Basically there are two different types of drugs commonly used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): Alpha blockers and 5 alpha reductase inhibitors. If you are seeking natural cures to add to the list of treatments available there are herbal treatments available too.
The alpha blockers include Flomax® (tamsulosin), Uroxatral® (alfuzosin), Hytrin® (terazosin) and Cardura® (doxazosin). You may be familiar with Alpha blockers because they are also used to treat high blood pressure, because they work by relaxing muscles specifically for males with BPH, they relax the muscles around the bladder so that urine can pass freely.
5-Alpha reductases inhibitors include Avodart® (dutasteride) and Proscar® (finasteride). These drugs work by stopping the production of DHT within the body. DHT is the active form of testosterone.
There is much debate over the use of herbal remedies to treat BPH. There are studies that have found palmetto (a herb) to NOT be effective at treating BPH and other studies that have found Saw Palmetto to be as effective as Proscar.
The reason for the differing results can possibly be found in the quality of herbs used in the studies, dosage, ingredients, purity, and also the controls used in the studies. The well-known and respected Mayo Clinic gives Saw Palmetto a “grade A” for its effectiveness against BPH. Grade A is the highest and is strong scientific evidence for the use of the herb.
Another herb that has been studied and received a grade of B, which is considered to be “good scientific evidence for use”, is Pygeum, another herbal supplement.
The best course of action a man can do if he suspects that he may have a prostate disorder is to:
1. Get to a doctor to be tested
2. If diagnosed with BPH discuss the various drugs available and the side effects of each drug
3. Discuss herbal therapy and the available studies and the results
Make sure that if you elect to go the route of herbal therapy that you purchase only quality products from a reputable company.
A man has many options that can be discussed with a doctor that are not only drugs and herbs. Here is a comprehensive list of other treatment options for a man with BPH.
Medical treatment includes being watchful of the condition of the prostate, which includes follow-up office appointments with the doctor, medications and prostatic stents (which have been widely abandoned) and is used to keep the male urethra open and allow passage of urine.
Minimally invasive treatments include laser, microwave, and other thermotherapies (TUNA).
Surgical treatments include transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP), prostatectomy, transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP), and transurethral ultrasound-guided laser incision of the prostate (TULIP).
Other alternative treatments include better nutrition, multivitamin and other supplements as discussed with your doctor, and hydrotherapy.
We Recommend:
Prostate Dr. is a natural, safe and effective liquid herbal formula, a unique and proprietary blend of three highly effective herbal remedies combined in therapeutic dosage that will address all the major symptoms of BPH and bring fast relief.
Used regularly, Prostate Dr. will also help prevent recurrent episodes of BPH and Prostate problems, and will assist in male health maintenance and promote bladder health; promote strong and healthy urine flow; help prevent weak and dribbling urine stream; reduce pain and burning during urination; reduce swollen prostate glands and strengthen the immune system. Created by a clinical psychologist, Prostate Dr. is pharmaceutically manufactured to the highest standards.
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