Prostate Problems

Detection is tricky because of where the prostate is located. It is a bulb-shaped gland that goes round the urethra just where it leaves the bladder, so when it swells up urination becomes a problem.

In fact, the first symptoms include finding it hard to urinate, wanting to urinate often, a burning sensation when you do, or blood in the urine. But cases often aren't spotted until quite late because the basic method of diagnosing an enlarged prostate is my rectal examination and many men prefer to avoid that. For cancers there is now a prostate-specific antigen test.

The prostate's job is to add acids, trace elements, and enzymes to seminal fluid at the moment of ejaculation; these activate the sperm and give semen its distinctive smell. For reasons we don't understand the prostate tends to enlarge and stiffen with age, but is probably connected with changing levels of various hormone. About a third of cases clear up of their own accord, but an enlarged prostate can cause related infection in the bladder and the kidneys.

In cancer cases doctors are increasingly recognizing a connection with high-fat diets. Cancer of the prostate is rare in Japan and China, for instance, where low-fat diets containing lots of vegetables and fish are the norm.

The Orthodox Approach

There are two main classes of drugs that are prescribed for Enlarged Prostate (BPH or Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia)

Alpha-blockers

These drugs relax the muscles at the neck of the bladder and in the prostate, thereby reducing the pressure on the urethra and so helping increase the flow of urine. They do not cure BPH but help to alleviate some of the symptoms. Around 60% of men find symptoms improve significantly within the first 2-3 weeks of treatment.

What are the side effects?

The most common side-effects of alpha-blockers are tiredness, dizziness and headaches.

5-alpha-reductase inhibitors

These drugs work by inhibiting the production of a hormone called DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which may contribute to prostate enlargement. The role of DHT is not yet fully understood. Finasteride is the most commonly used drug of this type for BPH. These drugs can slow down the progression of BPH by suppressing the production of DHT. They decrease prostate volume and in doing so they improve symptoms and urinary flow, and decrease the risks of urinary retention and delay the need for BPH related surgery.

What are the side effects?

The most common side-effects of finasteride include a reduced sex drive, difficulty in maintaining an erection and ejaculatory dysfunction. Several months of treatment may be needed before the benefit is noticed.

The Hale Approach

Any symptoms of prostatism should first be checked out by your doctor. If cancer is diagnosed, the referral to a cancer specialist and assessment of the severity of the problem is essential. If orthodox treatment offers a high percentage chance of success, then complementary treatments should be used alongside. If the orthodox treatment is unlikely to be effective, then one must ask the question, "Might the treatment be worse than the cure?" In that case alternative therapies can be used without their orthodox counterpart.

The constitutional treatments of homeopathy, acupuncture, and Ayurveda can be of great assistance with prostate problems. Following a specific nutritional program and following having osteopathic treatment will also strengthen the body's ability to fight this illness.

Supportive treatments such as reflexology and healing can also be helpful, with Chi Kung giving the patient a self-care tool to use at home to increase resistance to prostate problems.

Herbal Medicine

Many men are turning to Herbal Medicine for effective relief of the problem. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) or enlarged prostate is a benign (non-cancerous) disease of the prostate gland, which, if left untreated, can lead to medical complications including kidney and bladder damage. If BPH is diagnosed and treated early, there is a lower risk of developing these complications. Enlargement of the prostate typically affects men as they age. As men grow older, the size of their prostate can increase and start pressing on the urethra. This can lead to difficulty in passing urine and pain associated with sexual function. BPH is not a life-threatening disease but it is likely to negatively impact a man's quality of life. It is important for men aged 50 and over to see their GP annually for a PSA (prostate specific antigen) test and prostate examination to help monitor prostate health.

What is the Herbal Treatment of BPH?

Since widespread media coverage of the successful clinical trials of the herbal treatment of BPH, increasing numbers of men are looking for a safe and effective alternative to the pharmaceutical approach to medically diagnosed Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). A recent updated review of the clinical trials concluded that herbal medication for BPH improves urological symptoms and flow measures compared with placebo produces similar improvement in urinary symptoms and flow when compared to the drug finasteride and is associated with fewer adverse treatment events.

The herbal medication contains several medicinal plants to decrease the size of the prostate. This approach is proving to be very effective for men, who have either been diagnosed with BPH or who simply want to support prostate health. The tradition of using medicinal plants to help maintain prostate health is now being underpinned by scientific research, which has been widely and favourably reported in the media. In fact, many men are now taking it as a preventive measure to help avoid prostate problems.

Evidence supports Herbal Medicine’s use for BPH. Many over the counter remedies and online products are of poor quality and will not have the required therapeutic effect. High strength herbs for prostate health are by prescription only and given only after a consultation.

Homeopathy

Osteopathy

Benign prostate hypertrophy (B.P.H.) is a common condition which may benefit from osteopathic manipulative therapy. Prostate disorders relate to dysfunction of other parts of the body such as the lumbar spine and sacroiliac joint, as well as pelvic congestion. The aim of the treatment is to decrease the pelvic congestion and correct the spinal and/or cranial dysfunction through muscle release, manipulation, stimulation of neuro-lymphatic reflexes and visceral manipulation. These techniques help improve the lymph and blood drainage of the area, and increase the circulation and nerve outflow to the prostate.

Nutrition

Changes in the level of several hormones are involved with prostate enlargement, but the key one is a version of the testosterone, known as dihydrotestosterone (D.H.T.). Reducing levels of D.H.T. reduces the size of the prostate. D.H.T. levels go up with alcohol (especially beer) consumption and with stress, and come down with zinc and Vitamin B6. Zinc also cuts down the rate at which testosterone is converted to D.H.T.

Conditions favouring an increase in D.H.T. include exposure to pesticides and other drugs found in the environment such as dioxin and biphenyls. Therefore a diet of natural whole foods is advised. Also recommended are various supplements - calcium, magnesium, bioflavonoid, and carotenes-which can help the body deal with the presence of toxic chemicals. The herbs saw palmetto and ginseng both inhibit the production of D.H.T.

Supplements of essential fatty acids (linseed or oil of evening primrose) should also produce improvement, as may adding amino acids to the diet.

Ayurveda

According to principles, prostate problems are due to too much stimulus in the lower part of the body, which usually means too much sexual activity or toxic chemical matter passing with the urine, although having high level of acid in the blood from excess alcohol can also play a part. Treatment involves the use of Ayurvedic enemas and laxatives, a steam bath, and some herbal preparations to cool down the urinary system. Herbs might also be given to reduce the appetite and bring about balance of doshas (the three main energy forces in the body).

Acupuncture

According to Chinese medicine, the pattern of disharmony and its contributing factors which lead to prostate problems are as follows.

Accumulation of damp and heat resulting from excess consumption of spicy, greasy food and alcohol, or from liver and kidney imbalance.

Retention of cold damp resulting from too much raw and cold food, or exposure to cold, wet weather over a period of time.

Weakness of the kidneys due to aging, too much sex or heavy physical work.

Liver energy stagnation due to emotional factors, lack of exercise, too much sitting, repression of sexual energy, chronic constipation, or local trauma.

Stagnation of the blood due to sedentary occupations.

In Chinese medicine it is believed that deficiencies in the kidney, especially in kidney yin, in senility cause the prostate carcinoma. Investigation by Western medical methods is sometimes necessary, so a patient could benefit from a combination of Western and Chinese treatment. Chronic prostatitis is often resistant to antibiotics. For benign prostate cancer the side-effects and consequences of surgery need to be weighed up. When orthodox medical treatment is being held off in order to watch for developments, acupuncture and Chinese herbal treatment may improve symptoms and significantly reduce the need for surgery or other invasive treatment.

Chinese medicine requires a holistic approach. Patients should take advice on diet and lifestyle and make necessary changes. Acupuncture treatment will follow a flexible plan tailored to the needs of the individual patient.

Supportive Treatments

Maya Abdominal Massage

A non-invasive massage technique that specialises in treating gynaecological and digestive conditions. It improves organ function by relieving congestion, enhancing blood supply; increasing lymphatic drainage and aiding nerve supply to the pelvic and reproductive organs.

Healing

This can help to keep the problem to a minimum. The healer channels healing energy from an outside force to encourage the body to heal itself.

Chi Kung

A practitioner will guide you to which of the many hundreds of Chi Kung exercises are appropriate. These exercises can direct energy to the affected area, relaxing and balancing the body and mind. Once mastered they are easy to practice at home and form a useful support to other complementary therapies.

Reflexology

Massage will concentrate on the prostate reflex, which is on the inside of the ankle, halfway from the ankle bone to the back corner of the heel.

Hypnotherapy

Very often the symptoms of an enlarged prostate can be helped by Visualisation exercises which concentrate on generating a feeling of comfort. The condition is made worse by stress and tension and hypnotherapy can help with that, too.