Vitamin D May Prevent Prostate Cancer

May 20, 2008 – 4:52 pm

UPI released an article on May 15, 2008 in which results from a recent study done at the University of Rochester Medical Center in which research leader Yi-Fen Lee states that not only can vitamin D be used as a therapy for prostate cancer, it is also a cancer preventative.

It is recommended that senior citizens and people in general who live in a geographical areas that do not get a lot of natural sunshine regularly take a vitamin D supplement. In this particular study, the most potent form of vitamin D or 1,25-hydroxylvitamin D3, was used and is recommended.

This study conducted at the University of Rochester Medical Center found vitamin D links with the gene G6PD increasing its activity and the production of the enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase.

Basically, this study found that increased activity of the enzyme clears cells of reactive oxygen species — the so-called free radicals. Free radicals cause acceleration in the aging process and causing cancer and vitamin D is known to halt the progression of such.

It has always been my personal opinion that a little bit of sunshine every day is very good for the human body. When I was younger, especially in the winter time, but when I felt a cold coming on, or was recovering from the flu, I always felt much better after sitting in sunshine. Not necessarily the heat, but sunshine. I seemed to heal much faster that way.

Now 30 years later, I’m finding medical research that proves what my natural instincts have told me when I was a younger girl. And, my granma used to tell me that sunshine will make you happy and getting a little dirt in your craw made you healthy! She was right! So get out in that sunshine and play!!!!

It is nice that medical science is finding more evidence every day that what nature has provided us can and will heal and cure us! A little prevention certainly goes a long way.

As always til next time….!

Prostate Princess

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Overuse of Antibiotics in Treatment of Prostatitis

May 19, 2008 – 2:15 pm

In an article published May 14, 2008 on www.UroToday.com from the Center for Chronic Disease outcomes Research, Veterans Affairs medical Center, Minneapolis, MN wherein they explore the amount of antibiotics prescribed for men with Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS).

The annual prevalence of chronic pelvic pain syndrome was 0.5%. Prescriptions for fluoroquinolone antibiotics were filled in 49% of men with a diagnosis of chronic pelvic pain syndrome compared with 5% in men without chronic pelvic pain syndrome. Men with chronic pelvic pain syndrome were more than 7 times more likely to receive a fluoroquinolone prescription independently of age, race/ethnicity, and comorbid conditions. Increased use of other antibiotics also was observed. High use was similar in men with either infectious/acute prostatitis or chronic pelvic pain syndrome.

Despite evidence that antibiotics are not effective in the majority of men with chronic pelvic pain syndrome, they were prescribed in 69% of men with this diagnosis. Some increased use is probably due to uncontrolled confounding by comorbid conditions or inaccurate diagnostic coding. However, a 7-fold higher rate of fluoroquinolone usage suggests that strategies to reduce unnecessary antibiotic use in men with prostatitis are warranted.

Once again, this highlights overuse of antibiotics in treating patients with no positive indication of bacterial infection or inflammation.

To me this shows how little primary care providers and urologists in general actually are aware of other causes of this disorder and continue to rely on outdated information to provide adequate advice or treatment to their patients.

Just something to think about until next time….

Prostate Princess

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Prostatitis – Do We Really Know the Underlying Cause?

May 15, 2008 – 4:11 pm

Prostatitis

I read this article today on the UroToday website:

Wednesday, 07 May 2008

Department of Urology and Centre for Research and Development, Kärnsjukhuset, Skövde, Sweden.

Chronic abacterial prostatitis (or prostatitis Category III according to the National Institutes of Health terminology) is subject to re-evaluation. Organizations such as the International Continence Society, the International Association for the Study of Pain and the European Association of Urology have been involved in a continuous endeavour to design a more accurate taxonomy system. The term prostate pain syndrome (PPS), as a subcategory of chronic pelvic pain syndromes, has recently been suggested as the most relevant. This condition is common, very bothersome and enigmatic. Symptoms are usually prolonged and, generally speaking, treatment results are unsatisfactory. During the last decade, research has focused on the distress caused by the condition, but although our knowledge has certainly increased there have been no real breakthroughs; controversies and many unanswered questions remain. Examples of pertinent issues are as follows: the criteria that need to be fulfilled for a diagnosis; the significance or lack of significance of leucocytes in expressed prostatic secretion; and the association between erectile dysfunction and PPS. The fundamental question remains: is the prostate really involved in the majority of men with PPS? This article focuses on some of the controversies.

Written by
Hedelin H, Fall M.

Reference
Scand J Urol Nephrol. 2008;42(3):198-204.

PubMed Abstract
PMID:18432526

UroToday.com Prostatitis Section

To address the statement above that

“During the last decade, research has focused on the distress caused by the condition, but although our knowledge has certainly increased there have been no real breakthroughs; controversies and many unanswered questions remain.”

I have included an article taken from www.prostatitis.org’s website in which they address prostatitis as a tension disorder and after ruling out all other possible causes of prostatitis, I believe the condition does come down to a tension disorder and should be looked at as such.

The article from www.prostatitis.org:

The New Theory That Prostatitis is a Tension Disorder:

Anyone With Prostatitis Should Be Aware Of The Disagreement Among Professionals About the Cause of Prostatitis
Anyone with prostatitis should be aware of the disagreement among professionals about the cause of prostatitis. This is especially true if he currently has pain or discomfort:
  • in the penis
  • in the testicles
  • above the pubic bone
  • in the low back, down the leg, in the groin or perineum
  • during or after ejaculation
  • while sitting
This condition often involves:
  • having a sense that there is a golf ball in the rectum that can’t be dislodged
  • urinary frequency and urgency
  • dysuria or burning during or after urination
  • a need to urinate even after one has just urinated
  • some sense of pelvic discomfort
  • no evidence of infection in the urine or prostatic fluid
  • no evidence of disease in the prostate or elsewhere in the pelvic floor
The reason that understanding this lack of agreement about the cause of prostatitis is important, especially for sufferers of the problem, is that the definition of a problem determines what you do about it. If you have chest pain caused by indigestion, you don’t elect to have open heart surgery to correct the pain. Indigestion tells you what to do about your chest pain..
Similarly, if prostatitis is caused by chronic tension in the pelvic muscles where there is no evidence of infection, you might take pause before you elect to have your prostate removed or take another course of antibiotics or have your prostate gland painfully squeezed and massaged.
There is a genuine controversy about what prostatitis is among urologists and professionals treating this problem. There are three basic views outlined below:
  • Prostatitis is a condition caused by chronic squeezing of the pelvic muscles that, after a while, causes a self perpetuating and chronic irritation of the contents of the pelvic floor, including irritation of the nerves and other delicate structures involved in urination, ejaculation and defecation.
  • Prostatitis is caused by a bacteria or unknown microorganism in the prostate gland.
  • Prostatitis is an autoimmune problem.
The majority of urologists tend to propound the second and third theories. Because of this, their treatments tend to focus on the use of antibiotics or pain medications. Sometimes urologists will tell their patients that there may be a microbe responsible for the problem that still has not been identified..
Below I want to discuss the first that prostatitis as a condition of chronic tension in the pelvic floor. In this view, everyone deals with the stresses of life by focusing their tensions in different parts of the body. For instance some people tense in their necks and heads and get headaches. Some tense in their gastrointestinal tracts and get irritable bowel syndrome or constipation. Some clench their jaws and get a condition called TMJ syndrome. Some subset of these people develop pain and dysfunction in their heads, gastrointestinal tracts, jaws etc. as a result of this chronic focus of tension.
Similarly, prostatitis as a tension disorder sees abacterial prostatitis/prostatodynia essentially as a ‘headache in the pelvis” or “TMJ of the pelvis”. In this view it is a condition usually manifesting itself after years of tensing the pelvic muscles. It usually tends to occurs in men who hold their tension and aggression inside. They squeeze themselves rather than lashing out at others. Often they have work in which they sit for long periods of time and the only way they have found to express their frustration is to tense their pelvic muscles. This tension has become a habit with them. Often they do not know they tense themselves in the pelvic floor.
If in fact abacterial prostatitis/prostatodynia (which happens to make up about 95% of all cases of chronic prostatitis) is a condition of chronic tension in the pelvic floor, one would have to question whether drugs or surgery are a correct treatment. In fact there is no effective drug regimen or surgical procedure for this condition although at Stanford we have had men consult with us who, in moments of desperation, have had their prostates resectioned or removed and who have taken heroic doses of antibiotics and other drugs. None of these treatments have helped them. Not infrequently, these treatments have made the problem worse or created other problems.
In a pilot study, men with abacterial prostatitis/prostatodynia, often are often found to have trigger points or “knots” of contracted muscle fiber that are very painful when pressed and refer pain to different places in the pelvic floor. Not infrequently, men will report that pressing on these trigger points recreates the pain that they usually have. From the view of prostatitis as a tension disorder, trigger points and tender points in the pelvic floor come about because of chronically contracted muscles there. To deactivate the trigger points is a method borrowed from physical therapy called “myofascial release” or “soft tissue mobilization”. This is done inside the pelvis where the therapist pushes against the trigger points, stretching the tender contracted tissue.
After a number of sessions there is often a significant reduction of symptoms. Frequently, with an extensive course of these treatments, symptoms tend to continue to diminish or disappear but only if the patient learns to stop chronically tensing the pelvic muscles.
Learning to profoundly relax the pelvic muscles is not an easy thing. Chronic pelvic tension has usually been a long standing habit for many men who have pelvic pain. Learning to relax the pelvic muscles requires a major commitment of time. It involves learning a relaxation method we have developed aimed at stopping this chronic squeezing of the pelvic floor muscles.
Seen this way, prostatitis is a secret language that the body is using to tell the man that he needs to handle his stress in his life differently. In offering a treatment based on the view that abacterial prostatitis is a tension disorder, there has been a difficulty with reimbursement from insurance companies. This makes it very difficult for a patient to follow a minimal protocol of intrapelvic myofascial release and progressive relaxation of the pelvic floor.
Because we who see prostatitis from this viewpoint want to get patients off of drugs, we get no financial support for research from drug companies who are often the major source of research funding. Furthermore, because no surgery is involved and urologists are not extensively trained in looking at conditions which result from the direct interaction between mind and body, there has not been much interest in learning and using this treatment among our colleagues in urology.
I hope that this discussion is useful to the many men who suffer from prostatitis and offers the hope we see in its treatment.
David Wise, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychologist
Visiting Scholar
Stanford Healthcare Services

I realize this a rather long post, but I believe the information is compelling and interesting.  I hope you found it enlightening and I welcome any comments or discussion on this subject.

As always,

Prostate Princess

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New Prostate Imaging Machine has FDA Approval

May 6, 2008 – 6:28 pm

In a press release dated May 6, 2008 from the Sacramento Business Journal the following was announced:

“The ei•Nav/Artemis device, developed by Eigen Corp., allows doctors to see three-dimensional images of the prostate and helps them guide the needle when they take a biopsy. It also records the precise location so doctors can return to the site for follow-up evaluation.”

This new piece of diagnostic equipment is HUGE in the world of prostates! Prior to this new device being approved for use, prostate biopsy were performed “blind” meaning there hasn’t been a way to visually track where to actually withdraw the tissue sample or to accurately return to the biopsy site, should the results return positive.

Hopefully, this will accomplish a couple of things, first, is a reduction in the ‘false positives’ that current biopsies are giving and second, is a big reduction in unnecessary costs to our health care systems. But mostly, I think it’s wonderful that more accurate biopsies can be performed for men who have other risk factors indicative of biopsy.

Karen

Prostate Princess

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Minimally-Invasive Procedures for Enlarged Prostate or BPH

May 4, 2008 – 2:18 pm

Today’s topic is about what mainstream, western medical practice calls “minimally-invasive” procedures. Hold on, cause this is gonna hurt….

Minimally-invasive Treatments

Catheterization – is used to temporarily drain the bladder of urine bringing immediate relief of urine retention. Prior to any other treatment, a catheter is placed through the penis and into the bladder. Catheters can be placed every six hours, a process known as clean intermittent catheterization; or left in place for one to three months, known as indwelling catheterization.

Holmium Laser Enucleation of Prostate (HoLEP) - After receiving anesthesia, the surgeon inserts an instrument called a resectoscope (an instrument consisting of a tubular fenestrated sheath with a sliding knife inside that is used for surgery within cavities such as the prostate through the urethra) through the penis into the urethra. A visual lens and laser are passed through the hollow center of the instrument. The prostate tissue is vaporized using the holium: YAG laser. There is minimal bleeding and recovery time is cut significantly.

Interstitial Laser Coagulation – Anesthesia is usually required for this procedure however; this is usually performed on an outpatient basis. The technology involves placing a cystoscope, an instrument equipped with a light for the visual examination of the urinary bladder and the passage of instruments for use under visual control. A laser is used to pierce through into the prostate; the laser energy burns the tissue. Complications and the need for further treatment have been minimal so far.

Prostatic Stent (stenting) – This procedure is used on patients who cannot tolerate anesthesia. This procedure involves placing a spring-like device inside the prostatic part of the urethra to hold it open. There are many different types of stents. This is best suited for patients who have many medical problems or who are at high-risk for surgery.

Serious complications include urinary incontinence, dislodgement of stent position, stone formation on the stent with blockage and difficulty removing the stent. Minor complications include urinary urgency and frequency, dribbling of urine, discomfort and light bleeding.

Transurethral Microwave Thermotherapy of the Prostate (TUMT) – This office-based outpatient procedure is performed with topical and oral pain medication and does not require anesthesia. Computer-regulated microwaves are sent through a catheter to heat portions of the prostate. A cooling system works simultaneously to protect the urinary tract during the procedure.

Traditionally, the best use for this procedure has been for patients who have too many medical problems for more invasive surgery or for patients who truly wish to avoid any type of anesthesia. Benefits associated with this procedure are no need for anesthesia and there is no blood loss or fluid absorption, which is good for heart patients.
Transurethral Radio Frequency Needle Ablation of the Prostate (TUNA) - This procedure requires anesthesia and medications to make the patient sleepy. The procedure involves heating tissue using radio frequency energy transmitted by needles inserted directly into the prostate. High frequency radio waves heat the prostate up to very high temperatures. The heated prostate tissue is destroyed. Initially swelling occurs, and then the tissue shrinks.

Most men require a catheter for a period of time after this procedure. Advantages of TUNA include the limited anesthesia requirement and the ability to perform the procedure on an out patient basis.

Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) – This is the most common surgical procedure in which the prostate’s innermost core is removed. This procedure is used to relieve urinary retention symptoms by eliminating pressure on the urethra, which is being pinched by the enlargement of the surrounding prostate.

TURP is performed under a spinal or general anesthesia. The urologist inserts an instrument with a wire-cutting loop into the urethra. No external incision is necessary. The doctor then cuts and removes pieces of prostate tissue. After TURP, a catheter is usually needed for one to three days. This procedure requires a stay in the hospital for one to three days.

Transurethral Incision of the Prostate (TUIP) – In this procedure, an instrument is passed through the urethra to make cuts in the prostate instead of removing prostate tissue. These cuts reduce prostate pressure on the urethra, making urination easier. This procedure requires a hospital stay of one to three days.

Open Prostatectomy – In cases where the prostate is particularly large, an open prostatectomy may be necessary. In this procedure, an incision is made in the skin of the lower abdomen so that the doctor can reach and remove the inner core of the prostate. Postoperative pain is mild to moderate. Patients usually stay in the hospital for several days and go home with a urinary catheter.

Isn’t that rather enlightening? I’m a woman and I’m feeling the pain…

The point of listing the various drugs and procedures that your typical urologist or general practitioner will choose from is to make sure, that you (hopefully currently not actively dealing with any prostate issues) are young enough in years to begin alternative methods of delaying the natural onset of age-related prostate issues.

As in all health matters, an ounce of prevention truly is worth a pound of cure, take the initiative, be proactive in your health care, not reactive. Don’t wait until you absolutely must use a minimally-invasive option in conjunction with proper supplementation.

Natural Supplements

In study after study, regardless of country of origination, the documented benefits of life-based beta-sitosterol supplements do reduce the urinary symptoms associated with enlarged prostate or BPH. It is also documented that life-based prostate supplements have no adverse side effects, especially with respect to sexual function and satisfaction.

Most of the men I know blow off their health until one of two things happen, your condition begins to impact your sex life and/or it hurts to pee. Until then, most of you won’t pay two seconds attention to what someone is trying to tell you to avoid just such an outcome.

In researching BPH symptoms, all of the treatment methods, images and all, I remarked to one of the men in the office. “Gee, isn’t this a pleasant thought, ignore your prostate health until you must undergo one of these treatments, in which incontinence and the inability to achieve or maintain an erection are the guaranteed results and what do you have? An otherwise healthy male running around in man-diapers either never being able to get a hard-on or not being able to keep or use it if he does.”

Something to think about while you’re procrastinating your health care options….guys if this applies to any of you and you have a partner in your life that is encouraging (ok let’s get it right, nagging) you to see the doctor, blah, blah….DO IT, this impacts them and their quality of life too!

However, the very next phone call you make, or get online, should be to locate a reputable natural supplement provider. When starting a supplement for your prostate that includes the beta-sitosterol components, not only do you begin the help your prostate function better, you also begin providing your cardio system with much needed supplementation. Beta-sitosterol also has documented proof of lowering bad cholesterol and raising good cholesterol, in addition, beta-sitosterol also helps your body regulate blood sugars, or helping to prevent diabetes. Just think, a trifecta of benefits of taking life-based beta-sitosterol, or prostate supplements.

By life-based supplements, I mean supplements that are 100% plant based, not synthetic compounds made in a laboratory. Hopefully, I’ve given you a few things to think about. Actually, if you are on line and already reading this, you are already seriously considering your options and I sincerely hope these posts provide useful and timely information to aid you in your search.

As always, I welcome your comments…..

Prostate Princess

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Enlarged Prostate’s (BPH) Standard Medical Treatments

May 2, 2008 – 6:15 pm

Standard Medical Treatments for the BPH

Once you know that you are dealing with BPH and not cancer, there are quite a few treatment options available to you. Anything from standard medical practices, that are reactive to the diagnosis, to alternative or integrative practices that actually aid in the prevention of BPH or delay the natural onset of symptoms due to the aging process

Listed below are summaries of the synthetic drugs routinely used in standard medical practice for symptoms of BPH:

Watchful waiting is the least invasive of the options available to men presenting mild symptoms of BPH and do not find them too bothersome. Watchful waiting avoids risks, adverse side effects, inconvenience, and costs of medical and surgical treatments.

It is during this time that most men look for alternative ways to handle their prostate issues; using supplements such as saw palmetto to treat their mild symptoms associated with BPH. Patients who choose natural supplements over prescription drugs do so to avoid the negative side effects of synthetic drugs.

Over the years, researchers have tried to find a way to shrink or at least stop the growth of the prostate without using surgery. The FDA has approved six drugs to relieve common symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate. Keep in mind these are synthetic substances created in laboratories and as such, have added health risks and side effects.

Alpha-blockers are drugs originally used in the treatment of blood pressure. These work by relaxing the smooth muscle of the prostate and bladder neck improving the flow of urine and reducing bladder outlet obstruction. While alpha-blockers may help relieve symptoms of BPH, they typically do not reduce the size of the prostate. The alpha-blockers commonly prescribed are:

• Tamsulosin – Flomax™
• Alfuzosin – Uroxatral™
• Terazosin – Hytrin™
• Doxazosin – Cardura™

Terazosin and Doxazosin were developed first to treat high blood pressure. Tamsulosin and Alfuzosin were developed specifically to treat BPH. These drugs work almost immediately. Side effects from these prescription drugs include headaches, dizziness, light-headedness, fatigue and difficulty breathing, erectile and ejaculation dysfunction.

5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors are a second type of medication that partially shrinks the enlarged prostate by lowering the level of the major male hormone, DHT inside the prostate.

Drugs such as finasteride (Proscar™) and dutasteride (Avodart™) can reduce symptoms in some, but not all men with BPH. 5-alpha reductase inhibitors are taken orally once a day. These drugs are approved by the FDA and work slowly, taking from six to 12 months before confirmation of their working for you. Regular visits to your doctor are needed to monitor the side effects that can include erectile dysfunction, decreased libido and reduced semen released during ejaculation.

However, these drugs may reduce the chance of developing acute retention, or not being able to urinate at all; as well as reducing the need for prostate surgery in the future. This preventative benefit is greater for men with a larger prostate, who are willing to live with the negative side effects and lesser quality of life.

A study conducted in 2002 in which flavonoids and botanical approaches for prostate health were studied. Conclusive evidence shows phytotherapies, particularly isoflavones-containing supplements (saw palmetto, Pygeum africanum, curbicin and isoflavones-containing supplements), are likely to have an important role in the management of patient symptoms in the watchful-waiting stage of BPH.

Synthetic Drugs vs. Prescription Phytoceuticals for Symptomatic BPH

In Europe in 80% of the men positively diagnosed with symptomatic BPH, the standardized phytoceutical compound, Permixon is prescribed. The reported instances of negative or adverse sexual side effects associated with Permixon are nonexistant.

To gain further insight into the reality of sexual side effects caused by synthetic prescription drugs and standardized phytoceutical compounds a study was conducted comparing the influence on sexuality of Permixon (a lipido-sterolic extract of Serena repens, saw palmetto) with Tamsulosin and Finasteride (Flomax and Proscar). To qualify for this study, a specific validated questionnaire exploring a patient’s sexual functions were used.

Two thousand five hundred eleven (2511) patients were randomized into three groups: Permixon vs. Finasteride (545), Permixon vs. Tamsulosin (354) and Permixon 160mg vs. 320 mg. (1612).

At three months, there were no statistically significant differences between the three treatment groups. At six months, when compared with pretreatment data, there was a slight increase in sexual disorders in the Tamsulosin and Finasteride treated patients, while the patients in the Permixon group reported slight improvements.

Ejaculation disorders were the most frequently reported side effects in the Tamsulosin and Finasteride groups. This study demonstrated Permixon therapy has no negative impact in male sexual function when compared to standard medicines Tamsulosin and Finasteride.

Since sexual performance and satisfaction are a major component in the quality of life for a man, more patients are opting for natural treatments of their BPH symptoms. Research shows that most men report an increase in their sexual quality of life when taking natural supplements or Permixon at 320mg per day.

These are very important issues to consider then choosing your treatment options for BPH, these choices also affect the patients’ partners as well.

My next post will address the “minimally-invasive” surgical treatments conventional medicine practices and how proper nutrition and supplements can help you avoid these tortures, just wait til you read about the procedures and possibly see images of the tools used and how they are applied…..OUCH!

Til then, all the best to you…Prostate Princess

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Prostate Health – BPH

May 1, 2008 – 5:57 pm

Today’s post is about the enlarged prostate, or BPH.

It is common for the prostate gland to become enlarged as a man ages. Doctors call this condition benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or benign prostatic hypertrophy.

As a man matures, the prostate goes through two main periods of growth. The first occurs early in puberty, when the prostate doubles in size. Then at around age 25, the gland begins to grow again. This second growth phase often results, years later, in BPH.

Though the prostate continues to grow during most of a man’s life, the enlargement doesn’t usually cause problems until much later. BPH rarely causes symptoms before age 40, in approximately 6% of men, but more than half of men in their sixties and as many as 90 percent in their seventies and eighties have some symptoms of BPH. There is one other study that claims more men aged 24-40 are being diagnosed with early on-set of prostate problems, most commonly, BPH.

So guys, pay attention!!

Why BPH Occurs

Throughout their lives, men produce testosterone, an important male hormone, and small amounts of estrogen, a female hormone. As men grow older, the amount of active testosterone in the blood decreases, leaving a higher proportion of estrogen. Studies done on animals have suggested that BPH may occur because the higher amount of estrogen within the gland increases the activity of substances that promote cell growth.

Another theory focuses on dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a substance derived from testosterone in the prostate, which may help control its growth. Most mammals lose their ability to produce DHT as they age. This accumulation of DHT may encourage the growth of cells. Scientists have also noted that men who do not produce DHT do not develop BPH.

The size of the prostate does not always determine how severe the obstruction or the symptoms will be. Some men with greatly enlarged glands have little obstruction and few symptoms while others, whose glands are less enlarged, have more blockage and greater problems.

Severe BPH can cause serious problems over time.

Urine retention and strain on the bladder can lead to urinary tract infections, bladder or kidney damage, bladder stones, and incontinence—the inability to control urination. If the bladder is permanently damaged, treatment for BPH may be ineffective. When BPH is found in its earlier stages, there is a lower risk of developing such complications.

BPH and Prostate cancer present the same symptoms, but are separate diseases.

While some men with prostate cancer also have BPH, that doesn’t mean the two conditions are always linked. The two conditions, while similar in symptoms are very dissimilar in actuality. Where BPH involves the gland itself, prostate cancer involves the outer skin or covering of the prostate gland. However, since the early symptoms for both conditions are the same, you should see a doctor to have your specific situation evaluated.

Supplementation to Help Urinary Symptoms of BPH


To help mitigate some of the urinary symptoms of BPH, men turn to natural supplements such as saw palmetto. Naturally occurring sources of beta-sitosterol include saw palmetto, stinging nettle root, African pygeum, pumpkin seed oil, selenium and vitamin E. These phytonutrients or supplements have proven through time and scientific study to not only ease the urinary symptoms of BPH, but also help with cardiovascular health as well as regulating blood sugars.In addition to the positive nutritional benefits of beta-sitosterols, controlled studies have shown nutritional supplements to increase the level of quality of life issues, particularly having no negative sexual side effects.

Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) – Is a palm-like plant native to the southeastern United States. The berries of the American saw palmetto plant can increase the flow of urine, reduce the inflammation of the prostate and relieve muscle spasms.

The berries from the saw palmetto were a staple food among Native Americans. Historical use of saw palmetto can be traced back to the Mayans who used it as a tonic; and to the Seminoles who took the berries as an expectorant, antiseptic, and also to treat digestive problems, intestinal disease and even to boost libido!

To lend further credibility to the documented use of saw palmetto, it was listed in the United States Pharmacopoeia from 1906 to 1917, and in the Natural Formulary from 1926 to 1950 as a remedy for bladder and urinary tract inflammation, breast disorders, bronchitis, laryngitis and BPH.

Saw palmetto has been used by millions of men to ease BPH symptoms and is often recommended as an alternative to the synthetic medicine finasteride. Saw palmetto’s active ingredients include fatty acids, plant sterols and flavonoids. The berries also contain high molecular weight polysaccharides, which are usually associated with either anti-inflammatory or immune-stimulant effects.

Numerous human trials have been conducted reporting saw palmetto improves symptoms of BPH, such as nighttime urination, urinary flow and overall quality of life. The effectiveness may be similar to the medication finasteride with fewer adverse side effects.

Stinging Nettle root (Urtica dioica) – Stinging nettle has a long history of use in medieval Europe. Diuretics and remedies for joint problems were made from stinging nettle. Stinging nettle has been used for hundreds of years to treat rheumatism, eczema, arthritis, gout and anemia. Today, many people use it to treat urinary problems during the early stages of BPH, urinary tract infections and kidney stones, to name a few.

Studies in people suggest the root of the stinging nettle, in combination with other herbs, especially saw palmetto, may be an effective treatment for BPH, relieving symptoms. Laboratory studies have shown stinging nettle to be comparable to finasteride in slowing the growth of certain prostate cells without the negative side effects.

Pygeum africanum (African plum) – Is a tall evergreen tree of the Rosaceae family found in central and southern Africa. Its bark has been ground into powder for tea to be consumed orally on a daily basis. Traditional African healers have used the bark to treat bladder and urination disorders, particularly symptoms associated with BPH.

The majority of clinical trials conducted since the 1970s report moderate improvement in urinary symptoms associated with BPH. This research has lent credibility to the common use of this agent in Europe for BPH. Pygeum may result in increased beneficial effects for the prostate if used in conjunction with saw palmetto and stinging nettle.

Pygeum has been observed to moderately improve urinary symptoms associated with enlargement of the prostate gland or prostate inflammation (BPH). Numerous human studies report pygeum to significantly reduce the number of nighttime urinary episodes, urinary hesitancy, urinary frequency, and pain with urination in men who experience mild-to-moderate symptoms.

Pumpkin Seed Oil (Cucurbit a Pepo Covariates Citrullinina) – Studies have shown pumpkin seed extract in combination with saw palmetto extract improves urinary flow and decreases the frequency of urination.

Pumpkin seed oil has been popular for years among natives of the Styrian region of Austria and those who live in the northern portion of Slovenia, Europe. The seeds from this pumpkin type contain vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, C, D, E and K, as well as many minerals including calcium and magnesium. The oil also contains over 60% of unsaturated fatty acid and is rich in vegetable protein. Recent medical research has also announced the health benefits provided by using pumpkin seed oil. These benefits include regulating cholesterol levels and aiding in the prevention and treatment of bladder and prostate problems.

Selenium – Selenium is a trace mineral found in soil, water and some foods. It is an essential element in several metabolic pathways. Selenium is found in Brazil nuts, whole grains sunflower seeds, seafood, poultry and lean meats.

Just think, this is only the beginning! I’ve learned so much researching the prostate and its issues I’m excited to be able to pass along this information to you. Until next time…

Ciao

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Prostate Information and Problems

April 30, 2008 – 6:10 pm

Hey guys! This is my first post, I would like to talk about what the prostate is, what the common diseases are and eventually the treatment options available for each condition.

What is the prostate?

The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that forms part of the male reproductive system. The gland is made of two lobes, or regions, enclosed by an outer layer of tissue. The prostate is located in front of the rectum and just below the bladder, where urine is stored. The prostate also surrounds the urethra, the canal through which urine passes out of the body.

While the prostate is essential to reproduction, it is not necessary for sexual activity. Scientists do not know all the prostate’s functions. One of its main roles, though, is to squeeze fluid into the urethra as sperm move through during sexual climax. This fluid, which helps make up semen, energizes the sperm and makes the vaginal canal less acidic.

There are three categories of common ailments associated with the prostate:

  1. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is an enlarged prostate
  2. Prostate cancer, a common cancer that responds best to treatment when detected early, and;
  3. Prostatitis, which is an infection and/or inflammation of the gland and categorized below:
    • Category I – Acute bacterial Prostatitis – an acute infection of the prostate gland,
    • Category II – Chronic bacterial Prostatitis – recurrent infection of the prostate gland,
    • Category III Chronic nonbacterial Prostatitis – also known as “chronic pelvic pain syndrome” or CPPS,
    • Category IIIa Inflammatory chronic pelvic pain syndrome – white blood cells in prostatic fluids,
    • Category IIIb Non-inflammatory chronic pelvic pain syndrome – no white blood cells in prostatic fluids, and
    • Category IV Asymptomatic inflammatory Prostatitis – No symptoms but inflammation seen on biopsy or white blood cells seen in prostate fluids.

The onset of prostate symptoms include:

  • A frequent and urgent need to urinate, especially during the night,
  • Trouble starting a urine stream. You may feel the need to rush to the bathroom only to find it difficult to start urinating,
  • A weak urine stream,
  • Producing only a small amount of urine each time you urinate,
  • The feeling or urge to urinate when you have just finished,
  • Leaking or dribbling of urine after completion; and
  • Small amount of blood in your urine.
  • Erectile Dysfunction

Action to take if you are experiencing any of these symptoms:

Should you have any of these symptoms, regardless of your age, please see your physician right away, mostly to rule out cancer. As with any form of cancer, early detection of the disease means more treatment options and a higher cure rate.

Once cancer has been ruled out, you can pretty much take your time in researching your options and deciding on the best course of action for you. I intend for this site to provide links, references, encouragement and support to those facing any of these conditions.

Please feel free to add your comments to mine!

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