BPH is an age-related enlargement of the prostate gland. BPH is one of the most frequent medical problems in elderly males. In humans, it can result in urinary tract problems, obstruction of the urethra, sexual dysfunction, and blood in the urine. One of the most frequent symptoms is having to get up to use the bathroom multiple times during the night.

BPH results from urogenital aging, although the etiology is not precisely known. Traditional treatment options for men with BPH include medications such as alpha-blockers or surgical interventions. Side effects of treatments may include the inability to ejaculate, retrograde ejaculation (semen flows backwards into the bladder), erectile dysfunction, and even loss of bladder control. Some men affected have reported that taking saw palmetto, an herbal supplement, gives them relief but clinical evidence for its effectiveness is not conclusive. Clearly, effective and less invasive treatments for this common disease are needed.

The Parsemus Foundation collaborated with medical researchers from Sapienza University in Rome on a small trial using a similar treatment regimen and handheld PEMF device as used in the successful canine study. After one month of treatment (5 mins twice a day) with a Magcell® Microcirc PEMF device, the 27 patients had significantly decreased symptoms and a median decrease of 5.4% of prostate size. Men with moderate-severe lower urinary tract symptoms and without metabolic syndrome (a cluster of conditions that include increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, and excess body fat around the waist) benefited more from the treatment. The study was published in Andrology.

While more research is needed in men to optimize the results, those who are particularly bothered by BPH symptoms, haven’t had success with herbal medicine (like saw palmetto), do not have prostate cancer, and don’t want surgery may decide in conjunction with their doctors to get one of the PEMF devices and try it.

The mechanism of action of PEMF on BPH is not exactly known and could involve several modalities. The electromagnetic field is produced by a device that reduces inflammation by promoting growth of new blood vessels, dilation of blood vessels, and tissue remodeling, all without producing any heat. The overall effect is reduction in tissue hypoxia. By reducing inflammation, PEMF may prevent complications or may play a role in reducing changes linked to BPH and related conditions. By producing an increase in blood circulation, PEMF may also help to prevent secondary complications caused by reduced arterial blood flow such as prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate gland) and improve BPH symptoms.

Note that men who have prostate cancer or an elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level should not use PEMF until they are able to confirm through testing that they do not have prostate cancer. There are studies showing some benefit of PEMF on cancer cells, but research on the impact of PEMF on cancer is still at an early stage.  Prostate cancer patients should consult with their healthcare team before trying any complementary treatments such as PEMF.