The prostate gland lies at the neck of the bladder in men and surrounds that part of urethra lying within it. The gland is of importance because in late life, it is apt to increase in size and change in shape in such a way as to obstruct the flow of urine from the bladder. There is great difficulty in passing urine and the patient strains himself without voiding the urine. Or it may cause dribbling leaving the sufferer always with the desire of voiding urine.

There are various type of prostate disorders, the more important being hypertrophy or enlargement of the prostate gland and prostatitis or inflammation in the prostate gland.

Modern medicine takes recourse to surgery to ameliorate the condition. In most cases, the gland is removed since it is one of the common sites of cancer. There may be spasmodic stricture of the urethra, distension of the bladder or inflammation of the bladder or the urethra – conditions generally accompanying the enlargement of prostate.

A large percentage of men over fifty years of age suffer from prostate troubles of one form or other.

Causes and symptoms

There are two warning signals to indicate the possibility of prostate disorders. The first is the interference with the passage of urine, and the second is the need to void urine frequently during the night’s sleep. Other symptoms are a dull aching pain in the lower back and pain in the hips, legs and feet.

The position of the prostate gland makes it liable to congestion and other disorders. In an erect position, pressure falls on the pelvic region just where the prostate gland is situated. With ageing, the body gets heavier and loses its flexibility. This puts greater pressure on the pelvis and increases the vulnerability of the prostate gland.

Prolonged periods of sitting, as in certain occupations also increase the pressure in the pelvic region, resulting in the congestion of the tissues in and around the prostate gland. Acute prostatitis may also result from exposure to cold and chill, and from infectious diseases. Chronic prostatis is an after effect of the acute condition. It may also be caused by continual irritation of the gland due to excessive sexual excitement. Another important cause of prostate disorders is constipation, when the faeces become hardened and the rectum or lower bowel is overloaded, causing undue pressure on the prostate gland.

Diet

Spices in the diet should be avoided. More liquids, preferably in the form of water should be taken.

Heavy starches, sweet stimulants and highly seasoned foods are entirely forbidden as they are said to cause direct irritation to the prostate gland and bladder. The diet should also exclude spices, condiments, salt in excess, sauces, red meats, greasy or fried foods, alcohol, tobacco and too much of tea or coffee.

The patient should avoid excess sexual activity, irregularities in eating and drinking, long periods of sitting and vigorous exercise. All efforts should be made to tone up the general condition of the body.

Treatment

Usually medications such as finasteride and tamsulosin are prescribed. These drugs provide symptomatic relief and reduce the urinary symptoms in men.

In a severe case of the disease, Doctors usually recommend surgery. But in Ayurveda, the complications can be prevented and the disease can be treated when medications are taken at the earliest.

Herbal Cure Pack for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

• Punarnava Mandur – 2 tablets thrice daily before meals with plain water

• Bangshil – 1 tablet thrice daily with plain water after meals

• Fortege – 1 tablet thrice daily with plain water after meals

• Varunadi vati – 1 tablet thrice daily with plain water after meals

• Kaanchnaar guggulu – 2 tablets twice daily before meals with plain water