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Methods of Shrinking the Prostate

The prostate gland is a small gland located below a man's bladder. An enlarged prostate that goes unchecked may lead to bladder stones, incontinence, urinary tract infections and kidney or bladder damage. The most effective way to treat an enlarged prostate depends on the condition and symptoms.

  1. Medications

    • Alpha blocker medication is an effective way to shrink the prostate. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved treatment includes terazosin (Hytrin), doxazosin (Cardura), tamsulosin (Flomax) and alfuzosin (Uroxatral). These medications work to relax the bladder muscle which makes urination easier. Alpha blockers work quickly to relieve frequent urination symptoms and reduce the size of the prostate gland.
      The FDA has approved two enzyme (5 alpha reductase) inhibitors, finasteride (Proscar) and dutasteride (Avodart). These drugs work to shrink the prostate and provide urination relief. You will begin to have relief from your symptoms within a few months of beginning this medication.

    Microwave Therapy

    • Microwave therapy, also called transurethral microwave therapy (TUMT), works to shrink the size of the enlarged prostate gland using microwave energy heat. A catheter is inserted into the tip of your penis. The catheter contains a microwave antenna that is delivered to destroy the enlarged cells. Local anesthetics are used to reduce the feeling of pain. After this procedure it may take a few weeks before you begin to see results.

    Natural Methods

    • Saw Palmetto is a great herb that helps to reduce inflammation and enlargement in the prostate gland. This herb is also known for inhibiting the hormones that are responsible for prostate enlargement. Pygeum africanum is an herb grown in Africa that you can special order online to shrink your prostate and reduce inflammation.
      Zinc is a mineral that works to strength the immune system's response as well as promote healthy cell growth and regulate normal cell death. It also works to shrink the prostate and reduce inflammation. Take 50 to 100 mg of zinc as a daily supplement to shrink the prostate.
      A Harvard study shows that men who consume an average of 10 tomatoes each week are 50 percent less likely to develop aggressive prostate cancer. The study shows that the pigment responsible for the red color in tomatoes, lycopene, is what decreases cancer risk. Lycopene is the most powerful form of carotene. It is 10 times stronger in antioxidants than beta carotene.

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