Botox has already proven to be a successful treatment for wrinkles, but some doctors use it to help patients suffering from excessive sweating, migraines, and other ailments that can be treated by paralyzing the muscles. Researchers in Italy recently published findings that show Botox injections can provide relief from prostate problems.
According to Michael B. Chancellor, M.D., senior author of the study and professor of urology and gynecology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. "It's a challenging disease to live with because it causes frequent and difficult urination. Unfortunately, common treatments also are problematic because they carry some risk of serious side effects, such as impotence. Our results are encouraging because they indicate that Botox could represent a simple, safe and effective treatment for enlarged prostate that has long-term benefits." (Source: Science Daily)
Botox injections not only paralyze the glands, but also begin the cellular breakdown process known as apoptosis; essentially, the cells begin to a die, which means the size of the prostate is reduced, and the patient can resume normal urine flow. Recent studies show promising results; most patients do not experience any side effects such as erectile dysfunction or urinary incontinence.
More than half of all men over the age of 60 will have enlarged prostates, and many experience significant discomfort and a poor quality of life as a result. Sufferers are often required to take certain medications to reduce pain, and perform various exercises to keep their prostate as healthy as possible. In 2007, several studies showing a significant improvement in symptoms after injecting botulinum toxin directly into the prostate gland were conducted, and researchers have continued to review the potential benefits of this procedure; several noteworthy trials and results have been published by the American Urological Association (AUA).
Still, researchers say that trials of using Botox for treating enlarged prostates are still in their testing phases, and treatments will need to be tested further before being made available for general use.