What is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia refers to the enlargement of the prostate Gland. As men age, this problem becomes increasingly prevalent among them. Many symptoms of an enlarging prostate gland include the urge to urinate and trouble urinating. However, Prostate gland enlargement requires medical treatment, including medication, surgery, and other procedures.
Prostate enlargement goes through two main growth periods as a man ages. The first one is in early puberty when the Prostate doubles in size. The second one is after age 25 when the prostate gland grows simultaneously. However, BPH occurs and causes problems when the prostate glands get too large.
How Common is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia?
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia is somewhat familiar. According to the study, at the age of 60s, about 50% of men have signs of prostate gland enlargement or BPH. However, by the age of 85, the symptoms of BPH are seen among 90% of men.
What causes BPH?
As per Healthcare providers and medical Researchers, the causes of BPH are not sure. However, one of the causes of BPH that has been noticed is as men grow older, the amount of testosterone starts decreasing, and the estrogen level remains the same. These changes in the hormone lead the prostate gland to increase and result in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.
What are the symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia?
The prostate gland surrounds the urethra. When the prostate gland grows, it blocks the urethra. However, the symptoms of BPH are:
- Difficulty in urination
- Urgency in Urination
- Inability to empty your bladder
- Change in the colour of urine
- Urine starts smelling
- Pain after ejaculation
- Pain after Urination
- Urinary Inconsistence
- Blood in Urine
What are the Risk Factors of BPH?
The risk factors of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or the enlargement of the prostate gland include:
- If your brother or father has an issue with the prostate gland, then it’s a high chance that you will face this.
- Aging is the biggest issue. Almost all men between the age of 40 and 80 face this problem.
- Obesity increases the risk of BPH
- Diabetes or any heart disease increases the chance of BPH.
- Men with other ejaculation problems like erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation
When to see Doctor
If you are facing any urinary problems, you must immediately visit your doctor. However, if you do not face any such symptoms, then don’t bother. The untreated urinary problem can lead to complications like kidney damage, kidney stone, or UTIs. Further, it is advised that if you face any problem with urination, immediately visit a doctor.
How is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Diagnosed?
There are many ways to check or test the BPH. Some of the courses include:
1. Symptom Score Index
Your doctor may discuss the BPH Symptom Score Index with you if you experience any symptoms or changes in your urination. This test was created by the American Urological Association (AUA) to evaluate urine symptoms.
This is frequently done to identify BPH. The BPH score ranges from modest to severe. You must discuss your results with your doctor. Additionally known as the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS).
Take the examination, then discuss your results with your doctor.
2. Physical Examination
Usually, a digital rectal exam (DRE) comes next. You lie on your side or stoop down for a DRE. The physician feels the prostate gland’s posterior wall with a finger that has been greased and gloved. The doctor searches for swelling, discomfort, lumps, or complex areas. Finding issues requires doing this 10- to 15-second test.
3. Urine Test
The urine tests are conducted to check how well you release the urine. This test includes the Urinalysis Test to check the signs and infection of the blood, PVR is done to check the amount of urine left in the bladder, and Uroflowmentry measures how fast urine flows.
4. Scanning
Scan tests such as Ultrasounds, Cystoscopy, MRI, and CT scans are conducted to see the size and shape of the prostate gland.
How is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Treated?
The alternatives for treating BPH are extensive. Mild cases might not even require treatment. Surgery without anesthesia or minimally invasive techniques is suitable in some situations. In some instances, a combination of therapies is most effective. However, For a better treatment of BPH, visit the best sexologist at IASH, Dr. Chirag Bhandari.
The main types of treatments are:
1. Active Surveilance
The recommended treatment for men with mild to moderate symptoms is active surveillance. Men not disturbed by BPH’s side effects might also choose it. Your doctor could advise you to start active therapy if your symptoms worsen or any new symptoms develop.
2. Prescription of Drugs
Prescription drugs include various drugs and medications that can be taken to treat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. Moreover, The drugs include Alpha Blockers, 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors, and Combined Therapy of Alpha Blockers and 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors.
3. Less Intensive Surgery
Minimally invasive surgical procedures (MIST) can frequently be carried out as outpatient procedures, avoiding a hospital stay. Recovery typically happens more quickly. However, It can relieve symptoms, such as issues with urinary control. Further, Some MISTS do not lower your chance of requiring further surgery or medicines. If you’re thinking about a MIST or even a more invasive procedure, be careful to question your urologist about re-treatment.
How can BPH be prevented?
The researchers found that there is no such way to prevent BPH. But, men with most of the symptoms of BPH should take early treatment. However, to prevent BPH, the thing that is suggested is to take the proper diet and eat nutrition. However, consult your doctor for the perfect diet chart.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the normal size of the prostate by age?
Ans: At the age of 50 to 54, prostate volume is 24 cc; at the age of 75 or older, it is 38 cc.
Q2. How can you prevent the reoccurrence of BPH?
Ans: To prevent the reoccurrence of BPH medication is required. Taking medicines sometimes controls the new symptoms. However, if a men face the symptoms of BPH after surgery must visit the doctor as soon as possible.
Q3. Can you live a long life with enlarged Prostate?
Ans: You do not have to put up with the symptoms of an enlarged prostate for the rest of your life, even if you do. Your doctor may suggest one of various BPH management strategies, such as dietary adjustments, medication adjustments, and other therapies.