Prostate Health

While women are fairly dutiful in having regular pap smears, men tend to be more reluctant to have prostate examinations. This has prompted the recent ‘Be a man’ advertising campaign to highlight this concern. The prostate gland produces seminal fluid (semen). Since the prostate is at the junction of the male urinary and reproductive systems, any change in the prostate (particularly enlargement) can cause problems. As you age, the prostate gland enlarges, squeezing the urethra and pushing on the bladder, which makes passing urine more difficult. Older men frequently report symptoms such as decreased urinary flow, having to wait for the flow to start, an interrupted flow, a feeling of incomplete emptying and getting up at night to pass urine. Going more frequently during the day and feeling an urgent need to pass urine may also be symptoms.

Having these symptoms does not mean that you have prostate cancer or are more likely to develop it; they are simply signs of an ageing and enlarged prostate and bladder. These changes in the prostate are called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). If you experience these symptoms, it’s important to seek the advice of your healthcare professional, who will take a simple blood test to detect for abnormal levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA) in the blood.

In Germany and Austria, herbal remedies are the first line treatment for up to 90 per cent of all patients with an enlarged prostate or BPH. The most commonly prescribed herb is Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) and its popularity is based on the plant’s effectiveness and lack of side effects. Saw Palmetto is thought to inhibit the enzyme that converts testosterone to its more potent form that ultimately leads to prostate enlargement (and also male pattern baldness). Clinical trials have proven its effects, which include decreased night-time urination, decreased pain on urination and improved fl ow of urine. The suggested dosage of Saw Palmetto is 2.2 g daily. Foods to consume to keep your prostate healthy include; pumpkin seeds, tomatoes, leafy green vegetables and green tea.

This story has been published with the permission of Herbs & Health Lifestyle Magazine - www.herbsandhealth.com.au