Prostate Enlargement

Prostate enlargement is the commonest problem in males above 60 years, and is a normal part of the ageing process.

Causes

The prostate is a male sex gland about the size of a horse chestnut. It is made up of a cluster of little glands which surround the urethra at the point where it leaves the bladder.

During the long years of life, harmless nodules develop in the tissues. These accumulate and gradually enlarge the gland.

The problem arises only when the gland gets so large that it interferes with the- urethra. As the gland enlarges, it narrows the diameter of urethra and impedes the flow of urine.

Sings & Symptoms

• The most common symptom is the frequency with which the patient has to urinate two or three times at night as well as constantly during the day.
• It may be difficult to stop urinating once the process is started.
• The stream is narrower and less powerful than before.
• There may be a tendency to dribble urine.
• After urinating, one still has a feeling of incomplete evacuation.
• Straining may cause some blood to appear in the urine.
• As the condition progresses, it can become very painful, cystitis may develop and, in time the flow of urine may be reduced to a few drops at a time or stop altogether -a condition known as retention.

Ayurvedic Remedies

1. Mild cases respond to Chandraprabhavati tablets available over the counter. It is an Ayurvedic medicint used 2 pills twice a day with a cup of warm milk.
2. Shilajit is also a drug of choice in this condition. 250mg capsules twice a day with a cup of milk resolve the urinary problem.
3. Prostina capsule (Charak) 1 capsule thrice a day after meals taken for 4 to 6 weeks gives much relief.

In advanced stage, surgery known as prostatectomy is the answer.

In case the patient is too ill to be operated upon, a permanent catheter may be the only solution.