The prostate is an exocrine gland about the size of a walnut which is located at the base of the penis – i.e. between the penis and the bladder. The urethra runs through it, which is the problem. With age prostates grow and choke off the bladder. By age 70, forty-five per cent of men are symptomatic with hesitancy of urine stream. At nighttime they get to pass urine frequently.

In youth, the prostate is an important sexual organ, creating a watery alkaline fluid (pH 7.29) that is about 30% of the semen. This allows the sperm to last longer in the naturally acid vaginal tract. The prostate is sexually arousable. It is the male equivalent of the famous “g-spot” in women.

The prostate has two tissue types. First epithelial cells that make mucus-like semen. Second tough fibro-muscular cells that expel the semen when males climax.

With age, the prostate swells. Both stromal smooth-muscle cells and the gland-like epithelial cells get bigger. Estrogen, specifically estrone (E1) and estradiol (E2), cause both the stroma and epithelium to swell. Estradiol (E2)further aggravates matters by increasing DiHydroTestosterone (actually inhibits the elimination of DHT). This DHT swells epithelium and fibro-muscular stroma.

Curiously, Estriol (E3), Progesterone, and Testosterone with Progesterone cause shrinkage of the epithelium. This is the opposite of conventional wisdom.

The fibro-muscular cells respond to adrenalin ("-adrenergic sensitive). Thus, the first line of INTERVENTION is blockade of adrenalin (alpha-type) receptors on the smooth muscles. This relaxes the prostate and is a good temporary solution. Drugs that do this are:

Flomax [tamsulosin]

Uroxatal [alfuzosin ]

Next, we can block the conversion of testosterone to DHT by blocking 5-alpha reductase: Prescription drugs that do this are

Avodart [dutasteride]

Proscar [finasteride] However this is risky business. The risk of conversion to prostate cancer goes up. … And, it frequently leads to immediate impotence.

Fortunately there are numerous less risky means of shrinking the prostate, while enhancing male sexual performance. This is a delicate matter and a bit of art work however. Prostate and male sexual health is a major activity here at dHc. Call us

today at 505.878.0192 for an appointment.