Prostate problems are common after the age of 50, though most prostate problems do not result in cancer.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, or BPH, is the most common prostate-related problem men experience. It can produce prostate gland enlargement, urinary incontinence and more. Prostate supplements may help with these symptoms.
Below our experts have compiled their list of the most important benefits of prostate supplements.
16 Benefits Of Prostate Supplements
Prostate supplements can help a man deal with some of the symptoms of BPH while also providing numerous secondary benefits. Let’s look at those benefits now.
1: A prostate supplement helps you deal with BPH.
Prostate supplements use a variety of ingredients including saw palmetto and beta-sitosterol that can help arrest prostate enlargement and, in some cases, perhaps even reduce it (1). These supplements are an affordable, low impact alternative to prescription medications that can also reduce prostate size. However, they often come with serious side effects.
2: A prostate supplement can stop you from urinating so much.
They do this by restoring bladder integrity, reducing prostate size, and providing amino acids and various minerals to improve urinary retention. The result is that you end up making fewer trips to the bathroom.
3: A prostate supplement enables you to get a good night’s sleep.
Some guys are in the bathroom a dozen times a night. As a result, they go long stretches without ever enjoying a good night’s sleep. Insomnia and fatigue only serve to heighten symptoms of BPH and produce myriad other negative health effects as well (2). A prostate supplement may help restore urinary order and enable you to sleep better.
4: A prostate supplement is affordable healthcare.
A simple trip to the urologist to try and deal with urinary incontinence or other BPH issues can cost upwards of $500 (3). By contrast, a prostate supplement costs less than a dollar a day and may well provide just as much relief as anything the urologist prescribes. Sometimes a visit to the doctor is called for. Other times, though, a good prostate supplement may be all you need.
5: A prostate supplement improves bladder health.
Many of the ingredients in prostate supplements have the effect of enhancing bladder health. This is important for older guys who often suffer from bladder issues unrelated to BPH (4). Improving the health of your bladder can stem the tide of age-related urinary incontinence. At the same time, a stronger, healthier bladder may reduce some of the symptoms of BPH.
6: A prostate supplement is safe.
There is virtually nothing in a prostate supplement that is going to cause problems for the vast majority of men. Even the small number of men for whom prostate supplements are ineffective do not wind up feeling any ill effects. They simply do not obtain the relief they were looking for and move on to other things.
7: A prostate supplement is largely free of side effects.
What makes prostate supplements so safe is that they are almost entirely free of side effects. Almost, but not completely. In rare cases, saw palmetto has been known to make some people feel nauseous or dizzy. The same can sometimes be said for zinc (5). Although, again, such side effects are very rare.
8: A prostate supplement may help shrink your prostate.
There is copious anecdotal evidence that supports this notion. However, from a strictly scientific perspective, this claim remains controversial (6). Researchers, while acknowledging the effectiveness of ingredients like beta-sitosterol, remind us that no mechanism has yet been identified to prove such claims beyond any doubt. They even suggest the placebo effect (7) may be in play.
9: A prostate supplement is safer than prescription alternatives.
The various herbal and other compounds found in prostate supplements are largely free of adverse effects. That is in stark contrast to prescription medications given for BPH, such as alfuzosin (Uroxatral), that come with a laundry list of potential side effects (8).
10: A prostate supplement does not require a prescription.
Most of the things that improve our overall health require a visit to the doctor and a prescription today. But no prostate supplements. They can be obtained from any reputable online or brick and mortar supplement retailer and delivered to your home in short order. If only everything were so easy.
11: A prostate supplement may help restore sexual vigor.
Although no one is sure exactly why there seems to be a clear connection between BPH and sexual drive and performance (9). Men with prostate problems often have difficulty obtaining and sustaining an erection. And many experience reduced sex drive as well. Fortunately, by alleviating BPH symptoms, many prostate supplements have the added benefit of restoring sex drive.
12: A prostate supplement helps you take control of your life.
Although BPH is not a symptom or precursor of prostate cancer, it is nonetheless a distressing condition for many men. They feel as though they are losing control over their body, their sex drive, and, to an extent, their life. Some even suffer depression (10). An effective prostate supplement can reduce BPH symptoms, restore desire and provide a renewed sense of control.
13: A prostate supplement is safe to take with most other medications.
Prostate supplements are generally safe and effective. There is, however, a remote chance they may interact with other medications. In particular, saw palmetto (11) – a common ingredient in prostate supplements – may slow blood clotting (12). Therefore, if you are already taking drugs to slow clotting, it could complicate matters, and you should talk to your doctor.
14: A prostate supplement may take many forms.
Prostate supplements take many different forms and embrace many different approaches. Some use saw palmetto as their foundation ingredient. Others focus on zinc and magnesium. And still others embrace a multitude of Chinese herbs to produce their results. The bottom line is this: if one supplement is not working for you, there are plenty of others that might. Don’t give up.
15: A prostate supplement makes a healthier you.
By arresting and perhaps, reversing the symptoms of BPH, a prostate supplement can enhance your overall health. You will likely sleep better, feel less stressed and enjoy renewed sexual vigor, among other things. Many of the ingredients in prostate supplements also provide knock-on benefits, including a healthier heart and reduced risk of some types of cancer.
16: A prostate supplement is produced under FDA supervision.
While the FDA does not regulate dietary supplements the way they do prescription drugs, they do oversee the facilities where these supplements are produced. Such facilities must adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (13) established by the FDA to ensure the purity and safety of the finished product.
Conclusion
Prostate supplements are not a cure for prostate cancer, but most men with prostate issues do not wind up developing cancer. Instead, they experience BPH and its numerous symptoms. Prostate supplements can help men deal with the often unpleasant symptoms of BPH while also providing a variety of other benefits.