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prostate gland lies at the base of the bladder in men. It surrounds
the urethra, which is the urinary passage carrying urine from
the bladder.
Why men have a prostate is not fully understood. We know
that it is a gland belonging to the male reproductive system,
made up of millions of tiny glands as well as muscle and fibrous
tissue. These glands are stimulated by the hormone androgen,
secreting a nutritious fluid which helps in the transportation
of healthy semen.
One of the common health problems encountered by men arises
from the enlargement of the prostate – a condition known
as Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH).
What is BPH?
As a man gets older, the cells in the prostate become more
sensitive to the action of androgens. The cells enlarge, causing
the whole of the prostate gland to become bigger.
The result is a disturbance to the flow of urine from the
bladder. The first symptom often experienced is the need to
go to the toilet in the middle of the night. Dribbling and
a weak stream of urine are also experienced.
75% of men over the age of 50 have BPH and more than a third
of a million go to their GPs each year for help. Yet many
more suffer in silence.
The usual method of treating this problem is with an operation
known as the Prostatectomy. Over 30,000 of these operations
are carried out in the UK each year. In the US, the figure
is ten times higher.
However, this does not always have to be the only choice
available to men.
What can you do about BPH?
There are more natural ways of managing this problem. A
handful of pumpkin seeds, either fresh or roasted, taken with
your breakfast cereal each morning will help. A zinc supplement
is of great importance as this mineral helps with the normal
metabolism of the prostate gland.
For many years, the herb Saw Palmetto has been used for the
treatment of BPH. Much research has been carried out on this
herb and the results are proving to be very promising.
Many of us would wish to avoid operations if we could. Saw
Palmetto can give us this chance, giving us the opportunity
to treat BPH using more natural means.
(Author’s note: Consult your GP if you notice blood
in your urine, or if there is no improvement in your condition.)
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