by Dr. James Chin, CEO, Prostaderm
http://www.prostaderm.com

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) also known as Nodular hyperplasia, Benign prostatic hypertrophy or Benign enlargement of the prostate (BEP) refers to the increase in size of the prostate gland in middle-aged and elderly men. To be accurate, the process is one of hyperplasia which means proliferation of cells rather than hypertrophy (the increase of the size of an organ), but the nomenclature is often interchangeable. It is characterized by hyperplasia of prostatic stromal (supportive framework of an organ or gland ) and epithelial cells, resulting in the formation of large nodules in the region surrounding the urethral (a tube which connects the urinary bladder to the outside of the body) of the prostate. When the nodules becomes large, it compresses the urethral canal to cause partial, or sometimes complete obstruction of the urethra which interferes the normal flow of urine. This will lead to symptoms of urinary hesitancy, intermittency, incomplete voiding, weak urinary stream, straining, nocturia (frequent urination occuring at night time), frequent urination in the daytime, increased risk of urinary tract infections and urinary retention. It should be noted that prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels may be elevated in these patients, however, BPH is not considered to be a premalignant lesion.

Medications used to treat BPH consist of:
Alpha blockers such as doxazosin (Cardura), terazosin (Hytrin), alfuzosin (Uroxatral) and tamulosin (Flowmax). Alph blockers relaxes the smooth muscles in the prostate and bladder neck thereby decreasing the degree of blockage of urine flow. Some of the side effects include: dizziness, unusual weakness, drowsiness, trouble sleeping, runny nose, fainting, vision changes. Serious side effects include: sexual problems (difficulty ejaculating, decreased interest in sex), retrograde ejaculation (ejaculation back into the bladder), fast heartbeat. painful, prolonged erection lasting 4 hours or more (stop using this drug and seek immediate medical attention or permanent problems could occur). Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

The 5a reductase inhibitors such as finasteride (Propecia) and dutasteride (Avodart or Duprost) are other medications used to treat BPH. Side effects include: inability to have or maintain an erection, decrease in sex drive, difficulty ejaculating, breast tenderness or enlargement.

Herbal remedies include: Serenoa repens (saw palmetto) fruit extracts in alleviating mild-to-moderate BPH symptoms. However, a recent double-blind study did not demonstrate any efficacy greater than that of a placebo for moderate-to-severe symptoms. Other herbal remedies include: beta-sitosterol from Hypoxis rooperi (African star grass), pygeum (extracted from the bark of Prunus africana), Cucurbita pepo (pumpkin) seed, Urtica dioica (stinging nettle) root and rye flower pollen.

Surgical options if medical treatment fails include: transurethral resection of prostate (TURP). This involves removing (part of) the prostate through the urethra. Transurethral electrovaporization of the prostate (TVP), laser TURP, visual laser ablation (VLAP), TransUrethral Microwave ThermoTherapy (TUMT), TransUrethral Needle Ablation (TUNA), and ethanol injection. Newer techniques involving lasers in urology have emerged in the last 5-10 years.

At age 72, my father was diagnosed with BPH – benign prostatic hyperplasia/hypertrophy and was prescribed Flomax. He used it for a few weeks but did not have good results. Also, knowing what the side effects the medication had, I did not want my father to use it. At the time my father was diagnosed, surgery involving TURP was the choice. I did not want my father undergoing surgery because of the surgical risks he may suffer. My brother Richard, a doctor of oriental medicine and martial arts expert, and I looked into my grandfathers old Chinese herbal formula book and noticed a concoction used to aid in the relief of urinary disorders. We enhanced the formula, and after several years, we created a patch for him to wear for urinary disorders. My father used it, however, he did not noticed any difference. But we knew we had something very special when our mother stated “he does not go to the bathroom as much after wearing the patch.”

In April of 2007 my brother and I launched Prostaderm – an herbal skin patch for prostate relief and sexual health. The patch consists of a disk in the center that is worn over the navel for 3 to 5 days. It consists of musk and eight Chinese herbs (a patent-pending blend) that targets the main sexual energy channel in the body and the main energy system for health. It uses the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture/acupressure, and the method of surface treatment for inner disease. The ingredients are absorbed through the skin and follow the internal energy channels to diminish local inflammation and pain.

Prostaderm helps alleviate all of the symptoms of BPH – including prostatitis and erectile dysfunction.

I have received numerous emails and calls raving about its effects and how it diminishes people from going to the bathroom at night and being able to take long drives without have to look for toilet facilities. We have also heard that the patch has jump started the sex drive and it has helped to sustain erections.

Dr. James Chin is a trained forensic pathologist with over 17 years experience in the pharmaceutical industry. He is also an acupuncturist and has been involved in clinical trials of pre-approved and post-approved (FDA) products specifically in the safety profile of medications for consumer use. He is also instrumental in developing new novel treatments with pharmaceutical products and herbal supplements.

http://www.prostaderm.com

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