Benign Prostate Hyperplasia: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

Prostrate gland enlargement also is known as BPH or benign prostate hyperplasia. It is a very common condition affecting men as they get old. Enlarged prostate blocks the flow of urine and leads to uncomfortable urinary symptoms.

What IS Benign Prostate Hyperplasia?

Benign prostate hyperplasia may be defined as enlargement of prostate gland due to benign overgrowth of glandular tissue that constricts urethra and obstructs urination

What Are The Symptoms of Benign Prostate Hyperplasia What Causes Benign Prostate Hyperplasia?

The symptoms of BPH include difficulty in starting urine, increased frequency to pass urine at night, the urgent and frequent urge to pass urine, urine steam stops and starts and is weak and there is dribbling at the end of urination. Also, there is the inability to empty the bladder.

Some less common symptoms of benign prostate hyperplasia are the inability to pass urine, blood in urine and urinary tract infection.

The severity of the disease cannot be determined by the size of prostate as some men have slightly enlarged prostate still may have significant symptoms.

What Causes Benign Prostate Hyperplasia?

The prostate gland in men continues to grow throughout the life and when the growth is enough to cause urinary symptoms and block urine flow the condition is termed as BPH. However, in some cases, it may also happen due to changes in the sex hormone in men as they grow old. BPH is uncommon in men below 40 years of age. Men who have diabetes or heart disease are more at risk. Obesity increases the risk and exercise lowers the risk. Also, there may be a family history.

What Are The Complications Of begin Prostate Hyperplasia?

The complications of BPH includes bladder stone, urinary retention, urinary tract infection, bladder and kidney damage. However, most of the men with enlarged prostate gland do not develop these complications. But, acute urine retention may lead to serious health issues.

What Is The Treatment Of Benign Prostate Hyperplasia?

The treatment of BPH depends on your age, size of the prostate, discomfort and overall health. If symptoms are mild to moderate your doctor may prescribe you certain medications. If symptoms are moderate to severe and medicine hasn’t provided relief to the symptoms minimal invasive or surgery is recommended.

What Are The Home Remedies For Benign Pro static Hyperplasia?

Ignoring the symptoms of BPH is not at all a good idea. If left untreated it may lead to acute urine retention or kidney damage. Below are the home remedies or natural ways to manage the symptoms of BPH.

Home Remedies For BPH

1. Sitz bath-

Sitz bath soothes enlarged prostate. Hot bath promotes healing and relaxes the pelvic muscles. On the other hand,the cold bath reduces swelling and pain.

Fill a bathtub with water and add half cup Epsom salt to it. Also, fill another bathtub with cold water and add a few drops of essential oil to it. Sit in the bathtub with hot water for 3 minutes and then sit in the bathtub with cold water for the next 3 minutes. Repeat this two times in a day.

2. Kegel Exercises-

Kegel exercises strengthens the pelvic muscles that ease the pain and discomfort caused due to enlarged prostate. Kegel exercises help in tightening and clenching the specific muscles to control urination.
Empty your bladder and lie on the floor. Keep your knees bent and apart. Tighten the pelvic muscles gently for 5 seconds and relax. After 5 seconds repeat it. Do this for 5 minutes every day.

3. Stinging Nettle-

Stinging nettle is rich in anti-inflammatory compounds and anti-oxidants. Its root contains phyto chemicals that shrink the prostate. It acts as a natural diuretic and promotes the elimination of waste through urine.
Add a teaspoon of dried nettle leaves in a cup of steaming hot water and let it steep for about 15 minutes. Strain the concoction and drink it. Drink this tea 2-3 times in a day.

4. Lycopene Rich Foods-

Lycopene is the pigment present naturally in some fruits and vegetables. It slows the progress of BPH. Tomato is the most abundant source of lycopene. Other sources of lycopene are papaya, watermelon, guava, carrots, apricots, Red ball peppers and pink grapefruit.

5. Foods Rich In Zinc-

Zinc supplement or increased intake of the foods rich in zinc reduces the urinary symptoms that is related to BPH. Foods rich in zinc are seafood, poultry, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds and nuts.

Reference Links:

1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/benign-prostatic-hyperplasia/symptoms-causes/syc-20370087
2. https://prostatecancer911.com/4-natural-home-remedies-for-bph/
3. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321231.php