Introduction
 The prostate is a single, doughnut-shaped gland about the size of a walnut that lies below the bladder and surrounds the urethra. The prostate secretes a thin, milky, alkaline fluid that increases sperm motility and lubricates the urethra to prevent infection. Prostate secretions are extremely important to successful fertilization of the egg.
Benign (nonmalignant) enlargement of the prostate gland is known medically as benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH for short. Because an enlarged prostate can pinch off the flow of urine, BPH is characterized by symptoms of bladder obstruction, such as increased urinary frequency, nighttime awakening to empty the bladder, and reduced force and caliber (speed of flow) of urination.
BPH is an extremely common condition. Current estimates are that it affects over fifty percent of men during their lifetime. The actual frequency increases with advancing age, from approximately five to ten percent at age thirty to over ninety percent in men over eighty-five years of age.
Reasons for the Development of BPH
BPH is basically the result of (1) degeneration, especially hormonal changes associated with aging. It is clearly dependent on the actions of male hormones (androgens) within the prostate gland. These changes within the prostate reflect the many significant changes in both male (androgen), female (estrogen), and pituitary hormone levels in aging men. Levels of the main male sex hormone testosterone (T) decreases with advancing age. (2) Toxicity, especially free radicals, increases as people age; free radicals can cause many damages to our body, BPH is only one of them.
Therapeutic Considerations
If left untreated, BPH will eventually obstruct the bladder outlet, resulting in the retention of urine and eventually kidney damage. As this situation is potentially life-threatening, proper treatment involved a procedure known as a TURP (trans-urethral resection of the prostate). Because this surgery is associated with a high death rate and will often make matters worse, it should be avoided unless there are no viable alternatives.
More Medical Facts to Know
-Paramount to an effective BPH treatment plan is adequate zinc intake and absorption.
-Cholesterol damaged by free radicals is particularly toxic and carcinogenic to the prostate.
-Increased consumption of soy and soy foods is associated with a decrease in the risk of getting prostate cancer and may help in treating BPH.
-In Europe, plant-based medicines are the most popular prescriptions for BPH.
-Saw palmetto extract and other herbal approaches to BPH are most effective in mild to moderate cases.
-Roughly ninety percent of men with mild-to-moderate BPH experience some improvement in symptoms during the first
four to six weeks after beginning to take saw palmetto extract.
-Severe BPH, resulting in significant acute urinary retention, may require catheterization for relief; a sufficiently advanced case may not respond to therapy rapidly enough and may require the short-term use of an alpha-1-antagonist drug (e.g., Hytrin or Cordura) or surgical intervention.
Dietary Factors
Diet appears to play a critical role in the health of the prostate gland. It is particularly important to avoid pesticides, increase intake of zinc and essential fatty acids such as omega-3, and keep cholesterol levels below 200 mg/dl.
Clinic Applications
Treatment for BPH:
1) Acupuncture
2) Herbs: prostate formula (saw palmetto extract and other herbs)
3) Supplements: mainly antioxidants, to remove free radicals from the body.
Success Story
Mr. S (55 year-old) began to have problems with urination five years ago. His surgeon diagnosed him with BPH and recommended him for a surgery, but Mr. S refused. For the next five years, Mr. S had a difficult time urinating. Finally he came to our clinic and was treated using the above method. After the first three treatments his condition was much improved. After a total of ten treatments he was released with completely normal urination.
Most of our patients believe that acupuncture plays an important role itself, however, clinic experience showed that the comprehensive procedure is the best choice. |
