The prostate, also known as the prostate gland, is a strange organ that is part of the male reproductive system. The shape of the prostate is often compared to an edible chestnut because it looks like a flattened cone.
Prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer are the three main diseases of the prostate. All three diseases can coexist in the same prostate at the same time. That is, the presence of prostatitis does not exclude the presence of prostate hyperplasia and prostate cancer in the patient and vice versa.
In the group of drugs for the treatment of diseases of the prostate gland there are many effective agents that improve the condition of the prostate tissues and the general condition of the patient's body. What medications help a man relieve symptoms of tissue overgrowth and associated discomfort, and what is their effect?
Anatomy
The prostate gland consists of two lobes, right and left, connected to each other by a node located below the bladder. Its back is directly adjacent to the rectum, so the examination of the prostate is done through the rectum (this is the so-called digital rectal examination).
Part of the male urethra passes through the prostate, so when this organ enlarges or becomes inflamed, the man begins to experience urinary problems. Benign prostate tumors are the most common urinary problem.
How do you feel an enlarged prostate? At first, the man begins to go to the toilet much more often, experiencing strong pressure, as with a full bladder. With frequent nighttime urges, this is called nocturia.
Another signal is pain during urination, a greater pressure of the jet, but at the same time, the beginning of the trip to the toilet is extended in time. Sometimes urine drips from the urethra after emptying, and in advanced cases, with a strong enlargement of the prostate, urinary retention may occur.
Prescription drugs for the treatment of the prostate
It is important to remember that any prescription medications should only be prescribed by a healthcare professional and, unlike dietary supplements, are categorized as drugs and not food. The patient should follow the instructions carefully.
Here is a list of medication to ponder:
- Finasteride.The action of this substance is to reduce the level of 5-alpha-dihydrotestosterone in serum, urine and prostate gland. In this case, there is a natural decrease in the size of the prostate and an increase in the maximum flow rate of urine, reducing the risk of acute retention and related relapses.
- Afluzosin.This substance improves the process of emptying the bladder by relaxing the tone of the urethra. The muscular wall relaxes, urine flows freely, freeing the bladder without encountering resistance.
- Dutasteride.It is an inhibitor of testosterone 5 alpha reductase, an enzyme that converts testosterone to 5 alpha dihydrotestosterone. This substance quickly and effectively reduces the production of substances that contribute to the proliferation of the prostate. Thus, the symptoms of the problem disappear.
- Silodosin.Its mechanism of action reduces the discomfort of a swollen bladder associated with excessive urine accumulation and excretion.
OTC drugs for the treatment of the prostate
- Sereno fruit extract(otherwise called a dwarf palm or saw-palm). The preparations containing the extract of this plant are herbal products. They suppress the activity of 5-alpha reductase, which, in turn, reduces the synthesis of dihydrotestosterone and has an antiandrogenic effect, or in other words, slows down tissue growth. Also, palm fruit extracts act as anti-inflammatory and decongestant drugs, which also helps to reduce the volume of the prostate gland.
- African plum bark extract.Preparations with this additive help to improve the condition in many ways - the growth of cancer cells decreases, half more urine leaves the urethra, and the rate of urination increases. A lipid-sterol complex is responsible for the pharmacological action, the main active ingredient of which is beta-sitosterol. In addition, the lipid-sterol complex improves the metabolism of prostate tissue by suppressing the stimulation of the glandular stroma.
- Pumpkin seed oil.Pumpkin seed oil formulations are dietary supplements that support the proper functioning of the prostate and bladder. They are used both for the prevention of prostate enlargement, as well as for prophylaxis in later life. These formulations usually contain cold-pressed oil, which is rich in essential fatty acids, especially omega-6. In parallel, these acids improve the health of the brain, potency, vigilance of the eyes, the health of joints and many other tissues in the body.
- Blooming Sally.The preparations can be produced in various forms - both capsules containing herbal extract and teas. Small-flowered ivan tea really has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the prostate gland, it can be used for prevention, and if the problem has already happened, then as a means to alleviate the condition with complex treatment.