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Health Matters

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Prostate Enlargement

Nearly half of men aged over 65 years suffer from prostate enlargement problems.  Also known as enlargement of the prostate gland, enlargement of the prostate can lead to unpleasant urinary discomfort.

The prostate is a gland and is around the size of a chestnut. It is situated under the bladder and is only present in males. The prostate gland produces seminal fluid, which is mixed with sperm to make semen.

As men age, the gland may begin to enlarge and may lead to problems with urination, as the gland pinches off the urethra when enlarged.

Diagnosis

A GP will often make a diagnoses based on the following information

• Symptoms check – check how the patient is feeling and what symptoms they are experiencing
• Urination habits – patients may be asked to keep a drinking and urination daiary over several days
• Rectal examination – a rectal examination may be used to ascertain if the prostate is enlarged
• Urine examination – a urine sample is often taken and tested

What kinds of medicines are used?

• Alpha-blockers - this medicine is used to relax the muscle within the prostate, therefore reducing the obstruction to the urine flow, but they do not reduce the size of the prostate
  
• 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors - inhibit the growth of the prostate and decrease the size of the gland

Alternative treatments

• Saw Palmetto -Plant extract that may help with the urgency and frequency of the need to urinate.  Saw Palmetto prevents testosterone from being converted into dihydro-testosterone which boosts prostate growth
   
• African Plum - The bark of the tree contains compounds that have an anti-inflammatory effect, improving ability to urinate
  
• Urtica Dioica - Extract of stinging nettle has anti-inflammatory effects, can help to reduce urine flow
  
• Rye Grass Pollen - Anti-inflammatory that may reduce frequency of night-time urination and the amount of urine left in the bladder