BPH is one of the diseases that affect men as they grow older. The prostate gland, which is located just below the bladder, enlarges and therefore it makes the urethra difficult to urinate. Though BPH is not life-threatening, it negatively affects the quality of a man’s life and interferes with his daily routine.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Causes:
While the exact cause remains unknown, BPH is often related to hormonal alterations that come with aging. The other factors playing a role include genetics, lifestyle choices, and some medications.
BPH Symptoms:
Common symptoms of BPH include:
● Frequent urination, especially at night
● Urgency: A sudden, strong urge to urinate
● Weak urine flow
● Hesitancy: Difficulty starting or stopping the flow of urine
● Dribbling
● Incomplete emptying of the bladder
When to See a Doctor:
In case you have any of these symptoms, it is recommended to consult your healthcare provider. Even BPH can be a regular condition that can sometimes indicate an underlying health problem.
Treatment Options for BPH:
The treatment approach for BPH depends on the severity of your symptoms. Many men with mild BPH may not require treatment. At the same time, various choices are available for such bumpy ones with severe symptoms:
● Watchful Waiting: Monitoring symptoms over time without immediate intervention.
● Medication: Some medications include alpha-blockers, and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors that can assist in the relaxation of the muscles within the prostate thus enabling effective urine flow.
● Minimally Invasive Procedures: Techniques like transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), laser therapy, and needle ablation can handle BPH without major surgery.
● Surgery: Open surgery may be necessary when prostate size is more than 100 gm. Surgery is mandatory if there is kidney failure due to prostate, bladder stone due to prostate, Repeated urinary tract infection due to prostate, Refractory retention of urine despite medications noted above, repeated blood in urine due to prostate. In addition if the patient has no improvement in urinary symptoms despite medications than surgery can be offered.
Additional Considerations:
● Overactive Bladder (OAB): In some cases, BPH is found together with OAB, a condition that leads to frequent and urgent need to urinate. Your doctor may put you on medication to manage both the disorders.
● Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): It is common to find out that men with BPH are more prone to UTI cases. If you have complaints such as burning or pain when passing urine, see a doctor.
● Sexual Function: In some cases, BPH is found together with OAB, a condition that leads to frequent and urgent need to urinate. Your doctor may put you on medication to manage both the disorders.
BPH is a condition that is not life-threatening and can be treated if diagnosed early. Knowing the possible causes, signs, and treatment procedures may help manage BPH and enhance the quality of living of the affected individuals. If you are having one or more of these symptoms, you should seek professional help from your doctor.
