About This Condition
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a
non-malignant enlargement of the prostate gland.
The prostate is a small gland that
surrounds the neck of the bladder and urethra in men. Its major function is to
contribute to seminal fluid. If the prostate enlarges, pressure may be put on
the urethra, acting like a partial clamp and causing a variety of urinary
symptoms. Half of all 50-year-old men have BPH, and the prevalence of the
condition increases with advancing age. The name “benign prostatic hyperplasia”
has replaced the older term “benign prostatic hypertrophy”; both terms refer to
the same condition.
Symptoms
A man with BPH has to urinate more often,
especially at night, and experiences less force and caliber while urinating,
often dribbling. If the prostate enlarges too much, urination is difficult or
impossible, and the risk of urinary
tract infection and kidney damage
increases. A doctor can usually detect an enlarged prostate during a rectal
exam.
Healthy Lifestyle Tips
More physically active men have a lower
frequency of symptoms related to BPH. In a preliminary study, physical activity
was associated with a decrease in occurrence of BPH, surgery for BPH, and
symptoms of BPH.1 Walking,
the most prevalent activity among men in this study, was related to a decreased
risk of BPH. Men who exercised by walking two to three hours per week had a 25%
lower risk of BPH compared with men who didn’t use walking for exercise.
Need to Know
Also known as BPH, this common condition is
characterized by frequent urges to urinate. What can you do to relieve prostate
pressure? According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps
may be helpful.
- See
what saw palmetto has to offer
Control BPH symptoms with this
effective herbal remedy; take 320 mg a day of a liposterolic extract,
standardized for 80 to 95% fatty acids
- Discover
the benefits of beta-sitosterol
Take 130 mg a day of this
edible plant compound to improve urinary flow and other symptoms
- Try flower pollen
Take several tablets or
capsules a day of flower pollen extract to reduce symptoms
- Get to know pygeum
Try 100 to 200 mg a day of this
evergreen tree bark extract, standardized for 13% total sterols
- Focus on physical fitness
Increase your physical
activity by walking more or adding other exercise.