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These include
problems occurring in the prostate such as cancer, prostatitis or enlargement of the
prostate.
What to look for
For an enlarged
prostate:
difficulties in
urination (including a weak or intermittent stream, getting up frequently at night,
straining, dribbling, or inability to empty the bladder).
For acute prostatitis:
For chronic prostatitis:
frequent, difficult
urination.
dull pain in the pelvis
and genital area.
painful ejaculation and sexual dysfunction.
The prostate is a
walnut-sized gland found in males that surrounds the male urethra at the bottom of the
bladder. It has a dual role - to produce an exact portion of the seminal fluid that
carries sperm and to control the flow of urine from the bladder. Symptoms can be urinary
or sexual in nature.
Prostate problems occur in
two forms: enlargement of the prostate and prostatitis which is a bacterial infection.
Prostatitis can be either acute sudden and severe or chronic, milder but persistent.
The signs of prostate
enlargement generally appear after the age of 45. Typically, the first indication is a
need to urinate at night, with the urge gradually increasing over time. Other urination
problems may develop.
Prostate enlargement is
extremely common and it is safe to say that most men will experience some form of it as
they grow older. But always have this checked by your doctor as it can also be a sign of
prostate cancer.
(see prostate cancer entry).
A less common problem is
prostatitis which can occur in younger men or without symptoms of enlargement. Acute
prostatitis may produce fever, chills, and lower back pain. chronic prostatitis generally
brings milder versions of those symptoms and may also cause painful ejaculation, urethral
discharge, or sexual dysfunction.
Causes
The enlargement condition
seems to worsen with age and is a result of decreasing levels of testosterone and
increasing levels of other hormones in the blood. This results in the enlargement.
Prostatitis is usually the
result of an infection that has spread into the prostate gland. The infection can be
sexually transmitted.
Men are hesitant to have
these conditions checked out and it is this that can cause the problems to become
dangerous. If symptoms indicate prostate enlargement, a doctor will want to determine
whether the growth of the gland is benign or malignant (prostate cancer).
Traditional Treatment
If you suffer from prostate
enlargement consult your doctor about all the different options available.
Surgery is only used as a
last resort and when there is no other option.
A course of antibiotics is
usually successful in eliminating prostatitis.
Always do self checks to
monitor the progress and to ensure that there are not other causes for concern. If you are
in doubt always speak with your doctor.
Alternative/Natural
Treatments
Herbal Therapies
- Some herbs that may help include - saw palmetto and horsetail, anise,
clivers, nettle, ginseng and couch grass for benign enlargements. (See Our Herbal Section)Some herbs that may help include - saw palmetto and horsetail, anise,
clivers, nettle, ginseng and couch grass for benign enlargements. (See Our Herbal Section)
Homoeopathy -
Numerous
medications are available to the homoeopathic practitioner for treating prostatic
enlargement and prostatitis. You will need Professional Advice for which is best for
you. Numerous
medications are available to the homoeopathic practitioner for treating prostatic
enlargement and prostatitis. You will need Professional Advice for which is best for
you.
Dietary Considerations
Good nutrition and
lifestyle may help the prostate enlargement.
Zinc - oysters, wheat bran, whole oatmeal, pumpkin seeds,
and sunflower seeds.
Vitamins C and
E may
promote prostate health.
The amino acids glycine,
alanine, and glutamic acid
Essential fatty acids -
ask our pharmacist for advice.
Prevention
To prevent a recurrence of
chronic prostatitis and promote prostate health:
Take warm baths.
Drink more water.
Avoid prolonged bicycle
riding, horseback riding, or other exercises that irritate the region below the prostate.
Take supplements of zinc
and vitamin C.
When to seek further
professional advice
In addition, an enlarged
prostate can be a sign of cancer. (See Prostate Cancer.)
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