Treatments And Solutions

Treatments & Solutions for Prostates

The solutions and treatments for enlarged prostates vary. These depend on the extent of the prostate problem, and its physiological effect also plays a big role in determining the right solution. There are in fact a good number of treatments available to resolve the problem — the most basic among them is to carefully watch for some possible symptoms, modify the lifestyle to something that will favor the overall condition of the prostate, and taking prescribed drugs, or going for the surgical or proven medical procedure.

Those people in their 60s and up are prone to developing prostate problems. The bothersome part is that most of the people who already have enlarged prostate, mostly men, do not feel or see any symptoms. If diagnosed in an early stage, the individuals can just make some changes with their diet and lifestyle in order to minimize the effects or even resolve the prostate enlargement.

On the other hand, if the enlargement of prostate has been classified and diagnosed as BPH, consult a medical specialist or a doctor to prevent the condition from getting worse. Early diagnosis is always better because the options in resolving the prostate enlargement will not be limited.

Some Lifestyle Change for Early Stage or Mild Symptoms

Do not control urination. If your body feels like urinating, comply and do not delay the process. Also, urinating even if you do not feel like doing so helps.
As much as possible, minimize or better yet avoid caffeinated drinks or beverages especially before bedtime.
Drink plenty of water the whole day (during day time) and do not drink any fluid before bedtime.
Avoid taking medications that have antihistamine or decongestant as their active ingredients. These substances greatly contribute to worsening the prostate condition.
Get some exercise. No extravagant of exercising is necessary; simple walking and running will do just fine.
Keep your body comfortably warm all the time if possible.
Reinforce or strengthen the vital body parts such as the pelvic area. This can be achieved by doing Kegal exercises.
Avoid stress or simply minimize stress if it is something you cannot eliminate due to work or other daily factors.

On Medications

Medications formulated to resolve hypertension may also help minimize the effects, or even actual prostate enlargement and other problems. These start by relaxing the prostate and muscle groups in the bladder and are all possible with the help of Alpha 1-blockers like Alfuzosin, Doxazosin, Praxozin, Tamsulosin, and Terazosin.
Most of the time doctors prescribe dutasteride and finasteride in order to minimize the hormone production of the prostate, make urination easy, and minimize the symptoms of BPH. Don’t expect an immediate result from the medication, and it may even take up to six good months before these positive effects appear. The downsides of these substances are diminished sexual drive and even impotency.
In cases of chronic prostasis, also known as inflammation of the prostate, prescribed antibiotics will lessen the inflammation and minimize some possible infections.
Saw Palmetto is a natural remedy or a medication often suggested to resolve or treat BPH in replacement of the synthetic treatments. Most men who have already tested or tried it say that it works, but some medical experts still question this fact. If you have tried using saw palmetto and observe favorable improvements, talk to a doctor to verify and confirm its safety and effectiveness.

On Surgical Remedies

Surgical procedures are only suggested to patients who are suffering from the following symptoms:

Blood presence in the urine
Bladder stones
Chronic or repetitive Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Decrease in kidney function
Urinary retention
Incontinence

The surgical procedure recommendation depends on the extent of the prostate problem or how enlarged the prostate is. Known surgical procedures for prostate enlargement include the following:

Transurethral Incision (TUIP)

This surgical procedure is administered to those patients who have lesser prostate enlargement conditions, though it is similar to Transurethral Resection of the Prostate or TURP.

The process involves initiating a non-harmful cut to the prostate that enlarges the passage leading to the bladder and urethra. The process does not remove anything in the prostate. It is also considered an outpatient procedure depending on the physical condition of the patient.

Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)

This surgical procedure is more invasive compared to TUIP. The scope is inserted to the urethra in order to remove some parts from the prostate. This is the most used method in treating BPH.

Simple Prostatectomy

From the word “ectomy”, which means removal of a certain body part, this surgical procedure is considered an inpatient procedure. This ensures proper management before and after the surgery. The patient is required to stay in the hospital from seven to ten long days.

The procedure is performed by removing parts of the prostate through an incision on the stomach near the scrotum area. This is normally done with spinal or general anesthesia.

Patients who have undergone these procedures mentioned that their urination and overall physical condition improved.

Minor Surgical Procedures

Some patients are not willing to go through invasive surgical procedures. Depending on their prostate condition, some minor surgical procedures may provide relief as well. These procedures use heat technology to immobilize or eliminate some tissues in the prostate. They include:

Interstitial laser Coagulation (ILC / HoLEP – Holmium Laser uses beams or lasers in order to create heat that will kill the tissues in the prostate.
Transurethral Electrovapurazation (TUVP) kills the prostate tissues by heat coming from the electric current.
Transurethral Microwave Thermotherapy (TUMT) initiates heat through microwaves.
Transurethral Needle Ablation (TUNA) uses radio waves to create heat that kills or eliminates some tissues in the prostate.
Water-Induced Thermotherapy (WIT) uses hot or warm water to kill the prostate tissues.

These procedures have proven effective in the field of medicine already but Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) tops the list as the most recommended and proven method for treating prostate conditions. Those patients who have undergone minor surgical procedures for the prostate had a higher chance of repeating the same surgical procedure at least five or ten years later.

Nevertheless, the minor surgical procedures can be helpful for: patients of younger age, patients who are already too old to undergo invasive surgeries, and patients who have preexisting medical conditions (like addiction to alcohol, cirrhosis, diabetes, heart health problems, lung problems, and kidney problems. Finally, the minor procedures can be helpful with people who are on medication that weakens or thins the blood.

Science and Technology have never stopped in creating and providing options for patients, and the “robot guided prostatectomy” is just one of these tested surgical procedures. With all this, the fact remains that the Robot-Guided Prostatectomy is well beyond all other established medical or surgical producers.

Apparently, these procedures have not gotten any feedback as to their effectiveness and safety so that they can be on the market.

Causes, Diagnosis And Treatment

BPH: Causes, Diagnosis, & Treatment

Having an enlarged prostate is different from having prostate cancer. The development of an enlarged prostate differs from the development of prostate cancer. Enlarged prostate is also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and its development is not lethal, making its prognosis good. Despite its good prognosis, having BPH could still become uncomfortable for the person. Bladder and kidney failure, urinary tract infections (UTIs), stones of the bladder, damages of the bladder, and other medical concerns may arise if BPH is left untreated.

The medical condition BPH is found more prevalent in men over the age of over 40. Structurally, the prostate gland is a walnut-sized mass of gland located between the bladder and the penis.

When the prostate gland becomes enlarged, it becomes difficult for the bladder to work. The bladder stores urine, and it is responsible for passing urine through the thinner linings of the urethra.

Difficulty experienced by the bladder muscles causes it to work more than usual, thus making the bladder more sensitive. The more a bladder is sensitive, the more a person urinates.

In the long run, the bladder becomes severely stressed and before it gets empty, more urine gets stored causing an excess.

Causes of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

There has been no one reason why BPH occurs, but some claim that it is because of bodily hormones. Professionals believe that male body hormones such as testosterones and other androgens lead to BPH. Testosterone is an essential hormone in the male body. Through the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by the prostate gland, the tissues surrounding the prostate grow. Excessive production of androgens and excessive conversion of testosterones into DHTs cause thick tissue lining.

Other researchers believe that older men have weaker blood vessels. These weaker blood vessels decrease the blood flow and amount of oxygen passing through the prostate causing it to become enlarged.

Diagnosis and Assessment Of BPH

There are three methods to assess and diagnose the presence or absence of BPH. The first of the three methods is the rectal exam. However, physicians often verify the presence of the prostate enlargement. The second method is with the use of blood tests, and the last is ultrasound. Ultrasounds performed during assessments must be taken on the urinary tract and prostate. Urine samples may also be used to detect infections and if these infections cause BPH symptoms.

In differential diagnoses, prostate cancers are ruled-out in order to diagnose the presence of an enlarged prostate.

Treatment of BPH

Knowing the presence of an enlarged prostate greatly aids in knowing what process will be used for treatment as well as to avoid a worsening of the condition. The patient may be asked to take oral medication or be asked to undergo surgery.

Seek medical consultation if you feel any of the symptoms of BPH. Should prescribed medications fail, medical surgery would be best to remedy the condition.

The Diagnostic For Enlarged Prostate

How to Diagnose an Enlarged Prostrate

It is always best to visit or consult a doctor if you are feeling or observing some physical symptoms of prostate enlargement or benign prostatic hyperplasia, also known as BPH. The doctor ensures a correct diagnosis in order to provide the right treatment and management. This is only possible if all other possible conditions are ruled out and determined absent.

The doctor examines the current physical state of the patient along with his or her medical record (medical history), and administers a series of diagnostic tests, like blood and urine examinations. These steps enable the doctor to glimpse what is happening from the inside. Sometimes, neurological tests are necessary in order to exclude other problems, such as the nerves in the bladder or prostate area.

To monitor the condition more closely, the doctor may ask the patient to complete an AUA or American Urological Association symptom index. This chart-like item helps the doctor see if the symptom is already affecting your daily activities, but it is not considered and should not be regarded as a form of final diagnosis.

The Usual Diagnostic Examinations for Prostate Enlargement

The doctor initially requires a digital rectal examination whenever the symptoms of enlarged prostate or BPH are present or observed. This determines the current state of the prostate including its size and texture. The actual size of the prostate may not be a determining factor because it can be larger than normal and still not do anything unusual to the body.
The secondary diagnostic test is usually the urine culture or urinalysis that lets the doctor determine if there is an existing infection to the prostate that may be causing the symptoms.
The creatinine blood examination is the third level of diagnostic. It examines the kidney to see whether it is functioning well.
The last examination is the PSA or Prostate-Specific Antigen. This determines or rules out the presence of cancer in the prostate. This is important since the symptoms of simple BPH or enlarged prostate are similar to prostate cancer.

Possible Diagnostic Procedures the Doctor Will Perform

The doctor, depending on the condition’s urgency may go for PVR or a Post-Void Residual Urine examination to see the amount of urine in the bladder after urinating. The usual tools to perform a PVR are ultrasound and a catheter inserted through the urethra to the bladder.
The doctor may also be request a Pressure Flow Test to see and measure pressure in the bladder while urinating. This helps the doctor see something blocking the passage that may cause symptoms, while also determining or ruling out the possibility of neurological problems.
Cystometrogram is another diagnostic procedure that measures the capacity of the bladder to store fluid or urine. This examination comes with an Auroflometry test, which measures the speed of the flow of the urine while in the process of urination.
The doctor will often request an ultrasound to see if the prostate is enlarged or not as healthy as the kidney. This ultrasound is performed by inserting a transducer into the rectum.
Another test, Cystoscopy, is used in order to see the internal condition of the bladder and the urethra and to rule out the possibility of prostate blocking (due to enlargement).
IVP or an Intravenous Pyelogram may help the doctor see if the kidney is functioning well. This determines whether the urine is properly flowing from the kidney to the bladder.
The CT Scan or Spiral / Helical Computed Tomography is the final test, which somehow seals everything since it gives the detailed physical condition of the kidney, the prostate, or any internal organs of the body. This type of x-ray makes it easy for doctors to see if there is something physically wrong with the kidney or prostate.

Screening for an Enlarged Prostate

There are currently no tests available that directly screen for prostate enlargement. Although several examinations or screenings can help the doctor determine whether there is an existing problem in the prostate, these tests are usually done for prostate and rectum cancer.

The physiology of the prostate deteriorates as a person ages, but this also depends on how much care was given to the body during the younger years. That is why most doctors suggest a PSA or digital rectal examination. The PSA is administered to men in their 50s and up to physically monitor the condition of the prostate. This can help avoid possible cancer or determine the right treatment when a prostate problem already exists. But some doctors disagree, saying that these diagnostics can not guarantee the elimination and possibility of prostate problems such as cancer.

The patient’s screening needs ultimately may depend on the symptoms and the actual physical needs.

If you have felt or are feeling some symptoms, never self medicate or assume your current physical condition. Some people simply ignore these symptoms until everything is worsens. Prevention is definitely better than the cure, and simple preventive examinations can save time, money, and life in the future. Always consult a doctor and submit to several diagnostic procedures in order to determine the right and possibly the best treatment to treat BPH or any similar problems with their prostate. Keep in mind that self-medicating may only worsen the condition.

About Antiiva As The 4th Choice For Prostate Supplement

According to the manufacturer of Antiiva, this prostate supplement can help in reducing the manifestations of benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH. This prostate supplement contains Isoflavones, Selenium, and Zinc to help the body in overall nourishment especially in maintaining the healthy condition of the prostate. Apparently, it fell under the 4th choice from the list of the prostate supplements eventhough the manufacturer of Antiiva is claiming that all necessary ingredients to promote good prostate help is found in seven different products that they are offering (as published in their website).

Antiiva, as a prostate supplement is formulated to help the body’s immune system especially of the reproductive system which will then reduce the risk of developing any prostate conditions such benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or prostate cancer. The manufacturer of this prostate supplement claims the effectiveness and efficiency of the product through the proprietary blend. Apparently, proprietary claims are one of the best ways to hide the real deal for the product especially to its ingredients. Obviously, the manufacturer’s website does not disclose any specific information about the ingredients that they added to the supplement. This will also make it hard to determine whether each pill has the right dosage to promote the health claims.

Antiiva’s Position In The Market

The manufacturer of this diet supplement is selling each bottle for $39.95 and a discounted price of $119.90 if the consumer buys the supplement in bulk of four bottles, giving a slash of almost $10.00 to the regular retail price. Even though the retail price of this diet supplement is lower compared to the other prostate supplements, the fact that the product is unable to provide assurance of effectiveness or safety, the price of the supplement is a bit too much.

The Conclusion For Antiiva As A Health Supplement

The goal of Antiiva as a supplement for the prostate is good but it would be better if the manufacturer would quit using proprietary claims so that the consumers would know what they have used or added as ingredients to come up with the formula.

Talking About Enlarged Prostate

The Facts about Enlarged Prostrates

Most men don’t realize they have problems with their prostates until they are in their late thirties or early forties. During these years the walnut-sized gland begins to grow. Since the prostate gland encircles the urethra and is located just below the bladder, it causes frequent or uncontrolled urination especially at night time. The primary function of the prostate gland is to secrete seminal fluid which aids in the ejaculatory process of semen.

An assistant professor of urology has stated that prostate enlargement has been found to be related to the development of prostate cancer. James Smolev, MD stated that this is a reason why men ages 45 and older must undergo a yearly prostate exam.

Usually, an enlarged prostate will not develop into prostate cancer but will result in a condition known as benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH).

Signs and Symptoms of an Enlarged Prostate

As the prostate gland grows larger, pressure on the urethra increases. More pressure results from the tightening of the muscles surrounding the urethra. Oftentimes, this pressure does not hurt but it may lead to problems with urination such as dysuria.

Men with an enlarged prostate might have to urinate as soon as they feel pressure in their bladder, or else they might have trouble with the flow, maintenance of strong flow, and ending of the flow of urine. Someone with this problem also tends to get up repeatedly due to bladder pressure and would also tend towards nocturia.

Causes of Enlarged Prostate

Certain hormones are directly related to prostate growth in men, especially older ones. During the 40s, testosterone and other hormonal levels of older men begin to drop while other hormones like prolactin increase.

Bastyr University President Joseph Pizzorno, N.D. has stated that the ultimate effect of hormonal changes is an increase in the male sex hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a converted testosterone. DHT is a hormone responsible for the growth of tissues surrounding the prostate gland, which in turn causes BPH.

An enzyme known as 5-alphha-reductase converts testosterone into DHTs. Current BPH remedies, to be effective, must be able to inhibit the enzyme in converting testosterone.

Enlarged Prostate Treatment

Fifty percent of men over the age of 50 get to notice the signs and symptoms of BPH. The percentage of men with BPH symptoms increases as age increases. Generally, BPH symptoms worsens if proper treatment is not given however it varies with the person’s vulnerability.

According to Dr. Richard Macchia, some men experience a significant worsening of symptoms in a span of six years, while others experience this change after more years. While others notice the symptoms in the early years, some might not notice changes for 15 years or more. Some men don’t even experience the worsening of symptoms.

Seeking consultation depends on the person. According to Dr. Smolev, prostate consultation is an individual’s decision. Most of the physicians that treat prostate enlargement prescribe oral medications or even surgery, while others consider natural remedies to treat BPH.