Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a prevalent ailment among elderly men. An enlarged prostate gland can produce unpleasant urinary symptoms including blocked urine flow. Urinary tract or renal issues might occur.
Prostate gland enlargement is effectively treated with medicines, minimally invasive therapy, and surgery. Your doctor and you will discuss your symptoms, prostate size, other health issues, and preferences.
Symptomatology
Although the diagnosis of BPH includes the enlargement of the prostate as well as the mechanical blockage of the flow of urine, there is not always a clear link between the volume of hyperplasia and the degree of symptoms. Although very enlarged prostates do not often cause symptoms, they can be a source of great discomfort in other organs that are not much enlarged.
Obstructive symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia are distinguished from irritative symptoms, which are distinguished from each other.
Symptoms of obstructive
Urine flow that is insufficient and/or intermittent.
The force and caliber of the urine have both decreased.
Feeling that now the bladder has not been completely drained.
voiding thrice in a row (urinating for a second time within a period of 2 hours).
Dribbling after the nothingness.
When starting to urinate, there is difficulty or a delay.
Urethral retention is a common occurrence.
Symptoms of irritation
Polyuria, or the need to urinate more often, is a medical condition.
Nocturia, often known as the desire to urinate frequently during the night, is a medical condition.
Urge to urinate that comes on suddenly.
Urge urine incontinence on a regular basis.
Diagnosis
The symptoms and medical history of the patient will be taken into consideration by the doctor. They will also perform some tests to rule out other disorders that have symptoms that are similar to the one you are experiencing, such as:
- prostate cancer
- inflammation of the prostate
- kidney stones
BPH tests are performed.
The following are likely to be included in the tests:
Digital rectal exam: The doctor will enter a gloved finger into the rectum in order to examine the prostate’s form, size, and thickness, among other things.
Cystoscopy: The doctor will introduce a thin tube into the bladder and urethra, with a camera attached to the end, to view the inside of the bladder and urethra.
Urine tests: Infections can be ruled out with a urine test. Other urine tests measure the speed at which urine flows, the amount of urine that stays in the bladder after peeing, and the amount of pressure in the bladder, among other things.
Blood test: PSA is a molecule that is produced by the prostate gland. When the prostate enlarges, the level of PSA increases.
Ultrasound: This scan will reveal any changes in the look of the prostate that may have occurred.
In rare circumstances, a doctor may prescribe extra tests to rule out the possibility of an underlying medical issue.
Causes
Doctors are unsure why BPH occurs. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases believes aging and hormonal factors may be involved.
Testosterone and estrogen balance: Males generate testosterone and less estrogen throughout their lives. FEMALES MAKE THESE HORMONES, BUT WITH LESS TESTOLONE Males age and generate less testosterone relative to estrogen. Estrogen may cause more prostate development.
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT): DHT is another male hormone that promotes prostate growth. DHT levels can stay high even after testosterone levels diminish. Men who do not make DHT do not appear to develop BPH. This implies a relationship between DHT and BPH.
Treatment of BPH
Early detection of BPH helps avoid consequences including UTIs, kidney or bladder damage, bladder stones, and incontinence.
The therapy for BPH is dictated by the presence of these secondary processes and the patient’s level of pain.
Medical care
For mild or moderate symptoms, pharmacological therapy with alpha-blockers and alpha-reductase inhibitors can assist improve urine flow. The former relaxes the prostate muscle cells, allowing the patient to more easily and comfortably empty their bladder. The latter shrink the prostate, improving urination.
Surgical treatment
Symptoms of BPH can be relieved surgically in people who have failed to respond to treatment.
The Serrate & Ribal Institute of Urology and Andrology delivers cutting-edge procedures that increase outcomes while lowering complications:
- Transurethral prostate resection using Bipolar plasma
- Prostatic photo vaporization with 180W KTP GreenLight
- Thulium laser
- Prostate Holmium laser enucleation (HoLEP)
Special case approaches
- Suprapubic surgery
- Transurethral microwave thermotherapy