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Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

The prostate is a small, muscular gland in the male reproductive organ that lies below the bladder in the shape of a walnut. The prostate makes a fluid that helps to nourish sperm as part of the semen. As the men get older, the prostate can become enlarged that may sometimes lead to symptoms and over time, it may even make the condition worse.

The enlargement of the prostate gland is called Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). This condition occurs when the cells in the prostate gland start multiplying. The multiplying of cells leads to swelling and block the flow of urine out of the bladder. BPH is benign, that means it is not the same as prostate cancer. However, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BHP) may get worse with age and can lead to bladder damage and infection.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia or the enlargement of the prostate can be treated effectively without harming sexual function. A urologist assesses the patient’s health and suggests the best possible treatment options. Men above the age of fifty years commonly have a higher risk of BPH.

Causes of BPH

BPH is a normal condition in men, associated with ageing. However, the exact cause of BPH is still unknown. Many urologists assume that hormone changes, obesity, diabetes, family history of prostate problems, or any abnormalities with your testicles may be a factor for prostate enlargement.

Symptoms

In the beginning, a person may notice mild symptoms, but they can become more serious if not treated at an early stage. The symptoms of BPH include;

Hard time getting started
The feeling to urinate occurs very often.
An urgent need for urination, all of a sudden;
A fragile urine system.
Nocturia – An increased frequency of urination at night.
Feel that bladder is not emptied even after urination.
In some cases, the bladder gets blocked.
Blood in the urine

Visit a urologist if you notice any of these symptoms. Early treatment often helps prevent complications.

Diagnosis

To diagnose Benign Prostate Hyperplasia, the urologist enquires about the signs and symptoms is experiencing. The urology doctor may also enquire about the medical history of the patient and conduct a physical examination and may also ask for pathological tests of urine and blood samples of the patient. If the BPH is confirmed, a digital rectal examination conducted by the doctor reveals the size of the prostate. In some cases, the doctor may ask for a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) to rule out Prostate cancer. If the symptoms are mild and not very severe, only a home treatment can do, but still, the patient must pay a regular visit to a doctor for close monitoring.

Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

The treatment options for BPH include medication and surgery. A urologist considers various factors such as the size of the prostate, age, overall health, and the amount of discomfort you are experiencing when evaluating the treatment options.

If a patient is experiencing mild to moderate symptoms of prostate enlargement, then a urologist may recommend medication. There are several medications available that help in treating both the symptoms of BPH and BPH itself. These medications include alpha-1 blockers, hormone reduction medications, and antibiotics.

When these medications are not effective, some invasive or minimally invasive surgical procedures can often be done at urologist clinic or hospital. The surgical procedure includes laser surgery and open-simple prostatectomy.