Complementary and Alternative Treatments for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Prostate gland

The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that makes up part of the male reproductive system. The prostate gland makes semen, which carries sperm. It is located in front of the rectum and just below the bladder, where urine is stored. The prostate gland surrounds the urethra, the canal through which urine passes out of the body. During a man's orgasm (sexual climax), muscles squeeze the prostate's fluid into the urethra. Sperm, which are made in the testicles, also go into the urethra during orgasm. Semen carries the sperm through the penis during orgasm.

Prostate gland enlargement

It is common for the prostate gland to enlarge as men age. The enlargement of the prostate gland is called benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH. Most enlargements are not due to cancer.

Be aware that herbs and supplements are not strictly regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Do not assume if a product is considered "natural" that it is harmless. Many substances do not have sound science behind them to prove their safety or how well they work. Manufacturers may not be giving you what you think you are getting, or the way the substance is processed may be unhealthy or unsafe.

With many of these products, doctors do not know enough about them. Herbs and supplements may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medications or can worsen your health conditions. Consider that some supplements, such as vitamin A, may be unsafe when taken in mega doses.

It is strongly advised that you talk to your doctor before taking any supplement or herb. If you are taking an herb or supplement and notice any unusual symptoms, stop taking the substance immediately and talk to your doctor.

Related Articles Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Understanding BPH

External Sources National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine of the National Institutes of Health. Health Information. Accessed May 31, 2007. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine of the National Institutes of Health. What is CAM? Accessed May 31, 2007. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine of the National Institutes of Health. Dietary and Herbal Supplements. Accessed May 31, 2007.

This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.

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