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Many thanks for all the helpful posts. I've waited almost 3 months since posting my OP question and finally finished two saw palmetto bottles. I know that results are individual. For me, the saw palmetto did not affect my frequent urination. Based on this great forum discussion, I might try pumpkin seeds or a beta-sistosterol supplement for the urination. I also might try some of the other suggested foods for general prostrate health. I appreciate all the insightful posts -- articles, supplements, foods, personal experiences. Everybody has been great!
Many thanks for all the helpful posts. I've waited almost 3 months since posting my OP question and finally finished two saw palmetto bottles. I know that results are individual. For me, the saw palmetto did not affect my frequent urination. Based on this great forum discussion, I might try pumpkin seeds or a beta-sistosterol supplement for the urination. I also might try some of the other suggested foods for general prostrate health. I appreciate all the insightful posts -- articles, supplements, foods, personal experiences. Everybody has been great!
I started with the Source Naturals Mega Strength Beta Sitosterol but based on the information from this thread I bought a large bottle of the Pure Encapsulations Beta-sitosterol with 270 capsules. I've gone through most of that bottle and occasionally still take the Source Naturals product. I have not seen any benefit but I'm always hopeful.
I also tried pumpkin seeds. I ate bags and bags of pumpkins seeds. I would eat a couple spoonfuls every day. I didn't see any benefit from that either.
At 61, I think I will eventually have to get the roto-rooter surgery (TURP). I'm hoping for an alternative before I make that decision.
I've been taking this for more than ten years. It works for me, though it is subtle. You must take it for months. I've found that if I run out within about a week or so I'm having flow problems and frequent trips down the hall each night. I'm a bit concerned the company will stop making them, leaving me questing again. I've recently decided to also try pygeum, as I have read that it is frequently prescribed in France. The key to this saw palmetto formula is 85-90% fatty acids and sterols. The less expensive powder in pills from the same company doesn't work for me.
I'm hoping medical advances will figure something out in the very near future, but for the meantime I'm doing ok with these and sleep through the night most of the time. Good luck.
DC
There are two newer procedures on the horizon for BPH that may prove to be promising, one is 'P.A.E.' ["prostate artery embolization"] and the other is urolift.com.
At 61, I think I will eventually have to get the roto-rooter surgery (TURP). I'm hoping for an alternative before I make that decision.
Evaluate risks vs benefits of surgery for you: if you only have the nuisance of frequent urination or nocturia (may have more to do with sleep problems than BPH) then maybe risks of surgery (~5%) or ineffectiveness of TURP (~70% do improve, meaning 30% don't) outweigh benefits. OTOH- sever urinary obstruction can cause kidney disease & renal failure.
Bladder training can help a little: don't ignore the call to urinate. Waiting can diminish bladder tone so when you do finally go, the bladder isn't contracting well and you're left with"drainage by gravity."
Evaluate risks vs benefits of surgery for you: if you only have the nuisance of frequent urination or nocturia (may have more to do with sleep problems than BPH) then maybe risks of surgery (~5%) or ineffectiveness of TURP (~70% do improve, meaning 30% don't) outweigh benefits. OTOH- sever urinary obstruction can cause kidney disease & renal failure.
Bladder training can help a little: don't ignore the call to urinate. Waiting can diminish bladder tone so when you do finally go, the bladder isn't contracting well and you're left with"drainage by gravity."
Both my urologist and my son who is a physician have said similar things to what you have stated. My problem is much worse during the day than at night. I'm up anywhere from 0-2 times a night. I make up for it when I get up in the morning and go 2-3 times before I leave for work. I have to go again when I arrive at work. Waiting to go is not an option for me, I can't ignore the call to urinate. I go in anticipation of not being able to go for the next 30-60 minutes.
At this point, I'm waiting to hear more about the experiences with options like prostate artery embolization and Urolift.
If you use saw palmetto for an enlarged prostate gland, it's possible that this substance in a liquid form is better than a gelcap or other dry form, at least according to some stuff I have read on the Internet
About FloMax: follow the instruction from the doctor who prescribes it to you. For example, as far as I know you should take it 30 minutes after a meal (maybe after dinner?), and keep the same schedule each day. Also, if you are taking blood pressure reducers that contain a diuretic and you drink plenty of water and other fluids, more than likely you will be peeing all night. Check with your doctor and monitor your blood pressure.
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