BPH also called prostate gland enlargement — is a common condition as men get older. An enlarged prostate gland can cause uncomfortable urinary symptoms, such as blocking the flow of urine out of the bladder. It can also cause bladder, urinary tract or kidney problems.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
- Frequent or urgent need to urinate
- Increased frequency of urination at night (nocturia)
- Difficulty starting urination
- Weak urine stream or a stream that stops and starts
- Dribbling at the end of urination
- Inability to completely empty the bladder
- Urinary tract infection
- Inability to urinate
- Blood in the urine
CAUSES
The prostate gland is located beneath the bladder. The tube that transports urine from the bladder out of the penis (urethra) passes through the center of the prostate. When the prostate enlarges, it begins to block urine flow.
Most men have continued prostate growth throughout life. In many men, this continued growth enlarges the prostate enough to cause urinary symptoms or to significantly block urine flow.
It isn’t entirely clear what causes the prostate to enlarge. However, it might be due to changes in the balance of sex hormones as men grow older.
Risk factors
Aging: Prostate gland enlargement rarely causes signs and symptoms in men younger than age 40. About one-third of men experience moderate to severe symptoms by age 60 and about half do so by age 80.
Family history: Having a blood relative, such as a father or a brother, with prostate problems there is a greater likelihood to have problems.
Diabetes & Heart disease: Studies show that diabetes, as well as heart disease and use of beta blockers, might increase the risk of BPH.
Lifestyle: Obesity increases the risk of BPH, while exercise can lower the risk.
COMPLICATIONS
Sudden inability to urinate (urinary retention): You might need to have a tube (catheter) inserted into the bladder to drain the urine. Some men with an enlarged prostate need surgery to relieve urinary retention.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs): Inability to fully empty the bladder can increase the risk of infection in your urinary tract. If UTIs occur frequently, one might need surgery to remove part of the prostate.
Bladder stones: These are generally caused by an inability to completely empty the bladder. Bladder stones can cause infection, bladder irritation, blood in the urine and obstruction of urine flow.
Bladder damage: A bladder that hasn’t emptied completely can stretch and weaken over time. As a result, the muscular wall of the bladder no longer contracts properly, making it harder to fully empty your bladder.
Kidney damage: Pressure in the bladder from urinary retention can directly damage the kidneys or allow bladder infections to reach the kidneys.
HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES
Apis mellifica: It is one of the topmost natural Homoeopathic remedies for Acute Prostatitis. It is suitable for patients of Prostatitis who have a frequent desire to pass urine, but the process leads to burning pain. There is difficulty in retaining urine even for a few seconds. A few patients also describe the pain as burning and stinging in nature. The urine passed is usually scanty. Some patients needing Homoeopathic medicine Apis mellifica may also describe the pain as burning and smarting while passing the last drops of urine. The colour of urine is dark. Apis mellifica is also a very beneficial natural Homoeopathic medicine for providing relief from the burning sensation and the quantity of urine increases from its scanty nature. Thirst most of the times decreases in persons requiring Apis mellifica.
Cantharis: It is a natural Homoeopathic medicine that is of great help in treating cases of Prostatitis where the urine is passed with a burning sensation and in drops. The burning sensation is felt before, during and even after passing urine. Extreme scalding is felt in all three stages: before, during and after the act of micturition or passing urine. The desire to pass urine is almost constant but it passes drop by drop. Blood may also pass in urine. So, burning, smarting, scalding micturition with urine coming out in drops is a clear guide to use Cantharis.
Nitric acid: Natural Homoeopathic medicine Nitric Acid proves to be best cures for prostatitis , where the urine emits a highly offensive odour along with burning in urethra during its passage. The urine passed is scanty with a strong and highly offensive smell. The urge to empty the bladder is frequent but urine is scanty in quantity. The stream of urine is also thin. The urine feels cold on passing. Pus discharges from urethra may be noted in a few patients.
Thuja: Thuja is the appropriate natural Homoeopathic remedy for patients of Prostatitis who are unable to control urine with a sudden desire to empty the bladder quickly. The patient has to hasten and rush to pass urine. The urine may also be passed involuntarily at night. The patient needing Thuja may have a history of gonorrhoea and syphilis affection that is maltreated or suppressed. Foamy-cloudy urine or mucus in urine may be present in high levels.
Chimaphila: For Acute Prostatitis cases where urine is retained, Chimaphila is the ideal natural Homoeopathic remedy. The person has difficulty and severe pain while passing urine. A peculiar position of standing with feet wide apart and stooping in forward direction may help to pass a little urine with much straining. Burning and scalding during urine may be noticed. And whatever urine is passed contains ropy mucus and blood.
