Why Choose Surgery When Natural Homeopathic Medicines Can Treat Your Enlarged Prostate

Benign prostate hyperplasia or BPH is the medical term for non-cancerous enlargement of prostate gland which puts pressure on the urethra and blocks the flow of urine resulting in different types of urinary complications.

Homeopathic medicines for prostate enlargement can potentially save a person from surgical intervention. They are a great alternative to the conventional mode of treatment in persons suffering from BPH. These medicines help manage symptoms of BPH and also work in halting further progression of the complaint.

The prostate gland is a gland about the size of a walnut that surrounds the first part of the urethra just below the urinary bladder in males. It secretes prostatic fluid which is a component of the semen and forms around 30 per cent of the semen. Prostate gland muscles also aid the expulsion of semen during ejaculation. The approximate weight of the prostate gland ranges from 8-15 grams. The normal size of the adult prostate gland is about 15cc to 30cc (cubic centimeter). A prostate gland of more than 30cc usually indicates benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH).

Top 5 Homeopathic Medicines for Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH)

The top five homeopathic medicines to treat BPH are Sabal Serrulata, Conium Maculatum, Lycopodium Clavatum, Baryta Carb and Chimaphila Umbellata.

1. Sabal Serrulata – Top-grade Medicine for BPH

It is the most effective medicine to treat benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). It is a natural remedy sourced from fresh berries of the plant saw palmetto. It can be used to manage almost any symptom of enlarged prostate and has given great clinical results in BPH cases. It can be given to manage frequent desire to pass urine, especially at night. Secondly, it can be used when there is difficulty in the initial urine flow. Force is required for initiating urine. Sabal Serrulata also helps treat interrupted urination. Dribbling urine (slow, intermittent drop by drop trickle) is another problem where it is indicated. Burning sensation while urinating can also be treated well with this medicine. Last but not least, Sabal Serrulata effectively treats the complaint of erectile dysfunction (inability to achieve or maintain erections firm enough to have sexual intercourse) from an enlarged prostate.

When and How to use Sabal Serrulata?

Sabal Serrulata is a specific medicine in homeopathy for BPH treatment so it can be used in any case of BPH. As soon as BPH is diagnosed, one may start this medicine without delay. It will help relieve the symptoms and prevent further progression of the complaint. It yields the best results when used in form of mother tincture (Q). Sabal Serrulata Q (8 to 10 drops in half a cup of water) can be used twice or thrice a day as per the intensity of the symptoms.

2. Conium Maculatum – for Interrupted Urine Flow in BPH

It is extremely effective in cases of interrupted urine flow due to enlarged prostate. Urine starts and stops several times before complete voiding. After passing urine, burning or pricking pain may be felt in the urethra. Dribbling of urine can also be there.

When and How to use Conium Maculatum?

Those who experience interrupted urine flow due to enlarged prostate can use this medicine. It can be used in different potencies from low to high as per the complaint. In BPH cases, its use is recommended in 30C potency. Conium 30C can be taken two times a day for good results.

3. Lycopodium Clavatum – for Frequent Urination at Night

For frequent urination at night from BPH, Lycopodium Clavatum works wonders. Persons who need it also need to wait to start urination. Urine takes time to come out, it passes with strain. Lycopodium is also beneficial to manage erectile dysfunction linked with prostate issues.

When and how to use Lycopodium Clavatum?

This medicine can be prescribed to manage frequent urination at night in BPH cases. Its use is also recommended to manage erectile dysfunction associated with prostate enlargement. Both low and high potencies of this medicine work well, however, it is advised to begin with low potency during the initial days. Lycopodium 30C potency can be taken one or two times a day.

4. Baryta Carb – to manage Sudden Urge to Urinate

Baryta Carb is known to effectively treat the problem of sudden urge to urinate. Males who need this medicine have to rush to urinate when urge occurs with inability to retain urine. Burning sensation while passing urine may also be observed. Dribbling after urination can also be present. Frequency of urination increases due to these complaints.

When and How to use Baryta Carb?

A person with BPH can take this medicine if he faces an urgency to urinate where he has to suddenly rush to urinate. Baryta Carb works most wonderfully in 30C potency. Baryta Carb 30C can be taken twice a day to control urinating urgency in BPH cases.

5. Chimaphila Umbellata – when there is Difficulty in Starting Urination

Chimaphila Umbellata is helpful when a person needs to strain hard to start passing urine. In extreme cases, the urine is forcefully passed by bending forward. Urine is scanty and may be foul-smelling. Scalding (burning sensation) while passing urine may also be present.

When and How to use Chimaphila Umbellata?

Chimaphila is the most appropriate prescription to manage complaints of excessive straining to start urine in cases of BPH. Though it can be used in different potencies, it is more powerful in mother tincture form. Chimaphila Q (5 to 7 drops in half a cup of water) can be used twice a day.

Note  You may use any of the medicines in the recommended potency and dosage for about one month. To continue further, seek advice from a homeopath. In case of acute retention of urine, it is strictly advised to take immediate help from conventional mode of treatment.

What are the Symptoms of Enlarged Prostate?

1. frequent urge to pass urine, especially at night

2. urgent need to urinate

3. strain when one begins to urinate

4. weak urine stream

5. dribbling after urination

6. interrupted urination

7. sensation of incomplete emptying of the bladder

8. In case of a urinary tract infection, pain and burning while urinating

What causes Prostate Hyperplasia?

The exact cause of benign prostate hyperplasia is not yet known.

1. Age-related: There are more than 50 per cent chances for prostate gland enlargement between the age of 50 – 60 years.

2. Imbalance in male hormones as age advances: Men produce testosterone (male hormone) and a little amount of estrogen (female hormone). With advancing age, the active testosterone in blood declines leaving back relatively high estrogen levels. As per scientific studies, these hormonal changes may induce prostate cell growth by promoting the activity of certain substances. As per another theory, increased levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) may increase the growth of prostate cells.

3. Family history: Males having a family history of BPH like in father or brother are more at risk to have problems from an enlarged prostate.

4. Obesity: It increases the risk of BPH.

5. Certain medical conditions: Diabetes and heart diseases may increase risk of BPH.

Complications of BPH

Certain complications can arise in cases of BPH but not in every case. These are as follows:

1. Urine retention – In some BPH cases, urine retention can occur. Acute urinary retention is a medical emergency. To drain urine in such cases, catheterization or even surgical intervention may be required as per doctor’s advice.

2. UTI (urinary tract infection) – in BPH cases due to incomplete emptying of bladder, the chances of UTI increase.

3. Bladder stones

4. Bladder or kidney damage

Frequently Asked Questions

1. I have frequent urination at night (nocturia), could it be due to BPH?

Yes, it could be. Frequent urination at night is one of the indicating features of benign prostate hyperplasia. However, there are many other conditions that can cause frequent urination at night, like diabetes, urinary tract infection and overactive bladder. Therefore, detailed case evaluation and investigation must be carried out before a conclusion can be drawn.

2. Does a weak urinary stream necessarily mean prostate enlargement?

No. A weak urinary stream is one of the symptoms of an enlarged prostate. However, urinary stricture may also lead to a weak urinary stream. So proper evaluation of the case and investigations are required for confirmation.

3. Can benign prostate hyperplasia cause sexual dysfunction?

Yes, benign prostate hyperplasia can lead to sexual complaints. Complaints of erectile dysfunction and reduced sex drive are common in BPH.

4. Do we need to get tests done to investigate suspected benign prostate hyperplasia?

Various tests need to be conducted. The main test to find out BPH is an ultrasound of the prostate gland. Other investigations include cystoscopy, post-residual volume test, and urinary flow test. A urine test is also conducted to rule out urinary infection. PSA (prostate-specific antigen) is checked, if the PSA value is above normal, a biopsy of prostate tissue needs to be done to rule out cancer.

5. What is PSA and what does it signify?

PSA is a prostate-specific antigen. It is produced by prostate gland cells. PSA is a screening test to rule out prostate cancer in men. The normal PSA value is below 4.0 ng/ml. A raised PSA raises suspicion of cancer of the prostate gland. Therefore, a biopsy of prostatic tissue is recommended.

6. I have been advised surgery for BPH, can natural medicines help avoid it?

Homeopathy can work wonders in such cases and help avoid surgery. The conventional system of medicine considers benign prostate hyperplasia as a case for surgical intervention. Homeopathy is very effective in treating benign prostate hyperplasia. In fact, most cases of mild to moderate enlargement of prostate gland respond exceedingly well to natural treatment.

7.  My USG shows post-voidal residual urine with enlarged prostate, what does that mean?

Residual urine refers to the urine remaining in the urinary bladder after urination. Residual urine from benign prostate hyperplasia shows incomplete emptying of the bladder due to obstructed urinary outflow. A post residual urine volume of less than 50ml is normal. In elderly people over 65 yrs of age, post-residual volume ranging between 50 ml – 100ml is normal. However, acute urinary retention, where a person is completely unable to pass urine, needs to be treated as a medical emergency.

8. What are the grades of BPH, and what do they signify?

There are three grades of benign prostate hyperplasia and they show the level of progression of the disease. In BPH grade 1, there are no troubling symptoms and no significant obstruction. In BPH grade 2, bothersome symptoms appear, but there is no significant obstruction. In BPH grade 3, there is significant obstruction with post-residual urine volume of more than 100 ml.

9. Is prostatitis different from benign prostate hyperplasia?

Yes, prostatitis and benign prostate hyperplasia are different conditions. Prostatitis is swelling and inflammation of the prostate gland. Prostatitis can be acute or chronic. The main cause of prostatitis is a bacterial infection. On the other hand, benign prostate hyperplasia is the enlargement of the prostate gland, which is mainly age-related.

10. Why are people with BPH vulnerable to urinary tract infections (UTI)?

In men with benign prostate hyperplasia, urine outflow is obstructed. This results in incomplete emptying of the urinary bladder. The urine that remains in the urinary bladder gives a chance to bacteria to grow which leads to urinary tract infection.

11. What lifestyle changes can I adopt to manage benign prostate hyperplasia?

Here are some basic lifestyle patterns to adapt to be able to live more comfortably in spite of this condition.

1.  reduce daily fluid intake

2.  avoid alcohol and caffeine

3. limit intake of fluids towards the evening

4. not to hold whenever the urge arises

5. exercise daily as lack of physical exercise can worsen symptoms

6. Strengthen pelvic floor muscles by exercising