The prostate gland, that is found only in men, surrounds the tube through which urine is excreted out from the bladder or the urethra. When the prostate gland enlarges, the condition then is referred to as BPH or benign prostatic hyperplasia. This is by no means a cancerous or a malignant growth. Another term that has been introduced that could be used as a synonym for BPH is LUTS. LUTS is an acronym denoting lower urinary tract symptoms. BPH is usually a progressive ailment in men as the prostate tends to enlarge as men age. Studies prove that men who have a small prostate portray typical symptoms of BPH. When the prostate gland enlarges, there are probabilities of the urine flow being obstructed. When the prostate gland is affected, the symptoms that come across are elevated by the increased tone of the smooth muscles in the bladder and not by the enlargement of the prostate gland. The symptoms that men go through, weather large or small, are divided into three stages, they range from mild, moderate to severe. BPH is not a life-threatening ailment; however, it should be detected in its elementary stages. BPH is common in men after age 50.There is no necessity that a specialist treat the condition; a general physician can also treat the patient unless the case remains complicated. It has been found that many men who have countered the condition live without getting the condition treated. This is a procedure that is strictly not recommended. Causes and Symptoms of Prostate Gland Enlargement Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is the hormone responsible for prostate growth as men age. DHT and estradiol (estrogen), which attach to receptors in prostate tissue, are produced by conversion of testosterone manufactured by the testes. However there is no evidence and reason behind why the prostate gland increases in size and causes BPH.

• Frequent urination in men, more than usual is the most dominant symptom in this condition. It is marked by the frequency of visiting the toilet increases. This is indeed the first sign that signifies that prostate gland is enlarged.
• The urine stream may take longer that usual to begin and dribbling starts to occur. The urine stream is weak as well.
• Men with this condition need to sit and urinate, instead of following their normal course as the act of sitting down will help empty the bladder completely.
• Another sign to look out for is the prostate gland being irritated due to an activity. If you are fond of riding a bicycle, you are bound to face discomfort and probably pain in the prostate gland.
• If the gland is irritated, it is prescribed that sexual intercourse may not be encouraged.
• There is pain and pressure that is felt by the kidney as urine collects in the bladder, increasing the risk of bladder infections.

Treatment Options for Prostate Gland Enlargement Medications The treatment mode that is adopted by your medical health professional and you heavily depends on the severity of the prostate gland enlargement. The drug treatment that could be adopted by your doctor could involve two medications that help to control the symptoms of an enlarged prostate. These medications are known as alpha blockers and finasteride. Alpha blockers are effective in most men who have countered BPH. They function by relaxing the muscles at the neck of the bladder. There are three alpha blockers that could be administered, they are oxazosin (Cardura); tamsulosin (Flomax) and terazosin (Hytrin). Within a day or two, you could see improvements in the condition. However, there are certain side effects of this medication. Dizziness, tiredness, low blood pressure when you stand up and impotence are some of the side effects that can be countered by men. The administration of finasteride shrinks the prostate gland and is found to be most effective in men whose prostate is significantly enlarged. It can take a long time for the drug to show improvement in symptoms. It may take about a year to derive complete results. The side effects of medication administered for an enlarged prostate include a reduced libido, impotence, and reduced semen release during ejaculation. Finasteride also has the side effect of hair growth and is used sometimes to treat male pattern baldness. Herbal Remedies Prostate growth is reduced when substances that cease the conversion of testosterone to DHT and decrease estrogen's effects on prostate cells are used. Saw Palmetto berries, which grow wild in the southern United States, have been proved to be effective that even doctors are now recommending the use of the same. Stinging Nettle, another plant that grows wild in many parts of the US has leaves that are anti-bacterial in nature are used to cure and treat the urinary system; the roots have the hormone-balancing properties that benefit the prostate. Supplements of these herbs are available in standardized formulas at health food stores and some mainstream markets. Saw Palmetto is most effective when consistency is followed. Higher doses may be required initially to relieve symptoms. After the symptoms are controlled, the dosage can be altered. Cranberry juice improves urinary health and decreases the probability of bacteria to multiply in the bladder. This will prevent infections in the bladder thereby making the symptoms of BPH all the more elevated. Drink eight to ten glasses of water, enjoy cranberry juice. Heat Therapies Heat, delivered through the urethra, can be used to reduce the size of the prostate. This is a procedure done under anesthesia. The results that are derived are quick and recovery from the procedure does not take too long. Electro-vaporization, microwave therapy or laser therapy are the types of heat therapies. Surgical Treatment Surgery is often the most effective long term option for difficult to manage or more serious complications resulting from a enlarged prostate. The surgical procedures include transurethral resection of the prostate, transurethral incision of the prostate or open prostatectomy. There are, however, side effects such as infection, nerve or structural damage that includes loss of bladder control, impotence, and ejaculation problems. Omega 3 fatty acids and essential amino acids are a requirement when curing prostate enlargement through natural remedies. Include fiber rich foods in your daily diet plan and make a conscious effort to avoid soda, caffeine, alcohol and fried foods.