Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Causes and Treatment

Causes of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Enlargement of the prostate gland is known as benign prostatic hyperplasia. The prostate gland is present in males and is located beneath the bladder. It is used to secrete the fluid in which the sperm travels from the testicles when ejaculation occurs. This gland first grows rapidly during the adolescent years and then at around the age of fifty years. Benign prostatic hyperplasia commonly occurs in males over the age of fifty. This condition occurs because the older cells do not die and the new cells keep growing. This leads to a build-up of cells which causes the prostate to thicken. This can also cause the urethra to become narrow, thereby resulting in problems during urination. The enlarged prostate squeezes the urethra and as such the bladder may not be able empty completely. In rare cases, this can result in urinary tract infections or cause bladder and kidney damage. Acute urinary retention may also occur, in which medical assistance is immediately required.

The cause of benign prostatic hyperplasia is not fully certain but it is thought to result as part of the natural ageing process. It is also thought to arise from an increase in estrogen levels in the body. This occurs as once a man ages, the testosterone levels decrease, thereby leaving a greater quantity of estrogen in the gland. The estrogen is believed to promote cell growth which causes an accumulation of cells. It could also be that as testosterone levels drop in older men, the concentration of dihydrotestosterone increases. This is thought to encourage new cell growth, which is what may lead to benign prostatic hyperplasia. The symptoms of this condition may include difficulty in initiating urination, interrupted urine stream, leaking or urine and presence of blood in the urine.

Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

It is recommended that those suffering prostate problems must take flaxseed oil daily. A tea made by boiling corn husks for half an hour is also believed to be effective in easing this condition. One can also prepare a mixture of a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and a few drops of honey. Dilute the mixture with a little bit of water and take thrice a day. Pumpkin seeds are also effective in reducing the time between urination and will also reduce urgency to urinate during the night. Green cabbage stew can also be consumed for relief from discomfort during urination. It is also advisable to urinate while sitting instead of standing, as this will allow more efficient emptying of the bladder.