What is Prostate enlargement?
"Enlarged prostate" Medical term: Benign prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
BPH is a condition where benign (non-cancerous) nodules cause an enlargement of the prostate gland. A healthy prostate gland is responsible for producing semenal fluid in which sperm are ejaculated from the penis. As a general rule, hyperplasia tends to occur in central glands of the prostate, close to the urethra. The urethra is the tube passing urine and semen through the penis.
Statistics Summary of Prostate enlargement Enlarged prostate
BPH is a progressive enlargement of the prostate gland which usually starts in middle age. Nearly ALL men will develop an enlarged prostate gland if they live long enough.
Prostate examination in a series of unselected autopsies found enlarged prostate gland affects 20% of men at the age of 40 years, 70% at age 60 and 90% by the age of 80 years old. With an incidence so great, it has been suggested that prostate enlargment (BPH) is a normal process of aging and does not reflect a disease process. However, approximately 25% of men will require surgery for enlarged prostate symptoms treatment.
Predisposing Factors of Prostate enlargement Enlarged prostate
As the enlarged prostate is very common, there are no identifiable predisposing factors for this condition. Testosterone is a cause in the development of an enlarged prostate gland. The condition is not seen in castrated males.
Progression of Prostate enlargement Enlarged prostate
Prostate enlargement is a slowly progressive condition that usually occurs over the age of 50 years, whose prevalence increases with age. The condition does NOT predispose the patient, nor their immediate family to any increased risk of prostate cancer.
With progression of the disease, the patient will develop increasing urinary symptoms such as difficulty in passing urine as the enlarged prostate creates a urinary outflow obstruction.
If left without intervention, the patient may develop complete urinary obstruction that must be relieved to prevent renal failure. Poor access to medical services in this setting may pose a significant threat to the patient. With adequate access to medical services however, obstruction may be easily managed with urinary catheterization.
Probable Outcomes of Prostate enlargement Enlarged prostate
The outlook for benign prostatic hyperplasia is good as although it can cause significant discomfort, the a large prostate gland is not serious. As the prostate gland grows in size, symptoms may become worse warranting medication or surgery. With appropriate medical and/or surgical management, the symptoms of an enlarged prostate gland can be treated effectively.
Diagnosis and Testing for Prostate enlargement Enlarged prostate
Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA): A serine protease produced by the prostate gland that is increased in both malignant and benign conditions of the prostate gland. The higher the serum concentration of this prostate marker, the greater the likelihood that its elevation is caused by prostate cancer. As a single measurement, PSA is an unreliable marker of prostate disease but when measured over time, the PSA velocity allows better differentiation of malignant and benign conditions.
Transrectal Ultrasonography (TRUS) for enlarged prostate gland examination: Although most are hypoechoic on transrectal ultrasound, there are no clear-cut ultrasound features that distinguish benign prostatic hypertrophy from prostate cancer. This investigation, however, allows further assessment of cancer risk
Treatment Overview of Prostate enlargement Enlarged prostate
Prostate gland enlargment treatment is not always requiree. The doctor should discuss with the patient the benefits and likely side effects of any prostate enlarment treatments used. If enlarged protate symptoms are mild, often only observation or 'watchful waiting' is required with regular checkups. The advantage of this approach is that the men will not need to suffer the adverse effects of prostate surgery or prostate treatment unless their condition progresses and symptoms of enlarged prostate requires treatment.
Treatments for BPH include:
- Medical Treatment: usually reserved for men who have significant symptoms. The available drugs include:
- Terazosin belongs to a class of medications which relax the smooth muscles of the arteries, the prostate, and the bladder neck. This helps relieve urinary obstruction caused by an enlarged prostate in BPH. Side effects can include headaches. Also, these medicines sometimes make people feel dizzy, lightheaded, or tired. Alpha blockers are new drugs, so doctors do not know their long-term effects.
- Finasteride is a drug that inhibits the action of the male hormone testosterone and helps to shrink the prostate. Side effects of finasteride include declining interest in sex, problems getting an erection, and problems with ejaculation. Because it is a new drug, doctors are not sure about its long-term effects.
- Terazosin belongs to a class of medications which relax the smooth muscles of the arteries, the prostate, and the bladder neck. This helps relieve urinary obstruction caused by an enlarged prostate in BPH. Side effects can include headaches. Also, these medicines sometimes make people feel dizzy, lightheaded, or tired. Alpha blockers are new drugs, so doctors do not know their long-term effects.
Supplements we use in our practice:
We have compiled a listing of the most useful nutriceuticals and phytonutrients for the nutritional support of patients who suffer from Prostate Issues.
Many of today's commonly used medicines had their origins long ago in herbal remedies. These remedies may be useful in easing many of the uncomfortable symptoms you feel. However, use of these supplements is definitely not intended to be a substitute for careful medical evaluation and treatment by a competent, licensed personal health care professional. These recommendations have not been reviewed by the US Food and Drug Administration. Patients Medical and our doctors do not recommend changing any current medications or adding any new therapies without personally consulting a fully qualified physician.If you would like more detailed information about the supplements before ordering them, please click on the supplement’s name below.
Ultra Prostagen® This Saw Palmetto, Pumpkin Seed, Amino Acid and Mineral formula has effectively provided nutritional and herbal support to thousands of prostate patients over the past ten years. Our patients really notice the difference!
TO ORDER: Please be prepared to complete the registration form before going to the shopping cart by Clicking Here. After you register, go to the Online Store and place your order. Alternatively, feel free to call Jasmine at 1-212-679-9667. She will process your order by phone. For fastest delivery, please order online.Next Steps:
At Patients Medical we have found that certain supplements can help you reduce the size of your prostate without having to go through surgery or taking strong drugs. To make an appointment to discuss this as an option, please call us at 1-212-679-9667.