Men with BPH can find relief through medications or surgical options, with some men also finding acupuncture helpful; however, more rigorous studies need to be completed first.
An alpha-reductase inhibitor is the go-to choice for treating BPH. This drug helps relax the muscles that control urine flow in both the prostate and bladder, and may reduce PSA levels as well as relieve symptoms.
Beta-sitosterol
BPH may be managed using herbal remedies; other treatment options include prescription drugs and surgical options. Some herbs, like b-sitosterol and cyrtandra cupulata, have anti-inflammatory properties that may help ease symptoms associated with BPH; studies also demonstrate its ability to inhibit cancer cell growth and protect against prostate disease as well as have antioxidant properties against oxidative damage.
Beta-sitosterol can be found naturally in plants and eaten through food sources like vegetable oils, seeds, nuts, legumes and whole grains. Furthermore, various dietary supplements contain this substance; capsules, liquid supplements or even liposome emulsion are all ways of taking beta-sitosterol in. Studies have demonstrated its ability to reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and alleviate symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Furthermore, it’s well-known for enhancing the effect of cholesterol-reducing drugs. However, sitosterolemia patients should refrain from using this drug due to high plasma concentrations of plant sterols leading to tendon xanthomas and premature atherosclerosis. Furthermore, pregnant women should refrain from taking this supplement due to its potential uterine stimulant properties.
Studies conducted recently demonstrated that b-sitosterol effectively suppressed breast cancer cell proliferation and enhanced apoptosis through multiple mechanisms, including modulation of cell signaling pathways and increased activity of caspase-8 and Fascia, thus decreasing DNA available for replication. Furthermore, its effect was found to reverse renal carcinogenesis progression in mouse models.
Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), and less invasive techniques like laser and thermal ablation may both help treat BPH; laser-based methods have the potential to minimize short-term complications like irritation symptoms and urinary catheterization; however, further research must be completed in order to ascertain their long-term effectiveness and safety.
Saw palmetto
Saw palmetto is an herbal remedy made from the fruit of a palm tree, traditionally used to treat various conditions including prostate problems and male pattern baldness. Unfortunately, evidence supporting its use against BPH remains weak despite some research indicating its potential efficacy reducing urinary symptoms; more research needs to be conducted before any conclusions can be drawn about its long-term effectiveness.
Beta-sitosterol, found in saw palmetto, may be responsible for many of its beneficial properties. Resembling cholesterol but without raising blood cholesterol levels, phytosterol or sitosterol (the plant-based fat found in saw palmetto) has been shown to inhibit prostate growth in animal studies; thus saw palmetto may reduce BPH risk while not lowering PSA levels significantly.
Studies have demonstrated the benefits of saw palmetto extract for treating BPH symptoms in older men. As it’s an all-natural option, it offers no side effects, making it important to source high quality products that don’t contain chemicals or additives.
As part of its processing and formulation, it is also crucial that saw palmetto is handled appropriately. The method of extraction and solvent used can have a dramatic impact on its final effect; for example, hexane-based extracts tend to be more effective than others, with Permixon showing greater results in clinical trials than placebo.
Saw palmetto ranks thirteenth on the American best-sellers list and comes in various forms such as dried whole fruit, capsules and tablets. For maximum effectiveness it may also be combined with other herbs like nettle root extract, pumpkin seeds or even essential fatty acids for additional benefits.
Many individuals harvest berries themselves to make supplements, which depletes natural populations and disrupts ecosystems. It is crucial to harvest in an eco-friendly manner and check local laws regarding harvesting regulations and licensing requirements – in Florida new regulations will go into effect that make harvesting without permission a felony offense by 2024.
UroLift
BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) is a prevalent and age-related condition among many men as they get older, caused by an enlarged prostate that presses against the urethra and makes urination difficult. Thankfully, many safe and effective treatment options exist to manage BPH symptoms including medication, minimally invasive surgical procedures, natural remedies and herbal remedies – each designed to alleviate its symptoms and provide you with relief.
Urologists are the best-suited professionals to suggest BPH treatment options, taking into account your symptoms, lifestyle, health history and family history of gynecologic diseases when making recommendations. He will also review any new research regarding effective BPH treatments available and evaluate them against clinical evidence.
There are various treatment options for BPH available, such as medications that relax bladder neck muscles and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors that shrink the prostate. While these medicines can improve quality of life and urinary flow by decreasing the amount of blood in urine, they may cause side effects like nausea, abdominal pain and dizziness which must also be considered when making decisions regarding treatment options.
Recent years have witnessed an emergence of novel minimally invasive surgical treatments for BPH. These procedures are less invasive than transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), while still being equally effective. Furthermore, they require much less hospital time and tend to come with less complications compared with TURP; plus they have shown to preserve sexual function, unlike its counterpart.
Minimally invasive surgical therapies for BPH have become increasingly popular. Offering quick, predictable results with shorter recovery times than more invasive approaches, outpatient procedures are being performed more and more often and have the added advantage of eliminating side effects like urinary frequency or short-lived discomfort as well as helping men retain sexual function – two critical considerations for many patients.
American Urologic Association (AUA) often advises these procedures as first-line treatments for those suffering from BPH symptoms. They typically involve local anesthesia and can be done either at a clinic or outpatient surgery center; unlike more invasive options such as Transurethral Resection of Prostate (TURP) and Holmium Laser Enucleation of Prostate (HoLEP), which involve physically extracting BPH tissue completely.
Lifestyle changes
Men who experience mild BPH symptoms may not require drugs or minimally invasive procedures; lifestyle modifications, however, may help ease their symptoms and enhance quality of life. Such changes include restricting fluid consumption and visiting the bathroom on an established schedule; it’s also essential that over-the-counter medications which cause urethral spasms or slow urine flow are discontinued as soon as possible.
Dietary changes and natural supplements may also help relieve symptoms of BPH. Some natural herbs have proven their efficacy at soothing enlarged prostate symptoms, including saw palmetto and pygeum extracts. It’s wise to consult a healthcare professional before adding herbal treatments into your diet; certain remedies could potentially raise your blood pressure or interact with medications you’re already taking.
Researchers don’t fully understand what causes BPH, though it appears to be linked to hormone changes in the body. With age comes decreased testosterone while estrogen levels remain constant – this may contribute to prostate cell growth. Certain medications like alpha-blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors may prevent conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone – an action which leads to prostate enlargement.
Lifestyle changes may help relieve symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate, but they’re no panacea. Recurring symptoms tend to resurface and some patients may require medication or other forms of medical therapy in order to ease them; your doctor can determine which course of action would best meet your level of discomfort.
BPH can be made worse by stress. Our bodies’ “fight or flight” response releases adrenaline that makes urination more difficult and causes the prostate to expand. To alleviate your anxiety, meditation and diaphragmatic breathing may help as a stress reliever; in addition, exercise regularly and spend time with friends and family can all be effective ways of relieving tension.
Diet is one of the keys to maintaining health for those with enlarged prostates as well as other conditions, especially eating plenty of fruits and vegetables for nutrition and avoiding alcohol and smoking to decrease your risk.
