An estimated 14 million men suffer from an enlarged prostate each year, according to the New England Journal Medicine (6/26/98).  Most men are unaware that they have a prostate problem until it becomes a major problem.

 

    When men enter their fifties, they are at increased risk for prostate problems.  This usually starts with a urgent need to urinate.  Some men often awake five to six times per night to urinate.  This is caused by an enlarged prostate.  The enlarged prostate puts pressure on the urethra, the tube that connects to the bladder.

 

    According to Dr. Sarah Brewer, M.D., author of the book Saw Palmetto: Natural Prostate Relief. The number of cells in the prostate starts to enlarge in most men from around the age of 45.  This is a non cancerous-process known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

 

    In some men, the enlarged prostate gland does not cause a problem with passing water says Dr. brewer.  They may develop symptoms such as difficulty when starting to urinate and dribbling after urinating.

 

    A man's hormones may also play a major role in an enlarged prostate. Sometimes testosterone is converted into another more powerful male hormone called dihydro-testosterone DHT), says Dr.Brewer.  It is the DHT that causes the division of prostate cells so their numbers increase.         

 

    Because the symptoms of BPH and prostate cancer can be similar, it is suggested by the experts that you see your doctor for a blood test.  The test is called the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test.  It measures the levels of a protein that is produced in the prostate.  The PSA is regarded as a significant marker for prostate cancer.  The normal value for PSA is less than 4 nanograms per milliliter.  Any level above 10 ng/ml is a good indication of prostate cancer. 

 

    Studies have shown that the herbs saw palmetto, pygeum-africanum, and stinging nettle has been very effective in relieving symptoms of BPH. 

 

    Saw Palmetto is probably the most widely used herb to relieve male urinary problems caused by an enlarged prostate.  The native Americans have used this herb for hundreds of years for urinary and sexual problems.

   

    The beneficial components of the Saw Palmetto are found in the fatty acids.  These are natural substances called plant sterols and flavonoids. The fatty acids should be 85-95 percent in Saw Palmetto for it to be effective in reducing BPH.  

 

    Saw Palmetto is highly recommended by Joe Graedon and Teresa Graedon, PhD, authors of the people's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies.  They point out that Saw Palmetto berries rarely causes impotence or lower libido as Proscar (widely used drug to treat prostate problems) occasionally does.

 

    Other studies have found zinc to be beneficial in preventing BPH.  The prostate requires large amounts of zinc to stay healthy.  Most men over 45 have a decreased amount of zinc.  Alcohol also depletes zinc from the body. It is also believed that men who are sexually active are at lower risk of having prostate problems.   

 

    If you are having a prostate problem, consider trying The Saw Palmetto now before your prostate develops cancer and require surgery.  The removal of the prostate seriously alters most men sexual lifestyle.  Even other non surgery procedures for treating prostate cancer can affect a man's sexual performance for quite some time.