Benign prostate hypertrophy is an enlargement of the prostate gland that constricts the urethra, causing urinary symptoms. The prostate is usually a walnut sized gland located at the neck of the bladder. It surrounds the urethra; the gland is a part of the male reproductive system. BPH is one of the most commonly diagnosed urologic disorders in men. This condition is a part of normal aging process and does not produce any symptoms unless it causes any obstruction to out flow of urine; this condition is not considered as a risk factor of prostate carcinoma.
Causes of enlarged prostate
Causes of BPH are not known. Some studies suggest that BPH is associated with hormones that regulate prostate growth, such as testosterone, estrogen, and dihydrotestesterone. Other evidence suggests BPH is linked with aging and testes, since the disorder is more common and does not develop in men whose testes were removed before puberty. The major risk factors for BPH are older age and a family history of BPH.
Symptoms of enlarged prostate
- Increased frequency of urine
- Dribbling of urine
- Urgency to pass urine
- Bladder does not feel like it completely empties
- Retention of urine
- Haematuria may be associated
- Interruption in the stream of urine
- Hesitancy
- Nocturnal urination
Some complications related to untreated benign prostate hypertrophy
- Hydronephrosis
- Renal failure and systemic acidosis
- Recurrent urinary tract infection
- Acute urinary retention
Diagnosis of enlarged prostate
The diagnostic workup of BPH includes a history, clinical examinations; urine analysis; a repeated uroflow; and ultrasound scanning of kidneys, prostate, and bladder including measurement of residual volume. Pressure-flow studies are necessary if the history and clinical examination are suggestive of a primary bladder disorder.
Homeopathic treatment of enlarged prostate
Homeopathy is one of the most popular holistic systems of medicine. The selection of remedy is based upon the theory of individualization and symptoms similarity by using holistic approach. This is the only way through which a state of complete health can be regained by removing all the sign and symptoms from which the patient is suffering. The aim of homeopathy is not only to treat enlarged prostate but to address its underlying cause and individual susceptibility. As far as therapeutic medication is concerned, several remedies are available to treat enlarged prostate that can be selected on the basis of cause, sensations and modalities of the complaints. For individualized remedy selection and treatment, the patient should consult a qualified homeopathic doctor in person. There are following remedies which are helpful in the treatment of enlarged prostate:
Sabal serrulata – has got marked action in such complaints; constant desire to pass urine at night; cystitis with prostate hypertrophy; enuresis; burning while urination; sensation of coldness from prostate gland to genitals; involuntary discharge of prostatic fluid; paresis of sphincter vesicae.
Staphysagria – enlarged prostate with frequent urge to pass urine; sensation as if a drop of the urine were rolling continuously along the channel; burning in the urethra while Micturation; burning in urethra when not Micturating; pressure upon bladder, feels as if it did not empty.
Arnica Montana – acts well in those cases where prostate enlargement is due to injury; sensation as if bruised and beaten; darting or tingling with numbness.
Phosphorous – enlarged prostate with prostate discharge; haematuria; urine, turbid, brown, with red sediment.
Baryta carb – prostrate hypertrophy in old people
Pareira Brava – retention of the urine due to enlarged prostate gland.; constant urging; great straining; pain down thighs during efforts to urinate; feeling of the bladder being distended; dribbling after Micturation; itching along urethra; Urethritis with prostate trouble
Belladonna – especially suited cases of prostate hypertrophy in inflammatory condition.
Hydrangea – enlargement of prostate gland; frequent desire to pass urine; burning in urethra; urine hard to start; heavy deposit of mucus; sharp pain in loins; great thirst with abdominal symptoms and enlarged prostate.
Conium – it is an excellent remedy for benign prostate hypertrophy; much difficulty in voiding urine; it flows and stops again; interrupted discharge; dribbling in old persons.
Ferrum pic – it is one of the best remedies for the enlargement of prostate gland in old people; frequent urination at night with feeling of fullness and pressure in rectum.
Digitalis – constant urging to pass urine which comes in drops with a throbbing and cutting pain in the bladder.
Thuja – acute inflammation as from gonorrhea.
I thank the author for this very informative account of the disease. For long I have been wondering why the prostate should increase with age. I found the answer in this article.
Recently I have been diagnosed as enlarged prostrate. I was searching for complete information. This is very useful and very educative. thank you very much
cs venkatesh
Bangalore
Very informative
I would like to know if homeopathy can reduce a highly enlarged prostate (about the size of a grapefruit as described by a urologist). The patient has to use a catheter constantly because his age – 88 – and heart condition preclude surgery.
Regularly I learn much more many more about homeopathic remedies and clear my doubts through Hpathy.com. thank you Drs.