The male reproductive gland is referred to as the prostate. Prostate enlargement usually occurs in men as they advance in age. The swelling of the gland may exert pressure on the urethra and bladder and urination problems may occur as a result. Enlarged prostate is also referred to as prostatic hyperplasia. The prostate increases in size due to an increase in the cells. When the enlargement occurs, there is a pressure on the urethra. This may cause problems in emptying of the bladder.
Prostate enlargement may also result in blockages and this could give rise to recurrent urinary tract infections and also damage to the kidney and bladder. It does not constitute a type of cancer and also does not increase an individual's risk of developing cancer. The exact cause of prostate enlargement is unknown. There are many factors that may be linked to this condition such as ageing. The risk of developing an enlarged prostate is known to increase with age. The condition may give rise to various symptoms such as incontinence, urinary retention, pain during urination, bloody urine and incomplete emptying of the bladder. In case there are more severe symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, fever and chills, it is important to consult a doctor immediately. Men above 50 years of age should undergo annual prostate examinations even if there are no symptoms.
Once an enlarged prostate has been diagnosed, the doctor may or may not prescribe immediate treatment. If the symptoms are mild, then yearly monitoring is advised to ensure that complications do not occur. In case of severe symptoms, medical treatment may be required. In some cases, surgery may also become necessary. The treatment options for enlarged prostate depend upon the severity of the symptoms. Medications such as alpha-blockers help to relax the prostate muscles and thus help to alleviate the symptoms. There are also medications which cause the gland to shrink. These are beneficial for individuals with moderate prostate enlargement.
There are also various precautions and self-care measures that can be taken to prevent aggravation or complication of the condition. Studies have shown that men with a high level of physical activity and no abdominal fat faced a lower risk of prostate enlargement. Regular exercise is vital for keeping the body in a healthy condition. The diet also plays an important role. Men who follow a low fat diet are likely to face a reduced risk of this problem. Vitamin C is known to play an important role in preventing prostate enlargement. Vegetables rich in vitamin C, such as broccoli, bell peppers, kale and tomato should be incorporated into the diet. Zinc is also known to be beneficial and foods rich in zinc such as oysters, beef, lamb and baked beans may be consumed to lower one's risk of an enlarged prostate. It is also important to restrict the consumption of foods high in fat. There is some evidence that prolactin levels may elevate with beer intake and this in turn can lead to an enlarged prostate. Therefore alcohol intake must be closely monitored. It is also essential to drink plenty of water every day.
Certain natural and herbal remedies are known to be beneficial for men with prostate enlargement. However it is advisable to consult a doctor before using any of these remedies. Grass pollen is believed to help in reducing the urgency to urinate, which is a common symptom of prostate enlargement. Stinging nettle is also known to help in treating this condition as it restricts the binding action of DHT to the cytosolic receptors in the body. The hormone, DHT, is associated with increase in the number of prostate cells.
Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.