Definition

The prostate is a doughnut-shaped gland about the size of a walnut that lies below the bladder and surrounds the urethra. The prostate secretes a thin, milky, alkaline fluid that increases sperm motility and lubricates the urethra to prevent infection. Prostate secretions are extremely important to successful fertilization of the egg. Benign (non-malignant) enlargement of the prostate gland is known medically as benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH for short. Because an enlarged prostate can pinch off the flow of urine, BPH is characterized by symptoms of bladder obstruction, such as increased urinary frequency, nighttime awakening to empty the bladder, and reduced urinary force and speed of flow.

BPH is an extremely common condition. Current estimates are that it affects over 50% of men in their lifetime. The actual frequency increases with advancing age, from approximately 5 to 10 percent at age thirty to over 90 percent in men older than eighty-five.

Signs and Symptoms

The key symptoms relate to blockage of the bladder outlet, such as progressive urinary frequency, urgency, and increased nighttime urination, hesitancy and intermittency, with reduced urinary force and speed of flow.

Warning: Prostate disorders can only be diagnosed by a physician. Do not self-diagnose. If you are experiencing any symptoms associated with BPH, see your physician immediately for proper diagnosis.

Causes

BPH is largely the result of hormonal changes associated with aging. It is clearly dependent on the actions of male hormones (androgens) within the prostate gland. The ultimate effect of these changes is that there is an increased concentration of testosterone within the prostate and an increased conversion of the testosterone into an even more potent form known as dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

Natural Medicines¹

Saw Palmetto
Numerous double blind studies have shown an extract of the saw palmetto berries to significantly improve the signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

¹The Pill Book Guide to Natural Medicines, Michael Murray N.D., 2002