by Robert William Locke

A very large proportion of men over the age of sixty suffer from BPH (enlarged prostate gland)- about one in two. The figures for the over 50s is about 33%. Normally the gland is no larger than a walnut and is sitated at the neck of the bladder. When it enlarges, the pressure it puts on the uretra (the tube which drains the urine from the bladder) is such that the tube is narrowed and urination becomes difficult.

Common symptoms of an enlarged prostate are :- frequency of urination, difficulty in emptying the bladder, urgency, burning on urination and leakages. This condition is known by its medical name of BPH which stands for benign prostatic hyperplasia.

In order to rule out cancer of the prostate, you will have to have a few blood tests- especially the PSA which will indicate whether there is any anti-tumoral activity in the gland. Smetimes the doctor will request a more accurate test which is called the free PSA. A scan sometimes is recommended.

Second fact to be aware of is the rectal examination which is called the DRE which stands for digital rectal examination. While doing this, the doctor can feel the back of the gland against the rectal wall and can tell if it is much larger than normal or if it is smooth - this is normally a good sign.

Thirdly, is surgery always necessary? No. What treatment you can have will be determined by various factors such as your age, size of the prostate and general medical condition. Surgery can result in impotence and incontinence although there are many surgical procedures which preserve the nerve tissues, thereby reducing this risk.

The fourth question men usually ask is about the medication and what advantages there are. They may also ask about side effects. Most doctors opt for a wait and see policy and prescribe alpha-blockers which help the muscles to relax thus easing the flow of urine and frequency. These drugs are well known names such as Flomax or Cardura. The second type of drug actually reduces the size of the gland which will again relieve some of the symptoms.

In fifth place, a change in diet, if the condition is mild or moderate, is recommended.. So a low-fat diet, with lots of fibre from fruit and vegetables, tomatoes and soya and a reduced intake of coffee and alcohol can help. Some herbal remedies and supplements are also possible- the best known ones to be effective are :- saw palmetto, zinc, pumpkin seeds, beta sitosterol and selenium.

Thankfully surgery is not often an option now but the doctor and patient together can make an informed decision about which treatment is best. Herbal supplements are sometimes used in conjunction with standard medication. They may also be used instead of these medicines. In the final analysis, the patient has to decide what is best for him.

About the Author: Get More Info on Prostate Dr. for Prostatitis, BPH, and Enlarged Prostate Problems Click on the Wellness Bible for breaking news on Health and Fitness You are welcome to reprint this article - but get your own unique content version here. Think and grow rich.