Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-malignant enlargement of the prostate gland. Half of all 50-year-old men have BPH symptoms, and the prevalence of the condition increases with advancing age. The sign of a man having BPH has the need to urinate more often, especially at night, and the experience of less force while urinating, often dribbling. If the prostate enlarges too much, urination is difficult or impossible, and the risk of urinary tract infection and kidney damage increases. A doctor can usually detect an enlarged prostate during a rectal exam. This condition is a constant worry for its sufferers, with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia symptoms keeping people up at night, and potential BPH treatment causing worry throughout the day.

You can prevent the early onset of BPH by maintaining the healthy physical condition of a younger man. More physically active men have a lower frequency of symptoms related to BPH. In a preliminary study, physical activity was associated with a decrease in occurrence and symptoms of BPH. Walking, the most prevalent activity among men in this study, was related to a decreased risk of BPH. Men who exercised by walking two to three hours per week had a 25% lower risk of BPH compared with men who didn't use walking for exercise. Prevention of BPH is up to you and your motivation.

Treatments of this annoying problem range from the old wives tales to the high of medical sophistication. While prevention of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia is preferable to treatment of BPH, sometimes the condition becomes so bad that severe methods have to be taken to reduce the size of the prostate, i.e. Surgery.

However, in many parts of Europe, herbal supplements are considered standard medical treatment for BPH. Although herbs for BPH are available without prescription, men wishing to take them should be monitored by a physician. The fat-soluble extract of the saw palmetto berry has become the leading natural treatment for BPH. This extract, when used regularly, has been shown to help keep symptoms in check.