Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is sometimes referred to as an enlarged prostate. BPH is a condition wherein benign or non-cancerous nodules enlarge the prostate gland, which produces the liquid in which sperm are expelled from the penis. BPH has been characterized as one of the most common diseases affecting the prostate gland (Herb China, 2004).

The actual cause of BPH is unknown though men who have had their testicles removed do not develop BPH and after castration, BPH has been observed to regress. In other words, the presence of normally functioning testicles appears to be necessary for the development of BPH. The incidence of BPH increases with advancing age. A small amount of BPH is present in 80 percent of males over the age of 40 and in 95 percent of males who are 80 years old and over (Herb China, 2004).

Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that many of the same risk factors that are associated with cardiovascular diseases apply as risk factors for BPH. According to Dharmananda (2002), these risk factors include obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. The diabetes connection seems especially strong. The risk is with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus which often involves excessive insulin levels, a possible direct contributor to the growth of the prostate. As with cardiovascular disease, both exercise and moderate alcohol consumption appear to be protective for BPH.

Related Essays

The Prostate and Ultrasound The Prostate and Ultrasound .... 42). By about the fourth decade, most men develop multiple calcifications with concomitant benign prostatic hyperplasia. Such findings .... (1845 7 )

Religion and the Terminally Ill .... experimental survey design and tested four hypotheses about the effects of positive expectations on 348 patients who had benign prostatic hyperplasia surgery. .... (3382 14 )

Analysis of a Drug Study .... While harmful effects of saw palmetto were not reported, efficacy was limited since it was applied to benign prostatic hyperplasia rather than cardiology. .... (4153 17 )

Prostate Cancer Prostate cancer is a disease of aging, .... intensity (2). They viewed specimens of cancer, high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia, atrophy/postatrophic hyperplasia, and nonatrophic benign acini. .... (2268 9 )

Mechanisms Involved in Prostate Cancer Prostate cancer is a .... intensity (2). They viewed specimens of cancer, high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia, atrophy/postatrophic hyperplasia, and nonatrophic benign acini. .... (2267 9 )

so cause the increase of the abdominal pressure and produce inguinal hernia, hemorrhoid, proctoptosis vein in the lower limbs and so on (Chinese Medicine Hospital for Chronic and Difficult Diseases, 2004, p. 1). It should be noted that BPH does not appear to lead to prostate cancer, but symptoms of both disorders are similar. It is possible to have BPH and prostate cancer simultaneously (Johns Hopkins Prostate Bulletin, 2004). BPH responds well to treatment with both traditional Western medicine and alternative herbal interventions drawn from Chinese and other Oriental traditions. Diagnosis BPH is diagnosed via digital examination of the rectum, a residual urinary test in which catheterization immediately following urination collects urine, ultrasonic examination, and cystoscopy and cystography (Chinese Medicine Hospital for Chronic and Difficult Diseases, 2004). Laboratory examination of pus cells or red blood cells may also provide confirmation of BPH. Johns Hopkins Prostate Bulletin (2004) emphasizes the importance of ensuring that males over the age of 50 receive an annual digital rectal examination in which the prostate is checked to determine whether or not it is enlarged. Zand (2004) pointed out that a seco

Category: Medical - B