Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

The prostate undergoes two growth periods: it can double in size during puberty during the first phase, and the second phase begins around the age of 25, where BPH may slowly develop into the middle age. Discomfort or pain may also be experienced as the prostate begins to enlarge  And the urethra is squeezed. The walls of the bladder may become gradually thicker and as a result, one may be unable to empty completely, resulting in urine being left within the bladder. BPH is not cancerous and it does not lead to cancer. Although cancer may be present at the same time, it is not due to BPH. This is a very common condition and approximately half the male population of those between the ages of 51 and 60 will develop BPH while approximately 90% of those men over 80 will develop BPH. Another possible reason for BPH besides natural growth in the second phase is that male-produced testosterone levels decrease with age, leaving higher estrogen levels, or that the increased production of DHT encourages the growth of prostate cells and baldness.
Common symptoms of BPH are:

• Discomfort or pain
• Weak flow of urine
• Feeling that urination is not possible
• Consistent need to urinate
• Feeling that the bladder is still full even after urination
• A need to stop or start urinating
• Problems starting to urinate or the need to strain

Lower urinary tract symptoms associated with BPH include:

• An urgency to urinate
• A tendency to urinate more at night
• Weak urinary stream
• Increased frequency of urination

BPH may lead to infections, urinary retention, obstruction, stones or even acute renal failure. It is also associated with erectile dysfunction and may cause problems with ejaculation. About 70% of men experience these symptoms while 20% also admit to experiencing depression. Medications prescribed for BPH may also cause erectile and ejaculatory dysfunction and decreased libido as side effects.

Treatment options for BPH are likely to be a mixture of lifestyle changes, medication, minor invasive procedures or surgery depending on the severity of symptoms. Complementary health approaches are also becoming more popular for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms related to BPH. Trials into the success of phytotherapy and the prostate are ongoing and are often beneficial alongside conventional medicine in a whole-body approach to health.
Prescription Medications include alpha blockers, 5-Alpha-reductase inhibitors, or a combination of Alpha-blockers and 5-ARIs may be used in combination. Other treatments whose goals are to reduce the size of the prostate include ablation with a needle, microwave thermotherapy and in severe cases, surgery.

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