What is the Male Prostate?
• The prostate is a small organ approximately the size of a walnut. • It lies below the bladder (where urine is stored) and surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder. • The prostate plays a key role in proper sexual function and also helps protect against bladder infections. Prostate Changes as One Ages • Enlargement • Hardening • Decreased Fluid Secretions BPH Treatment Choices • Watchful Waiting • Drugs • Surgery • Complementary Approach Many physicians are now recommending complementary therapies in addition to classical treatments for BPH. The mainstay of these therapies are nutraceuticals containing botanical extracts. A Complementary Approach A key stimulating and potentially irritating hormone to both the prostate and hair follicles is a derivative of testosterone known as dihydrotestosterone, or DHT. Other male (androgenic) factors also play a role. Once simulated, the irritation cycle leads to damage of tissues. Numerous studies have yielded positive
