Taking Care of your Prostate

Dr Tejinder Ghag, ND

What is the prostate?

A part of the male’s urinary and reproductive system, it is a walnut sized gland located below the bladder. The prostate functions to produce prostatic fluid which provides nutrients to sperm and is a component of semen.

Prostate enlargement is a part of the normal aging process, with changes occurring in the late 40s and early 50s. However, enlargement can also be due to BPH. BPH is a hyperplastic process meaning there is an increase in cell proliferation which results in an increase in organic tissue. What causes this increase? Prostate growth is dependent on the hormone DHT, an androgen. When testosterone is converted into DHT by an enzyme it binds to receptors on the prostate stimulating an increase in smooth muscle tone hence a larger prostate.

How do you know if you have BPH?

Due to the location of the prostate, symptoms of BPH involve the urinary and reproductive systems: Frequent urination, urgency, dribbling, weak stream, straining, incomplete emptying, pain with urination or ejaculation, difficulty maintaining or obtaining an erection.

*Note: Symptoms of BPH resemble other conditions that cause lower urinary tract symptoms including cancer, make sure you discuss with your doctor for a correct diagnosis.

How can naturopathic medicine help?

Nutraceuticals – both zinc and lycopene may help reduce urinary symptoms and decrease progression of BPH
Botanicals – Remember that enzyme we talked about? It is called 5-alpha reductase and certain herbs such as Saw Palmetto and Pygeum can inhibit this enzyme from producing DHT

Consult your naturopath for appropriate dosing or book a free 15 minute consultation to see what therapies are available for you!

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