Diagnosis Of Enlarged Prostate Or BPH

A Diagnosis of BPH

First of all, males as well as females must know what is an enlarged prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia. Awareness is the first step to make sure that everyone at risk of developing this condition manages it well. Suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia does not mean you are suffering from cancer. The word “benign” means just that — non-cancerous. Through the years of treatment and diagnosis, medical experts have categorized the physical condition as LUTS or Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms, because it is also possible for a guy to experience the symptoms of BPH even when the prostate is not enlarged.

The Prostate as a Gland

This gland is only present in males. It is located in the body’s urinary system or urinary tract, specifically around the urethra where urine is expelled from the body. The risk of developing benign prostatic hyperplasia or enlarged prostate increases as men age, especially from 50 and up. This is one of the main reasons why urine is blocked, causing painful and/or difficult urination.

If the person does not have abnormal prostate size, then another possible reason for difficulty in urination could be a deficiency in elasticity of the bladder muscle groups.

Symptoms are categorized into three levels: mild, moderate, and severe.

BPH or benign prostatic hyperplasia is not a fatal physical condition. But the effects or symptoms of an enlarged prostate are so uncomfortable that they can hinder the patient from doing simple daily tasks. Medical experts or doctors must treat this condition in order keep it from worsening and escalating into urinary tract infections, possibly damaging the bladder and kidney.

More than half of males ages 50 and up experience BPH. The good news is that most of these conditions, may not need the attention of a medical specialist. A regular doctor can help minimize the symptoms or even eliminate BPH early on. Sadly, most men who have BPH choose to leave the condition untreated, leading to further organ damage.

Factors in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Science views the main reason for the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia as aging. Next to that is the increased production of hormones namely, dihydrotestosterone and testosterone. These 5a-reductase hormones increase and infest the prostate gland, causing the gland to be inflamed or increase in size. One thing noted by the experts is that the chances of developing BPH in men who have their testicles removed early on is ZERO. This means that the testicles can also be considered as a factor for this condition.

The environment and common food also affect the development of BPH. Studies of Asians show a lesser rate of BPH. However, those Asians who migrated to North America developed BPH at the same rates as natives and/or the Caucasians of the region. In contrast, Africans and/or African Americans have a higher threshold for the age in developing BPH — at least 60 and up compared to 50 and up for others.

Symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

The most common symptom present in BPH is difficulty in urinating, which can range from mild to severe. The difficulty can either be in initiating urination or in the actual process of stopping it. The frequency for urination is also considered a symptom, if the person is observed urinating more often, even if the bladder is not yet really full.

The Actual Diagnosis

The ISPS or the International Prostate Symptom Scale is used to help in the diagnosis. If there is any problem with the prostate that must be addressed, this chart will help the doctor see the severity of the prostate condition. The ISPS works in conjunction with the person’s complete medical history to study whether a possibility of prostate enlargement is present. The next steps are diagnostic procedures, which range from several physical tests (including a rectal examination) to laboratory tests (including a blood and urine test). If a even a slight risk of cancer is seen, the doctor will perform more tests to confirm suspicions.

Other tests like sediment analysis to microscopic process and other urinalysis may be performed in order to rule out or see if there is a urinary tract infection. While an ultrasound is necessary, a urine flow measurement, and catheterization are also required for urgent or severe cases of prostate enlargement. Doctors may also request a PSA or prostate antigen tests.

Based on the looks of it, BPH is something quite inevitable as men age, but it can also be avoided with proper body care. Studies show that going for the right diet (healthy and beneficial choice of foods) and daily exercises can reduce the risk of developing prostate conditions, especially BPH. This is based on the fact that fats are reduced or eliminated around the prostate area, one of the factors in the development of BPH.

Nevertheless, it is better for a person to have himself checked if he feels the slightest symptoms of BPH. If the symptoms do not exist or if you have family members who have had conditions such BPH or prostate cancer, go through the series of medical checkups on or before age 50 to ensure that the bladder and prostate are working the way they should.

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.

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 –>>

8 Treatments Considered Homeopathic

8 Homeopathic Treatments for BPH

As men age, the risk of developing some prostate problems increases as well. The most common prostate condition that is not life threatening is BPH or Benign Prostatic Hyperlasia. Other conditions are considered dangerous, such as inflammation of the prostate (prostatitis) and prostate cancer. This enlargement is very common, and that is why doctors really consider it a part of aging in men.

The prostate contributes to the process of ejaculation. It is the gland that produces the fluid necessary for semen to be properly secreted. The prostate becomes active during puberty, and it gets bigger as the person ages.

Most of the time, the person won’t experience any symptoms until the age of 40. Treatments are only required if the symptoms worsen, and they usually appear when the person reaches 60.

Pressure increases in the urethra if the prostate becomes larger than its normal size. This is one of the reasons why urination becomes harder as it weakens the bladder in time.

An Enlarged Prostate will show the Following Symptoms:

Difficulty in urination.
Dysuria or painful urination.
Weakened urethral reflex or difficulty in allowing urine to flow in the urethra or stopping the flow.
Problem in clearing the urine in the bladder.
Leaking of the urine due to the weakened urethral reflex.
Increased urination.
Involuntary urination.
Irritation in the scrotum area.
Uncomfortable feeling during ejaculation.

A lot of men experiencing these symptoms ignore them because they feel ashamed with their condition. But this is not a good way to deal with it, since it will definitely worsen everything. This include symptoms such as pain and the development of serious conditions in the kidney and prostate.

Common Homeopathic Treatments

Some items found in the kitchen help minimize the effects of prostate enlargement. These products can also eliminate the actual prostate condition and all its complications. Some of the home items include:

Corn Silk has been an alternative medicine, especially for prostate problems or Benign Prostatic Hyperlasia. The husk of the corn is boiled until the extract mixes with the water. You then drink it like usual tea.
Fish is rich in omega-3 such as tuna, mackerel, and salmon, which can help minimize the risk of tumors.
A German doctor discovered pumpkin seeds. The seeds minimize the development of BPH, made possible because of the zinc content, which enhances the overall condition of the immune system. You can eat the seeds as is, or boil them to make a tea as well.
Saw Palmetto extract has been proven effective in enhancing the urinary system; it frees the urethra from any blockage as well as prevents anything that can block urine passage. The extract has substances that can affect hormone production, which will minimize the size of the prostate. Consult a doctor to find out the recommended dosage taken, depending on the condition of the prostate.
Soy and soy based food contains phytoestrogens, known to help the body lower the level of testosterone. Testosterone is a known contributor in the development of cancer and tumors in the body, especially in the prostate.
Stinging Nettle is popular, especially in Europe for a long time now. This herb is potent enough to minimize or eliminate the symptoms of BPH or prostate enlargement. It works by preventing testosterone binding to the cells. Consult a doctor specializing in prostate health to find out about the recommended dosage.

Simple Things that can Make a Difference in Prostate Care

Drinking lots of water everyday will definitely help. At least 8 glasses of water is all the body needs to clean the organs, especially the prostate and urinary tract.
Reduce consumption of red meat and fats.
Check your prostate at least annually or if any symptoms appear.
Avoid drinking alcohol, or simply lessen alcohol consumption if you can’t
completely avoid it.

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.