Benign prostatic hyperplasia

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) — also called prostate gland enlargement — is a common condition as men get older. An enlarged prostate gland can cause uncomfortable urinary symptoms, such as blocking the flow of urine out of the bladder. It can also cause bladder, urinary tract or kidney problems.

There are several effective treatments for prostate gland enlargement, including medications, minimally invasive therapies and surgery. To choose the best option, you and your doctor will consider your symptoms, the size of your prostate, other health conditions you might have and your preferences.

Causes of Benign prostatic hyperplasia:

The causes of BPH are not well-understood. Some researchers believe that factors related to aging and the testicles may cause BPH. This is because BPH does not develop in men whose testicles were removed before puberty.

Throughout their lives, men produce both testosterone, a male hormone, and small amounts of estrogen, a female hormone. As men age, the amount of active testosterone in the blood lowers, leaving a higher share of estrogen. Studies have suggested that BPH may happen because the higher share of estrogen in the prostate adds to the activity of substances that start prostate cells to grow.

Another theory points to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a male hormone that plays a role in prostate development and growth. Some research has shown that, even when testosterone levels in the blood start to fall, high levels of DHT still build up in the prostate. This may push prostate cells to continue to grow. Scientists have noted that men who do not produce DHT do not develop BPH.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia

Risk factors for prostate gland enlargement include:

Aging. Prostate gland enlargement rarely causes signs and symptoms in men younger than age 40. About one-third of men experience moderate to severe symptoms by age 50, and about half do so by age 80.

Family history. Having a blood relative, such as a father or a brother, with prostate problems means you're more likely to have problems.

Diabetes and heart disease. Studies show that diabetes, as well as heart disease and use of beta blockers, might increase the risk of BPH.

Lifestyle. Obesity increases the risk of BPH, while exercise can lower your risk.

Symptoms of Benign prostatic hyperplasia:

• Frequent or urgent need to urinate
• Increased frequency of urination at night (nocturia)
• Difficulty starting urination
• Weak urine stream or a stream that stops and starts
• Dribbling at the end of urination
• Inability to completely empty the bladder

Less common signs and symptoms include:

• Urinary tract infection
• Inability to urinate
• Blood in the urine

Complications:

Sudden inability to urinate (urinary retention). You might need to have a tube (catheter) inserted into your bladder to drain the urine. Some men with an enlarged prostate need surgery to relieve urinary retention.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs). Inability to fully empty the bladder can increase the risk of infection in your urinary tract. If UTIs occur frequently, you might need surgery to remove part of the prostate.

Bladder stones. These are generally caused by an inability to completely empty the bladder. Bladder stones can cause infection, bladder irritation, blood in the urine and obstruction of urine flow.

Bladder damage. A bladder that hasn't emptied completely can stretch and weaken over time. As a result, the muscular wall of the bladder no longer contracts properly, making it harder to fully empty your bladder.

Kidney damage. Pressure in the bladder from urinary retention can directly damage the kidneys or allow bladder infections to reach the kidneys.

BPH diagnosis:

The physical exam includes a rectal examination that allows the doctor to estimate the size and shape of your prostate. Other tests can include:

1. Urinalysis: Your urine is checked for blood and bacteria.
2. Ultrasound of the prostate
3. Prostatic biopsy: A small amount of prostate tissue is removed and examined for abnormalities.
4. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test: This blood test checks for cancer of the prostate.

Homeopathic Medicines for Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH)

1. Sabal Serrulata – Top Grade Medicine for BPH

2. Conium Maculatum – For Interrupted Urine Flow in BPH

3. Cantharis Vesicatoria  – For Burning Pain while Passing Urine

4. Lycopodium Clavatum – For Frequent Urination at Night

5. Baryta Carb – For Dribbling Urine

6. Chimaphila Umbellata – When there is Difficulty in Initiating Urine

7. Thuja Occidentalis – For Urgency to Urinate

8. Agnus Castus – For Sexual Complaints in BPH