How to Improve Overall Prostate Condition

How to Improve your Overall Prostate Condition

The condition called Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is also known as an Enlarged Prostate. This is an internal gland condition where its size increases overtime due to several factors. BHP is most common with men in their 50s and up. Prostates can already become enlarged even if the symptoms have not yet appeared. Nevertheless, the most common enlarged prostate symptoms include the presence of blood in the urine, painful urination, and frequent urination.

One way to minimize the effects of prostate enlargement is by changing the lifestyle, or better yet the diet. Foods rich in essential nutrients are extremely beneficial to the health condition of the prostate by reducing the fats surrounding the prostate or the entire urinary tract. This also reduces the effects of the Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in the long run.

Use Natural Products to Improve the Prostate

By consuming at least two servings of fruits or vegetables everyday, you can improve the overall health of the prostate. Fruits or vegetables filled with lycopene such as: tomato, guava, rosehip, red chilies, grapefruit, and watermelon help this type of diet. The bright color of lycopene in these fruits and vegetables indicates that they are rich in antioxidants, which flushes out toxins. These are the toxins that accumulate and settle in the body and cause the weakening of the internal organs.

Men are urged to reduce their consumption of cholesterol and fats such as those found in dairy products like: whole milk, butter or margarine, cheese, ice cream, etc. Doctors also encourage minimizing red meat consumption as well as all other fatty foods. Studies show that these kinds of food can increase the level of hormone in men to fluctuate, which may cause BPH.

On the other hand, other type of fats called omega-3 contain fatty acids that can reduce the bad cholesterol, which may develop as fat covering on the prostate. Fresh water fish like sardines, mackerel, and salmon have substantial amounts of omega-3. This also neutralizes the hormone level in the body as well as reduces inflammation.

Some medical experts also suggest that consuming flaxseed oil everyday can also help when omega-3 is scarce, since fresh water fish are not very economical. Also, raw pumpkin seeds with high levels of zinc can also help improve the condition of the prostate as well as the overall health of the body. All these are great additions to the daily menu.

Can a Vegetarian Diet Help Improve the Prostate?

Studies suggest that a lot of soy improves the prostate as well as the overall health of the body. This means that tofu, tempe, and soy milk are great for you in this matter. Soy is rich in isoflavones, a type of phytoestrogen, helpful in balancing the level of hormones in the body. This substance also improves cholesterol levels in the body, minimizing the risk of heart conditions, arthritis, and certain cancers.

By increasing the amount of fiber in the diet, especially from fruits and vegetables, you can flush out toxins and fats from the body. The fiber enhances bowel movement, thus, reducing pressure on the prostate as well.

There many supplement selections in the market today conveniently available to consumers. These supplements also reduce the symptoms of an enlarged prostate in the long run. Progressive Health Inc. has some of these products, beneficial for cases where nutrients are not absorbed properly due to prostate enlargement.

Surgical Procedures For Enlarged Prostate

Surgery for an Enlarged Prostate

Science knows a few reasons why people experience some problems with their prostate or some symptoms of BPH or Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia that require surgical procedures. Some of them are:

The patient cannot urinate. At least half of males not physically well enough to urinate require catheterization. In catheterization, a tube is inserted into the urethra down to the bladder in order to flush out urine. The other half of males experiencing trouble will require some invasive surgical procedure.
There can be a blockage to the urethra, which may also cause urinary tract infection, stones in the bladder, and damage to the bladder.
There is blood in the urine, and it does not improve through simple medications.
The kidney is damaged.

Sometimes, although the BPH or Benign Prostatic Hyperlasia symptoms are absent, the doctor may still order surgical procedures in order to eliminate uncomfortable effects, or if other treatments failed to resolve the problem.

In such a case, consider the following:

Will the procedure(s) really help in minimizing the effects of prostate problems, or completely resolve the problem?
How extent is the prostate enlargement or any other prostate problem?
What are the post surgery effects or complications?

The most common surgical procedures administered for BPH are usually less invasive, such as when tools designed specially to penetrate the urethra down to the prostate are used, also known as “transurethral surgical procedures”.

Transurethral Resection

The most widely used surgical procedure is called “transurethral resection” or TURP when part of the prostate is removed.
Other surgical procedures being administered to treat prostate problems are rarely used compared to TURP such as:

The TUIP or Transurethral Incision of the Prostate where the prostrate is cut to minimize or release the pressure to the urethra.
The Transurethral Laser Vaporization or Transurethral Laser Coagulation where a laser technology cuts the prostate to relieve pressure in the urethra.
The TUMT or Transurethral Microwave Therapy where a microwave kills tissues in the prostate and some surrounding areas.
The TUNA or Transurethral Needle Ablation where a warm or hot needle kills the tissues in the prostate or some surrounding area.

These surgical procedures are very recent, and their effectiveness has not yet been established.

The open prostatectomy is a more common type of procedure where the surgeon accesses the prostate through a surgical cut in order to minimize and/or eliminate BPH Benign Prostatic Hyperlasia and its uncomfortable effects.

This particular procedure is commonly used for patients with severe cases.

Things that Need to be Considered

While there are many ways to resolve prostate enlargement and other prostate problems, the existing surgical procedures still provide the highest rates of success. Yet even these cannot guarantee 100% success since there is still the possibility of persistent symptoms.

Also, surgical procedures can cause post-surgical effects such as: incontinence, impotence, and retrograde ejaculation (where semen goes straight to the bladder rather than the penis.) At least, most of the time, the patients who have undergone surgical procedures experience relief.

If the physical condition of the prostate calls for a surgical procedure, the patient must consider which procedure to undergo, depending on the extent of the prostate enlargement. Doctors commonly recommend TURP and TUIP under such conditions. TURP is recommended for patients with a higher level of prostate enlargement, while TUIP is for those patients who have minor prostate conditions. The procedures are performed differently; both of them give the same relief for patients.

7 Symptoms Requiring Immediate Treatment

Seven Enlarged Prostate Symptoms that Demand Immediate Attention

Most men will have to deal with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) related issues as they age. The symptoms of an enlarged prostate typically manifest in men who are over 50 years old. By the time most men turn 60 they will have experienced some prostate issues. By the time most men turn 80, about 90% of all men will be dealing with an enlarged prostate.

For the most part, the symptoms of BPH will not be severe. This is a time when many guys begin to notice several symptoms of a variety of medical issues, so enlarged prostate symptoms can often be ignored and cast off as something that cannot be avoided as they age. This is usually not a problem because the majority of symptoms of an enlarged prostate are mild. If they are not bothering you extensively, you can get by without treating them.

But, in some instances, prostate cancer is an issue and, if it is not treated, it will get into other parts of the body and will lead to your death. Prostate cancer is the 2^nd leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. right now.

View our top 5 Effective BPH solutions –>>

What to Look For

A variety of prostate symptoms could be a sign of worse conditions, but, as is the case with almost all medical conditions, these symptoms can be related to all kinds of conditions, some mild and some severe. If the symptoms go away quickly, they are probably not related to an enlarged prostate, but were probably related to an infection. But if the symptoms do not go away, or come back frequently, you are probably dealing with an enlarged prostate.

Here are seven of the BPH symptoms that cannot be ignored.

1. Problems with the ability to urinate

2. A weakened urine stream

3. The stopping and starting of urine flow

4. The inability to completely empty the bladder or the feeling that you need to go again even if you have just gone

5. The need to urinate urgently

6. Frequent urination, especially at night

7. The inability to stop the flow of urine when you are finished urinating

These seven signs are indications that an enlarged prostate is beginning to occur or is already present. In most instances, these are nothing to worry about, but they can also indicate that prostate cancer could be present.

You cannot tell on your own whether or not you simply have a Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or if you have prostate cancer. You need to be mindful of these symptoms, do not allow them to get out of control, and get yourself checked out by a physician as soon as you can. By not waiting, you can get treatment for either condition. Ignoring the symptoms will not make them go away, and can in fact, make things worse, especially if they are due to the presence of cancer. It is important to seek treatment right away to keep it from spreading and to alleviate your discomfort.

View our top 5 Effective BPH solutions –>>

Alternative Treatments For Enlarged Prostate

Prostate Alternative Treatments

It is true that enlarged prostate symptoms can be uncomfortable. Luckily science has provided several things that can help minimize the effects or even eliminate the possibility of developing a prostate problem such as the Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or enlarged prostate. Logically speaking, simple changes in lifestyle can play a big role in sealing the enlarged prostate.

On the other hand, some medications and natural remedies can also make sure that the symptoms are eliminated or enhance the overall health of the prostate and the rest of the urinary tract. The right combination of herbs and proper nutrients help in the entire process of improving the health of the prostate condition.

Some Alternative Steps in Improving the Prostate Condition

A patient or person with BPH or enlarged prostate notices that he needs to cut his sleep short and go to the restroom to urinate, he should reduce the amount of water or any liquid intake before bedtime. Another idea is to reduce the amount of caffeinated and alcoholic drink consumption.
One suffering from the enlarged prostate or BPH should also get some relaxation because this can also help reduce the amount of fats in the prostate and the rest of the urinary system. It can be hard to relax if you have lived most of life with a very busy schedule. Luckily, there are some guides and professionals who can help and teach the person how to get some ideal relaxation.
It is better for men to avoid medications that contain antihistamines, decongestants, and all other medications that contain common substances that can contribute to prostate enlargement or BPH. These over-the-counter medications can damage the muscle groups in the bladder, which can later cause prostate irritation and enlargement. You can minimize the effects and promote faster healing by taking several warm baths in a day. Avoid stagnant positions, take a quick walk if you must sit the whole day at work or better yet, get some daily simple exercises.
Consider taking supplements that contain zinc or eat food rich in zinc. According to some studies, 30 to 60 mg of zinc each day can greatly help minimize the effects or even eliminate the risk of prostate enlargement. Although this suggestion has not been medically proven, it will do no harm if a person tries this.
Most Europeans believe that Saw Palmetto is especially effective to improve problems with prostate conditions. Studies have determined the effectiveness of saw palmetto and concluded that the substances in this natural wonder can help reduce the effects of enlarged prostate or BPH symptoms, if not totally eliminate the development of BPH.

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.