What is BPH?
Enlarged Prostate, or Benign Prostate Hyperplasia, is a common condition in men over 50 years old. Most men will have some BPH symptoms as they get older, ranging from minor inconvenience to acute urinary problems, and treatment can range from watchful waiting to surgical procedures. Understanding this condition, and available treatment options, can help you to lead a more normal life in later years.
Causes
BPH is caused by the growth of the prostate gland. This organ, for reasons only partially understood, continues to grow during most of a man’s adult life. When the tissue surrounding the prostate prevents it from expanding further, this growth causes it to close in on the urethra, restricting the flow of urine from the bladder. The bladder wall can become irritated, causing it to empty itself more often.
The causes of enlarged prostate are not fully understood, but are thought to be related to changing levels of testosterone in relation to estrogen and dihydrotes-tosterone(DHT), a substance which may regulate prostate cell growth. The degree of prostate enlargement can vary greatly among individuals, and is not always directly related to the degree of urinary symptoms experienced.
Symptoms of BPH
The symptoms of BPH vary, but most are related to impaired bladder function and restricted urine flow. If you are experiencing any prostate problems, be sure to consult with your doctor.
Common enlarged prostate symptoms include:
- Discomfort while urinating
- Difficulty in starting flow
- A weak or interrupted flow Urgency, or leaking/dribbling
- More frequent urination, especially at night
Severe BPH can lead to more serious problems such as acute urinary retention, or the inability of the bladder to empty itself. This condition can also be brought on in milder cases due to the use of over-the-counter antihistamines, alcohol consumption, cold weather, or immobility. Longer term effects of severe BPH can include urinary tract infections, incontinence, and bladder or kidney damage.
Treatment for BPH
Most early cases of BPH are minor, and in these cases doctors will usually adopt a policy of watchful waiting. Minor symptoms can be relieved through the use of herbal or nutritional products such as amino acid therapy. If enlarged prostate symptoms become more severe, prescription therapy may be used. In very severe cases, surgical procedures may be needed. Following is a summary; see our men's health links or consult with your doctor for more information.
Herbal & Nutritional Products
Several herbal and nutritional products are used to promote the healthy function of the prostate and relieve the minor urinary symptoms of BPH. The most common of these for enlarged prostate treatment include:
Amino Acid Formulas. A formula of the amino acids Glycine, Alanine, and Glutamic Acid has been used for decades for relief of BPH symptoms. For more details, see the Amino Acid Therapy section of this guide.
Herbals. The extract of the berries of the Saw Palmetto plant (serenoa repens) is in wide use for the promotion of healthy prostate function, This herb acts as a diuretic, helping with bladder function, and may have an effect on DHT levels as well. Other herbal products currently marketed for prostate health include Pygeum africanum, pumpkin seed oil, and lycopene.
Other Nutritional Products marketed for use in promoting prostate health may include Zinc, Vitamin E, and raw prostate extracts.
Prescription Products
There are two types of prescription therapies currently indicated for treatment for BPH, more serious cases: finasteride and alpha-blockers. Finasteride, marketed under the name of Proscar, has been shown to shrink the size of the enlarged prostate by affecting DHT levels, but there is some conflict over its effect on urinary symptoms. Alpha-blockers act on the muscle tissue of the prostate to relieve urinary symptoms. While blood pressure medications such as Hytrin and Cardura have been used, Flomax is an alpha-blocker specifically formulated for treatment of BPH. See men’s health links for more info.
Non-Surgical Procedures for BPH include Transurethral Microwave Thermotherapy (TUMT), and Transurethral Needle Ablation (TUNA), which involve the destruction of excess prostate tissue through the use of heat.
Surgical Procedures such as Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) involve the removal of the excess prostate tissue affecting urinary flow.