The chestnut sized gland lies at the neck of a man’s bladder. Through the middle of it runs the urethra, which passes urine from the bladder to the penis. In men over 50, the prostate gland often grows to the size of an apple, upsetting the flow of urine.

In some cases, the sufferer passes smaller amounts urine; in others, he passes urine more frequently, particularly during the night. There is an embarrassing tendency to dribble afterwards, and a feeling that the bladder is not completely empty. Sometimes he finds it difficult and painful to urinate particularly during the day.

An enlarged prostate may also develop malignant growths. Even if the original symptoms are mild, a doctor should be seen so that routine urine and blood tests can be taken and if necessary a more detailed examination made in hospital.

Inflammation of the prostate gland, or prostatitis, normally occurs in younger men, causing pain in the lower abdomen, back, testicles, or the area between the scrotum (the pouch containing the testicles) and the anus. The patient may feel unwell, with a raised temperature and his urine, which may be cloudy, bloody or smelly, is passed more often and more urgently. Prostatitis is caused by infection, which is sometimes sexually transmitted.

What the Natural Doctors Recommend

Acupuncture Practitioners claim success in relieving prostate problems by using pressure points on the bladder, large intestine, spleen, kidney, and conception and governor meridians. In addition, treatment by Moxibustion may be applied.

Herbal Medicine For non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate and difficulty in passing water, herbalists may use diuretic herbs such as cough grass, horsetail or saw palmetto, to promote the discharge of urine.