Slowly but surely becoming more relevant, prostate supplements are primarily used by males 40 years and over to manage prostate health. This glossary defines terms and concepts associated with prostate health and supplementation.
5-alpha reductase
Also referred to as 5-α reductase, the enzyme is responsible for converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone. The majority of prostate supplements work by blocking 5-alpha reductase, which would lower the production of dihydrotestosterone and ultimately control prostatic growth.
Alpha blocker
A category of prostate supplement that prevents the hormone norepinephrine from acting on the smooth muscles of the prostate gland, thus keeping them relaxed. Relaxing prostate muscles, allows fluid, i.e., urine, to flow more naturally out of the body.
Androgen
Any compound that regulates the development of male traits and characteristics. Testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone are the most common examples. The prostate relies on androgens in order to function properly.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia
A medical term meaning enlarged prostate. Though not necessarily dangerous in isolation, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) can put unnecessary on surrounding organs — especially the urethra and bladder — and thus lead to health risks. Most medical professionals believe BPH is caused by a disproportionately high ratio of dihydrotestosterone to testosterone in the prostate.
Most males over the age of 40 years begin to develop BPH, although symptoms do not generally manifest until they reach 50 years. It affects about half of males between 51 and 60 years, and nearly all males over 80 years.
Bladder
A hollow muscular organ situated just above the prostate that stores and releases urine. It can store a high amount of fluid but typically expels fluid when it reaches approximately 300 — 500 mL. Enlarged prostates squeeze the bladder and force it to release urine even sooner.
Dihydrotestosterone
A hormone derived from testosterone that plays a major role in promoting the development of male characteristics. A high concentration of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is found in the prostate. On the one hand, it’s presence is necessary for prostate function, but on the other, it stimulates the prostate to continue growing and potential lead to adverse health consequences.
Dribbling
Where urine remains in the urethra after urination and slowly leaks out. Post-urination dribbling is a common, generally harmless complaint that frequently signals oncoming prostate complications.
Hypertrophy
An increase in the number of cells of an organ or particular tissue. The most common prostate issue is due to hypertrophy.
Nocturia
Excessive urination at night. Healthy bodies are able to produce concentrated urine while they sleep in order to avoid repeatedly waking up. Nocturia is often a sign of prostate enlargement.
Phosphodiesterase-5
An enzyme that lines smooth muscle cells throughout the body, including in the prostate. Phosphodiesterase-5 helps flex and relax muscles in the prostate to facilitate urination and ejaculation. Many prostate supplements bind directly to phosphodiesterase-5 to prevent it from being degraded by a molecule known as cGMP.
Prostatic fluid
An alkalinic liquid produced by the prostate gland and a part of semen. The main function of the prostate is to make this substance.
Skene’s glands
Also known as the female prostate, they are located between the bladder and vagina of females and are said to be the source of female ejaculation.
Urethra
A tube that allows to exit the body. In males, it is connected to the bladder, prostate, and penis, and is used for both urination and ejaculation. In females, it is connected to the bladder and vagina, and is used for urination.
Urination
The process of secreting waste from the body in fluid form. The most common symptom of prostate complications is irregular urination, which includes excessively increased or decreased urinary frequency, urinary pain, weakened urinary flow, straining or difficulty urinating.
Urine
A yellow-colored fluid regularly expelled by the body in order to get rid of excess water, salt, urea, and a number of other waste substances. It is stored in the bladder, travels through the prostate, and leaves the body through the urethra.
