Prostate Gland Problems

Prostate Gland Problems

        Prostate gland problems are a very common problem among men. An enlargement of the prostate gland is known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The majority of men over fifty years old have either been diagnosed with BPH or at least have significant prostate enlargement (1). Symptoms of an enlarged prostate can include: frequent and/or painful urination, weak urine stream, difficulty urinating, blood in urine, pain in the lower back, and chills. Lifestyle can play a large role in the health of the prostate. Obese men are 50% more likely to have prostate problems (1). If BPH is not treated, prostate cancer can occur. Almost 200,000 cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed each year in America, and over 30,000 men die from this disease yearly (2). An enlarged prostate can not only lead to cancer, it can also cause bladder and kidney damage. The standard medical test to distinguish BPH from prostate cancer is the PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) blood test. High PSA levels can indicate either BPH or cancer, depending on the age of the person tested.

        What does the prostate gland do, and why is it important? The function of the prostate is to produce liquid to blend with sperm to produce semen. It is also linked with the urinary tract, which makes it susceptible to bacterial infection. Prostate problems can be temporary (acute prostatitis), and are usually caused by bacterial infection. Bacteria can also cause longer-term prostatitis (chronic prostatitis). These infections are most often treated with antibiotics. However some supplements such as zinc and vitamin C may also be able to inhibit bacterial infections of the prostate.

        The prostate gland is heavily influenced by hormones and environment. There are synthetic chemicals in the environment that can mimic the hormone estrogen, including pesticides and plastics. Contact with these and other man-made products can cause hormonal imbalances. Continual contact with the above substances may result in breast or endometrial cancer for women, and loss of testosterone dominance for men. Testosterone by itself is generally a positive and healthy hormone for men, but when men are exposed to estrogen-like chemicals for long periods of time, the ratio between testosterone and its more aggressive form, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) can be lowered. DHT stimulates growth of certain tissues, including the prostate, and if DHT levels are raised relative to testosterone, prostate enlargement and even prostate cancer may result. Stress can also raise DHT levels. 

         There are several lifestyle and supplemental changes men can perform to help slow or even reverse prostate problems. A low-fat diet, drinking plenty of fluids, and daily fiber intake can help prevent or slow prostate problems (1). Exercise is generally good for prostate problems, but bicycle riding can put pressure on the prostate, and should be minimized or avoided entirely. Certain supplements may help prostate problems significantly. A small study found that for men with BPH who supplemented with large amounts of zinc (150 mg/day) for two months had prostate shrinkage 75% of the time (1). Zinc doses this high should not be taken for long periods of time unless otherwise directed by a physician.

        Herbs and some food products can also help improve prostate health. The herb Saw Palmetto can reduce symptoms of BPH up to 46% when taken for several months (3). The herb stinging nettle has been shown to increase urine flow in BPH, probably due to shrinkage of the prostate gland (4). Cranberry juice may help inhibit bacterial infections of the urinary tract, which links to the prostate. Pumpkin seeds have a high amount of zinc, which can help many prostate problems. Also, the pumpkin seed oil may help lessen prostate inflammation. There is some evidence that the amino acid glycine can slow tumor formation in some cancers, although it has not been conclusively shown to help prostate cancer (5).

 

Drugs

Finasteride (Proscar)

May cause liver problems

Alpha-Adrenergic blockers: Prazosin (Minipress), Terazosin (Hytrin), Doxazosin (Cardura)

All Alpha-Adrenergic blockers have the following side effects: drowsiness, incompatiblity with alcohol, palpitations, depression, liver problems, hallucinations, impotence

 

Herbs

Saw Palmetto

Should not be used with iron supplements or hormone drugs

(Stinging) Nettle (Urtica Dioica)

Should not be used with iron supplements

 

Vitamins

Vitamin A

Relatively safe at 10,000 IU/day or under

Beta-Carotene

Relatively safe in people who do not smoke and drink heavily

Vitamin E

Relatively safe at 200 IU/day or less, should not be used with blood-thinning drugs

Vitamin B6

Relatively safe at 100 mg/day or lower

 

Minerals

Zinc

Relatively safe at 30 mg/day or less, some drug interactions

Selenium

Relatively safe under 600 ug/day or less

Magnesium

Should not be taken by people with kidney problems

 

Accessory Supplements

Acidophilus

Relatively safe

Flaxseed Oil

Should not be taken with other blood-thinning drugs

Quercetin

Some drug interactions

 

Amino Acids

Glycine

Should not be taken with Antispastic or sedative drugs

L-Glutamine

Relatively safe if used less than one month

 

References:

1. Feinstein, A. Healing with Vitamins. Emmaus, PA: Rodale Books, Inc., 1996.

2. Balch, P. Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 3rd Ed. Avery Books/Penguin Putnam Inc., 2000.

3. The Healing Power of Vitamins, Minerals, and Herbs. Pleasantville, NY: Reader’s Digest Association, 1999.

4. Sokeland, J., & Albrecht, J. Combination of Sabal and Urtica extract vs. Finasteride in benign prostatic hyperplasia (Aiken stages I to II). Comparison of therapeutic effectiveness in a one year double-blind study. Urologe A (1997) 36(4): 327-333.

5. PDR for Nutritional Supplements. Montvale, NJ: Thomson PDR, 2001.

 

 

Research could lead to new prostate cancer drugs
New research could lead to new drugs for prostate cancer. Scientists will investigate the mechanism that controls alterations in cells in the prostate gland and the possibility that prostate cancer arises because of some form of mistaken change happening to these cells.
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• Do Natural Remedies Work in Prostate Gland Problems?
• The Danger of Prostate Problems and How it Can Affect You Even if You are Healthy Now

How to Recognize a Sign of Prostate Cancer

How to Recognize a Sign of Prostate Cancer

Many men don’t realize how important prostate health is until it is too late. Most men don?t even want to admit they have a prostate, let alone have a regular prostate exam. This is so important because prostate cancer is a risk that you don’t want to take and when you see your doctor regularly for prostate exams, you are ensuring that if you should contract prostate cancer you will be treated at the earliest possible stages.

In the earliest stages, most men will not see a sign of prostate cancer. It is not until treatment options become limited that most men find out they have the disease. There are things that men should watch out for that can signal that there might be a sign of prostate cancer.

For those men who think there is a chance that they have a sign of prostate cancer, some things that may occur are having dull pain in the lower region of the pelvic area and you may also notice that you feel an urgent need to urinate. You may also become aware that you have some difficulty getting started urinating. Another sign of prostate cancer can be pain while you are urinating, a urine flow that is weak, and the sensation that your bladder isn?t completely empty when you do go.

Other things you may want to watch out for is urinating during the night frequently, pain when you ejaculate and sometimes even blood in your urine. Another sign of prostate cancer can be pain in your bones that is persistent, losing your appetite or losing a noticeable amount of weight and experiencing pain your hips, lower back or your upper thighs. If you notice any of sign of prostate cancer that we have mentioned, it is in your best interest to see your doctor immediately and have a prostate exam.

It is better to err on the side of caution then to allow symptoms to worsen because you are nervous about what will happen when you visit the doctor. Nothing is worse than knowing you could have prevented painful treatments had you only visited your doctor sooner.

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• The Prostate Cancer Primer
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Enlarged Prostate

Enlarged Prostate

Enlarged prostate is a common problem which is faced by many men over 40. Prostate disorders are generally because of age related changes in sex hormones. As testosterone starts to drop around age 40, a variant called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) begins to increase. Cell growth is stimulated by DHT which causes enlargement of the prostate.

In addition, at about the age of 25, the gland starts to develop again. This second growth period often results (years later) in an enlarged prostate gland. In this procedure the prostate enlarges, the layer of tissue surrounding the prostate that gets wide open.

As the prostate enlarges it put pressure on the urethra and causes many complications for men. The bladder wall becomes thicker and irritable. The bladder starts to contract even when it involves small amounts of urine, leading to more frequent urination. As enlarged prostate symptoms progress, the bladder weakens and loses the ability to empty, eventually urine remains in the bladder. This can cause symptoms similar to urinary tract infection. Most men just consider that this condition is expected as we age, and this is actually the case. Many people feel uncomfortable discussing about this problem. However, prostate enlargement is a kind of problem which should be given proper attention.

So, it is important that the problem of enlarged prostate should be treated timely to avoid any devastating effect on health. Now, there are various treatment options available today, and you should investigate them all with your doctor and family members.

But it is also true that no single solution to prostate problems is best for everyone. For many men, with mild enlargement of the prostate, easy solutions such as decreasing the intake of caffeine and alcohol can help. But for many these simple treatments are just NOT enough, but other alternative such as prescription medications and herbal or natural remedies should be considered.

Herbal treatment options for enlarged prostate

For the condition of enlarged prostate, the treatment option may involve antibiotics, medications to shrink or relax the prostate or bladder or soaking in a hot tub. The aim is to avert attaining the point of urinary retention, where one can not urinate at all.

There are also various natural herbal and homeopathic remedies that have clinically proven record to promote prostate health in a natural way without causing any harmful side effects. Certain herbs are quite effective for enlarged prostate such as Pollen extracts which have been used for years in parts of Europe and Asia to support prostate health. Extensive research on these extracts, including both animal studies and human clinical trials, has been published. All research indicates that pollen extracts help maintain a healthy prostate. You may, with your doctor’s advice consider herbal supplements. Many herbal prostate supplements with their effective ingredients can significantly improve symptoms. In fact, herbal remedies for prostate enlargement are pure, standardized and clinically proven and have no allergens, negative effects or interactions.

Question by Mian H: I have a benign enlarged prostate. Is there a laser treatment that would shrink an enlarged prostate?
This question is basically for Physicians and Surgeons or anyone who has gone through this ailment. I have a benign enlarged prostate. Is there a laser treatment that would shrink the enlarged prostate, without open surgery?

Best answer:

Answer by OMG LIZ
nope.

Add your own answer in the comments!

• Symptoms and Herbal Help for Enlarged Prostate
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enlarged prostate causes and symptoms | herbal ayurveda supplements safe to cure or prevention

enlarged prostate causes and symptoms | herbal ayurveda supplements safe to cure or prevention

The prostate is the most common site of the disorders in the male genitourinary system. Generally speaking, there are three conditions that can cause problems with the prostate.

Prostatitis, which is inflammation of the prostate, benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), which is an enlarged prostate with no sign of cancer; and prostate cancer.

ENLARGED PROSTATE

Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) is the gradual enlargement of the prostate. It occurs in approximately half of all men over the age fifty and over seventy years of age—a total 
Of about 10 million American men—and is largely attributable to hormonal changes associated with aging.

After the age of 50 or so, a man’s testosterone and free testosterone levels decrease, estradiol (a type of estrogen) , increase . This creates an increase in the amount of dihydrotestosterone —a very potent form of testosterone—within the prostate. This causes a hyperplasia (overproduction) of prostate cells, which ultimately results in prostate enlargement.

While not cancerous, an enlarged prostate can nevertheless cause problems. If it becomes too large, it obstructs the urethral canal, interfering with urination and the ability to empty the bladder completely.

 

SYMPTOMS
–Need to pass urine frequently with frequent increase as time passes.

–A man may find himself rising several times during the night to urinate.

–There can be pain, burning, difficulty in starting and stopping urination,

–The presence of blood in urine is not uncommon.

PROSTATITIS

Prostatitis common in all ages is the inflammation of the prostate gland. The usual cause is infectious bacteria that invade the prostate from another area of the body.

Causes and risk factors

*Hormonal changes associated with aging may also be a cause.

*The inflammation can result in urine retention. This causes the bladder to become distended, weak, and tender and itself susceptible to infection.

*Infection in bladder is in turn easily transmitted up the ureters to the kidneys.

Symptoms may include:

pain between the scortum and rectum

fever

frequent urination accompanied by burning sensation

a feeling of fullness in the bladder

Blood or pus in urine.

Treatment

Testing for prostatitis and enlarged prostate usually involves a digital rectal exam plus a blood test that screens for levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a protein secreted by the prostate.

 

Herbal remedies

Herbal ayurveda food supplements made from pure organically cultivated herbs only are very effective in curing enlarged gland like prostate /prostatitis and they improve body immunity also.

Herbs for Prostate health

–Saw palmetto has been used to treat prostate enlargement and inflammation, painful ejaculation, difficult urination.

–Pygeum has been proven effective in the treatment and prevention of enlarged prostate and prostatitis in many worldwide studies.

–Nettle and turmeric are anti-inflammatory agents. Combined extracts of nettle root and saw palmetto have proved effective for enlarged prostate.

–Juniper berries, parsley, slippery elm barks and uva ursi are natural diuretics and urinary tract tonics.

–Bilberry and birch are urinary tract antiseptics.

–Chinese ginseng is beneficial for prostate health and sexual vitality.

• Symptoms and Herbal Help for Enlarged Prostate
• Prostate Problems – How To Spot Enlarged Prostate Symptoms And Seeking Treatment?

Prostate Problems – Guide To Men’s Prostate Health

Prostate Problems – Guide To Men’s Prostate Health

In ancient days, the countless number of men aged between 40 and 75 has suffered from prostate disease and died early as a result of ignorance. However, prostate disease is well and can be felt today in preventing early onset with the help of various diagnostic tools and treatment.

About the prostate

The prostate is a part of the male reproductive system. It is a gland that is placed in the lower abdominal cavity, just below the bladder, in front of the rectum and behind the pubic bone and partially surrounds the urethra. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the penis and runs right through the prostate.

A healthy prostate is a walnut, weighs about 1 oz.

The seminal vesicles prostate produces a protein that mixes with prostatic fluid which forms semen. The tubes from the testicles carry sperm to the prostate where sperm mixes with seminal vesicle and prostatic fluids. This fluid is ejaculated during orgasm through ejaculatory ducts that connect with the urethra. Also, aids prostate-control urine flow. Men who are over forty and zinc may experience an enlarged prostate.

Symptoms of prostate problems

The enlargement of the prostate is called benign prostatic hypertrophy, or BPH. If a man experiences problems with burning, urination or restless, consulting a urologist is a necessity.

Other symptoms are a strong sensation urination, feeling no bladder emptying, frequent urination especially at night, irregular starts and that the urinary stream.

The negligence of BPH is very dangerous and can lead to infections or kidney damage and bladder infections. Early detection and treatment prevents prostate cancer.

Diagnosis

– The condition and size of the prostate by inserting gloved finger into the rectum is determined by the urologist and is known as Digital rectal examination (DRE).

- To diagnose prostate cancer, the FDA approved the use of monitoring blood levels for prostate specific antigen (PSA). The test gives Tandem R total PSA and free PSA. – Urine testing helps diagnose prostate problems or blood screening for infection. Chemical tests checked to see if there is liver disease, diabetes or kidney disease. – Hyperplasia: Proof intravenous pyelogram (IVP) record the progression of a dye (injected into a vein) through the kidneys, bladder and ureter tubes. – Ultrasound of the urinary bladder determines whether there is left in the bladder after urination. The prostate ultrasound is a test to estimate the size of the prostate. – Proof of the radionuclide bone scan indicates that the cancer has spread to lymph nodes. – Cystoscopy allows the doctor to visually examine the bladder and prostate. – Computed axial tomography (CAT), the projection of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and dissection of pelvic lymph node are other tests for prostate cancer. Treatment – The treatment for localized cancer stage I or II is waiting, surgery, radiation and finally vigilant. – Treatment for cancer spread beyond the prostate (stage III) is by radiation, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or hormone therapy conformal maintaining the tumor in check. – Cryosurgery is used to kill prostate cancer cells by freezing them. – The treatment for BPH is initially next to drugs, inasteride (Proscar) and terazosin (Hytrin), and also Ayurvedic, Reflexology, Food Therapy, images, hydrotherapy, yoga therapy and vitamin and mineral. – Defects dysfunction treated with drugs, injections, penile implants, surgery with nerve-sparing surgery.

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• Men’s Prostate ? How To Deal With Prostate Problems
• Guide to Prostate and Prostate Problems

Guide to Prostate and Prostate Problems

Guide to Prostate and Prostate Problems

A Guide to Prostate and Prostate Problems:

Men of the age group 50 to 70 years can be often seen victim of prostate ailments. Men under 50 suffer from Prostatitis and men above 50 face the problem of prostate enlargement whereas men above 70 years are also at increased risk of prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is one of the commonest forms of cancer and runs next to skin cancer.

What is Prostate?

Prostate is a gland of the size of a walnut that produces some of the fluid that makes the travel of sperm easier by moistening the path till they are outside. It is located between the pubic bone and rectum in men. As the age increases, the size of the gland increases in size too. If the gland grows too big and registers abnormally growth, it should get treated to avoid any serious health implications.

Symptoms of Prostate Problems:

1)      Frequent trips to bathroom.

2)      Pain while urinating

3)      Urine Leak (No control over urination).

4)      Pain in the lower region of body.

5)      No satisfaction after urination, feel the urge to go again to vacate bladder.

6)      Difficult erection and even more painful ejaculation.

There are some factors that play significant role in the development of prostate.

Age Factor: If you are man and above the age of 50.

Family Factor: If you have a family history of a close relative suffering from prostate ailment.

Diet Factor: If you have a sedentary lifestyle and your blood cholesterol level is high.

Understanding the Prostate Ailments:

Irritation in the gland is known as Prostatitis. The burning sensation, difficulty in urination, fatigued and fever in acute cases are the tell tale signs in the age of 50 that they might be suffering from it.

For the men over 50, the prostate ailment is known as prostate enlargement or Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). It affects the bladder movement and the control of urine especially at nights.

Men falling in the age group 60 to 70 years can have prostate cancer in chronic cases but BPH not necessarily involves any implications of increased risk of cancer.

Solutions:

Prostate patients need to understand that prostate ailments do not mean the end of life. With proper medication, clinical supervision and precautions they can also lead a happy life.

•Watching Your Steps: Rush to your doctor right away if you feel that one of the above symptoms correlates with you.  Even if they are not too bad, it does not hurt to get an expert advice and as they said, precaution is always better than cure. So, better hurry than to be late! If you are in 40′s or running 50, make your clinical checkup a habit.

•Medicines: You can be prescribed antibiotics or muscle relaxants to ease the effect of bacteria and muscles near the prostate respectively. Ask your doctor about your medicines and what possible side-effects the medicines can cause in order to mentally prepare for it.

•Surgery: This is the last resort and it is not rocket science nowadays, either. There are many ways to treat the prostate problems or enlargements through surgery. Your doctor is the best person that can tell you the right treatment according to the need and the risks involved.

•Others: Alternative medicinal therapies, radio waves, and lasers are some of the options that are in trend as well.

• Dietary Habits: Patients should cut down on spicy food, drink lots of water, watch out their alcohol consumption and smoking habits.

 

• Prostate Problems – Guide To Men’s Prostate Health
• The Danger of Prostate Problems and How it Can Affect You Even if You are Healthy Now