Prostatic hyperplasia (also known as BPH) is a common condition that affects older men. It is characterized by the enlargement of the prostate, which can lead to various urinary symptoms such as difficulty urinating and increased frequency of urination. Fortunately, there are a number of treatments available for those suffering from prostatic hyperplasia, ranging from medication to surgery. In this blog post, we’ll explore the different prostatic hyperplasia treatments available, including the pros and cons of each option.
Symptoms
Prostatic hyperplasia, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is an enlargement of the prostate gland. It is a common condition in men as they age, but it can affect men of all ages. The most common symptom of BPH is difficulty urinating, either with a weak stream or having to strain and take a long time to urinate. Other symptoms may include:
- Waking up several times during the night to urinate
- Feeling like you have not emptied your bladder after urinating
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Painful urination
- Inability to urinate
- Urine leakage
- Blood in the urine
- Erectile dysfunction
Causes
Prostatic hyperplasia (PH) is caused by an overgrowth of cells in the prostate gland. It’s an age-related condition that typically occurs in men over the age of 40 and is more common in older men. The exact cause is unknown, but it is believed to be linked to hormones.
The male hormone testosterone has a role in prostate cell growth, and as men age, their levels of testosterone decline. This decrease can lead to an increase in the production of another hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is known to stimulate prostate cells to multiply.
Other factors that may contribute to PH include: genetics, inflammation, environmental toxins, and certain medications.
Risk Factors
Prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) can affect any man, but certain risk factors can increase your chances of developing the condition. Some of the most common risk factors for BPH include age, family history, and lifestyle habits.
Age: Age is the greatest risk factor for developing BPH. Most cases occur in men over 50 years old. As men age, their risk of developing BPH increases significantly.
Family History: Having a close relative with BPH may also increase your risk of developing the condition.
Lifestyle Habits: Poor diet, lack of exercise, and other unhealthy lifestyle habits can contribute to BPH. Men who have higher levels of stress, eat a diet high in fat and cholesterol, or smoke are more likely to develop BPH than those who do not.
Diagnosing prostatic hyperplasia is the best way to identify risk factors and develop an appropriate treatment plan. Your doctor can perform tests to determine if you have BPH and what factors may be contributing to it. Knowing your risk factors can help you make informed decisions about your health and how to best manage your condition.
Diagnosis
When diagnosing prostatic hyperplasia, your doctor will likely begin by performing a physical exam. This involves looking at your prostate and feeling for any abnormalities. Your doctor may also order lab tests to check for high levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA), which can indicate the presence of prostate cancer. They may also do a digital rectal exam, where they insert a finger into the rectum and feel the prostate to detect lumps or other abnormalities.
If the physical exam and lab tests indicate a problem with the prostate, your doctor may order further testing. This may include imaging tests such as an ultrasound or MRI to look at the internal structure of the prostate. These tests can provide detailed information on the size and shape of the prostate. A biopsy may also be ordered to look for signs of cancer.
Once your doctor has gathered enough information, they will make a diagnosis. They will determine whether you have prostatic hyperplasia, prostate cancer, or another condition. Based on this diagnosis, they can recommend the appropriate treatment.
Treatment
When it comes to prostatic hyperplasia treatment, there are a few options available. The most common and effective prostatic hyperplasia treatment is medication. Alpha-blockers such as terazosin and doxazosin help relax the muscles in the prostate, which allows for easier urination. Finasteride and dutasteride may be used to shrink the size of the prostate and reduce the risk of urinary symptoms.
For those who do not respond to medication or have more severe cases of prostatic hyperplasia, surgery may be required. Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is the most common surgical prostatic hyperplasia treatment. This procedure involves using a special instrument to cut away the enlarged prostate tissue and relieve pressure on the bladder.
Another option for prostatic hyperplasia treatment is transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT). This involves using heat to shrink the prostate tissue, allowing it to relax and make it easier to urinate. Finally, another prostatic hyperplasia treatment is transurethral needle ablation (TUNA), which uses radiofrequency energy to remove the enlarged prostate tissue.
No matter what prostatic hyperplasia treatment option is chosen, patients should be aware of potential side effects and risks associated with each type of treatment. As always, it’s important to discuss all available treatment options with your healthcare provider to find the best option for you.
Prevention
Although prostatic hyperplasia cannot be prevented, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing the condition or delaying its progression. These include:
- Regularly exercising and staying active
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Eating a balanced, nutritious diet
- Avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol in excess
- Managing stress and anxiety
- Regularly visiting your doctor for checkups
- Taking prescription medications as directed by your doctor
By following these preventive measures, you can keep your prostate health in check and reduce your risk of developing prostatic hyperplasia. However, it’s important to note that these preventive measures may not prevent the condition completely but can help slow down its progression and delay the need for treatment.
