BPH

Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy/Hyperplasia

Prevent benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) from cramping your style

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous increase in the size of the prostate gland. The prostate gland is a small male reproductive organ in men, located just below the bladder. One of the main roles of the prostate is to produce the fluid that protects sperm. As such, a healthy prostate is vital for a man to experience a vigorous sex life.

The prostate gland can enlarge as men get older and, in some cases, can press on the tube carrying urine from the bladder and cause urinary problems. As the prostate enlarges, it may squeeze the urethra, or even partially block it, causing BPH.

6 symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

The prostate gland enlarges with BPH. When enlarged, it can irritate or press on the bladder and urethra. One of the most common symptoms of BPH is the need to urinate often. This can be as regular as every one to two hours – even at night.

Other symptoms may include:

1. Feeling that your bladder is still full, even after urinating.
2. Feeling the urgency to urinate and that you might not make it to the bathroom in time.
3. A weak or slow urine flow.
4. A urine stream that stops and starts.
5. Difficulty in starting to urinate.
6. Straining while urinating.

These symptoms are termed Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS).

What causes Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?

The exact causes of an enlarged prostate are unclear, but some experts believe it may be due to changes in the balance of sex hormones as men age and, in particular, the primary male sex hormone testosterone. What is clear, however, is that there are two conditions necessary for the development of BPH; aging and the presence of testes.

Normally, the prostate gland is approximately the size of a walnut. As men age, and under the influence of male hormones, the prostate can grow to many times its normal size. In some men, it may become as large as a grapefruit.

An enlarging prostate and the development of LUTS (lower urinary tract symptoms) are an unfortunate consequence of aging. The prostate gland grows with men as they age, although the reason for this is not well understood.

Throughout life, men produce testosterone and a small amount of estrogen (the primary female sex hormone). As men age, the amount of active testosterone in their blood decreases, leaving a higher proportion of estrogen.

Some scientific studies suggest that prostate enlargement occurs because the increased proportion of estrogen within the prostate gland actively stimulates the cells within the prostate to grow.

Who is at risk of developing Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?

An enlarged prostate and the development of LUTS are age dependent. BPH isn’t usually seen in men under the age of 40. However, autopsy studies have demonstrated that up to 80% of 80-year-old men will have evidence of BPH. Approximately 40% of those same men will demonstrate an enlarged prostate on physical examination; however, only 25-30% of 80-year-old men will have symptomatic BPH and pursue treatment.

Another risk factor for prostate enlargement is family history. If a close relative – such as your father or brother – has suffered, or is suffering, from an enlarged prostate it means you are more likely to suffer from the same condition.

Also, if you suffer from diabetes or heart disease, or use beta-blockers, this may increase the risk of you developing an enlarged prostate. Lifestyle factors can also increase the risk of developing an enlarged prostate. If you are overweight or obese and do not regularly exercise, there is an increased risk of developing an enlarged prostate.

How is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) diagnosed?

Men who have an enlarged prostate may be symptom-free at first. However, your medical professional will provide an accurate diagnosis and may refer you to an urologist for confirmation.

11 things you can do at home to alleviate the symptoms of BPH

1. Try the double-voiding technique. This is when you urinate as much as possible, relax for a few minutes and then urinate again.
2. Try to relax before you urinate. When you worry about your symptoms, you can subconsciously make them worse.
3. Take your time when urinating.
4. Turn on a tap. The sound of running water may help you to start urinating.
5. Don’t try to avoid urinating by limiting your fluid intake. If you do, you could become dehydrated, which could lead to other problems.
6. If you find you need to get up to urinate several times during the night, make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day, but limit your intake during the evening and at night.
7. Make sure you empty your bladder before going to bed.
8. Limit your intake of caffeine, which is commonly found in tea, coffee and in some soft drinks. These drinks can make you visit the bathroom more often because they are believed to be diuretics (they cause fluid loss).
9. Your best friend is water. Drink it regularly during the day.
10. If possible, avoid non-prescription antihistamines, decongestants and nasal sprays. These can worsen the symptoms of BPH, make it harder to urinate and may cause urinary retention.
11. Kegel, or pelvic-strengthening exercises, can help ease the discomfort of an enlarged prostate.

When should I consult with my medical practitioner?

It is wise to consult your doctor if you notice any urination-related symptoms. He or she may recommend a ‘watch and wait’ approach if your symptoms are slight or moderate. If you notice blood in your urine, you should consult your health professional without delay.

How is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) treated?

Treatment of BPH will depend upon the severity of your symptoms and the diagnosis of your doctor. He or she may prescribe medications to help to relieve moderate to severe urinary problems caused by BPH.

If you have urination problems caused by BPH and they are mild to moderate and do not bother you, then home treatment may be enough to help keep them from interfering with your day to day activities. Your medical practitioner may want to see you regularly to check on the progress of symptoms and may recommend a ‘watch and wait’ approach.

In this case, you may choose to consider using a natural supplement such as Prostate PowerFlow.

How Prostate PowerFlow helps support prostate health

When taken daily, Prostate PowerFlow’s formulation works to support prostate health. It contains the following four key active ingredients:

• Saw Palmetto. Saw Palmetto is commonly used in Europe and the U.S as a treatment for an enlarged prostate. Some small studies have shown Saw Palmetto might help with BPH symptoms in several ways. These include:
  • You may need to get up less often at night to urinate.
  • It can improve your flow when you go.
  • It can ease painful urination.
• Lycopene. Tomato-derived lycopene supports a healthy prostate and has been shown to reduce the risk of certain cancers. It can help stop the enlargement of the prostate and prevent this condition from progressing to prostate cancer.
• Selenium. Selenium provides antioxidant protection. Prostate PowerFlow provides up to 50 percent of the Selenium RDA to support men’s prostate health in New Zealand (RDA varies in different countries).
• Zinc is necessary for the manufacture of testosterone, which is the key male hormone for potency and fertility. Low zinc levels may contribute to low sperm count and low libido.

Good prostate health is a key for men coping with the inevitable hormonal changes that accompany aging. Prostate PowerFlow with Saw Palmetto, Zinc, Lycopene and Selenium may help alleviate the natural side effects of growing older.

To support your prostate health, it is suggested that you take two capsules of PowerFlow daily; one in the morning and one in the evening with food.

Prostate PowerFlow is 100% natural and free of unpleasant side effects. It is made in New Zealand to the highest standards, with thorough testing and guarantees of no adulteration or undeclared ingredients.

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Disclaimer. This information is provided for general informational purposes only and does not substitute for the advice provided by your medical professional. Always seek specific medical advice for treatment appropriate to you. Individual results may vary and are not guaranteed.