Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Understanding Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatments
What is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition in aging men, characterized by the non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. This enlargement can cause bothersome urinary symptoms, negatively impacting a man's quality of life. In fact, over 50% of men in their 60s and as many as 90% of men aged 70-89 experience some symptoms of BPH. The prostate gland is situated below the bladder and is a vital part of the male reproductive system. However, due to the urethra passing through the gland, men frequently suffer from Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS) that arise from the compression of the urethra.
Causes of BPH
The exact cause of BPH is unknown, but it is thought to be related to changes in hormone levels as men age. Specifically, it is believed that an increase in levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone derived from testosterone, may contribute to the growth of the prostate gland. However, there are some risk factors that increase your chance of developing BPH which includes:
Hormonal imbalances: Changes in hormone levels, specifically an increase in estrogen and a decrease in testosterone, can contribute to the growth of the prostate gland.
Age: BPH becomes more prevalent as men age, with a higher likelihood of occurrence after the age of 60.
Family history: If you have a family history of BPH, you may be at an increased risk of developing the condition.
Lifestyle factors: Certain lifestyle factors, such as obesity and lack of physical activity, may contribute to the development of BPH.
Symptoms of BPH
As the prostate enlarges due to BPH, it can start to bully the urethra, causing a variety of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS) which includes:
Frequent urination: The need to urinate more often, especially during the night.
Urgency: A sudden and compelling urge to urinate that can be difficult to control.
Weak urine flow: A weakened or interrupted urine stream during urination.
Incomplete emptying: The sensation that the bladder is not fully emptied after urination.
Straining: Increased effort required to start and maintain urination.
Dribbling: The continued release of urine after urination has finished.
Urinary retention: Difficulty initiating urination or a complete inability to urinate.
Diagnosing BPH
If you're experiencing the above symptoms, it's time to determine whether or not if BPH is the culprit. Here's how doctors go about diagnosing it:
Medical history: Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms and medical history to evaluate the likelihood of BPH.
Physical examination: A physical examination of the prostate gland through a rectal examination may be conducted to assess its size and condition.
Urinary flow test: This test measures the speed and force of your urine flow, providing insights into the severity of the obstruction.
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test: A blood test that measures PSA levels, which can help differentiate BPH from prostate cancer.
Urinalysis: Analyzing a urine sample can rule out other potential causes of urinary symptoms.
Treatment Options for BPH
Once the BPH diagnosis is confirmed, the question is - how do we keep it under control? The treatment strategy will depend on the severity of your symptoms and how much they interfere with your daily life. Here are some treatment options:
Watchful waiting: If your symptoms are mild and not too bothersome, your doctor might recommend a "wait and see" approach. Regular check-ups will be necessary to ensure the condition doesn't get worse.
Medication: Various medications can help shrink the prostate or relax the muscles around it, improving urinary symptoms. These include Alpha blockers, 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, and combination therapy of both.
Minimally Invasive Procedures: For more severe symptoms and if medication is not effective, minimally invasive procedures such as Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE) may be considered. These procedures aim to reduce the size of the prostate gland or alleviate urinary obstruction.
Surgery: In extreme cases, if the symptoms are significantly affecting your quality of life or if there are complications like recurrent urinary tract infections or kidney damage, surgery may be recommended. The most common procedure is transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), which involves removing a portion of the prostate.
Living with BPH: Taking it in Your Stride
Living with BPH isn't a walk in the park, but it's certainly manageable. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, reducing stress, and cutting down on liquids before bedtime can all help manage the symptoms. Remember, it's crucial to stay in touch with your healthcare provider and stick to your treatment plan.
Preventing BPH: Is it Possible
Can you prevent BPH? While there's no guaranteed way to prevent BPH due to the significant role of aging and genetics, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk. So, keep moving, watch your diet, and don't forget those regular check-ups!
Treating BPH at Indiana Vascular
To wrap it up, while Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) may seem intimidating, understanding its causes, symptoms, methods of diagnosis, and treatments can help demystify this condition. It's not a battle you have to fight alone - with the right medical care and lifestyle adjustments, BPH can be managed effectively.
At Indiana Vascular, we offer a facility filled with state-of-the-art equipment and a staff of experienced doctors that specialize in treating BPH. We will work with you in creating a treatment plan tailored to your individualized needs, and will walk with you every step of the way to ensure a favorable outcome and swift recovery.
Do not allow BPH to negatively impact your quality of life. Schedule an appointment with us today to receive a consultation and gain insight into the condition, as well as discover how we can enhance your overall health.
Frequently Asked Questions
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No, BPH is a condition that affects the prostate gland, which is only present in men.
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No, BPH is not cancerous. The term 'benign' means it's not cancerous.
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While BPH and prostate cancer can coexist, there's no solid evidence to suggest that BPH causes prostate cancer.
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Not all men get BPH as they age, but the chances of developing it do increase with age.
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