Should You Treat Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH)?
Q: Both my doctor and the urologist he sent me to told me I have benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), but they are not recommending surgery or medicine, just "watchful waiting." What does this mean? What will likely happen?
-- Michael, Chicago, IL
A: Watchful waiting means you and your doctor watch how you do -- and do not use any pills or surgical instruments right away. That's a good thing, in our view; it means you're running no risks from any treatments. About 30% of men with BPH have symptoms (you feel like you've gotta go right now, often two or three times in the middle of the night) that do not progress. But 35% get better without treatment, and 35% get symptoms that are so bothersome that they elect treatment. Keep in touch with your doc with a yearly or twice-yearly visit. That way, you won't suffer side effects of delaying treatment, even if you're among the 35% that wind up getting treated.
While you are watching and waiting, take a shine to avocados. A compound in the avocado -- beta sitosterol -- is reputed to decrease the size of prostate cells without side effects. Even if it doesn't turn out to do that, you've enjoyed a fruit rich in healthy omega-3 fats, and those omega-3s are good for your eyes, heart, and memory.
Watch this video for shortcuts on cutting, peeling, and seeding an avocado.
