The prostate is a small, muscular gland in the male reproductive system. prostate surrounds  urethra and makes most of the fluid in semen. The muscular action of the prostate helps propel the fluid and semen through the penis during sexual climax. In many men, the prostate can become enlarged. Sometimes it leads to symptoms and, over time, other complications.

Enlargement of the prostate is called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It occurs when the cells of the prostate gland begin to multiply. 

SYMPTOMS OF BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA 

The severity of symptoms in people who have prostate gland enlargement varies, but symptoms tend to gradually worsen over time. Common signs and symptoms of BPH include:

• Frequent or urgent need to urinate
• Increased frequency of urination at night (nocturia)
• Difficulty starting urination
• Weak urine stream or a stream that stops and starts
• Dribbling at the end of urination
• Inability to completely empty the bladder

Less common signs and symptoms include:

• Urinary tract infection
• Inability to urinate
• Blood in the urine

The size of your prostate doesn't necessarily determine the severity of your symptoms. Some men with only slightly enlarged prostates can have significant symptoms, while other men with very enlarged prostates can have only minor urinary symptoms.

In some men, symptoms eventually stabilize and might even improve over time.

Conditions that can lead to symptoms similar to those caused by enlarged prostate include:

• Urinary tract infection
• Inflammation of the prostate (prostatitis)
• Narrowing of the urethra (urethral stricture)
• Scarring in the bladder neck as a result of previous surgery
• Bladder or kidney stones
• Problems with nerves that control the bladder
• Cancer of the prostate or bladder

CAUSES OF BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA

The prostate gland is located beneath your bladder. The tube that transports urine from the bladder out of your penis (urethra) passes through the center of the prostate. When the prostate enlarges, it begins to block urine flow.

Most men have continued prostate growth throughout life. In many men, this continued growth enlarges the prostate enough to cause urinary symptoms or to significantly block urine flow.

It isn't entirely clear what causes the prostate to enlarge. However, it might be due to changes in the balance of sex hormones as men grow older.

RISK FACTORS OF BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA

Risk factors for prostate gland enlargement include:

• Aging. Prostate gland enlargement rarely causes signs and symptoms in men younger than age 40. About one-third of men experience moderate to severe symptoms by age 60, and about half do so by age 80.
• Family history. Having a blood relative, such as a father or a brother, with prostate problems means you're more likely to have problems.
• Diabetes and heart disease. Studies show that diabetes, as well as heart disease and use of beta blockers, might increase the risk of BPH.
• Lifestyle. Obesity increases the risk of BPH, while exercise can lower your risk.

COMPLICATION OF BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA

Complications of an enlarged prostate can include:

• Sudden inability to urinate (urinary retention). You might need to have a tube (catheter) inserted into your bladder to drain the urine. Some men with an enlarged prostate need surgery to relieve urinary retention.
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs). Inability to fully empty the bladder can increase the risk of infection in your urinary tract. If UTIs occur frequently, you might need surgery to remove part of the prostate.
• Bladder stones. These are generally caused by an inability to completely empty the bladder. Bladder stones can cause infection, bladder irritation, blood in the urine and obstruction of urine flow.
• Bladder damage. A bladder that hasn't emptied completely can stretch and weaken over time. As a result, the muscular wall of the bladder no longer contracts properly, making it harder to fully empty your bladder.
• Kidney damage. Pressure in the bladder from urinary retention can directly damage the kidneys or allow bladder infections to reach the kidneys.

Most men with an enlarged prostate don't develop these complications. However, acute urinary retention and kidney damage can be serious health threats.

HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT FOR BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA

Sabal serrulata : Frequent urging to pass urine (especially at night), difficulty passing urine, area around prostate feels cold, painful intercourse, ejaculation is painful or impossible, prostatic emissions with stool.
Lycopodium : clavatum Enlargement with sexual dysfunction, frequent painful urging to urinate, pain during or after urination, urination delayed, painful straining—dribbles by drops, needlelike pains in bladder and anus.
Baryta Carb : Effective cure for prostate gland enlargement, especially in aged people.
Digitalis : Ideal homeopathic remedy for enlarged prostate in people with heart problems accompanied by frequent urinary symptoms.
Staphysagria : Effective for enlarged prostate gland along with dysuria. Pain during urination, pressure on the urinary bladder, and urination seems to be incomplete. e.t.c