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lower urinary tract symptoms . Some men are treated for BPH based on symptoms without histological confirmation , prompting some experts to differentiate histologically confirmed BPH versus symptoms associated with BPH including lower urinary tract symptoms , benign prostatic enlargement and bladder outlet obstruction .
Recommended lifestyle changes include increasing physical activity , modifying one ’ s diet to avoid excessive alcohol consumption , avoiding highly seasoned and irritative foods , regulating fluid intake ( especially in the evenings ) and examining if other prescribed medications are contributing to the symptoms .
Treatment options for BPH include watchful waiting , lifestyle changes including diet and behavioral interventions , prescription medications and surgical procedures . Individuals who are not at risk of acute urinary retention are often offered watchful waiting , lifestyle changes and phytotherapy as first-line treatments to relieve their urinary symptoms .
Prescription medications and surgical procedures are recommended for individuals with moderate to severe BPH . Nonetheless , many men seek natural alternative treatments to support their health needs . Phytotherapy is the use of herbs or plants to treat disease . Several phytotherapies have been examined in preclinical and clinical studies to relieve lower urinary tract symptoms associated with BPH . The most widely available and commonly used natural alternative treatment for BPH is saw palmetto or Serenoa repens . Saw palmetto extract is available at drug and grocery stores without a prescription . There is variation in the quality of the products available . The American Urological Association guidelines specifically mention that saw palmetto and stinging nettle ( Urtica dioica ) are not recommended , but that ongoing trials at the time may provide evidence that could change these recommendations . Prescription medications to treat BPH include two main classes : alpha-adrenergic blockers ( alpha blockers ) including alfuzosin , doxazosin , prazosin , silodosin , tamsulosin and terazosin , and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors ( 5-ARIs ) including finasteride and dutasteride . Alpha-blockers and 5-ARIs can be used in combination .
I . Different Natural Treatment Options for BPH
A . Serenoa repens for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia 1 . What is Serenoa repens ? Serenoa repens , commonly known as saw palmetto , is the sole species currently classified in the
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