journal of men's health
Volume 5, Issue 4 , Pages 305-313, December 2008

Complementary and alternative medicine in men’s health

  • Jinsung Park, MD

      Affiliations

    • Department of Urology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
    • ,
  • Dong Wook Shin, MD

      Affiliations

    • Quality of Cancer Care Branch, National Cancer Control Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Seoul, Korea
    • ,
  • Tai Young Ahn, MD, PhD

      Affiliations

    • Department of Urology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author.

Received 25 July 2008; accepted 27 August 2008.

Abstract 

The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for the management of urologic disease is increasing worldwide. Meanwhile, with the aging of populations, men’s health is becoming an important issue. Numerous dietary and phytotherapeutic agents have been used for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostate cancer, and sexual dysfunction. Despite increasing evidence, the exact mechanisms of action, efficacy, and safety of CAM are currently unknown. Most CAM studies have been criticized due to flaws in methodology and small sample sizes. Considering these circumstances, it is important for urologists to become knowledgeable about the scientific evidence for CAM. This article reviews the effects of CAM on men’s health, focusing on clinical evidence. We conclude that, when performed properly, CAM is beneficial in improving men’s health and well-being.

Keywords: Complementary and alternative medicine, Benign prostatic hyperplasia, Prostate cancer, Erectile dysfunction

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PII: S1875-6867(08)00193-0

doi:10.1016/j.jomh.2008.08.004

journal of men's health
Volume 5, Issue 4 , Pages 305-313, December 2008

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