Dribbling Urine? Up At Night To Pee? It Doesn’t Have To Be Your Life!
As men age, some begin to notice changes in their urinary habits, such as a weak stream, dribbling, or the need to get up multiple times during the night to urinate. These symptoms could be signs of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), a common condition that affects millions of men, particularly as they grow older. Understanding BPH and knowing your options for managing it can greatly improve your quality of life.
What is BPH?
- BPH stands for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, which refers to the enlargement of the prostate
- It’s a condition that happens naturally with age, most commonly affecting men over
- BPH is prevalent, with about 14 million men in the S. diagnosed. Statistics show:
- 70% of men experience BPH symptoms by age
- 80% of men will have symptoms by age
- Interestingly, many men under 50 do not experience symptoms, even if their prostate begins to
What Does the Prostate Do?
- The prostate gland plays a crucial role in male reproductive health by helping to liquefy
- Located around the urethra, at the neck of the bladder, its enlargement can lead to urinary problems as it compresses the urethra.
Symptoms of BPH:
- Weak urine
- Intermittent flow (start/stop during urination).
- Urgency and frequency in
- Incomplete emptying of the bladder, leading to
- These symptoms can lead to complications, including:
- Blood in the
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs).
- Urinary retention (inability to urinate).
- Bladder issues, including damage from chronic
Diagnosing BPH:
- Urinalysis (u/a): A simple test to check for infections or other
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test: Measures the level of PSA in the blood, which can be higher in men with prostate enlargement.
- Ultrasound (US): Imaging to evaluate the size of the
- Urodynamic Tests: Assess how well the bladder and urethra store and release
Treatment Options for BPH: BPH can be managed through various treatment options, depending on the severity of symptoms and patient preference.
Lifestyle Changes:
- Reducing fluid intake before
- Limiting caffeine and
- Regular physical
Medications:
- Alpha Blockers (e.g., Flomax, Tamsulosin): Relax the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck to ease urination.
- Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) Inhibitors: Also used in treating erectile dysfunction, these can improve urinary symptoms.
- 5-Alpha-Reductase Inhibitors: Reduce prostate size by blocking the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
Procedures and Surgery:
- In cases where medications and lifestyle changes aren’t effective, minimally invasive procedures or surgery may be necessary.
Supplements: The Role of Pygeum:
- Pygeum Africanum: A natural extract derived from the African prune
- Studied in 18 randomized controlled trials involving 1,562
- Showed modest improvements in urinary symptoms and flow
- Specifically:
- Reduced nocturia (nighttime urination) by 19%.
- Decreased residual urine by 24%.
- Improved urine flow by 23%.
- Pygeum’s side effects were mild and similar to those of a
Choosing the Right Pygeum Supplement:
When considering supplements, choosing a high-quality product is essential:
- NOW Foods: Offers a Pygeum and Saw Palmetto extract with 50mg per A 30-day supply costs around $11.
- Swanson: Provides a 400mg dose of Pygeum, with a 120-day supply for $13.
- Carylyle Store: Offers a high-potency 4000mg capsule for a 30-day
However, some Pygeum supplements are produced by reputable manufacturers who adhere to high-quality standards, including GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) certification, which ensures the product’s purity and potency.
For those interested in a deeper dive into the relative vs. absolute risk discussion, I encourage you to explore the following sources:
Here are a few high-quality Pygeum supplements that are often recommended:
1. Vital Nutrients Pygeum Bark Extract:
- Dosage: 50 mg per capsule
- Details: This product is from a well-known supplement brand that prioritizes purity and potency. Vital Nutrients is known for testing its products rigorously.
- GMP Certified: Yes
2. Pure Encapsulations Pygeum & Saw Palmetto:
- Dosage: 50 mg Pygeum per capsule, combined with Saw Palmetto
- Details: Pure Encapsulations is another trusted brand in the supplement industry, known for hypoallergenic and high-quality products.
- GMP Certified: Yes
3. Thorne Research Saw Palmetto/Serenoa:
- Dosage: This product focuses on Saw Palmetto but includes additional botanicals known to support prostate health, including Pygeum.
- Details: Thorne Research is a highly reputable brand in the medical community, often recommended by healthcare professionals.
- GMP Certified: Yes
These brands are well-regarded in the medical community for their commitment to quality and rigorous testing. While these supplements might not specifically be labeled as “medical grade,” they are often recommended by healthcare providers due to their adherence to strict manufacturing standards.
If you’re looking for something more closely aligned with “medical grade,” you might consider working with a compounding pharmacy or consulting a healthcare provider who specializes in integrative or functional medicine. They can sometimes source specific ingredients with the purity and potency you’re looking for.
Both Designs for Health and Metagenics are reputable medical grade brands known for their high-quality supplements, including those that support prostate health. Here are some options from each:
Designs for Health:
1. Prostate Supreme™
- Description: A comprehensive prostate support formula that includes a blend of botanicals, vitamins, and Key ingredients include saw palmetto, nettle root, pygeum, and lycopene.
- Dosage: Typically 2 capsules per
- Features: This formula is designed to support healthy urinary flow, reduce symptoms of BPH, and provide antioxidant protection.
-
Link to purchase:
https://www.designsforhealth.com/u/debradurst/products/prostate-supreme/#PRS120
Metagenics:
1. Wellness Essentials Men’s Vitality Packs
- Description: A blend of nutrients and botanicals designed to support healthy prostate function. Key ingredients include saw palmetto, lycopene, selenium, and zinc.
- Dosage: Typically take one packer per day
- Features: Provides antioxidant protection, supports normal urinary flow, and helps maintain overall prostate health.
- Link to Purchase:
https://revitalyzemd.metagenics.com/wellness-essentials-mens-vitality
2. Herbulk®
- Description: A fiber supplement with added benefits for prostate It includes flaxseed and beta-sitosterol, which are known to support prostate function.
- Dosage: 1 tablespoon (approximately 9 grams) per day, mixed with water or
- Features: Supports healthy urinary function and provides dietary fiber to promote overall digestive and prostate health.
- Link to Purchase:
https://revitalyzemd.metagenics.com/?page=item&id=META_92_parent
Summary of Recommendations:
- Designs for Health Prostate Supreme™: A comprehensive formula with pygeum and other supportive ingredients.
- Metagenics Wellness Essentials Men’s Vitality Packs™: A multi-ingredient formula for overall prostate health.
- Metagenics Herbulk®: A fiber-based supplement with added prostate health
These supplements are known for their quality and effectiveness, making them strong choices for anyone looking to support prostate health naturally. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have existing health concerns or are taking other medications.
BPH doesn’t have to control your life. With the right combination of lifestyle changes, medical treatments, and possibly supplements like Pygeum, you can manage your symptoms effectively. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment, especially supplements, to ensure they’re right for you.
Call us today at 865-293-5828 to schedule your consultation with one of our providers!