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lower urinary tract symptoms. Some men are treated for BPH based on symptoms without histological confirmation, prompting some experts to differentiate histologically confirmed BPH versus symptoms associated with BPH including lower urinary tract symptoms, benign prostatic enlargement and bladder outlet obstruction.
Recommended lifestyle changes include increasing physical activity, modifying one’ s diet to avoid excessive alcohol consumption, avoiding highly seasoned and irritative foods, regulating fluid intake( especially in the evenings) and examining if other prescribed medications are contributing to the symptoms.
Treatment options for BPH include watchful waiting, lifestyle changes including diet and behavioral interventions, prescription medications and surgical procedures. Individuals who are not at risk of acute urinary retention are often offered watchful waiting, lifestyle changes and phytotherapy as first-line treatments to relieve their urinary symptoms.
Prescription medications and surgical procedures are recommended for individuals with moderate to severe BPH. Nonetheless, many men seek natural alternative treatments to support their health needs. Phytotherapy is the use of herbs or plants to treat disease. Several phytotherapies have been examined in preclinical and clinical studies to relieve lower urinary tract symptoms associated with BPH. The most widely available and commonly used natural alternative treatment for BPH is saw palmetto or Serenoa repens. Saw palmetto extract is available at drug and grocery stores without a prescription. There is variation in the quality of the products available. The American Urological Association guidelines specifically mention that saw palmetto and stinging nettle( Urtica dioica) are not recommended, but that ongoing trials at the time may provide evidence that could change these recommendations. Prescription medications to treat BPH include two main classes: alpha-adrenergic blockers( alpha blockers) including alfuzosin, doxazosin, prazosin, silodosin, tamsulosin and terazosin, and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors( 5-ARIs) including finasteride and dutasteride. Alpha-blockers and 5-ARIs can be used in combination.
I. Different Natural Treatment Options for BPH
A. Serenoa repens for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia 1. What is Serenoa repens? Serenoa repens, commonly known as saw palmetto, is the sole species currently classified in the
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