Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

BPH is the enlargement of the prostate, frequently occurring in men over the age of 50. Unfortunately, approximately 75% of men above 50 years of age have a measurable enlargement of the prostate.

BPH appears to be caused by an accumulation of the male sex hormone, testosterone in the prostate. Once in the prostate, testosterone is converted into a more potent compound called dihydroxytestosterone. It is this compound that causes the prostate cells to multiply excessively, eventually causing the prostate to enlarge.


The enlargement can result in a gradual squeezing of the urethra, sometimes causing difficulty in urinating.

Some of the common symptoms of BPH include:

• A weak urinary stream,

• Difficulty starting urination,

• Frequent urination,

• Frequently awakening at night to urinate.
   

Diagnosis:
Since the prostate lies in front of the rectum, your doctor will most likely perform a digital rectal examination (DRE) by inserting a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum.

By doing this, he or she will be able to feel the prostate and determine if it is enlarged or if it has lumps or other abnormalities.

Many doctors perform a prostate exam for men over the age of 50. BPH is not cancer and has not been shown to increase the risk of prostate cancer. However, both conditions can exist together. Check with your doctor about your concerns.

How is BPH treated?:
BPH can be treated with medications, non-surgical procedures that use heat to destroy excess tissue, or surgery. Medications work to relax the muscle tissue in the prostate or by reducing the amount of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

Natural remedies such as saw palmetto, stinging nettle, pygeum and pumpkin seed have also been found to be beneficial. Briefly, saw palmetto is said to work by decreasing the amount of DHT produced by the testosterone thereby preventing prostate growth. It is also known to have anti-inflammatory properties. Recent studies demonstrated excellent results when men were given 160mg of saw palmetto extract standardised to contain 85-95% fatty acids twice daily.

Stinging Nettle is popularly used in Germany for the treatment of BPH as stinging nettle works in reducing risk of abnormal prostate proliferation and encourages hormonal balance.

Pygeum africanum contains phytosterols, which can inhibit prostaglandin synthesis, thereby reducing the abnormally high levels of prostaglandin found in BPH, and ferrulic acid esters, which limit synthesis of testosterone. Pygeum also has anti-inflammatory effects and hence decreases inflammation in prostatic tissue.

Pumpkin seed extract contains phytosterols, curcubitin and selenium. Clinical studies have shown that remarkable reduction in urinary frequencies can be achieved. Urinary flow is increased and residual urine is reduced.