Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a non cancerous enlargement of prostate gland in men. BPH is the most common prostate problem for men older than age 40 . Prostate is a part of male reproductive system. It’s main function is processing seminal fluid which is essential for male fertility. It surrounds the urethra at neck of the bladder. When the prostrate enlarges it puts pressure against the urethra . As a result bladder wall becomes weak and is not able to empty completely.

       Predisposing factors of BPH are hormonal imbalance, older age , family history of BPH, lack of physical activity, obesity, diabetes mellitus etc.

        Common symptoms of BPH that occurs due to blocked urethra and weak bladder are frequent urination even at night, urgency to urinate, difficulty and delay in initiating urination, interrupted and weak stream of urine, dribbling at end of urination, incomplete feeling due to urine retention, urinary incontinence, pain and burning sensation , blood in the urine.

      Complications that can arise due to BPH are urinary tract infections ,bladder damage , kidney damage etc. BPH can be detected by the following investigatory methods like digital rectal examination ( DRE) , urine analysis, PSA ( prostate- specific antigen) test , cystoscopy, trans rectal ultrasound and biopsy.

     Treatment and management of BPH includes medication, life style changes and in severe cases invasive procedures and surgery. Life style modifications include reducing excess intake of liquids before going to sleep or going out in public. Avoiding intake of caffeinated beverages and alcohol and doing regular exercises.

      In Ayurveda BPH can be correlated to vataashtila and muthrakhatha , conditions that cause obstruction to easy flow of urine. Ayurvedic management of enlarged prostate includes pacifying aggravated vata and kapha dosa  , relieving the symptoms, facilitate shrinkage of prostate and improve the quality of living of the patient. Ayurveda prescribes herbal formulations along with diet and life style modifications for treating the enlarged prostate.

     Ayurvedic treatment for BPH is very effective and successful. Shamana chikitsa  is done by intake of various herbal formulations like varanadi kashaya, punarnavadi kashaya , chandraprabha vati , kanchanara guggulu , gokshuradi guggulu  etc . Ayurvedic medications has shown very significant effect on BPH due to its anti inflammatory , antiseptic and diuretic properties. Shodhana chikitsa is done to remove the vitiated doshas . Panchakarma therapies like vasthi or enema therapy is an important part of the treatment.  The selection of the medicine and treatment is done by Ayurvedic professional on the basis of dosha analysis and condition of the patient.