Prostate is a small walnut size gland that forms a part of the male reproductive system. It is located in front of the rectum and just below the bladder, where urine is stored. The prostate also surrounds the urethra, the canal through which urine passes out of the body. Scientists do not know all the functions of the prostate. One of its main roles is to produce a fluid that dilutes sperms and this fluid contains proteins, enzymes, fats and sugars to nourish the fragile sperm, alkalinity to overcome the deadly acidity of the female tract and a watery medium in which the sperm can swim towards female egg.

What causes the prostate to enlarge?

Enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a common occurrence among men as they age. Benign means that the enlargement is not caused by cancer or infection, or is unnatural; prostatic refers to the area affected (the prostate gland); and hyperplasia means enlargement. By age 60, almost 50% of men experience symptoms of an enlarged prostate. Whereas, 90% of men report symptoms when they reach 85 years of age.
Exact reasons of prostate enlargement are not confirmed by any research, but it is believed that it may be due to an excess of certain hormones in the body. One theory regarding the origin of an enlarged prostate involves the presence of a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the blood. DHT is a natural hormone that is responsible for the initial stages of prostate growth. As men age, DHT may cause the prostate to continue growing after it has reached full size.
Studies have shown a high positive correlation between DHT levels and enlarged prostate. Physicians have noted that men who do not produce DHT do not experience an enlarged prostate.
Research has also shown evidence that estrogen and genetics may play roles in BPH as well. It is known that men produce testosterone and a small amount of estrogen throughout their lives; with aging, the amount of testosterone in the blood decreases, which leaves a larger proportion of estrogen. Studies have shown that higher levels of estrogen causes prostate enlargement. Many physicians believe that genetics play a role as well. Men with a family history of enlarged prostate may be at greater risk than others. However, the size of the prostate does not necessarily indicate the severity of the symptoms. Constriction of the urethra by the prostate may occur in small as well as large glands. Thus, it is important to go for clinical testing before taking any treatments for symptoms.

Enlarged Prostate treatment:

Though doctors treat Enlarged Prostate via different methods i.e. Transurethral microwave procedures, Transurethral needle ablation, Transurethral surgery, Prostectomy and Laser Surgery. But it can also be treated with medicines.
Drugs that are found effective to alleviate enlarged prostate symptoms are 1) Alpha-blockers and 2) 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. Alpha-receptors relax the smooth muscle around the bladder neck and within the urethra thus, easing urine flow. Whereas, 5-alpha reductase inhibitors work by inhibiting the conversion of the male hormone testosterone to DHT thus, reducing the gland's size and finally its blockage. These DHT blockers will stop the growth of the prostate and may actually shrink it.
Both these medications when used together showed positive results in patients with enlarged prostate complaint than either of the medicine used alone. Recently, medical literature has provided increased support for the use of naturally occurring nutrients that prevent the progressive enlargement of the prostate gland (BPH).
Saw palmetto is a plant common in United States. This is by far the most commonly recognized herb to cure enlarged prostate. It has been used medicinally for over a century with its first use being described in the medical literature in the 1800s. Saw palmetto is largely renowned in history as relieving symptoms of prostate enlargement in men.
Saw palmetto extract prevents testosterone from converting into dihydrotestosterone, the hormone that is supposed to cause prostrate cells to multiply leading to an enlarged prostate. It is chiefly used as a diuretic and to tone the bladder by improving urinary flow, and relieving strain. Regular use of saw palmetto may decrease urinary frequency, especially during the night, by allowing complete bladder expulsion and reducing inflammation of the bladder and enlarged prostrate.

Furthermore, Hydrangea has also been used for hundreds of years as a treatment for enlarged or inflamed prostate glands, and is often combined with Horsetail for this purpose.