One of the most commonly experienced prostate conditions among aging men is called benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). This can be a significant disruption in a man’s everyday life, leaving many seeking natural treatments. Saw palmetto is a frequently used herbal therapy for BPH, but what is saw palmetto, and how effective is it?

What is Saw Palmetto?

Saw palmetto is a variety of palm tree (Serenoa repens) that grows in Cuba, the Bahamas, and the Southeastern United States, where it can grow as far as West Texas and Southern California. The berries of the saw palmetto plant, which are dark with a single large seed in the middle, are the part that’s often used to help manage certain prostate conditions. 

Are There Any Benefits to Taking Saw Palmetto?

Saw palmetto was a very common herbal treatment for prostate and urinary health issues between the 1870s and 1950. At this point, it is no longer recognized as a drug in the United States, but it remains used in Europe and is an approved herbal treatment by German Commission E.

As for other saw palmetto benefits, evidence is scarce. While it’s most commonly used for prostate conditions, it’s considered potentially helpful for male pattern baldness. However, the research is still limited in this area. Both of these uses are thought to have to do with saw palmetto’s potential ability to prevent the conversion of testosterone to a more potent form, which is called dihydrotestosterone.

Otherwise, some research suggests that there could be promise in using saw palmetto to help slow the growth of and even kill prostate cancer cells, but the evidence is limited here as well. 

Is Saw Palmetto an Effective Treatment for BPH?

Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-malignant condition in which the prostate gland slowly becomes bigger than normal over time. It affects an estimated 50% of men beyond age 50. 

BPH is considered one of the lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), which are conditions that involve the prostate, bladder, and urethra. Common symptoms of BPH can include frequent urination, especially at night, and dribbling after urination.

Does saw palmetto work for BPH? While it has been used as an herbal treatment for BPH for decades, there’s actually no strong evidence in support of its efficacy. Health experts disagree about saw palmetto BPH effectiveness, and if it does help, what mechanism is responsible. Some hypothesize that it helps shrink the enlarged prostate gland or at least prevents it from becoming larger.

In a 2006 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, 225 men over the age of 49 years with moderate-to-severe symptoms of BPH were given 320 mg of saw palmetto (160 mg twice daily) or a placebo for one year.

At the end of the study, the researchers found that those who received saw palmetto didn’t experience any significantly different results in terms of symptoms or other markers of BPH, compared to the placebo group.

In 2012, a Cochrane review concluded that saw palmetto provides minimal improvement for BPH or other LUTS. 

Fast forward to 2019, and the authors of a review published in Food Science and Biotechnology concluded that saw palmetto extract has therapeutic potential for BPH, but the current evidence is inconsistent and inconclusive. This is partly because there hasn’t been a standardization of the saw palmetto extract used in research for this purpose.

So, does saw palmetto work? Overall, saw palmetto is not considered an effective treatment for BPH at this time. The good news is that there are other natural compounds that have proven to be helpful for this condition such as Beta-Sitosterol.

Beta-Sitosterol vs Saw Palmetto for BPH

When it comes to beta-sitosterol vs saw palmetto for BPH, the more effective compound is beta-sitosterol. 

Beta-sitosterol is a plant fat with a chemical structure similar to cholesterol. It’s been studied for its ability to help lower blood cholesterol levels, as well as to alleviate symptoms of BPH. 

For instance, a 2000 Cochrane review involving 519 men from 4 randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trials lasting 4-26 weeks concluded that beta-sitosterols can be used to improve urinary symptoms and flow measures. 

And in a 2000 clinical trial, researchers found that beta-sitosterol treatment was effective for symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia and that this was maintained for 18 months following an original 6-month double-blind trial.

That original trial, published in 1997, found that giving 177 patients 130 mg free beta-sitosterol daily for six months was effective for treating BPH symptoms, with significant improvements over those given a placebo instead. No safety concerns from using beta-sitosterol were identified. 

Many other studies have supported the use of beta-sitosterol for BPH symptoms, some of which have even found it to be effective for reducing prostate cancer cell growth. This appears to be even more effective when beta-sitosterol is combined with resveratrol, an antioxidant compound derived from red grapes. 

Overall, beta-sitosterol has proven itself to be a much better investment than saw palmetto for managing frustrating symptoms of BPH.

ProstaGenix Multiphase Prostate Supplement

If you’re looking for the best prostate health supplement on the market for treating BPH symptoms, look no further than ProstaGenix Multiphase Prostate. 

The main ingredient is beta-sitosterol, not saw palmetto, so you already know it’s going to offer relief. In addition to a whopping 1000 mg of mixed sterols, including beta sitosterol, in each dose, you’ll also find quercetin, grape seed extract, pomegranate, and a potent vitamin and mineral complex in this formulation. 

The ingredient profile was carefully chosen based on the science behind its effectiveness, and the value of ProstaGenix Multiphase Prostate has been verified by ConsumerLab.com.

So, does palmetto work for BPH treatment? The science suggests not. Forget saw palmetto and other useless BPH supplements and try ProstaGenix today!

References:

1. https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/hw134773spec
2. Rossi A, Mari E, Scarno M, et al. Comparative effectiveness of finasteride vs Serenoa repens in male androgenetic alopecia: a two-year study. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol. 2012;25(4):1167-1173.
3. Bonnar-Pizzorno RM, Littman AJ, Kestin M, White E. Saw palmetto supplement use and prostate cancer risk. Nutr Cancer. 2006;55(1):21-27.
4. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/prostate-problems/prostate-enlargement-benign-prostatic-hyperplasia
5. Bent S, Kane C, Shinohara K, et al. Saw palmetto for benign prostatic hyperplasia. N Engl J Med. 2006;354(6):557-566.
6. Tacklind J, MacDonald R, Rutks I, Wilt TJ. Serenoa repens for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2009;(2):CD001423.
7. Kwon Y. Use of saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) extract for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Food Sci Biotechnol. 2019;28(6):1599-1606.
8. Wilt T, Ishani A, MacDonald R, Stark G, Mulrow C, Lau J. Beta-sitosterols for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2000;(2):CD001043.
9. Berges RR, Kassen A, Senge T. Treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia with beta-sitosterol: an 18-month follow-up. BJU Int. 2000;85(7):842-846.
10. Klippel KF, Hiltl DM, Schipp B. A multicentric, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial of beta-sitosterol (phytosterol) for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. German BPH-Phyto Study group. Br J Urol. 1997;80(3):427-432.
11. von Holtz RL, Fink CS, Awad AB. beta-Sitosterol activates the sphingomyelin cycle and induces apoptosis in LNCaP human prostate cancer cells. Nutr Cancer. 1998;32(1):8-12.

Awad AB, Burr AT, Fink CS. Effect of resveratrol and beta-sitosterol in combination on reactive oxygen species and prostaglandin release by PC-3 cells. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2005;72(3):219-226.

Everyone urinates. But how do you know if you’re urinating more than is normal, and what causes frequent urination in men? Understanding how to identify frequent urination can help you catch potential problems early and address them. 

What is Considered Frequent Urination? 

To start with, urination is the natural process by which your body removes liquid waste. Urine is the result of your kidneys filtering blood to remove extra fluid and waste. From your kidneys, urine is stored in your bladder until your body signals that it needs to be released. For most people, urination is a pretty regular, painless, and otherwise innocuous event.

We’ve all had days where we need to use the restroom to urinate more than usual. This can often be pinpointed as being a result of external factors like drinking more fluid than we normally might or being nervous before a big event. Most adequately hydrated people may visit the restroom to urinate every few hours, and generally less frequently while sleeping.

But what is frequent urination? For urination to be considered frequent to the degree that it may need medical attention, a man must be urinating more than he usually does for an extended period of time. In other words, 1-2 days of more frequent urination isn’t always cause for concern, whereas a noticeable difference in regular urinary habits should receive attention. 

Frequent urination in men at night is also common. Many men diagnosed with this are getting up to use the restroom at least 3 times per night.

Common Causes of Frequent Urination in Men

If you’re not regularly drinking more fluid than you need to be, yet you’re still visiting the restroom more than usual, you’re likely dealing with frequent urination. This can be caused by a number of factors among men. 

What causes frequent urination in men? Some common causes include the following: 

Prostate Issues

Can the prostate cause frequent urination? Yes! One of the most common causes of frequent urination in men is benign prostate hyperplasia, or BPH. This is a condition characterized by a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland over time. As the prostate becomes bigger, it puts pressure on the urethra. 

This can irritate the bladder, block urinary flow, and cause it to contract more frequently, resulting in a sense of having to go to the restroom. Another common male issue is prostatitis, or inflammation of the prostate, which may have a bacterial component.

Diabetes

If you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, frequent urination can be a common occurrence. This is because urination is your body’s way of getting rid of excess glucose or sugar circulating in your bloodstream. If you notice this happening, it’s best to speak to your healthcare provider to make sure you don’t need to make adjustments to your glucose management regimen. 

Using Diuretics

Diuretics are medications designed to help remove excess fluid from your body. As a result, they can increase the frequency of urination. These are often prescribed to help treat high blood pressure, as well as manage fluid retention that can accompany conditions like heart failure, kidney failure and cirrhosis of the liver.

Overactive Bladder Syndrome 

When someone has overactive bladder syndrome (OAB), the symptoms are exactly how they sound. This means your bladder experiences involuntary contractions that make you feel like you have to urinate suddenly and frequently. It may also cause leaking.

Neurological Disease 

People who suffer from neurological diseases and/or have issues with brain function or nerve damage may also be afflicted by frequent urination due to negative affects on their bladder.

Frequent Urination Symptoms

Frequent urination is considered the need to relieve your bladder more than you normally would. Additionally, frequent urination is also often accompanied by pain, burning, or stinging. Painful urination is called dysuria, which may require medical treatment. 

If you have the following symptoms of frequent urination, it’s best to see your healthcare provider as soon as you can:

• Pain with urination.
• Pain in your side, groin, or lower abdomen.
• A sudden onset of strong urges to urinate frequency .
• Trouble urinating or emptying your bladder fully, even though you feel like you need to go.
• Presence of blood in urine or or dark-colored urine.
• Discharge.
• Fever.
• Loss of the ability to control your bladder or urination habits.

How to Treat Frequent Urination

If you’re experiencing frequent urination and cannot pinpoint an obvious cause, the first thing you should do is seek a medical evaluation from your healthcare provider. This way, if there are underlying medical causes, they can be appropriately treated. 

There may also be other things you can try at home to help minimize frequent urination symptoms. For example, think about how much fluid you drink during the day and whether you tend to drink a lot at night before bed. If this is the case, try spacing your fluid intake out more evenly and consuming more in the morning than at night. You might also avoid fluids too close to bedtime to make sure you’re not filling your bladder with extra liquid before you lay down.

Another idea is to avoid foods and drinks that may actually promote frequent urination. Some of these include caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated beverages. The effects of these on urination habits may differ between people, so pay attention to whether they make a difference. 

You can also try doing kegel exercises. These are easy to do at home and can help strengthen the muscles around your urethra and bladder. Stronger muscles in these areas may help reduce frequent urination. 

You may also consider adding a supplement designed to improve prostate health, like ProstaGenix Multiphase Prostate Support. Designed with ingredients shown to be effective for alleviating symptoms of BPH, including frequent urination and pain in men, ProstaGenix has countless positive reviews from men who have been in your shoes. 

Try ProstaGenix today!

References

1. Shteynshlyuger, A. “Frequent Urination at Night in Men over 45: Enlarged Prostate Specialist in NYC.” Available from: https://www.newyorkurologyspecialists.com/bph/symptoms/urination-night/ 
2. “For men urinating too much: causes and treatments.” My Southern Health. Available from: https://www.mysouthernhealth.com/urinating-too-much-men/ 
3. Denver Urology Associates. “Frequent or Painful Urination.” Available from: https://denverurology.com/urology/bladder-urinary-conditions/frequent-or-painful-urination/ 

As we age, certain health concerns pop up that can make life a bit more uncomfortable. For men, one of these conditions is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This is a term for an enlarged or swollen prostate that can lead to uncomfortable symptoms during urination. 

In order to maintain healthy urinary habits as you age, it is important to learn and understand the BPH signs and symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment options available. 

What is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH is a condition when cells in the prostate multiply causing the prostate to swell up or increase in size. The prostate gland is a walnut-sized gland that surrounds the urethra, the small tube that allows urine to flow from the bladder. When the prostate gland is swollen, this puts pressure on the urethra, narrowing the tube and interfering with the flow of urine. 

The prostate usually begins to grow when men reach their 40s and BPH can become a problem for men 50 and beyond. While BPH is characterized by excessive cell growth, it is not cancerous. However, the symptoms can significantly impact your quality of life. 

What are Symptoms of BPH?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia symptoms include: 

• Increased frequency in urination, usually every 1-2 hours.
• Feeling an urgent need to pass urine.
• Difficulty starting to urinate. 
• Needing to strain or push to pass urine.
• Feeling your bladder is full, even after urinating.
• Need to stop and start several times when urinating.
• Weak stream of urine.
• Need to wake up multiple times at night to urinate. 

These BPH symptoms can significantly impact your quality of life, affecting your sleep and ability to participate in certain activities. 

If the blockage of the urethra becomes severe, complications of BPH can occur. The blockage can prevent urination completely, which may become life threatening and cause damage to the kidneys. If you see blood or experience severe pain while urinating, seek immediate medical attention. 

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Causes

The most common BPH risk factors are being over 50 and a family history of prostate enlargement. As common as this condition is in older men, the underlying cause of BPH is unknown. It is just considered a normal condition of aging. 

Some potential BPH causes include changes in sex hormones that occur with advancing age and a family history of prostate problems. Being overweight or having a chronic illness like diabetes or heart disease may also increase your risk of BPH. 

How to Diagnose BPH

A BPH diagnosis usually starts with a physical exam by a healthcare provider. This exam will include a medical history and evaluation of any bladder or urinary concerns. 

The doctor may also examine the lower abdomen and perform a digital rectal exam to assess the prostate size and shape. This allows the doctor to evaluate if there is a concern for prostate cancer.

Depending on the medical evaluation, certain diagnostic BPH tests will be performed. These will also rule out more severe conditions, such as cancer. Tests can include:

• Urinalysis
• Urine culture
• Blood creatinine
• Blood urea nitrogen
• Hemoglobin
• Prostate specific antigen (PSA)
• Prostate biopsy

One thing to note about the PSA test, an elevated level can be an indication of prostate cancer, but levels can also increase with BPH. A doctor can help evaluate your risk and do further testing if needed.

Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

There are many treatments for BPH, most involve self-care, lifestyle changes, and at-home remedies if the enlargement is not severe. If urination begins to be significantly impacted, medication, therapies, and surgery might be necessary.

Dietary and lifestyle changes might be able to help improve the symptoms of BPH. Following an anti-inflammatory diet that includes foods high in omega-3s, like fish, and foods high in antioxidants like berries and green vegetables is a great place to start. Certain BPH supplements that contain supportive ingredients like vitamin D or antioxidants like quercetin may also be beneficial for maintaining normal prostate health.

Lifestyle changes can also help improve symptoms of BPH. Some of these include actively managing your stress, getting regular exercise, losing weight, and practicing Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor.

If symptoms become more uncomfortable or severe, medications or surgery may be required. As medical technology advances, there are many options for medications or surgery that are minimally invasive and might help. Always speak to your doctor about what options are best for you. 

Living with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

While medical treatments are available for BPH, they may not always be necessary. BPH is not prostate cancer, but some early symptoms can be similar. Therefore, it is important to visit with your doctor regularly for appropriate screenings.

A healthy lifestyle goes a long way for managing prostate health. By starting a good diet and lifestyle changes early in your journey as well as communicating regularly with your doctor, you can live a healthy and comfortable life with BPH. 

If you need help with nagging prostate issues, be sure to check out our special offer (it’s online only) and try ProstaGenix today!

So many men are concerned when they begin to experience urinary tract issues. They think this may be a serious prostate condition. Honestly this may just be BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia). BPH is commonly a benign growth found in men. It is not prostate cancer. BPH is the swelling of the prostate and it is a chronic condition. It is associated with the lower urinary tract symptoms and affects about 50% of men over 60. 

We spoke to many prostate health experts and are happy to report we are ready to bust some prostate health myths…

MYTH 1 – If You Aren’t Experiencing Any Symptoms You Don’t Have A Prostate Disease.

FACT: Other prostate diseases are not the same as BPH. The majority of men that are diagnosed with serious prostate diseases didn’t experience any severe symptoms.

BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia) which is an enlarged prostate, affects the area of the prostate known as the transitional zone. More serious prostate illnesses affect the peripheral zone. The transitional zone is where the urine runs through and this is why an enlarged prostate usually causes urinary issues.

Serious Prostate issues usually cause symptoms only after it spreads to other areas of the body, for example your bladder or bones. Regular screening for prostate diseases should be a routine part of your life.

MYTH 2 – You Don’t Have To Worry About Prostate Disease If You Don’t Have A Family History Of Prostate Disease

FACT: Many men develop prostate disease with no family history of prostate disease. So no family history does not mean he won’t develop it himself. Family history does raise a man’s risk of developing prostate disease. 

MYTH 3 – Your Medical Provider Advised That Your Enlarged Prostate Won’t Cause Issues So You Don’t Need To Treat It. 

FACT: You should seek consultation with a specialist such as a urologist. Do not ignore your symptoms. If you do ignore your symptoms your bladder will need to work overtime to push out your urine. Over time, this may cause your bladder to not function properly. 

MYTH 4: You Can’t Do Anything About Your Prostate Issues Because That Is Normal With Old Age.

FACT: It is definitely true that 50% of men already developed an enlarged prostate by the time they reach 60. But it is not true that you can’t do anything about it. Changing your daily eating and exercise habits will definitely help support your prostate and adding in a daily prostate supplement, such as ProstaGenix to your routine will as well. ProstaGenix recently won yet another award for its overwhelmingly dominant results over 11 different products in the independent tests by ConsumerLab.com. Consumer Lab busted some prostate health myths and found that not only did ProstaGenix have the highest levels of beta-sitosterol, but that it was also the least expensive per mg of all the brands tested.