What is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?
A condition that results in enlarged prostate is referred to as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). The prostate gland contributes to the production of sperm in men, and it is fairly common for the prostate gland to grow larger as one gets older.
An enlarged prostate gland is not something that should cause you a great deal of stress, but at the same time if you do nothing about it, it could trigger issues in a number of different ways.
Understanding enlargement of the Prostate Gland
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia is influenced by a number of circumstances however, the precise cause of the condition is not completely understood. The chief contributors to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) in men are:
Hormonal Changes Associated with Aging
As men get older, their testosterone levels continue to fall, while their estrogen scale either remain the same or increase. An imbalance in hormones is thought to be the primary contributing factor in the growth of the prostate gland.
Dihydrotestosterone
A significant role for the formation and growth of your prostate gland is played by this testosterone derivative. The accumulation of increased levels of DHT of prostate, which can lead to enlargement, is more likely to occur in older men.
Lifestyle and Health
Excessive body weight can have an effect on hormone levels and contribute to the enlargement of the prostate gland for people who are obese.
An insufficient amount of physical activity has been associated with an increased risk for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Diabetes
Men with diabetes have an increased chance of developing an enlarged prostate gland.
Cardiovascular Health is connected to the health of the prostate, and there is a correlation between the two, according to specific research.
Symptoms of BPH (Enlargement in the Prostate Gland)
1. Difficulty with Urine Flow
If you are suffering with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, you would often experience difficulty in starting urination and finally emptying your bladder. This occurs because the enlarged prostate gland compresses the urethra and makes it harder for urine to flow completely out the bladder.
2. Weak Urine Flow
The most common symptom of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia is a noticeable decrease in the strength and volume of the urine stream. Because of the growth in size of the prostate gland, the urethra narrows down in size and restricts urine flow, leading to a weak stream.
3. Urgency to Urinate
Patients with an increase in prostate size, sometimes get a sudden strong urge to urinate which can cause difficulty in delaying urination. This urgency can lead to situations were finding a restroom quickly becomes a priority.
4. Frequent Urination
An amplified prostate gland can cause an increase in the need to urinate, especially during the night. This can significantly disrupt sleep patterns and daily activities.
Effects of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia on daily life
Trouble Sleeping
For patients with an enlarged prostate gland, it is possible for them to have a disturbed sleep routine because of frequent urination during the night. This insufficient amount of sleep can result in feelings of exhaustion, lower attention, and a general drop in productivity throughout the day.
Reduced Physical Activity
Men with suffering with enlarged prostate gland can be demotivated from participating in activities when there is restricted access to restrooms due to the urgency and frequency of urine flow.
This might result in a lifestyle that is defined as sedentary, which in turn can have an impact on one’s general health and fitness.
Stress and Anxiety
The constant need to be near a restroom can cause significant stress and anxiety. Men with enlargement of prostate gland may worry about embarrassing accidents or being in situations where they cannot easily access a restroom.
Professional Challenges
Enlarged prostate gland can cause the need for frequent bathroom breaks and can affect work performance and decrease productivity.
Men may feel self-conscious about their condition, leading to decreased confidence in their professional lives as well.
What is Homeopathy?
Homeopathic Medicines are a form of alternate treatment method that claim to stimulate a healing response in the body and increase its ability to combat various health conditions.
Homeopathy is a traditional medical system that is based on a belief that the body has the ability to heal itself.
Homeopathy involves using medicines derived from natural substances like plants and minerals to stimulate healing process in the body.
For example, we all know that our eyes start to water when we cut onions. This is a reaction or even a reflex of our body to the stimulants produced by the onions. Similarly, our body’s reaction to various stimulants from natural substances and minerals can trigger and increase the healing capacity to various diseases and health conditions.
Digestive Disorders
Homeopathy medicines can also treat conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), acid reflux, and indigestion. Nux Vomica is a popular remedy for digestive issues, believed to help with bloating of the stomach, nausea, and constipation.
Skin Conditions
Homeopathic Remedies are frequently used to treat various skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis, and acne. Remedies like Sulphur and Graphite are chosen based on the specific symptoms, such as itching, dryness, and oozing.
Mental Health and Emotional Disorders
Homeopathic remedies are also applied to mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and stress. Remedies like Ignatia and Arsenicum Album are tailored to the individual’s emotional state and specific symptoms.
Musculoskeletal Issues
Conditions such as arthritis, back pain, and muscle soreness are also often managed with homeopathic remedies. Rhus Tox and Bryonia are popular choices for joint pain and stiffness. While some individuals find relief through these treatments, their effectiveness is controversial, and more research is needed.
Exploring Homeopathy as a Treatment for Prostate Enlargement
Homeopathy is often preferred by individuals looking for a natural treatment option for men with an enlarged prostate gland. Some common homeopathic remedies associated to help with BPH symptoms include Sabal Serrulate, Conium Maculatum, and Baryta Carb.
Sabal Serrulate
Sabal Serrulate is a palm like plant often used in homeopathy for urinary tract difficulties related to an enlarged prostate gland. It is believed to reduce the frequency of nighttime urination and improve urine flow.
Conium Maculatum
Conium Maculatum is a flowering plant in the carrot family, prescribed for patients experiencing dribbling urine and difficulty in passing urine due to an enlarged prostate gland. It is usually prescribed to older men who feel weak and have a slow urine flow.
Limitations of Homeopathy in Treating an Enlarged Prostate Gland
While many patients report relief from symptoms of enlargement in prostate gland with homeopathic treatment, it’s important to note that scientific evidence supporting the efficiency of homeopathy in treating prostate gland enlargement is limited. The process by which homeopathic remedies would work is also not well-understood within the scientific community, leading to controversies about their effectiveness.
Disadvantages of Homeopathic Remedies
Less Scientific Proof
The major disadvantage of Homeopathic Remedies is that it receives a great amount of criticism from medical professionals and researchers for lack of evidence-based results. This makes Homeopathy a not so trustable form of alternate medicine.
Not Suitable in Cases of Emergency
Homeopathy is a form of medical treatment that cannot be used in case of emergency. Reason being homeopathic remedies are meant to take a larger amount of time for it’s to show results.
Longer Duration
Homeopathic Remedies take a longer duration to show results and sometimes might not be as effective as expected.
Introduction to Interventional Radiology (IR)
What is Interventional Radiology?
Interventional Radiology is an advanced medical technique that involves using medical imaging methods to diagnose and treat various health conditions. These procedures are generally performed by interventional radiologists and are capable of treating multiple health conditions like prostate enlargement in men, osteoarthritis, fallopian tube blockage in women and even uterine fibroids.
Further, tumors and brain aneurysms can also be treated with Interventional Radiology.
Introducing Prostate Artery Embolization for Prostate Enlargement
Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE): A Modern Solution
Non-Surgical Solution to treat an Enlarged Prostate
With Centuries worth of knowledge combines with advancements in technology and medicine, today there are multiple non-surgical solutions to various ailments and diseases that the common man in unaware of.
One such solution to treat an enlarged prostate gland is PAE (Prostate Artery Embolization).
How PAE (Prostate Artery Embolization) helps treat enlarged prostate?
The procedure involves placing a tiny catheter into the arteries that supply blood to the prostate gland. A solution containing thousands of microscopic plastic beads is injected, which in turn blocks the blood flow to the prostate gland. This is done through a small hole that is pierced through the groin.
General Anesthesia is not required since the pain is almost unrecognizable, and the patients are discharged during the same course of the day.
With time the prostate gland decreases in size since it is deprived of its blood supply. And thereby the urethra opens for urine to flow normally.
The procedure does not have any negative effect on one’s sexual function and on the contrary a small percentage of patients have experienced an improvement in their overall sexual function.
Procedure Flow of Prostate Artery Embolization
Patient Preparation
Patients are typically asked to fast for a few hours before the procedure is performed.
Anesthesia
Local anesthesia is administered to the patient to numb the area near groin.
Catheter Placement
A catheter (a thin, flexible tube) is inserted into the artery in the groin or wrist.
Artery Mapping
Contrast dye is injected through the catheter and X-ray imaging is used to visualize the vessels that supply blood to the prostate.
Identifying Prostate Arteries
The interventional radiologist identifies the arteries that supply blood to the prostate.
Embolization
Tiny embolic agents are injected through the catheter into the prostate arteries These particles reduce the blood flow to the prostate leading to its shrinkage.
Monitoring
Continuous X-ray monitoring is done to ensure the embolic agents are correctly placed and effectively block the targeted arteries.
Recovery
Patients are monitored in the recovery area for a few hours to ensure stability. Most patients can go home on the same day.
Relief from Symptoms of an enlarged prostate:
Over a short period of time, the reduced blood flow to the prostate leads to symptom relief in patients.
Advantages of Prostate Artery Embolization
Minimally invasive in nature
Prostate Artery Embolization is a minimally invasive technique which does not involve any large incisions to be made to treat prostate gland enlargement.
Faster Recovery
Since the procedure is minimally invasive and a non-surgical technique, it provides the patient to recover swiftly when compared other traditional surgical alternatives.
Lower risk of complications
Prostate Artery Embolization being a non-surgical solution to treat an enlarged prostate gland, reduces the risk of complications significantly since it does not involve major cuts, incisions to be made.
Preservation of Sexual function and Urinary control
The procedure does not have any negative effect on one’s sexual function and on the contrary a small percentage of patients have experienced an improvement in their overall sexual function and urinary control.
Minimized Bleeding
It reduces the risk of bleeding which is the common concern with other surgical procedure to treat enlargement of prostate gland.
Preservation of Tissue
PAE preserves prostate tissue thus leading to fewer side effects compared to surgical treatments that involve complete tissue removal.
Minimal Scarring
Since PAE is done through a catheter inserted in the groin, leading to minimal scarring.
Fewer Complications
PAE is associated with a lower risk of complications compared to other surgical options to treat prostate gland enlargement.
Who is a suitable candidate for Prostate Artery Embolization?
PAE is for men with prostate enlargement and experience urinary flow problems. Also, for people who have not responded well to medications, and wish to avoid traditional surgical treatments.
Conclusion
Homeopathy offers a holistic approach to managing symptoms of enlarged prostate, focusing on the individual’s overall well-being. However, those considering homeopathic treatment should do so with an understanding of the limited scientific evidence supporting its use for BPH. However, Non-Surgical procedures such as Prostate Artery Embolization provides an advanced approach to treat an enlarged prostate with minimal side effects and faster recovery phase to patients.
