Treatments for Enlarged Prostate

The prostate is a gland associated with the human reproductive system, and is primarily seen as a male gland. However, in recent times, what used to be called “Skene’s gland” in women is more often called a prostate gland, because its structure and functions are very similar to those of the male prostate gland. The function of the prostate is to secrete an alkaline fluid that mixes with spermatozoa and seminal vesicle fluid to form semen. In women, the function of the gland is not understood as well, but it seems to produce a lubricating fluid and may also be the source of female ejaculations.

Enlargement of the prostate, however, seems to be a condition that affects only men. Normally, the gland is approximately the size of a walnut; sometimes however, it can get considerably larger, to the point where it interferes with urination. Because the prostate gland surrounds the urethra, a swelling of the prostrate means that the urethra is constricted. The person may find it difficult to start urinating, may stop urinating without really feeling that he has “finished”, may need to urinate with great frequency, and may dribble urine. In more severe cases, there may be a burning sensation or pain during urination, and it may be nearly impossible to pass urine at all.

Strictly speaking, home remedies for prostate enlargement do not exist – some herbal and other cures are recommended, but there is no evidence to prove that they work. There are however many simple lifestyle measures that can ameliorate the problem to a considerable extent. These mainly consist of changes relating to your urinary habits and schedule. First of all, it is important to avoid aggravating the problem by consuming substances such as caffeine and alcohol. Keep an eye out for anything else that irritates your bladder or causes excessive urination, and keep away from it. In case you are on diuretics for some reason, ask your doctor about changing your dosage or your treatment schedule. Speaking of drugs that affect urination, antihistamines and decongestants are known to make urination difficult, and should be avoided, after consulting your doctor of course, if the medication has been prescribed.

While it is important to urinate whenever you feel like, so as to prevent damage to your bladder, it may also help to retrain your bladder by setting up a schedule for urination. Begin with intervals that are short and comfortable, and gradually, over several months, increase the intervals to at least three or four hours.