What is benign prostatic hyperplasia?

Benign Prostatic hyperplasia (also known as BPH) is a benign enlargement in the prostate gland. It primarily affects older men. The prostate is a small, glandular structure located below the bladder. It surrounds the urethra, and it plays a vital role in male reproduction by producing seminal liquid. The prostate gland grows in size as men age. This is because the prostate cells multiply. This growth can eventually push against the urethra, blocking the normal flow.

What is benign prostatic hyperplasia?

BPH does not cause cancer and it doesn’t increase the risk for prostate cancer. However, BPH can have a significant impact on the quality of your life. This condition is characterized by a lack of urine flow, difficulty urinating and frequent urges to go to the bathroom at night. BPH, if left untreated, can cause complications like urinary tract infection, bladder stones or kidney damage.

Why does benign prostatic hyperplasia occur?

BPH is mostly associated with hormonal changes and aging. After the age of forty, most men start to notice some growth in their prostate. Around 50% of men who reach the age of 60 will have signs of prostate growth. By the age of 85, this figure has risen to more than 90%.

BPH can be caused by several factors.

• Hormonal Imbalance :- Testosterone, and its derivative dihydrotestosterone(DHT), are thought to be key factors in prostate growth. As men age the levels of testosterone active in their blood drop, resulting in a higher percentage of estrogen. This hormonal imbalance can stimulate the growth and development of prostate cells.
• Genetic Predisposition :- BPH can be influenced by family history. Men who have close relatives with prostate disease are more susceptible to developing the condition themselves.
• Cellular Age Changes :- As we age, the body’s ability to regulate tissue growth decreases. The prostate is more susceptible to swelling.

Benign Prostatic Hyplerasia Symptoms

BPH symptoms can be mild or severe and develop slowly. These symptoms may include:

• Frequent Urination

• Urgent need to Urinate

• Difficulty in starting urination

• A weak or interrupted urine flow

• Dribbling after urination

• Incomplete bladder empting

• Urinating while straining

The prostate grows and presses on the urethra. This interferes with normal urine flow. This can lead to the bladder becoming overworked, irritable and painful.

How is benign prostatic hyperplasia diagnosed?

A timely diagnosis is essential to effectively managing BPH. Diagnostic tests, medical history and physical examination are usually used to diagnose BPH. A urologist can perform the following tests:

1. Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) :- During the DRE, the doctor inserts an oiled finger, gloved and lubricated, into the rectum in order to feel the prostate’s size and shape.
2. Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test :- This test measures the PSA level, a prostate-produced protein. A high PSA level can indicate BPH, prostate cancer, or prostatitis. PSA tests are usually combined with other diagnostic tools.
3. Urinalysis :- Simple urine tests can be used to rule out infections or other similar symptoms.
4. Uroflowmetry :-The test measures the amount and strength of urine flow in order to determine how well your bladder functions.
5. Post-Void Residual Volume:- This test uses ultrasound to measure the amount of urine in the bladder following urination. A large volume is indicative of incomplete bladder emptying.

Treatment options for benign prostatic hyperplasia

Treatment for BPH is dependent on severity of symptoms, prostate size, and overall health. Simple lifestyle changes, medication, and surgical intervention are all options.

1. Lifestyle Modifications :- If you have mild symptoms, a change in lifestyle may be enough.
   • Limiting fluids before bedtime
   • Avoid caffeine and alcohol
   • Practice double voiding by urinating and waiting for a few moments, then trying it again.
   • Improve bladder health by regular physical activity
2. Medicines :- BPH is treated with several classes of drugs:
   •  Alpha blockers :- These relaxes the muscles in the bladder and the prostate to make urination more comfortable.
   • 5-alpha-reductase inhibiters :– These reduce prostate size by blocking hormonal activity.

   Combination Therapy  Both types of medication can be used to treat moderate-to-severe symptoms.

3. The Minimally Invasive Procedure :- If medication is not effective or well tolerated, there are several office-based procedures that may help.
   • Transurethral Microwave Therapy
   • Transurethral Needle Ablation (TUNA)
   • Prostatic Urethral Lift (UroLift)
   • The prostate tissue is compressed or shrunk using heat or mechanical devices.
4. • Transurethral Prostate Resection (TURP) :- This is the most common procedure whereby excess prostate tissue can be removed with a resectoscope.
   • Laser surgery :- Lasers with high energy are used to remove or vaporize prostate tissue.
   • Surgical Intervention :- Surgery may be required when symptoms are severe, or complications occur. Common surgical options include
   • Open or robotic Prostatectomy :- Used when the prostate is extremely large.

Long-Term outlook for BPH

BPH does not pose a life-threatening threat, but it can have a significant impact on a man’s confidence, comfort and everyday activities. Most men with BPH are able to manage their symptoms and maintain a high quality of life by using a combination of monitoring and treatment.

Regular follow-up with your healthcare provider is important in order to monitor the progress of the condition. This will allow you to make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. Early intervention improves outcomes and prevents complications such as bladder damage or chronic urine retention.

Conclusion

It is a condition that millions of men experience as they age. It is not cancerous but it can cause serious urinary complications and symptoms if it’s left untreated. Men with BPH can live a healthy, normal life by understanding the symptoms, seeking medical advice and exploring treatment options.

Men can control their prostate health by recognizing early symptoms and making health decisions that are informed. This will help them avoid discomfort and long-term problems.