Complementary and Alternative Treatments in Urology

Article by Michael J. Altamura, M.D., F.A.C.S.

The father of medicine, Hippocrates, urged us to let food be our medicine. This advice has too long been ignored. Complementary medicine constitutes a body of knowledge that is a welcome addition to the traditional armamentarium of preventive and therapeutic modalities that can be offered to patients. For illnesses and diseases that are difficult to treat, and at times frustrating for both the patient and the physician, it is refreshing to have new and different measures that can be implemented to treat these conditions.

There are at least 3 urological diseases that standard urological treatment is less than effective. They include idiopathic male infertility, interstitial cystitis, and chronic prostatitis. In addition, complementary approaches are showing promise in the prevention and treatment of prostate cancer. Some studies have shown the promise of phytotherapeutic agents (plant-derived medicines) and micronutrients (vitamin and mineral nutritional supplements) in treating these entities. Dr. Altamura combines the best of both medical and complementary approaches in addressing your health concerns.

Read more about these approaches and evidence of their success using the following links:

• Idiopathic male infertility

• Interstitial cystitis

• Chronic prostatitis

• Prevention and treatment of prostate cancer