Definition

The prostate is an exocrine gland of the male mammalian reproductive system.  Its main function is to store and secrete a thin milky, alkaline fluid that increases sperm motility and lubricates the urethra to prevent infection - it also constitutes up to one-third of the volume of semen.  A healthy human prostate is slightly larger than a walnut and surrounds the urethra just below the urinary bladder.  The most common disorders of the prostate are prostatitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia.  Current estimates are that it affects over 50% of men during their lifetime.

Prostatitis

Prostatitis is an inflammatory disorder of the prostate.  Prostatitis can be idiopathic (i.e., non-bacterial prostatitis), or bacterial (i.e.,  caused by enteric gram-negative bacilli).  It commonly causes pain in the testicles and may sometimes cause problems with ejaculation, urination, or defecation.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

BPH is a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that gradually narrows the urethra.  The clamping effect eventually obstructs the flow of urine and as a result, the bladder fails to empty completely.  Urine remaining in the bladder stagnates, leaving the patient vulnerable to infections (e.g., prostatitis), formation of bladder stones, and kidney damage.  

As men age, the amount of active testosterone in the blood decreases, resulting in a higher proportion of oestrogen in the blood.  Animal studies suggest that this excess oestrogen increases the activity of promoters of cell growth in the prostate.  Dihydrotestosterone, a derivative of testosterone, may also have a role in BPH aetiology as it may accumulate in the prostate and encourage the growth of cells there.

Aetiology/Risk Factors

• Recent Urinary Tract Infections
• Prior sexually transmitted disease, such as gonorrhoea or Chlamydia
• Smoking
• Excess alcohol consumption
• Age over 50
• Partial urethral obstruction
• Occupations that subject the prostate to strong vibrations, such as driving a truck or operating heavy machinery, may play a role
• Prolonged periods of bike riding may irritate the prostate gland
• Structural abnormalities of the urinary tract - e.g., narrowing (strictures) of the urethra may elevate pressure during urination and cause symptoms.

What can natural medicine do for you?

A treatment strategy that will commence immediately with a focus on reducing the inflammation by finding the driving factors behind it.  A live blood screening will be done to assess overall health function at a cellular level - (free radical damage/cell oxidation) along with a zinc and urine test. 

As BPH may be largely attributed to hormonal imbalances a Saliva hormone test may be ordered (usually Oestrogen levels need to be reduced)

You will receive from us a suitable nutritional plan. Diet appears to play a critical role in the health of the prostate gland. The nutritional plan will be selected to suit your individual needs.

Warning: Do not disregard medical exams

We want you to work with your Doctor as the definitive diagnosis of BPH can be made with the aid of ultrasound measurements.  However, because the symptoms of BPH and prostate cancer can be similar, a simple blood test is used to differentiate BPH from the more serious prostate cancer.  The blood test measures the level of a protein called PSA (prostate-specific-antigen).  Remember, that even if the test comes back positive for cancer natural medicine can positively COMPLEMENT the treatment your Dr. will want to start. 

Severe BPH, resulting in significant acute urinary retention, may require catherization for relief; sufficiently advanced case may not respond to therapy rapidly enough and may require the short-term use of an alpha-1 antagonist drug (e.g., Hytrin or Cordura) or surgical intervention.   Natural health care can support your recovery if this interventions take place.

REMEMBER IS ALWAYS BEST TO PREVENT...CHECK YOUR PROSTATE YEARLY AFTER AGE 40 WITH YOUR GP AND SEE YOUR NATUROPATH TODAY.   CALL NOW 9300 0018 

We are conveniently located in Joondalup with free parking.

Thanking Health World Limited, Michael Murray N.D & Joseph Pizzorno ND for some of the information on this page