Prostate gland enlargement

What is BPH (Enlarged Prostate)?
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition where the prostate gland grows in size as men age.

Key Point: It is "Benign," meaning it is not cancer. However, the enlarged gland squeezes the urethra (urine tube), causing urinary blockage.

Symptoms

Symptoms usually worsen over time. They are often divided into two categories:

1. Trouble Urinating (Voiding Symptoms)

• Weak Stream: Urine flows slowly or lacks force.
• Hesitancy: Difficulty starting urination.
• Intermittency: Stopping and starting while peeing.
• Straining: Having to push to get urine out.
• Dribbling: Leaking at the end of urination.

2. Storage Symptoms

• Frequency: Needing to go often.
• Urgency: A sudden, strong need to pee immediately.
• Nocturia: Waking up multiple times at night to pee.

⚠️ EMERGENCY ALERT
If you are suddenly unable to pass urine at all (Acute Urinary Retention), seek immediate medical help. This is painful and can damage your kidneys.

Causes & Risks

The exact cause is unclear but likely linked to hormonal changes as men age.

• Age: Rarely affects men under 40. By age 60, over 50% of men have some BPH. By age 85, up to 90% do.
• Family History: If your father or brother had prostate issues, your risk is higher.
• Health Conditions: Obesity, diabetes, and heart disease may increase risk.

Diagnosis

Doctors use a combination of tests to rule out cancer and confirm BPH:

• DRE (Digital Rectal Exam): The doctor feels the prostate size through the rectum.
• PSA Test (Blood Test): Measures Prostate-Specific Antigen. High levels can indicate BPH, infection, or cancer.
• Urine Flow Test: You pee into a machine that measures the speed of your stream.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on how much the symptoms bother you.

1. Lifestyle Changes (Mild Symptoms)

• Limit Fluids at Night: Stop drinking 1-2 hours before bed.
• Avoid Caffeine/Alcohol: These irritate the bladder.
• Double Voiding: Pee, wait a moment, and try to pee again to empty the bladder fully.

2. Medications (Moderate Symptoms)

• Alpha Blockers (Flomax): Relax the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck to improve flow. Works quickly.
• 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors (Avodart): Shrink the prostate by blocking hormones. Takes months to work.
• Combination Therapy: Using both types often gives the best results.

3. Surgery (Severe Symptoms)

If meds fail, minimally invasive procedures can open the blockage:

• TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate): The "gold standard." A surgeon trims away the excess prostate tissue from the inside.
• Laser Surgery: Uses a laser to vaporize tissue (less bleeding than TURP).
• UroLift: Tiny implants pull the prostate tissue back to open the urethra (less sexual side effects).

Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician regarding any medical condition.