More than 40% of American men will experience high BPH (Benign Prostate Hypertrophy) or enlarged prostate. The prostate is located just below where the bladder empties into the urethra. As the prostate becomes enlarged, the flow of urine to the urethra slows down. It is important to keep in mind that in men, the prostate gland is the most likely area where cancer may develop. Thus, it is important that as men age, they regularly have prostate check-ups.
The most common symptoms that result from high BPH are:
- Frequent urination (including having to get up multiple times during the night)
- Urgency of urination
- Low volume urination
- Difficulty starting the urine stream
- Still feeling as though one has to urinate after just urinating
If you have some of the symptoms of high BPH, it is important to consult with a physician. It is impossible to determine from symptoms alone if you have an enlarged prostate or a more serious condition such as prostate cancer. In order for an enlarged prostate to be diagnosed properly, prostate cancer must first be ruled out. Additionally, prostate enlargement, if left untreated, can block the flow of urine out of the bladder and can cause bladder, urinary tract, and/or kidney problems.
What Causes High BPH?
While the claimed exact causes of high BPH do differ slightly, the medical community as a whole tends to blame it on the male hormones testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The bottom line is that there seems to be no definitive cause for high BPH; it just seems to be something that occurs in about 40% of men as they age.
Many men discover that they have high BPH or enlarged prostates during routine physical exams. Doctors are able to utilize a variety of tests in order to diagnose BPH, including a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test, a digital rectal exam (DRE), a rectal ultrasound (with or without a prostate biopsy), a urine flow study that checks the rate of urination, and/or a cystoscopy exam that can detect obstructions. The DRE can uncover whether or not one has an enlarged prostate by feeling the size and shape of the gland.
Fortunately today, there are natural ways in addressing high BPH without the need for invasive surgeries. There are natural progesterone creams and supplements for men on the market that provide the right amount of hormones that enable one to achieve hormonal balance.
