Enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a common health issue typically seen in men over fifty, though in some cases it may develop earlier. Roughly half of men aged 50-60 suffer from it, with the number increasing to 70 percent in men 60-69 and 80 percent in men over 70. Though not life threatening, an enlarged prostate puts mounting pressure on the bladder and urethra, which can significantly impact quality of life. Men suffering from it typically experience:
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Difficulty initiating urination
- Weak urine flow
- Straining during urination
- Urine flows that repeatedly stop and start
- Constant bladder urgency
- Incomplete emptying of bladder
- Incontinence
- Low arousal
In some cases, it can even lead to infection or bladder stones, as well as reduced kidney function. Doctors do not know exactly why enlarged prostates develop, but they believe it’s triggered by hormonal changes connected to the aging process. As men get older, they produce less testosterone and more dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is believed to increase prostate growth. Genetics may play a role as well. Men with a family history of the condition are more likely to experience it. Poor diet and lack of exercise also put patients at greater risk, as do certain medical conditions, such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
Difficulty Treating Enlarged Prostate
Enlarged prostates are typically treated with surgery or medication. Alpha blockers relax the muscles in the prostate and bladder, while 5-alpha reductase inhibitors reduce production of DHT. Surgical interventions involve removing excessive tissue from the prostate gland, in order to relieve pressure on the bladder and urethra.
Though these treatments often reduce symptoms, they can have unpleasant and sometimes serious side effects. Medications can lead to dizziness, fatigue, hypertension, and insomnia. Surgery can cause incontinence, erectile dysfunction, and decreased fertility. Though serious side effects are rare, they are a risk regardless of which treatment you choose to pursue, which is why many doctors have begun searching for alternative solutions.
Treating Enlarged Prostate with PEMF
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy stimulates cellular tissue with low-frequency pulsed energy waves that penetrate deep into the body. PEMF interacts with our biology on a fundamental level: remodeling tissues, dilating blood vessels, and encouraging the growth of new veins, arteries, and capillaries. Increased circulation brings a greater supply of oxygen, nutrients, and white blood cells into the region, which reduces inflammation and prevents tissue hypoxia. Hypoxia occurs whenever there is insufficient blood flow to an organ, a condition strongly associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Patients treated with PEMF therapy generally see positive results in only a few weeks, experiences backed up by an increasing number of medical studies examining the effect of pulsed magnetic fields on enlarged prostate glands. Researchers found that PEMF reduced prostate volume and improved urine flow. Patients achieved even greater results by combining PEMF with pelvic floor and aerobic exercises. When interviewed, patients reported stronger daytime and nighttime urine flow, as well as greater feelings of emptiness after urination. At least one experienced greater arousal as well.
What’s more, because PEMF is completely non-invasive, patients suffered no negative side effects. Benefits were produced after daily sessions lasting less than thirty minutes and follow-up studies found results lasted for at least a year after treatment ended.
