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FAQs On Prostate Treatment
A very large proportion of men over the age of sixty suffer from BPH (enlarged prostate gland)- about one in two. The figures for the over 50s is about 33%. Normally the gland is no larger than a walnut and is sitated at the neck of the bladder. When it enlarges, the pressure it puts on the uretra (the tube which drains the urine from the bladder) is such that the tube is narrowed and urination becomes difficult.
A very large proportion of men over the age of sixty suffer from BPH (enlarged prostate gland)- about one in two. The figures for the over 50s is about 33%. Normally the gland is no larger than a walnut and is sitated at the neck of the bladder. When it enlarges, the pressure it puts on the uretra (the tube which drains the urine from the bladder) is such that the tube is narrowed and urination becomes difficult.
Because the enlarged prostate acts like a clamp on the urethra, difficulty in urinating is the main symptom together with increased frequency, burning sensation and difficulty in emptying the bladder. The condition is also known in medical circles as BPH which is an acronymn for benign prostatic hyperplasia.
In order to rule out cancer of the prostate, you will have to have a few blood tests- especially the PSA which will indicate whether there is any anti-tumoral activity in the gland. Smetimes the doctor will request a more accurate test which is called the free PSA. A scan sometimes is recommended.
Second fact to be aware of is the rectal examination which is called the DRE which stands for digital rectal examination. While doing this, the doctor can feel the back of the gland against the rectal wall and can tell if it is much larger than normal or if it is smooth - this is normally a good sign.
Thirdly, is surgery always necessary? No. What treatment you can have will be determined by various factors such as your age, size of the prostate and general medical condition. Surgery can result in impotence and incontinence although there are many surgical procedures which preserve the nerve tissues, thereby reducing this risk.
’Watchful waiting’ is the policy adopted by many doctors and urologists as medication with regular tests can keep the situation under control for many years. Medication consists of alpha blockers (such as Flomax and Cardura) which help the muscles relax around the neck of the bladder thus facilitating urination. Other drugs are used to actually reduce the size of the gland (Proscar).
In fifth place, a change in diet, if the condition is mild or moderate, is recommended.. So a low-fat diet, with lots of fibre from fruit and vegetables, tomatoes and soya and a reduced intake of coffee and alcohol can help. Some herbal remedies and supplements are also possible- the best known ones to be effective are :- saw palmetto, zinc, pumpkin seeds, beta sitosterol and selenium.
The doctor will make the final decision but at least you will know what to opt for and make an informed decision. Thankfully surgery is not often necessary and the policy of watchful waiting has been successful. Herbal supplements may well be taken to complement or even as a alternative to conventional medication.