Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is a benign i.e. non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate starts to produce symptoms at approximately 45-50 years, these symptoms become more apparent with increasing age. It is estimated that a third of men over the age of 50 will develop some prostate symptoms. The more general symptoms include difficulty in starting to urinate, a reduced flow of urine, reduced sex drive, problems getting an erection, incomplete emptying of the bladder, dribbling of urine, discomfort on urination and an increased frequency of urination at night. If you present with these symptoms you should go to your doctor. He/she will probably perform a digital rectal examination (DRE), this involves the insertion of the index finger through the anus to feel the prostate gland (it’s not as awful as it sounds!). This is to determine if the problem is likely to be BPH, prostatitis or prostate cancer. In BPH the prostate gland feels large, smooth and firm, in prostatitis it is soft and tender to pressure, with prostate cancer it is hard, knobbly and usually painless.

Other tests may also be undertaken to confirm diagnosis, these include blood tests to check the levels of various chemicals including the prostate specific antigen (PSA), which is elevated in both BPH and prostate cancer, but generally markedly so with the latter. Ultrasound may be used to get a clearer picture of the shape and size of the prostate or perhaps a cystoscopy performed. A cystoscopy involves inserting a narrow telescope down the urethra of the penis into the bladder Edon’t panic, it is done under general anaesthetic!

Various orthodox medicines can be prescribed once the problem has been diagnosed. If the symptoms are very severe or the patient does not respond appropriately the gland may be reduced in size surgically, using lasers or cryosurgery (freezing). This is particularly relevant if there has been marked urine retention in the bladder. However, before these more extreme measures are undertaken there are many complementary health factors that may help BPH. These would include nutritional supplementation, herbal preparations and homeopathic remedies.

Nutritional Supplements

Vitamin A

Vitamin B complex (especially vitamin B6)

Vitamin E

Magnesium

Potassium

Silicon

Zinc - it is suggested by some that low zinc levels throughout life will cause a greater predisposition to prostate problems in later life, although this does need further investigation

Amino acids such as arginine, cystine and methionine

Helpful herbs

Alfalfa

Buchu

Corn silk

Pau D’Arco

Saw palmetto (Sabal serrulata) probably the most commonly used herbal supplement to combat BPH

Uva ursi

Note: many herbal supplements have contraindications and obviously still contain the active chemicals of the plant, to avoid any problems or possible toxicity they should only be prescribed by a fully qualified practitioner rather than self-administered.

Homeopathic remedies

Homeopathic remedies have a very specific application depending on the subtleties of different symptoms that the patient presents with. For this reason if prescribing is to be accurate and the treatment successful it is best that they are prescribed after a full case taking. However, this form of therapy has a very good track record for treating prostate problems. Below are some of the more commonly prescribed remedies.

• Baryta carbonica often used in older men with prostate problems
• Chimaphila Ethis is a very small remedy that is almost a specific for this organ, its main character is that it has the sensation of feeling like you are sitting on a ball due to the enlarged gland
• Clematis almost a specific for BPH
• Conium especially if the prostate is very hard or when prostate cancer is suspected
• Digitalis
• Selenium
• Sabal serrulata almost a specific for BPH
• Zincum metallicum especially if the person can only urinate when sitting on the toilet