with using these foods as a source of lycopene is that your body absorbs lycopene better if it's consumed with just a little fat.

You could deep-fry your shrimp, of course, but not very many people care for fat on their watermelon and guavas. That's why tomatoes are the most popular lycopene-rich food.

The Most Effective Prostate Enlargement Prevention Methods That Don't Involve Drugs

Prostate problems affect about 12% of the male population. Whether they’ll admit or not, men over 45 need to have regular prostate exams and potentially even Prostate Specific Antigen PSA tests. How does the condition of an enlarged prostate happen and is it dangerous? The prostate gland goes through two primary periods of growth, once in early puberty and the other about age 25.

During the second phase of growth, the condition of an enlarged prostate may occur when the layer of tissue surrounding the prostate stops it from expanding and presses it against the urethra. It is generally accepted that men over the age of 45 start to experience some prostate enlargement, though they may not have any significant symptoms, and by age 60, it is believed that 80% of all men experience some enlargement which affects urination.

Over time, these urination problems can cause serious health problems such as kidney or bladder damage, incontinence or bladder stones.

Are there any natural prevention methods that do not involve drugs? Zinc is considered a valuable element and one that can help regulate normal cell death and in building the immune system response. It has also proven helpful with enlarged and inflamed prostates. Zinc supplements can be increased to 50 to 100 milligrams, though doctors suggest the extra Zinc should complement a naturally healthy diet rich in many vitamins and minerals.

Exercise, including Kegel exercises also help to improve blood circulation to the prostate tissues. Kegel exercises are performed by tightening the muscles around the scrotum and anus and often recommended by sex therapists to help men with premature ejaculation problems. Kegel exercises can only help, you see! An average amount of Kegel flexes is 4-5 times a day, in sets of ten.

Finally, tomatoes have also been cited as possible prevention method against prostate cancer and other prostate problems like enlargement, due to the fruit's lycopene carotene. A healthy diet and good exercise are natural prevention methods against this medical condition.

Prostate Health Part 1 - What Causes Prostate Enlargement and Prostate Cancer

We know that starting at age 40, the levels of the by-product prolactin of testosterone of men increases, stimulating the production of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase that causes the conversion of testosterone to gihydro-testosterones DHT triggering prostate enlargement and other problems. Therefore in order to prevent the symptoms of prostate enlargement is to naturally impend the conversion of testosterone to DHT. Unfortunately, aging is not the only cause of prostate enlargement and prostate cancer. In this article, we will discuss other causes of prostate enlargement.

1. Genetics
Genetics may also play a role in enlarged prostate since study shows that prostate cancer and enlarged prostates can be inherited from generation to generation.

2. Hormone imbalance
The outward appearance of a typical middle-aged person shows increased abdominal fat and shrinkage of muscle mass, which is the main factor causing hormone imbalance. Hormone imbalance is also caused by depression, stress, and anxiety that are the most common psychological complications of hormone imbalance.

3. Cell-growth factor
For whatever reason, some people have implicated in prostate enlargement that is a growth factor.

4. Mineral deficiency
Our prostate contains high amounts of zinc to function normally. Zinc deficiency causes the prostate to enlarge. This may be due to aging or uncontrolled diet with excessive alcohol drinking.

5. Obesity
Study shows that uncontrolled diet that is high in saturated and trans fats are the main cause of hormone imbalance that results in prostate enlargement. Researchers suggest that excess calorie consumption could somehow directly stimulate prostate enlargement because the excess body fat that accumulates causes an imbalance of hormone levels.

6. Testosterone

Testosterone deficiency may be caused by high amounts of the by-product prolactin of testosterone of men in the body that stimulates even higher productions of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase resulting in a high amount of the conversion of testosterone to gihydro-testosterones DHT thus triggering prostate enlargement. Excess estrogen seems to be the culprit in prostate enlargement that leads to the pathology and favors the development of prostate cancer.

Urine Trouble - Eliminating the Cause of Prostate Enlargement, Kidney Stones and Bladder Infections

Have you ever felt a burning need to urinate, but had to hold it in? Perhaps you were driving along the highway, and the next rest area was still 50 miles ahead. Or maybe you were attending a seminar or class, or were at the theater or a concert, and you just didn't want to leave for the restroom simply because your bladder was full.

Our culture gives us millions of reasons for holding in urine. In fact, to be successful in society, we sometimes need to defer this personal biological need. Our training as waste retainers starts with diapers. While other creatures have the freedom to eliminate waste when the need arises, we humans living in modern, Western civilization need to carefully plan our excretions to make them convenient to our busy schedules, and appropriately performed and flushed away. In fact, we secretly pride ourselves on our ability to hold in urine. It reflects our high degree of training and civility. Being civilized means we no longer assert our animalistic need to pee without proper decorum and timing. However, there is a price to this civility!

Medicine says nothing about the common practice of holding in urine. In fact, the entire issue is ignored, as is unfortunately the case with most cultural practices that affect our health. Most doctors hold in their own urine, as well, especially surgeons during surgery. Doctors and medical researchers are trained, like the rest of society, to conform to our culture's idiosyncratic ways. This makes medicine and doctors oblivious to the obvious, since we all tend to overlook our own personal foibles. Obviously, holding in waste cannot be good for you. Once you reflect on what is in the waste, where it is stored, and what happens when the pressure of holding it in builds to unnaturally high levels, the serious cost of urine retention becomes clear.

Urine is a filtrate from the blood. The kidneys require blood pressure to force this filtration of the blood. Once the kidneys process the filtrate, it becomes urine. This then passively flows down to thin tubes, called the ureters, one ureter for each kidney. The ureters empty into the bladder, which expands to accommodate the fluid. Once the bladder expands to a certain limit, a reflex is started that causes urination. That is, if we allow the reflex to operate naturally.

Urine is predominately a salt solution, along with other waste products. When you hold it in, the pressure in the bladder builds, causing the urine to concentrate. The longer you hold in urine, the more concentrated it will become. What can happen to a salt solution when it becomes concentrated? It can precipitate, forming crystals. It's simple chemistry. These crystals are called stones.

In addition to concentrating the urine, bladder pressure will resist the flow from the ureters of new urine from the kidneys. This will lead to a back-up of all the plumbing, so to speak, as the kidneys themselves ultimately get hampered in their ability to filter the blood. This increases the toxin load of the bloodstream and can cause metabolic problems. It also inhibits water and salt elimination, and can contribute to high blood pressure and heart disease.

And there's more! When you look at the male anatomy of the pelvic region, you will see that the bladder is directly above the prostate gland. Underneath the prostate is the pelvic floor. The pelvic floor and bladder essentially make a prostate sandwich. An over-filled bladder will press on the prostate. No gland likes pressure, since pressure reduces its blood flow and general operation. If severe and frequent enough, the bladder pressure may cause the prostate to enlarge to better cushion itself form the bladder burden. It is medically known that prolonged horseback riding or bicycle riding can lead to prostate enlargement due to pressure from the bottom up. A full bladder causes pressure from the top down. A cause of prostate enlargement, which is very common in Western cultures, may thus be this cultural penchant for urine retention.

Another problem that may result from an over-stretched bladder and its storage of concentrated waste is the bladder wall and ureters may become irritated and damaged. This may increase the likelihood of succumbing to bacterial invasion. Bladder and urinary tract infections may, therefore, be another product of urine retention.

We would like to suggest the following self study for those interested in improving their urinary tract, prostate, and kidney health. Here is what you do. Whenever you feel the urge to urinate, do so. Don't wait or delay. Keep note of times you do delay. If you have a history of kidney stones, bladder infections, or prostate enlargement, reflect honestly on your tendency to hold it in. It may be an occupational problem, such as bus and truck drivers, pilots, doctors, lawyers, and others unable to stop what they are doing simply to pee. It may be a discomfort with using public restrooms. No matter what the reason, there's no excuse for storing refuse.

One further note. For fear of having to urinate at an inappropriate time, some people may avoid drinking water. This will lead to dehydration and even more concentrated urine. Interestingly, doctors tell patients with a history of kidney stones to drink more. Of course, it's hard to take it in if you are not letting it out.

According to modern medicine, the cause of most kidney stones is unknown. More than 50% of Americans will experience at least one kidney stone in his or her lifetime. Passing these stones can be one of the most painful experiences of a lifetime. Doctors recommend drugs, sonic beams, or surgery to deal with the problem.

It is never mentioned that we live in a culture that makes urination a pain, literally.

Enlarged Prostate - A Growing Concern Amongst Men

Around 100 million men are already suffering from prostate disorders so it is very important for them to give proper attention to their healthy prostate functioning.

What Is A Prostate?

The Prostate gland is a tiny gland present under the urinary bladder and surrounding the urethra. It would be more appropriate to call it an organ than a gland because the whole sexual health and the urination process of males are dependent on a healthy prostate. Prostate gland goes through two periods of growth. First growth process occurs when the men enters the age of puberty, and second process usually takes place at around the age of 25 or 26, so prostate enlargement takes place as men grow older.

Initial Symptoms of Prostate Enlargement

The problem arises when the enlargement is of more than that of a normal level, the technical term for prostate enlargement is -Benign prostatic hyperplasia, the excessive enlargement of prostate causes problem in urination and difficulty in getting erections.

Treating the Condition with Natural Health Solutions

Just as the problem is extremely common, so has modern medicine derived ways to combat it, but the use of strong drugs, surgery and radiation treatments have highly dangerous side effects erectile dysfunction being one of them. The healthier alternative is to try out the natural forms of treatment like ayurveda which treats not only the symptoms but the person as a whole. Ayurveda as we all know is the oldest form of medicine known to man, and it has some very effective herbs to cure all prostate related problems. Some of the herbs which are useful in curing prostate problems include -

1.  Shatavari - Asparagus Racemosus

2. Punarnava - Boerhavia Diffusa (Boerhavia)

3. Kanchanara -Bauhinia Variegata (Orchid Tree)

4. Gokshura  -Tribulus Terrestris (Tribulus) (also helpful in kidney problems)

5. Guggulu  -Commiphora Mukul (Guggul)

Effectiveness

These five herbs have been found to be very effective in curing enlarged prostate and prostate infections. The best part of using these herbs is that they do not cause any side effects.

Prostate Health Part 8 - Prevent & Treat Prostate Enlargement & Cancer With Common Sense Approaches

As we mentioned in previous articles, we know that starting at age 40, the levels of the by-product prolactin of testosterone of men increases, stimulating the production of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase that causes the conversion of testosterone to gihydro-testosterones DHT triggering prostate enlargement and other problems. In this article, we will discuss how to prevent and enlarged prostate and prostate cancer with common sense approaches.

1. Reduce fat and cholesterol intake, especially saturated fats.
Study shows that if you eat more than 5 servings of red meat every week you could increase the risk of enlarged prostate and prostate cancer by 80%. By eating less of red meat and replacing them with cold water fish, you are ensured yourselves to get enough omega fatty acid that helps to improve your prostate health, reduce cholesterol levels, lower the risk of enlarged prostate as well as prostate cancer.

2. Eat foods containing more zinc (nuts- especially walnuts, pumpkin, seeds, safflower seeds and oysters).
Zinc is an essential mineral for prostate health. It helps to reduce the size of the prostate and relieve symptoms of enlarged prostate. Foods containing zinc also contain cucurbitacines, chemicals that stop testosterone from changing to stronger forms of testosterone which encourages too many prostate cells to grow. Foods that contain cucurbitacines are nuts, walnuts, pumpkin seed, and oyster.

3. Guard your prostate with green tea
Green tea contains catechins, a chemical that helps our immune system to track down tumor cells before they can do any harm to the prostate cells. Green tea may be one reason that Asian people have far fewer cases of prostate cancer than North Americans.

4. Remove all chemicals and pesticides from diet (eat organic food).
Chemicals and pesticides in the processing food is toxic to our body. Intaking high doses of these poisonous chemicals will danger our immune system as well as cause inflammation of the body including the prostate.

5. Increase consumption of plants high in the sulphurophanes
Study shows that you could reduce the risk of prostate cancer and prostate enlargement by 45% if you eat 24 or more servings of vegetables that contain high amounts of sulphurophanes such as broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, and cabbage

Laser For Prostate Enlargement

Another way to treat an enlarged prostate is by using a laser. Light energy carves the prostate to its desired size to alleviate the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

But this technique is basically no different from conventional surgery and has the same side effects - namely impotence, inability to control urination and retrograde ejaculation (where the ejaculated semen enters the bladder instead of shooting out of the penis).

So before you go under the knife, check with your doctor whether surgery or laser treatment is really for you. Surgery is often required only if BPH threatens your health.

"There are other situations that mandate surgical intervention. If the backup of urine from the enlarged prostate has affected your kidneys and is distending or blowing them up, you must correct matters quickly before permanent damage results. Or, if you have repeated urinary infections, you're best rid of the obstructing prostate gland," according to Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld of the New York Hospital - Sloane-Kettering Cancer Center in "The Best Treatment."

"However, there is no need to rush to surgery simply because your symptoms are inconvenient. I have many, many patients who continue to live with, and have adjusted to, an enlarged prostate, secure in the knowledge that their lives are not in danger," Rosenfeld added.

Another experimental non-surgical technique is available for those with BPH. In prostatic ballooning, a deflated cylindrical balloon attached to a catheter is inserted into the penis. As soon as it reaches the obstructed area, the balloon is inflated 10 to 15 times, pushing aside the enlarged prostate. This procedure is usually combined with microwave heating which shrinks the bulging prostate.

"Thousands of prostatic ballooning has already been successfully performed. Although it's still too early to tell how long this compression will hold, the technique appears to be simpler, safer and cheaper than an operation and most patients can go home the very next day," Rosenfeld said.

Some people are under the impression that certain vitamins and herbs can prevent or cure BPH. Zinc is commonly used for this purpose but there is no evidence to support this.

Megadoses of zinc - 500 milligrams or more - can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Similarly, ingesting "natural" remedies like bee pollen has no effect on BPH but it can send you to the hospital since many people are allergic to this substance.

Prostate BPH - Non-Cancerous Enlargement of the Prostate

It is normal for the prostate glands of males to grow significantly during their adolescence. This slows down when they reach 25 and pushes through when they reach 50. By the time they are 80 years old, their prostate glands are very much enlarged. This enlargement of the prostate may occur earlier and it could be scary since it could be cancerous. However, the gland could enlarge, but the person should not be worried about cancer - this condition is called prostate BPH or Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.

An enlarged prostate or BPH is not prostate cancer. It is a common condition especially among older men, 50 years above. Among those with enlarged prostate, only 10 percent would need to be medically or surgically treated. Enlarged prostate (Non-Cancerous ) is also called Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy.

The prostate gland does not really stop growing. This does not pose any problem to any man until after he reaches his twilight years. The symptoms are hardly felt by men below 40 but those who are aged 60 up experience the symptoms of prostate BPH.

When the prostate grows bigger and bigger, the tendency of the surrounding tissues is to hinder its further growth. This results to the restriction on the urethra, since the prostate gland is forced upon it. The man's bladder will get irritated and will begin to contract even if there is just minimal amount of urine in there. In time, the bladder will fail to function properly causing urine to stay in the bladder.

Non-Cancerous Enlargement of the Prostate exhibits the following symptoms that you have to watch out for:

- Problems with urination - weak stream of urine, leaking, frequent urination at night, straining feeling, sudden urges to urinate
- Weak bladder
- Kidney failure
- Backflow of urine that results to infection on the bladder or kidney

The symptoms vary and the size of the prostate does not always say how severe the condition is. There are men with prostate BPH that exhibit no obstruction at all and thus, show no symptoms. There are those who have less enlarged glands but they have more severe symptoms because of bigger obstructions.

When you experience any problems urinating, you should inform your doctor immediately. Eighty percent of cases are suggestive of only Enlargement of the Prostate, but the rest may be more serious and will require immediate treatment.

Those that have untreated prostate BPH can develop a lot more serious problems like:
- Urinary Tract Infection due to urine retention and straining of the bladder
- Bladder damage
- Kidney damage
- Bladder stones
- Incontinence

There are three ways to treat enlarged prostate - watchful waiting, drug therapy, or surgery. Watchful waiting involves annual checkups to observe the gland and its growth. This method restricts alcoholic drinks and caffeine. Patients are asked to empty their bladders whenever urinating. If you need to unload, you shouldn't keep it waiting. Unload at once and often.

As for the drug therapy, only your attending doctor can prescribed the medications that can help you with the symptoms. Be wary of those over-the-counter drugs that can only make things worse.

Surgery is the last resort but this is one of the most common methods to treat prostate BPH in the United States. Surgery is best for severe cases.

Prostate Enlargement Causes

The prostate gland is slightly larger than a peanut and is located snug in between the urethra and the pubic bone. As the prostate grows, the bladder has to work more in order to push urine through the newly thinned urethra. The muscles of the bladder become overworked and therefore more sensitive. This causes the person affected to have to urinate more frequently. As the prostate grows and places pressure on the already sensitive bladder, the bladder begins to lose the ability to empty itself completely.

Before you can effectively understand what causes the prostate to become enlarged, you need to understand where this organ is, and what is it's function. The prostate is a gland through which the urethra passes before it enters the penis. The prostrate sits at the base of the bladder, and forms the white milky secretion that makes up the semen. This secretion is what protects and nourishes the sperm during ejaculation. The prostate is only the size of a pea in a new born child, and undergoes a period of rapid growth during puberty where it assumes its adult size-the size of a walnut. The prostate remains this size until late adulthood, after around the age of forty where it begins to increase in size. This is what is commonly known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH.

Prostate enlargement, or BPH is typically a benign process during which the prostate increases in size. This enlargement usually begins in late adulthood, during the fifth decade of life. While doctors are not sure exactly what causes prostate enlargement, it is thought that perhaps the hormonal fluctuations that occur with age may be the cause. Changes in the ratio of male testosterone and female estrogen levels in the man's body are thought to possibly be the cause of BPH. There is another theory that the prostate gland simply becomes more sensitive to the effects of normal levels of male hormone at later ages, and thus grows more rapidly.

Whatever the cause of prostate enlargement, it is a good idea to get a check up in case you are suffering from symptoms that may be caused by BPH. While BPH is very common and may not manifest any symptoms at all, it is always good to rule out other, more serious disorders.

High Blood Pressure Medications For Prostate Enlargement

Prostate enlargement (also called nodular or benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH for short) is responsible for many of the well known sexual dysfunction in men, including difficulty in maintaining or having an erection, ejaculation problems or painful sensation during sexual intercourse. In this article I will briefly describe the two medical options that are available to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia, while maintaining a strict focus on the best medication option, Cardura.

There are two primary drug classes in use for the treatment of prostate enlargement. The first consists of a group of male hormone blocking (anti-androgen) agents. This strategy tries to block the synthesis of dihydrotestosterone, the biologically active derivate of testosterone. Testosterone is produced from dihydrotestosterone in the prostate gland and testes, and in smaller quantity, the adrenal glands. Anti-androgens, such as Proscar prevent this conversion. Besides many think of such treatment as virtual castration, and not without reason, these drugs do not even come close in terms of effectiveness to the class of selective alpha-blockers such as doxazosin (Cardura).

Cardura or other alpha-blockers are prescribed for men whose prostates are only moderately enlarged. These medications induce the self-destruction of prostate gland tissues. This is a fast, effective and cheap method compared to the anti-androgen treatment and doesn't have any effect on the patient's sexual drive whatsoever.

Depending on the patient's blood pressure, whether he is suffering from hypertension or not, and by considering the prostate size, either non-selective or selective alpha-blockers are advised. Drugs of both categories provide similar effectiveness for reducing BPH symptoms, however the deciding factor is rarely left up to individual preference. Their larger-scale mechanism of action is slightly different, most notably, when it comes to blood pressure.

Non-selective alpha-blockers, for example, reduce prostate enlargement by roughly the same degree as selective alpha-blockers by relaxing the prostate smooth musculature. But since the walls of blood vessels are heavily involved as well, a significant decrease in blood pressure also occurs. Besides dizziness and headache, side effects may include nasal congestion and impotence in 2% of cases.

Selective alpha-blockers, on the other hand, such as terazosin (Hytrin) and doxazosin (Cardura) have less impact on blood-pressure, and are preferred by patients whose blood pressure is closer to ideal. Another great plus for Cardura is that it quickly relives urinary difficulties by directly relaxing the bladder neck. As you can see, non-selective alpha-blockers would be the ideal choice if you suffer from hypertension. But if you have normal blood pressure or your body reacts adversely to non-selective drugs, Cardura and other selective alpha-blockers are the way to go.

Prostate Health

Prostate Prevention and Natural Relief

Each year, millions of men are diagnosed with prostate enlargement and or prostate cancer.

Why is this? To some degree, prostate enlargement is similar to genetic hair loss. Testosterone breaks down and clogs the hair follicle shunting blood supply. In the prostate, broken down testosterone reduces to estrogen and collects in the prostate. This is why Proscar is for treating prostrate problems, and it's younger brother Propecia for combating hair loss. Proscar consist of 5 mg while Propecia consist of 1mg.

Is there anything that prevents an enlarged prostate? I can say arguably YES. Lifestyle can make a big difference in how the prostate reacts to aging.

Evidence shows that exercise and a low fat diet, especially red meat, can have a positive affect on prostate health. As with most lifestyle changes, it is difficult to pin down the exact mechanism that provides the most benefit. However, by exercising (which also combats stress byproducts) and eating a low fat diet , it will help to prevent developing abdominal fat. Studies have shown that abdominal fat can lead to converting Testosterone to Estrogen making men have a disproportional balance between the two hormones. Again, this extra estrogen accumulates in the prostate leading to enlargement and even prostate cancer. So keeping fit can help prevent prostate problems.

Over the years, Saw Palmetto has shown to benefit both hair loss and prostate enlargement. Similar to Proscar and Propecia, Saw Palmetto helps block converting Testosterone. While the research is not clear for reducing enlarged prostate, preventing prostate enlargement may exist. Using Saw Palmetto as a supplement to healthy eating and exercise may provide added protection against enlarging prostate. I have used it for years, and with a family history of prostate enlargement and being in my forties but not afflicted, I believe in the merits of this supplement.

Products that help to improve testosterone in men (which naturally declines with age and can lead to an enlarged prostate or prostate cancer), are DHEA and HGH. Both of these supplements have been called "the fountain of youth." By re-establishing normal hormonal levels of testosterone in men, we are starting to see maintenance of lean muscle, decrease in body fat, more energy, better concentration, prostate protection, and a stronger sex drive.

Even though these products are rated 99% safe to use for prostate health, always check with your pharmacist or physician before using herbal or hormone-enhancing supplements, as they may interact with currently-prescribed medications.

What Type of Diet Can Help Prevent Prostate Enlargement and Prostate Cancer?

If you are a man, you should start thinking about the health of your prostate gland by the time your reach your late forties. From the age of 45 to 50 onwards, the prostate becomes more susceptible to disease, and a number of men are sure to experience some degree of prostate enlargement, also known as benign prostate hyperplasia or hypertrophy (BPH). Due to BPH the prostate gland may grow several times larger than its normal size. It is now thought by some doctors that this condition is a possible precursor to the development of prostate cancer. This is a serious problem, as prostate cancer is known to be the second leading cause of death from cancer among males, according to the American Cancer Institute.

To guard against the development of BPH or prostate cancer, you can make changes to your diet that will help reduce your own health risks. For the most part, the type of diet that doctors will recommend to you in preventing BPH will also be helpful in preventing cancer in general. The recommended diet should be rich in wholegrain foods like some breads and cereals, and dark-colored fruits and vegetables and legumes. It is also important to greatly reduce your intake of saturated fat, sugar (especially processed sugar), and salt.

A diet that is high on lycopene is known to be an excellent preventative against prostate enlargement and prostate cancer. You can take lycopene supplements, but studies in recent years have shown that it is more effective to consume tomatoes, which are rich in the lycopene that gives the tomato its red hue. This suggests that lycopene is most effective when it is combined with other nutrients that are found in healthy food. Lycopene can be found in whole tomatoes as well as tomato sauce, tomato juice, tomato soup, and tomato paste.

Beta-carotene has conflicting results in regards to prevention of prostate cancer. Medical experts suggest it is only effective for people who have low beta-carotene levels. Smokers and alcohol drinkers may actually face increased risk by increasing their consumption of beta-carotene, which is a Vitamin A precursor. Another story showed that papaya, which is high in beta-carotene, may increase the risk of prostate cancer, but eating other beta-carotene rich foods like carrots and mangoes showed no ill effects. The consensus so far is to avoid taking beta-carotene supplements but to ensure a moderate and healthy level of beta-carotene consumption.