Enlarged Prostate: Overview and Causes
The prostate is a gland that is part of the male reproductive system. It is located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. The primary function of the prostate is to produce and secrete a fluid that forms part of semen. An enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a common condition in older men. It occurs when the prostate gland grows in size and presses against the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. This can cause symptoms such as weak urine flow, frequent urination, and difficulty starting and stopping the flow of urine.
Medical Treatment for Enlarged Prostate
There are several medications that are used to treat BPH, including:
Alpha-blockers: These medications relax the muscle cells in the prostate and the neck of the bladder, making it easier to urinate. They work quickly, but the effect is not permanent.
5-alpha reductase inhibitors: These medications slow down the production of DHT, a hormone that contributes to the growth of the prostate. They take several months to start working and can have side effects such as decreased sex drive and impotence.
Combination therapy: This involves taking both an alpha-blocker and a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor. This approach can be more effective than either medication alone, but it may also increase the risk of side effects.
Minimally Invasive Procedures
There are several minimally invasive procedures that can be used to treat BPH, including:
Transurethral microwave therapy (TUMT): This procedure uses microwave energy to heat and shrink the prostate tissue. Transurethral needle ablation (TUNA): This procedure uses radiofrequency energy to heat and shrink the prostate tissue. Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP): This is the most common surgical procedure for BPH. It involves removing the inner part of the treatment for enlarged prostate gland through the urethra.
Surgical Procedures
In some cases, surgery may be required to treat BPH. The most common surgical procedures include: This involves removing the entire prostate gland. This is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that uses a robot to remove the prostate gland.
Herbal Treatment for Enlarged Prostate
Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto is a type of palm tree native to the southeastern United States. The berries of the saw palmetto plant have been used for centuries to treat a variety of health conditions, including BPH. Saw palmetto is thought to work by blocking the production of DHT, a hormone that contributes to the growth of the prostate. Several studies have found that saw palmetto can reduce symptoms of BPH, including weak urine flow, frequent urination, and difficulty starting and stopping the flow of urine.
Pygeum
Pygeum is an herbal remedy made from the bark of the African plum tree. It has been used for centuries to treat BPH and other urinary problems. Pygeum is thought to work by reducing inflammation in the prostate gland and blocking the production of hormones that contribute to the growth of the prostate. Several studies have found that pygeum can reduce symptoms of BPH, including weak urine flow and frequent urination.