This year, an estimated 1.3 million cancer patients will undergo chemotherapy and more than two-thirds of these patients will develop anemia, a low red blood cell count. Anemia is one of the most common side effects of chemotherapy and can negatively affect patients and impact their daily activities.

“Chemotherapy attacks fast- growing cancer cells, but it can also kill normal cells like red blood cells that transport oxygen from the lungs to the body’s muscles,” said Dr. Ralph Boccia, director of clinical research, Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Bethesda, Md. “As a result, the body’s tissues are starved of oxygen, making a patient feel short of breath, very weak, faint and tired.”

More than half of chemotherapy patients report that fatigue, a common symptom of anemia, affects their daily lives more than any other side effect, including nausea, pain and depression. Further, anemia is often undertreated, despite the availability of treatments for more than a decade.

Typically, anemia treatment takes more than two hours per visit. Now, there is a treatment option that provides added conve-nience from current weekly dosing. Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved every-three-week starting dosing of 500 mcg of Aranesp (darbepoetin alfa) for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced anemia in patients with certain types of cancer. This allows physicians to synchronize anemia treatment with most chemotherapy schedules, increasing convenience for patients and caregivers by reducing the number of clinic visits and injections for anemia treatment.

“Receiving anemia treatment every three weeks on the same schedule as my chemotherapy was convenient for me and my family,” said Danielle Mannix, who suffered from anemia. “We had fewer visits to the doctor for anemia treatments, which gave me more time for my regular daily activities.”

Aranesp is contraindicated in patients with uncontrolled hypertension. Erythropoietic therapies may increase the risk of thrombotic events and other serious events.

Have you noticed that fad diets rise and fall in popularity like the latest fashions or current pop songs? Weve seen (and seen off) the soup diet; the grapefruit diet; the no carbs diet; the only carbs diet and so on. I remember as a teenager eating only hard boiled eggs for a week! I lost a tonne of weight, but Im never going to do it again! Are you putting your health at risk by following a fad diet?

As a result of experimenting with the latest food exclusion diets, many people are actually cutting out entire food groups, leading to nutritional deficiencies, which could be damaging their health! While it may seem that cutting out carbs is great for fast weight loss, there is a very real risk that it will trigger carbohydrate cravings. Have you ever experience carbohydrate deprivation? First you become edgy then start to crave carbs, especially the wrong sort of starchy crabs that are stored as fat. Many people simply give in and become compulsive, but those who hold out can suffer severe side effects. Vitamin B group deficiency is one outcome, leading to fatigue and anxiety.

Did you know the bodys main fuel source for energy comes from carbohydrates? Did you know that carbs also are the brain food used to fuel its function? Is it any wonder you carve high-carb, high-sugar snacks when studying hard, problem solving or using a computer? Health professionals advise that eliminating carbs from your diet is counter-productive. A much better strategy is giving your body the right type of carbs it requires.

Others cut out meat when dieting, thinking this is the way to eliminate excess fat from their bodies. By doing so they could be missing out on important vitamins and minerals such as iron, vitamin B12 and zinc. Iron deficiency leads to serious conditions such as anemia.

Protein is an essential building block for the body and is needed for the growth of new cells and tissues. If you dont eat meat it is vital to get adequate protein from other sources such as soy, fish, eggs and chicken.

So, what do you say, do you think men face problems in skin care products? I would say “yes”. As with any market that proves itself profitable, most companies have recognized this trend, and are quick to throw out their new product to quickly cash-in on this new trend. Are they throwing out their products too fast? I think allot of them are. Over the past several years there has definitely been a sizeable increase in the sales of men’s skin care products. Now, men have about the same opportunity to waste their money on unnecessary and problematic skin care products as women do.

Think about this, As a man, while shaving, so you experience razor burn? Do you think its the way that you shave that’s giving you razor burn? Honestly, you do what you con to save your face from wounds.

Take it from me, as a man, I shave a lot. I use the same products that my dad used. I experienced razor burn. I thought it was the way I did it. To figure out what was really going on, I had to find out what razor burn really is. Razor burn is a series of ingrown hairs. Most shaving creams contain irritating ingredients such as alcohol, menthol mint, and camphor, as well as high levels of potassium or sodium hydroxide. These skin irritants make the hair follicle and skin swell, forcing the hair up and away from the skin, supposedly allowing for a closer shave. Unfortunately, the irritation and resulting swelling cause some of the hair to be hidden by the swollen follicle and skin. Note that sodium hydroxide is used in many skin care products at very low levels(the lesser amount in the ingredient list on the label) to adjust the ph value. In these low quantities it is not irritating to skin. Additionally the swollen skin makes it harder for the stubble to find its way back out. If hair begins to grow ( and it almost immediately does) before the swelling is reduced, the likelihood of ingrown hairs are increased.

When it comes to shaving, what can men do to take care of the skin on their face? Well, to start with, all men need a gentle, water soluble cleanser, a gentle shave product, either foam, cream, or gel, followed by a gentle, non-irritating aftershave or shaving lotion( which is a masculine name for a gentle toner) an ideal aftershave product for men would be an aspirin based topical product that uses an additional potent inti-irritants. Aspirin is a very effective anti-inflammatory agent for irritated skin and is able to alleviate the redness and razor burn/bumps.

when it comes to skin care, us guys aren’t any different from women. our skin is the same. So just use your girlfriend’s, or your mom’s, or your sister’s. it will work the same way it works for her.

So that’s it. And as always, I hope you found this article both informative and entertaining. And may GOD bless you always, and in always.

IS Clinical Active Serum can be considered one of the best skin medications. IS Clinical Active Serum is formulated to rapidly reduce and fight the signs of aging and to repair damaged skin by exfoliating dead skin cells and by stimulating the production of collagen. IS Clinical Active Serum also can help control and prevent skin breakouts plus reduces sebum blockage and blackheads. IS Clinical Active Serum is an intensive active serum that was designed to reduce fine lines, wrinkles and reduce pore size. IS Clinical Active Serum encourages the production of Collagen to improve skin hydration and fight acne.

Immediately after the application of IS Clinical Active Serum, skin will appear and feel smooth. While no prescription is necessary to purchase IS Clinical products, it is recommended to get professional assistance to help select products best suited for your individual skin care needs.
IS Clinical Serum is a revolutionary serum that was one of the first to combine anti-aging 15% Vitamin C, hydrating 0.5% hyaluronic acid, lightening 1% arbutin, pentapeptide amino acid, acne controlling and lightening 1% kojic acid, restorative 1% Vitamin B5, centella asiatica, and anti-inflammatory zinc sulfate. IS Clinical C-15 Serum is made to be fast absorbing and oil free, that delivers 15% stabilized L-ascorbic acid to the skin.

Clinical Active Serum helps diminish fine lines and wrinkles, controls acne, and evens skin pigmentation. IS ACTIVE SERUM is endorsed by leading physicians and experts. IS Active Serum can produce outstanding results in an amazingly short time period. IS Active Serum was specifically designed to encourage the natural process of exfoliation, revealing the underlying healthier layer of skin. Surface skin damage caused by pollution, sun, and other skin damaging factors is reversed by the effects of IS Clinical Active Serum. When you use IS Clinical Active Serum it is strongly advised that you use HydraCool over it.

IS Clinical’s expert pharmacologists, physicians, and skin care leaders work together to design and create products that deliver fast and safe long lasting improvements in skin texture, appearance, and overall integrity.

Cigarette smoking has been strongly linked to health conditions like heart disease, lung cancer, and other respiratory and circulatory ailments. However, the effects of cigarette smoking may also take its toll on one’s appearance and may hamper one’s skin care efforts. This develops because the smoker’s blood vessels become constricted. When this happens, it impairs the flow of oxygen and other important vitamins and minerals. The skin’s elastin and collagen may be damaged, resulting to early wrinkling. Smoking may dehydrate and deprive the skin of necessary nutrients that are necessary to retain the skin’s moisture and smoothness.

The effects of smoking in the skin are significant. Cigarette smoke contains more than 4,000 chemicals, 60 of these are carcinogens. Smoking means exposing oneself to chemicals like hydrogen cyanide, butane, nicotine, carbolic acid, ammonia, and other harmful chemicals. As these substances are inhaled, these toxins reduce blood circulation by narrowing the blood vessels in the outer layer of the skin. This may decrease blood flow and deplete the skin’s supply of vitamins and minerals that are important in maintaining healthy glowing skin.

In addition, cigarette smoke also contain carbon monoxide which is a toxic gas that is also found in car exhaust. The human blood is capable of absorbing carbon monoxide 200 times faster than oxygen. When this happens, the different organs of the body including the liver may get polluted and poisoned. The liver may not be able to function properly and work harder to eliminate the chemicals from the body. The skin may eventually lose its radiance and glow because of this. As more cigarettes are consumed, one’s skin conditions may deteriorate. Skin effects of cigarette smoking may appear in smokers after ten years of this habit. It also possible that chronic exposure to the heat caused by cigarettes may damage facial skin in the long run. In addition, some medical studies suggest that smoking may damage the skin in the entire body and give it a yellow tint.

Cigarette smoking may also reduce Vitamin C levels in the body and deprive the skin of this important nutrient. This vitamin helps the skin the skin maintain glow and youthful appearance because the chemicals in the body consumes Vitamin C. The human body cannot produce Vitamin C and is only be attained through food consumptions or supplements.

The ill-effects of smoking in one’s appearance and overall health have emphasized the need to quit smoking. Individuals who are having a hard time quitting smoking may use various quit smoking products like nicotine gums, patches, and others that are out in the market. These products are scientifically proven to aid individuals who want to quit smoking. These products work by temporarily supplying the body with nicotine through means other than cigarettes. This helps calm physical withdrawal symptoms of cigarette smoking. Using these products and coupling them with the right attitude is a sure formula for improved overall health and healthy-looking skin.

There are several different types of cancer, all of which are very dangerous and must be detected early in order to have the best possible prognosis. Skin cancer, which is an increasingly common form, is often associated with over exposure to sun or other ultraviolet radiation, including tanning beds. Because individuals with fair skin are more susceptible to a sunburn, they are also more susceptible to skin cancer. In order to protect themselves from the suns strength, individuals should wear sunscreen with a high SPF, hats and long sleeve shirts. In addition, taking special care to not fall asleep in the sun or spend hours every day in its presence may help to lessen its harmful effects and possibly may even prevent skin cancer.

Symptoms of skin cancer are various, but the most common is a lesion that will not heal. This may also include discoloration and overall changes in the appearance of moles. The majority of skin cancer patients can be treated with a surgical procedure that involves removing the affected layers of the skin. If skin cancer is left untreated, however, it may begin to involve the deeper layers of the skin and possibly even the lymphatic system. In addition, it may spread to other parts of the body and become resistant to treatment if not detected early.

Of all the various forms of cancer, Skin cancer has one of the highest survival rates because, unlike the others, skin cancer is usually visible and leads to earlier detection. If a skin lesion does not heal within 7 to 10 days, or if a mole begins to change in shape, color or otherwise vary in appearance, a physician should be consulted in order to determine whether or not the lesion is cancerous. During testing, a piece of the skin will be removed by the physician and sent to a medical laboratory for further testing. If the test results are positive for the presence of cancer, the physician will invite the patient to return to his/her office for a conversation regarding possible treatment options.

The information in this article is intended for informational purposes only. It should not be considered as, or used in place of, medical advice or professional recommendations for the cause, diagnosis or treatment of skin cancer. If necessary, individuals should consult a medical doctor or dermatologist for information regarding the likelihood of skin cancer, a proper diagnosis and recommended form of treatment.

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Did you know the majority of your sun exposure occurs before the age of 18, but can take years to surface as skin cancer? Get the information you need to participate in your care and recovery.

Beauty is only skin deep. But skin cancer goes much deeper. Teens quest for beauty not worth the cancer risk.

We think that this occurs only to the people of the mothers age but it occurs to the teenagers also. Skin cancer can be cured at its initial stage with the treatment and the precautions that are to be followed when suggested by the physician. But it goes deeper if it is abandoned for some period after its appearance. So we should be careful enough and take care of our skin.

Skin Cancer occurs mainly in people with fair skin, light eyes, and those who tend to freckle or burn easily during and after exposure to the sunlight. A history of 3 or more
sunburns, particularly blistering sunburns (before age 20) greatly increases risk. A history of severe sunburns in childhood and adolescence may actually double the risk of melanoma in adulthood.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the main cause of skin cancer. Energy from the sun actually is a form of radiation. It consists of visible light and other rays that people can’t see. Invisible infrared radiation, for instance, makes sunlight feel hot. UV also is invisible, and causes sunburn and sun tan. UV rays damage DNA, the genetic material that makes up genes. Genes control the growth and overall health of skin cells. If the genetic damage is severe, a normal skin cell may begin to grow in the uncontrolled, disorderly way of cancer cells. UV also can cause sunburn, and other damage that makes the skin look prematurely old and wrinkled.

Two kinds of rays exist in ultraviolet radiation invisible rays in sunlight that cause suntan, sunburn, premature skin aging, and most cases of skin cancer.:
* Ultraviolet A (UVA)
* Ultraviolet B (UVB)

Some cases of skin cancer, however, may be hereditary and run in families. In those cases, skin cancer is caused by abnormal genes that children inherit from their parents.
Genes make parents and children look somewhat alike. They also make them likely to get some of the same diseases.

Anyone can get skin cancer. Although most cases occur in people over age 50 with fair skin, it can develop in younger people, and those with dark skin. In general, an individual’s lifetime exposure to UV light determines his risk. Certain individuals have a risk that is higher than the rest of the population. Included are people who:
Have light skin that freckles easily and tends to burn rather than tan. Individuals with blond or red hair and blue or light gray eyes often have fair skin.
Live in geographic regions closer to the equator, where sunlight is strongest.
Work outdoors or spend lots of time in leisure activities in the sun.
Already have had skin cancer. These individuals must take great care to minimize UV exposure and follow other preventive measures.

An adult’s risk of skin cancer may be decided during childhood. Most people get the majority of their lifetime sun exposure before reaching 18 years of age.

Skin cancer first appears as a growth, or abnormal accumulation of cells. It sometimes takes the form of a sore or pimple that does not heal.. Cancer can occur on almost area of the skin, but is most common on areas often exposed to the sun. Skin cancer usually is painless.

The most common indications are:
1. A new growth on the skin.
2. A change in an existing skin growth.
3. A sore that does not heal.

Not all changes in the skin are symptoms of skin cancer. Most moles and other growths are harmless and do not need to be removed. Moles that are unattractive, or in areas where they are constantly irritated by clothing, can be removed by a doctor. The average person has dozens of moles and other skin growths that are benign on-cancerous, a growth that does not spread to other parts of the body or damage normal tissue or non-cancerous. They include:

* Birthmarks or congenital nevi
* Acquired moles
* Liver spots or solar lentigines,
* Seborrheic keratoses
* Acquired cherry angiomas
* Skin tags
* Actinic keratoses

Doctors often measure the success of cancer treatment in terms of the five-year survival rate. A person usually is considered to be cured if he or she is alive and without any trace of skin cancer five years after first being diagnosed. The chances of a cure depend on many factors, including how early the disease was diagnosed and effectively treated.

People who are treated for skin cancer should see their doctor for regular follow-up visits. Follow-up visits allow the doctor to check the tumor site to make sure that the cancer has not come back in the same place, or recurred. If it does recur, additional treatment will be needed.

The individuals who have developed skin cancer once have a higher risk for the disease in other skin sites. Therefore, it is very important for these individuals to have regular medical checkups, examine their skin regularly, and take sun exposure precautions.

The individuals who have developed skin cancer once have a higher risk for the disease in other skin sites. Therefore, it is very important for these individuals to have regular medical checkups, examine their skin regularly, and take sun exposure precautions.
Preventing cancer is preferable than treating it.

Treatment for skin cancer depends on several factors including: the stage of the cancer (whether or not it has spread), type of cancer, size and location, and the patients general health. Depending on these factors, treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy,
chemotherapy, and/or photodynamic therapy (uses drug and certain kind of laser light to kill cancer cells).4 The best treatment options should be discussed with your physician.

The goal of treating skin cancer is to destroy or remove the cancer completely with minimal scarring of your skin. Your treatment options for the disease depend on a
number of factors, including the location of the lesion on the skin and the type and stage of the cancer (how far it has spread).

Generally, the treatment for skin cancer will depend on the following:

* The thickness of your cancer
* Whether or not it has spread to deeper levels of your skin or other areas of your body
* The mitotic index (an indication of how quickly the cancer cells are growing and reproducing)
* The number of regional lymph nodes involved
* Ulceration or bleeding at the primary site
* Microscopic satellites (spreading of pigment from the mole to surrounding skin)
* Your age and general health

The following steps are recommended to protect the skin and to prevent skin cancer:
* Cover up tightly woven clothing at blocking out sun and keeping it from damaging the skin.
* Use sunscreens by frequently apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF)
* Wear a hat. A wide-brimmed hat is better because it will protect the ears, neck, eyes, forehead, nose and scalp.
* Wear UV-absorbent sunglasses. Even inexpensive sunglasses can be effective.
* Limit sun exposure. The rays of the sun are the strongest, and thus cause the most damage, between 10am and 4pm.
* Avoid tanning beds. Tanning beds are not a safe way to get a tan because they expose the skin to UV radiation, just like the sun does.
* Checking medications. Some prescription drugs can increase your sensitivity to sunlight, putting you at greater risk for sunburn.

In addition, all women should schedule regular skin examinations with a doctor. Routine examinations by a doctor qualified to diagnose skin cancer are important for those with a low or normal risk and are especially so for those with an increased risk of developing skin cancer. For individuals who have had skin cancer before, it is best to follow the treating doctor’s recommendations for follow-up care. In between clinical exams, monthly self-examinations are recommended.

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They say that beauty is skin deep. Yet, the continuous growth in the cosmetic industry proves that an increasing number of people are really taking effort, time and money to invest on having healthy skin. While it used to be only women who are conscious of their looks, some men nowadays, particularly the younger generation and the so-called metrosexuals, have become advocates of male skin-care.
However, some people who are absorbed in their busy lifestyles have no more time left for indulging in skin care. Economy also plays a great part in deciding if people would refrain from getting skin care services advertised by media.
Those who do not give attention to skin care are often surprised to see skin blemishes and other imperfections. They see that their skin is no longer as supple as that of a baby and has become thinner and wrinkled with age. The feel of their skin is drier due to less oil production from the sebaceous glands and the decrease in the number of blood vessels has made the skin lackluster and without youthful glow.
Is this just a case of vanity? Or there is something more to skin-care than meets the eye?
Bacterial Skin Infections
Skin care, to be sure, is not just about beauty. It is about hygiene and safety. Unknown to many, all human beings, whether healthy or not, probably have some Staphylococcus aureus bacteria on their skin. These bacteria, simply called staph, are usually found in your nose or throat and may not really cause much problems except for minor skin infections. The skin serves as the body’s first barrier against these bacterial infections. This is why it is important to have healthy skin in order to ward off bacterial infections. Once the skin is broken, cut or wounded, you are at risk for infection. Once these bacteria gets to burrow deeper into your skin and penetrates your body into the bloodstream, urinary tract, lungs, and heart, these seemingly harmless bacteria can become life-threatening.
History showed that most cases of fatal staph infections in the past have occurred in people who have been in the hospital or those who are suffering from chronic illness and faltering immune system. However, recent development proves that an increasing number of otherwise healthy people who have never been in a hospital are also acquiring these lethal staph infections.
Moreover, the usually powerful antibiotics are no longer as highly effective as it used to in fighting against certain strain of these destructive bacteria. Most staph infections are still manageable and can be successfully treated. But sooner or later, there will come a time that a new and deadlier strain of these bacterial infections will become resistant to most currently available medications.
Signs and Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of bacterial infections depends on the condition and affected area of the infection as well as the nature of illness if it is a direct infection from staph bacteria or from toxins produced by the bacteria.
They may range from mild skin infections to food poisoning, deadly pneumonia, surgical wound infections, and endocarditis which is a lethal inflammation of the heart valves. Most skin infections caused by staph infections include the following:
Boils also called skin abscess, usually begins as a reddened, sore area which hardens over time. At the center of this abscess is a collection of white-blood cells, bacteria, and proteins known as pus. Boils are usually infected hair follicles and can be seen in areas of bttocks, armpits, neck, inner thighs where small hairs are irritated.
Cellulitis is an infection involving the tissues below the surface of the skin which makes it inflamed and tender that may cause fever. It can affect any parts of the body but is commonly on the face and legs.
Impetigo a superficial skin infection or rash that is most common in young children and infants but may also affect teens and adults. Affected skin areas are the face, hands and feet. These pimple-like blisters may not cause fever but is usually very itchy and may be spread to other parts of the body through scratching.
Scalded skin syndrome is a severe blistering condition that affects newborn infants.
Follicilitis is an infection of the hair follicles in the form of small white-headed pimples at the base of the hair strands usually occurs when people shave or have irritated skin from rubbing against certain clothing.
Hordeolum also referred as stye, is a swelling near the edge of the eyelid as the glands at the base of the eyelash become obstructed. Stye is uncomfortable and can be painful.
Most skin problems would require clinical care by medical professionals but it helps to take note of the following tips:
Make sure to always clean and cover areas of skin that have been injured.
Do not share towels, sheets, clothing until the infection has been fully healed.
Do not touch to avoid spreading it to other parts of your body.
There are several practical ways to prevent infections from happening, thus, staying disease-free. Simple regular hand washing with soap and water before meals, after coughing and sneezing, after using the toilet can rid you of most germs. In the absence of soap and water, there are alcohol-based hand-sanitizing gels that are available for protection. Medicines such as anti-parasitic drugs can protect you from getting malaria while travelling. Over-the-counter drugs such as antibiotic creams can minimize infections due to minor cuts and injuries.
Always remember that cleanliness and good skin care hygiene is not just a form of vanity but it is a way of keeping your skin healthy and strong to be able to protect you in warding off bacterial infections as well as preventing many skin problems.

Here’s a bright idea: There’s a beautiful way you can protect yourself from an increased risk of skin cancer.

The Problem

Through the work of nonprofit organizations, such as The Skin Cancer Foundation, the connection between sun exposure and elevated risks of skin cancer has become clearly established.

“Twenty-five years ago, few people knew about the dangers of excessive, cumulative sun exposure,” says Perry Robins, M.D., president and founder of The Skin Cancer Foundation. “While the connection between sun exposure and skin cancer is widely known today, statistics show that the incidence of skin cancer is continuing to increase rapidly. More than 90 percent of skin cancers are caused by the sun. Nationally, there are more new cases of skin cancer each year than the combined incidence of breast, prostate, lung and colon cancer.”

Some Solutions

To help combat this growing health risk, The Skin Cancer Foundation conducts extensive educational programs and regularly reviews products that can help consumers reduce their health risks from sun exposure. More than 300 products in the U.S. and more than 70 products overseas have been awarded the Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation.

Sunbrella brand fabrics are one of the latest products to receive the Seal of Recommendation. Sunbrella fabrics are used for awnings, market umbrellas and other forms of shade on decks, patios and at poolside. You will also find Sunbrella frequently used on boats as biminis, covers and marine awnings. Seeking shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. is one of The Skin Cancer Foundation’s core sun protection recommendations.

In order to receive the Foundation’s Seal, Sunbrella fabrics were subjected to extensive testing and met The Skin Cancer Foundation’s standards for Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF). UPF is a measure of the amount of ultraviolet light passing through the fabric.

“Consumers have long selected awnings, market umbrellas and boat tops made from Sunbrella fabrics because of the sun protection they provide,” said Harry Gobble, director of marketing for Glen Raven Custom Fabrics, which manufactures Sunbrella fabrics. “With the Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation, consumers are now assured that an independent organization has verified the level of sun protection provided by products using our fabrics.”

An Enlarged Prostate – A Normal Part Of The Aging Process

The prostate gland goes through two main stages of growth during a man’s life. The first sees fairly rapid growth during the early years of puberty with the prostate roughly doubling in size. The second stage of growth starts in a man’s mid-twenties and this is a much slower phase of growth which then continues throughout life.

For the vast majority of men this second phase of growth does not cause any problems at all until they are well into their sixties or seventies when the symptoms caused by the now enlarged prostate will begin to appear and a visit to the doctor will reveal the presence of nothing more than a simple enlarged prostate. In medical terms, your doctor will say that you are suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia, benign prostatic hypertrophy or BPH.

The prostate sits just below the bladder and partially surrounds the urethra the tube which carries urine from the bladder. As the prostate gland grows, the tissue surrounding it restricts its expansion and causes the prostate to close around the urethra, thus restricting the flow through the urethra. At the same time, the bladder wall thickens and the bladder starts contracting even when it contains relatively small amounts of urine. In the end, the bladder weakens and loses its ability to contract and thus to empty itself, so that urine remains trapped in the bladder.

The precise symptoms experienced as a result of an enlarged prostate will clearly vary from person to person but, as a general rule, the first signs will be a change in your pattern of urination or a difficulty in urinating.

You may find, for example, that you start to experience a weak flow of urine or that the flow appears hesitant, tending to stop and start. You may also find that you are unable to hold on and calls to the bathroom become urgent. Trips to the bathroom may also become more frequent, especially during the night, and you may also notice a tendency to leak or dribble urine.

In some cases you may be completely unaware of any problem until you suddenly find that you cannot urinate at all. In this case, referred to as acute urinary retention, the underlying problem is often triggered by common medicines which contain a decongestant and which are used in cold and allergy treatments. Acute urinary retention can also be brought on by alcohol, cold or a long period of immobility.

In the majority of cases these symptoms result simply from an enlarged prostate and this will be confirmed by a visit to your doctor who can often treat the condition fairly easily. It is, however, important that you do indeed visit your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms as, in a small number of cases, they may be indicative or a more serious underlying problem, such as prostate cancer.

A visit to the doctor is also essential as, although many cases of BPH may be treated quite easily, the condition can lead to an infection of the urinary tract, damage to the bladder and/or kidneys, stones in the bladder and incontinence.

An early visit to the doctor can have the problems associated with an enlarged prostate cleared up quickly and considerably reduce the risk of developing complications.