Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

The prostate has been described as a tiny time bomb ticking away deep inside the plumbing of every man. It is in fact a small gland, the size of a walnut, which lies just below the bladder at the base of the penis. It is wrapped around the urethra (the tube through which urine and semen flow).

Often known as the secret sex gland, the prostate makes and secretes prostatic fluid, one of the five major fluids that make up semen – the ‘bodyguard’ for sperm. It also acts as an important valve, contracting during ejaculation to direct sperm straight out through the penis rather than backwards into the bladder.

After the age of 40 the prostate gland starts to enlarge naturally in most men, a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This can cause the urethra to narrow, which in turn can lead to problems with passing urine.

It is not known why this happens but it is thought to be connected with the hormonal changes that occur as men get older. The term benign is used because the cells that cause the enlargement are neither malignant nor cancerous and therefore don’t spread.

Symptoms

• Frequent and/ or urgent need to urinate especially at night
• Difficulty in passing urine, such as problems in starting the flow, taking a long time to urinate, having a weak flow and a feeling that the bladder has not emptied properly.
• Dribbling after stopping
• Pain or discomfort on passing urine.

Herbal Helpers

For urinary problems try Saw Palmetto