I’m 67 and have just been diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia. I’d like to avoid drugs if I can, as I don’t like the sound of the side-effects. Can you suggest any effective alternatives?
C.P., via email
More than half of men in their sixties suffer from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), an enlarged prostate gland that can cause a long list of urinary symptoms including increased frequency (the need to urinate a lot), incomplete emptying (when the bladder feels full after urinating), intermittency (the need to stop and start several times while urinating) and nocturia (waking up more than once to urinate at night). The usual treatment is drugs like alpha-blockers and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, but these can come with a range of nasty side-effects, from lack of energy and low blood pressure to loss of libido and sexual dysfunction. Many alternative We would advise you to consult with a qualified naturopathic practitioner who can recommend a holistic approach and the right supplements, herbs and dosages for you as an individual, but here’s a general science-based guide to the best natural options for BPH.
