What common condition can affect the prostate gland?
As men age, their prostate gland may undergo changes that can impact their urinary health. One of the most common conditions that affect the prostate gland is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate. According to the Medical Journal of Malaysia, BPH affects around 50% of men in their 50s and up to 90% of men in their 80s [1]. The prostate gland typically continues to grow excessively after age 50 and can double or even triple in size during the latter decades of life, signifying that most aging men would be expected to face this condition.
As the prostate gland enlarges, it can compress the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body, causing lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) [2]. It is worth keeping in mind that the degree of prostatic enlargement can differ between individuals. While roughly 50% of cases show no symptoms, some men may experience more pronounced symptoms such as:
Speak to your healthcare provider if you experience symptoms of BPH. They can diagnose the underlying cause and suggest a treatment plan that may include medication or surgery, depending on your condition. This will help relieve your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
How can we prevent BPH?
While BPH can be a frustrating and disturbing condition, there are steps you can take to manage your symptoms and improve your overall urinary health. These include:
Urinate when you have to: To maintain a healthy prostate, it is best to urinate as soon as you feel the urge instead of waiting. Delaying urine can potentially harm your prostate.
Get regular check-ups: Don't wait until you have symptoms of a prostate problem to take action. Undergoing regular prostate check-ups can help detect prostate problems early when they are highly treatable.
Reduce alcohol and caffeine intake: Excessive caffeine and alcohol intake has been shown to irritate the bladder, which can lead to frequent urination. Reduce your intake of these substances to an appropriate level to promote a healthier bladder function and minimize the occurrence of frequent urination.
Keep yourself warm: Exposure to cold temperatures can irritate symptoms such as frequency, urgency, and discomfort during urination. It is important to stay warm by wearing appropriate clothing, using blankets, and keeping indoor temperatures at a comfortable level.
If you are looking to maintain a healthy prostate and relieve bothersome BPH symptoms, you may want to consider incorporating natural supplements into your daily routine. There are supplements that contain a blend of all-natural ingredients that work to support optimal prostate function and help ease common symptoms associated with BPH.
Saw Palmetto
Rich in a bioactive compound called betasitosterol that supports urinary and prostate health.
Reduces inflammation and urinary symptoms.
Improves urinary flow, sexual function, and prevents the progression of BPH.
Regulates testosterone level by decreasing the activity of 5-alpha reductase
Phytosterols
Provides more than 99% plant sterols with at least 70% beta-sitosterol that helps to maintain healthy prostate function.
Relieves prostate discomforts by helping to improve urinary flow rates and reduces residual bladder volume.
Inhibits the enzymatic activity of 5-alpha reductase related to the continued growth of the prostate gland.
Lycopene
A red carotenoid naturally present in the testes and prostate in which its levels are reduced by increasing age.
One of the most promising chemopreventive agent for prostate cancer (Pca).
Potent anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative effects – reduce PSA level, improve urinary symptoms, prevent further prostate enlargement and inhibit progression of BPH.
Flax Lignan
Contains a standardized amount of 20% SDG (secoisolariciresinol diglucoside), an antioxidant phytoestrogen.
Reduces PSA level and cell proliferation.
Improves obstructive and irritable symptoms of BPH.
Reduces serum DHT levels, a metabolite of testosterone and critical mediator of prostatic growth.
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References:
Teh GC et al. Prevalence of symptomatic BPE among Malaysian men aged 50 and above attending screening during prostate health awareness campaign. Med J Malaysia. 2001; 56(2):186-195. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11771079/#:~:text=The%20prevalence%20of%20symptomatic%20benign,Prevalence%20of%20BPO%20was%2015.8%25.
Lepor H. (2005). Pathophysiology of benign prostatic hyperplasia in the aging male population. Reviews in urology, 7 Suppl 4(Suppl 4), S3–S12. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1477609/