The benign prostatic hyperplasia – also known as the prostate gland enlargement – occurs when cells of the prostate gland start to multiply. The prostate enlargement causes urinary blockage, limiting the flow of urine by squeezing the urethra. In all of dr. Samadi’s experience with men suffering from BPH, the symptoms are severely affecting the quality of life, leading to discomfort, depression and even isolation. Men suffering from LUTS (Lower urinary tract symptoms) are usually faced with urination urgency and frequency, inability to completely empty the bladder, urinary tract infection, sexual dysfunctions and many others.
Considering that all of these symptoms are very distressing and bothersome, it is very important to be aware of the causes leading to PBH.
The most common causes
Many studies were conducted with the aim at discovering what causes the prostate enlargement. Until now, it is not entirely clear what causes BPH. However, these studies revealed that the prostatic tissue enlargement is due to a combination of factors.
It can surely be stated that the aging factor is one of the main causes of BPH. Men younger than 40 rarely come to dr. Samadi’s urology practice facing BPH symptoms. BPH has always been considered a normal condition of male aging. By age 60, about 1/3 of men experience moderate to severe LUTS and after the age of 80, the incidence of BPH symptoms is about 90%.
The connection between the aging factor and the BPH symptoms is explained by the change in hormone levels that normally occurs as men age. Testosterone, the male sex hormone, is produced in men’s testes. The high amount of active testosterone produced by men in their early age benefits not only their sexual function, but also their entire body normal activities. As men tend to reach their middle age, the amount of testosterone produced starts to decrease, a fact that affects their physical and sexual condition. Due to the decrease of testosterone levels, the proportion of estrogen – the female hormone – tends to increase. Some studies have suggested that the high level of estrogen might be the cause of prostate enlargement.
However, there are other important studies that contradict this theory. These studies highlighted the importance of DTH (dihydrotestosterone) in the prostate growth. DTH is also a male sex hormone that is catalyzed from testosterone by a specific enzyme. It has been proved that even if the testosterone level was low, the amount of DHT was still high. DTH increased activity, due to an imbalance in the levels of testosterone and estrogen, is thought to encourage the growth of prostate cells.
More studies are to be conducted in order to have a clear understanding of testosterone and DTH contribution to BPH.
Until the matter will be settled, what we certainly know is that there are important risk factors worth taking into account.
Risk factors
According to David Samadi, it is important to be aware of the BPH risk factors in order to perform the needed prevention lifestyle changes.
Although the main risk factors, related to aging, family history of benign prostatic hyperplasia or race, cannot be prevented, there are other risk factors over which men are in full control.
One significant preventable risk factor is obesity. It is well known that a healthy diet plays a key role in maintaining balanced hormone levels and in preventing cell’s abnormal growth. Dr. David Samadi, urologic oncology expert at Lenox Hill Hospital, suggests the following to prevent BPH with prostate-friendly food:
• Have a diet based on natural food, fruits and vegetables.
• Eat and increased amount of tomatoes because tomatoes are full of lycopenes, which are known for contributing at shrinking the prostate.
• Consider all green foods including broccoli, green tea and soy bean. They are full of antioxidants that can keep the prostate healthy.
• Eat more fish, especially salmon, once or twice a week. Always remember that what is good for your heart and brain, is also good for your prostate.
Other prevention factors and natural BPH treatment
Even though there is no proven evidence of the role of prevention in BPH, studies have revealed a connection between obesity, high blood pressure, sedentarism and smoking. Being a proactive person can help you reach and maintain a healthy weight, which is very important in keeping a balanced hormone level. Thus, you need to exercise regularly and also do specific types of exercises to strengthen your pelvic muscles.
Besides these important aspects, there are some natural remedies that can greatly contribute to BPH relief.
Saw palmetto berries can constitute a treatment of urinary retention, as suggested in a 2016 study.
An African cherry, called Prunus Africana, can treat many health conditions and it is considered effective for offering relief of BPH symptoms.
The intake of vitamin D may stop the growth of normal prostatic cells. Read more about related interesting facts about vitamin D here.
As there are no proven, clear evidence of the role of prevention in BPH, make sure you lead a healthy life style. This will help you better manage BPH symptoms and treat them effectively.
Find out more about the available BPH treatments.
Dr. David Samadi is the Urologic Oncology Expert and Robotic Surgeon at Lenox Hill Hospital Hospital since June 6th, 2013. Although he specializes in technologically advanced prostate cancer treatments, Dr. David Samadi has had a lifelong passion for helping people who have been diagnosed with various disorders. His knowledge about urology, prostate cancer and related issues enables him to treat his patients with the best treatments including his own innovative robotic surgical procedure.