What is an enlarged prostate?

The prostate is a small gland that plays a role in reproduction as well as urination. It is divided into two sections which are completely covered by outer tissue Prostate growth is a natural part of aging. The prostate first doubles in size during puberty and then grows again when a man is around 25 years of age. The growing prostate does not cause problems in men until later in life when it is called BPH or Benign prostatic hyperplasia. This is a common condition in 80% of men over 60 years of age.

It is not a malignant condition - however as it grows larger in older men, the layer of tissue surrounding it grows tight causing the prostate to push against the urethra. This eventually leads to problems in urination and ejaculation.

Who can get affected by an enlarged prostate?

Prostate enlargement occurs in almost all men. It first occurs in puberty and then after 25 years of age is a common part of aging. The symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate generally start to show in men over 40 years of age and is very common in men over 60.

What are the symptoms of an enlarged prostate?

Most often an enlarged prostate will show no symptoms. However when the prostate becomes large enough to press against the bladder and urethra, it can cause problems in urination as well as ejaculation. When urine starts to accumulate, infections can occur and renal stones can also form.

Some of the symptoms of an enlarged prostate are

• inability to urinate completely
• need to urinate often
• waking up at night to urinate
• blood in the urine
• difficulty in sexual functions

What causes an enlarged prostate?

While the exact cause of prostate enlargement is not understood, it is known to be a part of aging. With age, the amount of testosterone in men decreases causing the proportion of estrogen to be higher. Animal studies have shown that higher amounts of estrogen promote cell growth which may cause the prostate to expand. It is also believed that when DHT a testosterone derived substance produced in the prostate gets accumulated and causes prostate growth. Scientists have found that men who do not produce DHT do not develop BPH.

How is an enlarged prostate diagnosed and treated?

An enlarged prostate may be diagnosed during a routine check-up. If BPH is suspected then a urologist will probably perform the following tests.

• Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) to get an idea of the weight and size of the prostate
• Urine Flow Study to check for a reduced flow which would indicate BPH
• Cystoscopy to understand the size of the prostate and find out where the obstruction is located
• Rectal Ultrasound and Prostate Biopsy to rule out possible tumors.
• Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Blood Test to rule out prostate cancer

What are some natural ways to prevent and treat an enlarged prostate?

• Go for regular health check-ups which include prostate exams
• If you are undergoing treatment for enlarged prostate, it is important to monitor urine flow on a regular basis. Flow rate can be calculated by measuring the volume of urine voided and the time in seconds it takes to empty the bladder. A normal flow rate for a man over 50 years is at least 15 cubic centimeters per second.
• Yoga exercises such as the Cobra and the Boat postures also help in alleviating enlarged prostate symptoms.
• Essential fatty acids found in flaxseed oil, walnut oil, sunflower oil, soy oil and evening primrose oil have been found good for prostate health
• Drink large quantities of water.
• Avoid exercises that stress the prostate such as riding a bicyle or horse
• Himplasia is a herbal ayurvedic formulation from Himalaya Herbals that has been clinically proven to reduce the weight and size of an enlarged prostate and allow for normal urination and sexual functions.

You may also be interested in reading on

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

References:

The Handbook of Diseases

The Medical Advisor - The complete guide to Alternative & Conventional Treatments

Himalaya Herbals Company



Products for Urinary Tract and Kidney Health

Cystone
Maintains health of the urinary tract and kidneys

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