Saw Palmetto Herbal Remedy For Enlarged Prostate!

Saw Palmetto grows in dense clumps along sandy coastal lands or as undergrowth in hardwood hammocks [1]. It is native to the southeastern United States along the Atlantic and Gulf coastal plains [1]. Saw palmetto is a fan palm and its leaves are almost identical to the leaves on the Sabal Palm Tree [1]. Therefore, some alternate names for saw palmetto include Sabal, Sabal Fructus, American Dwarf Palm Tree, Cabbage Palm, Ju-Zhong, Palmier Nain, and Saw Palmetto Berry [2].

Saw palmetto plants produce large reddish-black fruit that have been eaten by the Native Americans and animals for centuries [1]. Although the saw palmetto also produces leaves and flowers, it is the edible fruit that is used as an herbal remedy [2]. The whole berry or berry extracts can be effectively prepared for herbal use [2]. Early records indicate the fruit was first used by the Native Americans to treat urinary and genital problems [1]. In modern times, when taken orally, saw palmetto is used to treat symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia, a condition in which the male prostate gland becomes enlarged [2]. Saw palmetto is also used as a mild diuretic, a sedative, to improve sexual vigor, and for colds, coughs, and migraines [2]. It is also used for its an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic actions [2]. The fruit of the saw palmetto can also be applied topically as a powder to be used as a uterine and vaginal tonic [2].

Some common side effects reported with saw palmetto use include dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea. There are also reports of erectile dysfunction and excessive bleeding. These side effects can lead to serious drug interactions with anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs such as warfarin (Coumadin), heparin, or aspirin. It is also believed to interact with oral contraceptives and estrogen therapy. [2]

Saw palmetto is commonly given 160 mg twice daily or 320 mg once daily for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It is also available as a powder but this dosage form is not commonly used. [2]

Saw palmetto is important in the field of pharmacy for its use in benign prostatic hyperplasia. Patients with allergies to current prescription medications on the market may not have any alternative, so they turn to saw palmetto. In addition, it is more affordable and has easier access than prescription medication so the patient will probably be more compliant.

References

[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saw_palmetto

[2] Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database: Saw Palmetto Monograph (available online)

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Male Infertility Risk Factors!
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Male Infertility Treatments Video

Infertility Male Risk Factors Information For Men:
Infertility is not solely a women's problem. About 35% of infertility cases involve male factor problems alone, and 20% of cases involve problems with both partners. Many researchers believe the causes of declining male fertility during this century are environmental; they include pesticide and chemical exposure, drug use, radiation, and pollution.

The following is a partial list of environmental issue factors to male fertility:

exposure to insecticide sprays used in the home.

exposure to toxic substances or hazards on the job, such as lead, cadmium, mercury, ethylene oxide, vinyl chloride, radioactivity, and x-rays

cigarette or marijuana smoke, heavy alcohol consumption

prescription drugs for ulcers or psoriasis

DES exposure in utero

exposure of the genitals to elevated temperatures -- hot baths, whirlpools, steam rooms

Medical risks factors to male fertility include:

hernia repair

undescended testicles

radiation and chemotherapy treatment for cancer

history of prostatis or genital infection

mumps after puberty

Emotional risk factors for men issues:

Depression and stress may have a direct effect on the hormones that affect sperm production.

Unprotected sex risk factors for men issues:

Having multiple sex partners and not using condoms may increase the risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) that can cause infertility.

Personal Experience Discussion Board

Does early age masturbation leads to male infertility?

Other men's health issues discussion board posts...

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Prostate Cancer Survivor
Mood:  a-ok

Male Prostate Cancer Video

Hello, I'm 62 years old and I have cancer disease of the prostate gland. I had a 10.8 PSA cancer tumor indicator from a blood test screening during my yearly doctor exam even though I didn't have a enlarged prostate. I then went to a urology doctor and had a biopsy on my prostate gland, which was very painful. The tests confirmed I had prostate cancer. He said this cancer is very slow progressing and with no treatment I could live another 5-10 years. But, to treat the cancer tumor, he suggested I could have a operation (Radical prostatectomy) to remove the prostate gland or not remove the gland and use External beam radiation and Brachytherapy (Radioactive seeds implanted in prostate gland). The radiologist doctor said, the chance of cancer remission is about equal between the two treatments. And, radiation and Brachytherapy is more forgiving in that you have a better chance to achieve love making function after the radiation treatments.

I opt for the Radiation and Brachytherapy treatment as opposed to surgical prostate gland removal because, keeping my potency is important in my love making partner relationship.

I received 27 radiation treatments for the cancer to the prostate gland over a 5 week period and then 2 surgical Brachytherapy radioactive seed implants.The radiation treatments were done every work day and only took about 15-20 minutes. I would go to the hospital and change into a hospital gown and then they would put me on the radiation table in a pre-made semi-body cast (to keep me very still) while the radiation was beamed painlessly to my prostate gland. I then went home each day.

At the end of the 5 week period I had 2 hospital stays two weeks apart were I was put to sleep for the very powerful radioactive seeds (about 9 seeds) that were implanted in my prostate in a way that they could be removed later. Those seeds were surgically inserted into the prostate gland in the morning and that evening removed. I do clearly remember the pain as they removed them. They didn't put me to sleep for that. The next day I went home.

It has been a few years now since the radiation therapy. I'm now having problems with love making function. So, my doctor put me on Viagra. After taking the first 25mg pill I was really amazed how effective a medicine could work. It not only significantly improved my love making function but, was beneficial for extra confidence in myself and feel totally in control. I can attest to the virtures of Viagra for impotence sufferers.

The really good news is, after 5 years, my PSA prostate cancer indicator now is down to .38. It looks like my prostate cancer is in remission. I'm a prostate cancer survivor. Life is GREAT!

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