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Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
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
Also indexed as:
- benign prostate enlargement,
- benign prostatic hyperplasia,
- benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH),
- benign prostatic hypertrophy,
- BPH,
- enlarged prostate,
- prostate enlargement,
- prostatic enlargement,
- prostatic hyperplasia,
- prostatic hypertrophy
About this treatment
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.
Last Review: 05-11-2011
Copyright © 2011 Aisle7. All rights reserved. www.Aisle7.net
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The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2011.
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
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