People commonly refer to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) as an enlarged prostate. A common condition affects men as they age. Fortunately, BPH is not prostate cancer.
A non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland occurs. This condition can affect the quality of life for many men over 40.
In this article, we will look at the causes, symptoms, and complications of BPH. We will also discuss the treatment options to manage this condition effectively.
Table of Contents
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What is BPH?
The prostate is a small gland, about the size of a walnut. It sits just below the bladder. The prostate surrounds the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine from the bladder outside the body.
Many studies have consistently shown that the condition commonly starts in men in their 40s, with symptoms often becoming more noticeable in the 50s and 60s. This enlarged prostate can put pressure on the urethra and bladder outlet, blocking the normal flow of urine. BPH does not cause prostate cancer, but it has some similar symptoms. Early diagnosis and differentiation are important for effective treatment.
Causes of BPH
Researchers don't know what causes BPH, but it is probably linked to age-related hormones. Testosterone levels drop with age. Another hormone, Dihydrotestosterone (or DHT), builds up in the prostate. This may make the prostate grow.
Other contributing factors include family history, diabetes, obesity, heart diseases, and lifestyle choices like diet and exercise. Studies show that men with a family history of prostate problems are at higher risk for BPH. Men who eat a lot of red meat and dairy also face this increased risk.
Recognizing the Symptoms of BPH
BPH causes different symptoms in different men. Men with an enlarged prostate may have no symptoms at first, but as the prostate grows, it can cause problems. These problems are mainly of two types: obstructive or irritative.
1. Obstructive Symptoms:
Incomplete emptying: How often do you feel like you haven't completely emptied your bladder after urinating?
Intermittency: How often do you stop and start again several times while urinating
Weak stream: How often do you have a weak urinary stream?
Straining: How often do you need to push or strain to start urinating?
2. Irritative Symptoms:
Frequency: How often do you need to urinate again within two hours of finishing urination?
Urgency: How difficult is it to delay urination?
Nocturia: How many times do you wake up to urinate between going to bed and waking up in the morning?
Complications Associated with BPH
Untreated BPH can lead to various complications, some of which significantly affect urinary health. These complications can significantly impact a man's quality of life. One common issue is the inability to fully empty the bladder. This can lead to repeated urinary tract infections(UTIs) and more serious problems, such as bladder stones.
These stones form when urine stays too long in the bladder and hardens. This can cause irritation, blood in the urine, and sometimes block the flow of urine. In extreme cases, long-standing BPH may even lead to kidney damage, because of increased pressure from urine retention. Seeking timely medical advice is essential for men with BPH symptoms to prevent these complications.
Other major side effects include urinary retention and sexual dysfunction. In fact, conditions like stones and urinary retention are common reasons for emergency room visits.
Treatment Options for BPH
Thankfully, there are multiple treatment options for an enlarged prostate available. The choice of treatment depends on several factors. These include how severe the symptoms are, the size of the prostate, and the patient's overall health and preferences like lifestyle and risk tolerance.
*Watchful waiting: For mild symptoms, your doctor may recommend monitoring your condition without immediate treatment.
Using a home urine flow test app like proudP is a smart way to self-check and determine when it might be time to see your doctor.
Here’s a look at some of the common treatments:
1. Medications:
Doctors often prescribe alpha-blockers to help relax the muscles of the bladder and prostate, improving urine flow. 5-alpha reductase inhibitors block hormones that cause prostate growth. This helps to reduce the size of the prostate over time.
Doctors may use combination therapy when symptoms are more severe, utilizing both types of medications.
2. Minimally Invasive Procedures:
Doctors may recommend a transurethral resection of the prostate(TURP, a classic surgery option) for men who require more intensive intervention. This procedure removes parts of the prostate to improve urine flow and relieve symptoms.
The newer methods include HoLEP, Prostatic urethral life, Water vapor therapy, and waterjet therapy. Prostatic urethral lift and water vapor therapy are new, minimally invasive treatments. They help reduce the blockage caused by an enlarged prostate.
3. Surgical Options:
In cases where BPH symptoms are severe and resistant to other treatments, surgery may be necessary. This can range from laser therapies to a full prostatectomy, depending on the patient’s health and specific needs.
Managing Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS)
One of the biggest challenges for men with BPH is the management of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Many men with BPH have lower urinary tract symptoms. These include frequent urination and a strong need to go. These issues can disrupt daily life and affect sleep.
Making lifestyle changes can help manage these symptoms. For example, cutting back on caffeine and alcohol can be helpful. Avoiding drinks before bedtime is also a good idea.
Regular exercise can have positive effects too. Good management of LUTS can also reduce the risk of lower urinary tract symptoms. These symptoms may appear as the prostate grows.
When to Seek Help
Do you get up more than twice overnight? Has your urine flow gotten weaker? Do you need to stop to use the bathroom while golfing, watching a movie, driving, or exercising like you never did before?
If so, you should seek medical help right away.
They should also see a doctor if they feel severe discomfort or notice blood in their urine. These symptoms could indicate more serious health problems. These symptoms can signal more serious health issues.
Conclusion
Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a manageable condition, particularly when diagnosed early. As men get older, especially after 40, it’s important to look for signs of BPH. They should talk to healthcare professionals about any changes in their urine.
By being proactive, men can explore a range of treatment options tailored to their needs, from medications to surgery. Men can manage lower urinary tract symptoms by making lifestyle choices and using medical treatment. This helps them keep a good quality of life and lower the risks linked to BPH.
Are you a male over the age of 50?
Notice any of these signs?
✔️ A weak or interrupted urine flow
✔️ Frequent, urgent trips to the bathroom
✔️ Difficulty fully emptying your bladder
If any of these apply to you, you may have Benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH).
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