Enlarged Prostate Beware Of These Dangerous Drugs
If you walk into your doctors office with symptoms of an enlarged prostate, chances are youll walk out with a hormone-based drug.
These medications are a standard treatment. They include the drugs Avodart and Proscar. But a new study shows that when you take them, its likely youll only be trading one health problem for another.
The research shows the medications can lead to type 2 diabetes, high levels of bad cholesterol, liver disease, and worsening erectile dysfunction.1
Boston University School of Medicine scientists looked at 460 men treated for enlarged prostate.
Half were prescribed Avodart . It uses hormones to reduce the size of the prostate. This in turn improves urinary function.2
The other half were prescribed Flomax , a non-hormonal alpha blocker. It doesnt shrink the prostate. Instead, it works by causing the smooth muscle tissue of the gland to relax. This makes urination easier.3
After a follow-up of 36-42 months, the researchers performed blood tests and assessed prostate size and function. Compared to Flomax, they found that Avodart was associated with an ongoing rise in blood sugar levels, and an increase in LDL bad cholesterol levels. It also increased markers for liver disease.
Men on Flomax experienced smaller but still significant side effects. Their cholesterol also went up. But their good HDL levels went up along with their LDL.
The study appears in the journal Hormones Molecular Biology and Clinical Investigations.
Do Prostate Medicines Make Penis Shrink
Q. Taking Avodart triggered the onset of both erectile dysfunction and reduced ejaculate for me. I took it for two years my prostate did not shrink, but my penis did.
These sexual side effects linger. Five years later, I still have ED and low ejaculate. The symptom of frequent nightly urination, however, has ceased to be a problem. Will the sexual side effects ever go away?
Popular Drugs Used For Treating Enlarged Prostates Associated With High
- By Charlie Schmidt, Editor, Harvard Medical School Annual Report on Prostate Diseases
If a man has an enlarged prostate, theres a good chance hell be treated with a type of drug called a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor . These drugs shrink the gland to improve urinary flow, and the approved forms used for treating enlarged prostates come in two varieties: Proscar and Avodart .
However, a side effect of 5-ARI inhibitor treatment is that it suppresses blood levels of prostate-specific antigen by about 50%. Doctors measure PSA during prostate cancer screening, and if a man on 5-ARI therapy winds up with results that are artificially low, then he might be falsely reassured that he doesnt need any additional prostate cancer testing.
A new study with just over 80,000 prostate cancer patients highlights this risk. Men in the study who developed prostate cancer while taking a 5-ARI inhibitor had significant delays in diagnosis compared to nonusers. And because those cancers were discovered at more advanced stages, the mens outcomes were also comparatively worse. The study was led by Dr. Brent S. Rose, assistant professor in the department of radiation medicine and applied sciences at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine.
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What Other Bph Treatments Available
Treatments for BPH usually include one or more medications. For example, tamsulosin, finasteride, and others.
But most urologists are open to using phytotherapy, Ayurveda, and other side therapies. Moreover, they also recommend a few lifestyle changes to recover your prostate health.
Heres a list with some of them :
- Rye-grass pollen: Rye-grass pollen used by millions worldwide, and improves the most concerning urinary symptoms. Most patients report they are not urinating so frequently at night and sleeping better.
- Ganoderma lucidum: Extracts prepared with this fungus inhibit prostate growth. It inhibits 5 alpha-reductase, an important hormone in the progression of BPH and prostate cancer.
- Lycopene: Foods with carotenes, including lycopene, can inhibit the progression of BPH. It is found abundantly in tomatoes and other red-colored fruits.
Other recommendations include performing pelvic floor exercises, known as kegel exercises. They are meant to increase control of your pelvic muscle and help you control urination.
It is vital to eat a healthy and balanced diet based on fruits and vegetables. Do not forget to include cruciferous vegetables in your grocery list, and listen to the recommendations by your doctor.
Tips For Coping With An Enlarged Prostate
When a man reaches about age 25, his prostate begins to grow. This natural growth is called benign prostatic hyperplasia and it is the most common cause of prostate enlargement. BPH is a benign condition that does not lead to prostate cancer, though the two problems can coexist.
Although 50% to 60% of men with BPH may never develop any symptoms, others find that BPH can make life miserable. The symptoms of BPH include:
- a hesitant, interrupted, weak urine stream
- urgency, leaking, or dribbling
- a sense of incomplete emptying
- more frequent urination, especially at night.
As a result, many men seek treatment. The good news is that treatments are constantly being improved. Patients and their physicians now have more medications to choose from, so if one doesnt do the trick, another can be prescribed. And thanks to some refinements, surgical treatments are more effective and have fewer side effects than ever before.
But there are some things men dealing with BPH can do on their own. When symptoms are not particularly bothersome, watchful waiting may be the best way to proceed. This involves regular monitoring to make sure complications arent developing, but no treatment. For more troubling symptoms, most doctors begin by recommending a combination of lifestyle changes and medication. Often this will be enough to relieve the worst symptoms and prevent the need for surgery
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Table 3 Lifestyle Changes That May Relieve Mild Symptoms Of Prostate Enlargement
| These measures can be helpful: |
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Urinate when you first feel the urge dont wait. Do not rush urination. Take your time and relax before, during, and after to give your bladder extra time to empty if the stream is slow or intermittent. Practice double-voiding: Urinate as much as possible, relax for a moment, and then go again. Urinate before car trips, meetings, or movies. Spread fluid intake throughout the day and reduce it before bedtime, especially coffee, tea, or caffeinated beverages. Do not avoid fluid intake to reduce the need to urinate. That can cause dehydration. Drink alcohol and caffeine in moderation. Avoid antihistamines and decongestants when possible. If you take a diuretic , ask your doctor if you can take a lower dose or a different drug. If you have diabetes, controlling blood sugar can reduce frequent urination. |
| Theres no clear evidence these work: |
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Exercise. Kegel exercises. Herbal supplements such as saw palmetto, Pygeum africanum, rye-pollen grass, and beta-sitosterol. |
If youre taking diuretic drugs, you should ask your doctor whether the dose can be reduced or if you can take a different medication, since doing either could potentially improve your symptoms. Men with diabetes should work with their doctor to make sure their blood sugar levels are kept in control because if they arent, it can lead to increased urination.
Other treatments
Surgery and other procedures
Diagnosis Of An Enlarged Prostate
The doctor will ask some detailed questions about the symptoms and by doing a physical exam. This will include:
- Urine test: The doctor will analyze the sample of your urine which can help to detect the infection or conditions which can cause the symptoms.
- Blood test: This will indicate kidney problems
- Digital rectal exam: The doctor here inserts a finger into the rectum to check for prostate enlargement
If the condition is bad, the doctor will recommend:
- Prostate biopsy: In transrectal ultrasound, needles are used to take some tissue samples of the prostate. By examining the tissue, the doctor can determine the problem.
- Cystoscopy: This is a lighted, flexible instrument which is inserted into the urethra, which allows the doctor to see the inside of the bladder. The doctor will give the anesthesia.
- Transrectal ultrasound: An ultrasound probe is inserted in the rectum to measure and examine your prostate.
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Does Cialis Work And Is It Safe
Yes, the Food and Drug Administration has approved Cialis. And before the FDA approves a medication, it must test the drug for safety and effectiveness. Clinical trials show that Cialis is a safe and effective drug to treat erectile dysfunction , benign prostatic hyperplasia , or both.
However, for some people, Cialis may not be a safe option. This can include people with heart conditions such as an irregular heart rhythm and people who take other medications such as nitrates.
Before you start using Cialis, be sure to tell your doctor about any medical conditions you have and any medications youre taking. Theyll be able to decide if Cialis is a safe choice for you. And talk with your doctor if you have any concerns.
Traditional Treatments For Bph
Until recently, treatments for BPH were limited to medications such as alpha blockers and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors or surgical procedures such as transurethral resection of the prostate . In TURP, a surgical instrument is inserted into the tip of the penis and then used to trim and remove excess prostate tissue.
There are pros and cons to both treatment approaches.
Medications can help relieve symptoms and reduce the size of the prostate. However, the medications can have unpleasant side effects, including chronic stuffy nose, lightheadedness and loss of libido.
In comparison, TURP surgery is better at improving symptoms more quickly. But in some cases, a prostate is too large to be removed through a TURP procedure. TURP also carries a risk of causing new problems such as urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction or retrograde ejaculation .
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Getting The Most From Your Treatment
- It is recommended that you do not drink grapefruit juice with tadalafil. This is because there is a chemical in grapefruit juice which can increase the amount of tadalafil in your bloodstream. This could make side-effects more likely.
- Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be monitored.
Foods High In Vitamin D
So, what vitamin D foods that shrink the prostate gland do we recommend?
Heres a list you can consider for your next visit to the grocery store:
- Salmon: 3 ounces provide your body with 647 IU of vitamin D, which is a lot. It also has omega 3 fatty acids that aid in the absorption of vitamin D. Other types of fish are excellent, too, including cod, tuna, and halibut.
- Soymilk: Regular milk has vitamin D when fortified, and soymilk is an alternative for vegetarians. It has up to 119 IU of vitamin D for each cup.
- Eggs: If you do not take out the yolk, you get a total of 118 IU of vitamin D for each cup of boiled eggs.
- Foods fortified with vitamin D: Other foods such as breakfast cereals and dairy are fortified with vitamin D. You can find fortified foods by looking at the labels.
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How To Shrink Prostate Enlargement Without Drugs
Prostate enlargement is the disease of every old age man. It involves the unwanted increase in the size of the prostate gland. It reduces the quality of life of the affected men to such an extent that the person faces depressive and stressful conditions.
Many other consequences of an enlarged prostate are the urinary problems such as frequent urination at night, dribbling, difficulty to urinate properly, bladder feels to be full every time, inflamed feeling, etc. These consequences increase as the prostate size increase.
When any man faces such problems then he obviously looks for treatment. Most of the time before going to take any medications, other remedies are opted by a person. These remedies include:
Dietary changes Foods to be consumed
Diet plays a very critical role in shrinking prostate size. The dietary effect starts with providing relief from urinary problems such as urinary frequency and urinary urgency. To get such relief, following diet should be started:
Dietary changes Foods to be avoided
There are some food items which increase inflammation of the prostate and bladder problems. These food items should be eliminated from your diet.
Physical activity
Physical activity or exercise on regular basis is very beneficial to reduce the size of the prostate. Exercise is otherwise good for maintaining a healthy body, especially during old age. These exercises are:
Weight loss
Manage stress
Manage hormone levels
Enlarged Prostate This Treatment Can Help You Avoid Sexual Side Effects
Benign prostatic hyperplasia , or enlarged prostate, is a common condition in men older than age 50. BPH occurs when the prostate gland becomes enlarged and begins to press on the urethra the tube that carries urine out of the body.
When the prostate continues to grow, it can lead to urinary symptoms that include:
- Leaking or dribbling of urine
- Frequent nighttime awakenings to urinate
- Urinary retention or urgency
- A weak urine stream
BPH is not prostate cancer and it doesnt lead to cancer. However, the two conditions may have similar symptoms in the early stages
So its important that men who experience these symptoms be evaluated by a mens health specialist to rule out cancer and determine the best treatment options to relieve their symptoms.
Without treatment, BPH can lead to serious complications in some men, including incontinence, kidney or bladder damage, urinary tract infections and bladder stones. In some extreme cases, BPH can cause a total inability to urinate and require emergency catheterization.
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How To Treat Enlarged Prostate Naturally At Home: 5 Tips
Enlarged prostate, aka benign prostatic hyperplasia , is the disorder generally impacting males over 50 years old and older. This condition is not similar to prostate cancer.
The prostate is a muscular, small gland featuring with the shape of a walnut in the male reproductive system. It surrounds the urethra, below the urinary bladder and adds fluids to semen to let sperm mobile. Overtime and with age, the cells of the gland start to multiply, resulting in an enlarged prostate. Despite the precise cause of enlarged prostate is not known, changes in male sex hormones with age might be a basic factor.
If left untreated, an enlarged prostate could block the urine flow, resulting in other complications such as UTIs, kidney damage, urinary retention, and bladder stones.
There are a few effective treatments for this condition, containing medications, surgery, and therapies. However, before you go for those treatments, consider using some natural ingredients available in your home to deal with your problem naturally. Here, VKool.com introduces some useful tips on how to treat enlarged prostate naturally at home that you could implement right instantly. Check out now!
How Can Diet Affect Bph
Similar to prostate cancer, BPH is a multifactorial disease. Many hormones and growth factors act in the prostate tissue to cause enlargement. But some epidemiologic studies have also identified dietary factors associated with BPH.
For example, a study in China showed that overeating animal proteins could increase the risk.
Another study from Japan showed that regular milk consumption has the same effect. Thats why a plant-based diet is recommended for preventing prostate enlargement and reducing the number of prostate cancer cells
According to other research, Asian men have a lower incidence of BPH. Such a lower incidence responds to a high-fiber diet compared to Western men . But why is diet so important?
The amount and proportion of nutrients we take influences the function of the body. Among many other things, they modulate hormone concentrations. They also modulate the role of the sympathetic nervous system, which acts directly in the urethra. Thats why changing your diet can improve your urinary tract symptoms if you have them .
In this article, we will discuss 3 foods that shrink prostate gland. The following foods, nutrients and diets are recommended to shrink the size of the prostate gland. You can always look for food sources or prostate supplements that include them in the list of ingredients.
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What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Bph
Normally, the prostate adds fluid to semen. As you age, the gland can start to grow, which may cause problems.
The urethra, which is the tube urine travels through on its way out of the bladder, runs right through the prostate. Over time, the prostate can grow large enough to press down on and squeeze the urethra. This pressure narrows the exit.
This can make it more difficult for the bladder to release urine. Eventually, the bladder may become so weak that it cant release urine normally.
This can lead to symptoms such as:
- a constant need to urinate
- an urgent need to urinate
- a weak urine stream
- dribbling after urination
You can treat these symptoms with:
- lifestyle changes, such as training the bladder to reduce bathroom trips or drinking fewer alcoholic and caffeinated beverages to reduce the urge to go
- medicines that relax the muscles of the prostate and bladder
- procedures to remove excess prostate tissue
Vitamin Mineral And Other Supplements
Vitamin E and selenium: Some early studies suggested that taking vitamin E or selenium supplements might lower prostate cancer risk.
But in a large study known as the Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial , neither vitamin E nor selenium supplements were found to lower prostate cancer risk. In fact, men in the study taking the vitamin E supplements were later found to have a slightly higher risk of prostate cancer.
Soy and isoflavones: Some early research has suggested possible benefits from soy proteins in lowering prostate cancer risk. Several studies are now looking more closely at the possible effects of these proteins.
Taking any supplements can have both risks and benefits. Before starting vitamins or other supplements, talk with your doctor.
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