(also referred to as...) Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, Benign Prostatic Hyptertrophy, Enlarged Prostate, Prostatitis
Description Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH) is the enlargement of the prostate gland with age. (Also see Prostate Cancer for background information on the prostate gland). Before the onset of puberty, the gland attains the approximate size of an almond. It then dramatically increases in size during puberty. In mid-adult life, the gland may begin to grow once again and continue to enlarge throughout old age. Much like prostate cancer, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition that affects mostly older men. In fact, by the age of sixty, most men are affected by an enlarged prostate to some degree. Before continuing though, there are two important things to note. First, BPH is not cancer. And although BPH and prostate cancer share much of the same symptoms, BPH does not make a man more susceptible to developing prostate cancer. The same proportion of men who have experienced BPH develop prostate cancer compared to those without -- about one in ten. Second, BPH is not a life-threatening disorder. Although it can cause discomfort and complication, more men die of sports-related injuries than of BPH. Prostatitis is prostate inflammation, most often caused by an infective process.
Symptoms and Signs: The vast majority of symptoms of BPH involve urination. These include an impaired stream of urine, the need to urinate several times at night (causing waking), dribbling, the feeling of incomplete emptying, increased frequency of urination, and an increased feeling of urgency to urinate. A burning sensation while urinating and the possibly the presence of blood or pus in the urine is more suggestive of prostatitis. These symptoms can be frightening, but a digital rectal examination and blood test can rule out the presence of cancer, which often presents with similar symptoms. The blood test screens for the presence of PSA, a protein secreted by the prostate. A high level of PSA in the blood stream is linked to the presence of cancer. Symptoms of prostatitis (see below) include painful urination, mild urinary obstruction, fever, back pain, blood or pus in the urine, and a highly painful prostate upon rectal examination.
Causes: The exact reason why the prostate begins to grow after many years remains a mystery, but it is believed that it is related to a hormonal imbalance of testosterone in the male's body. Such imbalances are more common in older men. Autopsies of men who died suddenly reveal that although only 5% of men under forty show signs of BPH, that number soars to 90% after the age of eighty-five. Keep in mind however, that not all men with enlarged prostates experience symptoms of BPH. Also crucial to the presence of BPH are functioning testes. Men who have had their testes removed at an early age never develop BPH, nor do men with congenital diseases that prevent the production of testosterone. The accumulation of testosterone and its relative, dihidrotestosterone, in the prostate is believed to be responsible for producing excess prostate cells -- ultimately causing the enlargement of the prostate. Urinary problems often result from BPH as an enlarged prostate causes physical obstructions that compromise the healthy functioning of both the urinary tract and the bladder. Chronic prostatitis, or inflammation of the prostate, can also lead to BPH. Although this condition is normally acute and caused by bacterial infection or a sexually transmitted disease, a chronic condition can lead to early onset of BPH. Prostatitis normally occurs in young men.
What to Expect: Many men live with BPH for several years while symptoms can get worse over time. However, about 50% of men who develop BPH note that their symptoms do not get worse, and 5 to 10% spontaneously experience diminished urinary problems. Your treatment options will depend on the severity of your symptoms, and your capacity to live with them.
Remedies Not all treatments for BPH are invasive, but some can be. An emergency arises when the urinary tract is completely blocked and urine cannot pass through. This is perhaps the only case where surgery is required. For the vast majority of cases, however, living with BPH does not have to be unbearable.
Foods Cranberry juice is often used to treat Prostatitis. The juice contains an enzyme that prevents bacteria from adhering to the walls of the urinary tract. Use concentrated cranberry juice at approximately half the recommended dilution, one full glass three times daily for one week. Make sure that this is pure, unsweetened cranberry juice and not cranberry cocktail. NOTE: This remedy is not effective in cases of BPH. Raw pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of zinc (see Minerals, below). Eat 3 tablespoons daily, or more if desired. Pumpkin seed oil can be taken in capsule form.
Herbs A cousin of Saw Palmetto (see below), Pygeum has been proven effective in the treatment of both BPH and prostatitis in worldwide studies. Take 100mg twice daily. Red clover is an ideal source of isoflavones. Usually associated with soybeans, this substance is well known for its antioxidant and anti-cancer properties. And red clover contains 10 times the isoflavone content of soy. Isoflavones also inhibit the enzymes that can lead to prostate enlargement. They reduce the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone and reduce cell proliferation in the prostate. Red clover is available in tea and capsule form. Prostate-specific preparations may also be available at your health food store. Saw Palmetto is one of the most popular herbal remedies used to treat prostate enlargement and inflammation and is widely successful. This berry is known to reduce prostate size by controlling hormonal stimulation of the prostate gland. Take 160mg twice daily, standardized to 85 to 95% fatty acids. Gravel Root and Hydrangea may also prove helpful. Consult with your herbalist, naturopath, or other health practitioner to determine the appropriateness of these herbs for your needs.
Homeopathy Certain remedies can be used in acute situations if your symptoms fit the symptom picture of the remedy. For dosages, see the dedicated section on Homeopathy. Consult your homeopath or naturopath to determine your constitutional remedy: the remedy that best fits you as a whole person. Your homeopath or naturopath will take a complete case history considering all of your mental and physical ailments and match these symptoms with the symptom picture of the remedy. Kali Bichromichum: Burning after urination. Sharp, needle-like pain, and stringy discharge. Lycopodium: Back pain before urination that improves after flow. Urine is slow in coming and person must strain. Impotence and premature ejaculation. Prostate enlargement. Pulsatilla: Increased desire to urinate, especially at night. Burning in the urethra during and after urination. Involuntary urination at night while coughing or passing gas. Spasmodic bladder pain after urination. Thick, yellow discharge from the urethra. Acute. Sabal: Prostate enlargement that feels cold. May be accompanied with impotence, difficulty with ejaculation or painful intercourse. Sepia: Involuntary urination in bed and discharge from urethra, only at night. Thuja: Enlargement of the prostate, pain in the penis, and pain and burning sensation at the neck of the bladder. Urethra is swollen and inflamed. Severe cutting pain after urination.
Lifestyle A healthy diet is essential for a healthy prostate. Fatty foods, especially red meats, are linked to prostate disorders. Drink plenty of water to ensure regular urination and try to eliminate alcohol and caffeine. Avoid hydrogenated fats, which are found in margarine and fried foods. This chemically-altered oil causes damage to cells in the body. Nuts and seeds are excellent dietary additions as the essential fatty acids (which are different from the harmful fats found in meat) are used to normalize hormonal imbalances in the body and to inhibit swelling of the prostate. You may also add flax seed, walnut or sesame seed oils to the diet for the same reason. Evening primrose oil is available in capsules and is excellent if you don't like the taste of the other oils. Enjoy more soy foods in your diet. The phytoestrogens found in soy (plant compounds that resemble estrogen) also help to prevent testosterone and dihydrotestosterone accumulation in the prostate. For men over 40, have your prostate checked annually. Sexual intercourse may further irritate a swollen prostate and can delay recovery. Abstinence is recommended. "Watchful Waiting", a fancy term for not administering treatment at all, is often an overlooked option. Alternative treatments can lead to complications too, and sometimes symptoms are so subtle that it is best not to be treated at all.
Minerals Zinc deficiency has been linked to BPH, prostatitis, and even prostate cancer. However, it is unknown whether the unhealthy prostate is zinc deficient as a result of zinc deficiency itself, or whether the unhealthy prostate simply cannot absorb zinc (chicken and egg scenario). It would not hurt to include healthy amounts of zinc in your diet. You can also eat raw pumpkin seeds (see above). Other zinc-rich foods include mushrooms, seafood, spinach, sunflower seeds, and whole grains.
Therapies, Healing Aids, and More Exercise is key in maintaining a healthy prostate. However, bicycle riding, which puts considerable pressure on the prostate, should be avoided. Hydrotherapy, or immersing yourself in water, can improve circulation of the prostate and relieve discomfort. Try swimming or walking in water.
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