Bening prostatic hyperplasia diagnosis and treatment methods
Bening prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is associated with enlargement of the prostate gland, is a common condition in men. It can cause symptoms such as difficulty urinating, the need to urinate frequently, and getting up at night to urinate. Fortunately, BPH is a treatable condition and symptoms can be controlled with options such as medication, minimally invasive procedures, and surgery. In this article, you’ll learn more about BPH and explore treatment options.
What is Bening Prostatic Hyperplasia?
Bening prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition characterized by enlargement of the prostate gland. As men age, the cells of the prostate gland can multiply and cause enlargement of the gland. This can cause the prostate to compress or block the urethra.
While the cause of BPH is not fully understood, aging and hormonal changes are believed to play a role. Testosterone, the male hormone, is one of the factors that promotes prostate growth. BPH usually occurs in men over age 50, but can occur earlier in some men.
Symptoms of Bening prostatic hyperplasia are associated with urinary tract problems. Symptoms such as difficulty urinating, weak urine stream, the need to urinate frequently, getting up at night to urinate, and incomplete urination may occur. These symptoms can worsen over time and negatively affect quality of life.
To diagnose BPH, your doctor will usually do a physical exam and evaluate the symptoms. In addition, additional tests may be ordered, such as urine tests, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test and, if necessary, imaging tests (ultrasound, computed tomography).
Treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia varies depending on the severity of symptoms and the patient’s general health. For some men with mild symptoms, follow-up and lifestyle changes may be sufficient. In patients with more severe symptoms, treatments such as medication, minimally invasive procedures (for example, using laser or microwave energy to shrink the prostate), or surgery may be considered.
What Are the Symptoms of Bening Prostatic Hyperplasia?
Bening prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition associated with an enlargement of the prostate gland. This condition can cause various urinary tract symptoms in men. The symptoms of BPH can vary from patient to patient and symptoms can worsen over time. Here are the most common symptoms of Bening prostatic hyperplasia:
1. Difficulty urinating
BPH can compress or block the urinary tract, making it difficult to urinate. The urine stream may be weak and it may take longer for the urine to pass completely.
2. Frequent urination (urge)
With the enlargement of the prostate gland, there may be pressure that prevents urine from leaving the bladder. This can increase the need to urinate frequently. Frequent need to go to the toilet, especially at night, interrupting sleep (nocturia).
3. Waking up at night to urinate (nocturia)
BPH can lead to the frequent need to urinate at night, which interrupts sleep. The person may need to go to the toilet more than once during the night, interrupting sleep. This, in turn, can affect sleep quality and cause fatigue in daily activities.
4. Incomplete feeling when urinating
BPH can cause urine to pass incompletely. In this case, the person may not feel complete relaxation while urinating in the toilet. Since the sensation of urinating is not yet fully formed, the person may need to go to the toilet often.
5. Urinary incontinence
Congestion in the urinary tract with enlargement of the prostate gland can make it difficult to empty the urine completely. This can lead to urinary incontinence. You may need to make more effort to hold in the urine.
Diagnosis of bening prostatic hyperplasia
Bening prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition associated with an enlarged prostate gland and can cause urinary tract problems in men. The diagnosis of BPH is made by evaluating the symptoms and doing some additional tests. Here are the general methods used to diagnose Bening prostatic hyperplasia:
Physical examination
To diagnose BPH, the doctor will usually perform a physical exam. During the examination, the doctor can evaluate the size, shape and consistency of the prostate gland. The size and stiffness of the prostate gland may indicate the presence of BPH.
Evaluation of symptoms
The doctor will inquire extensively about the symptoms the patient is experiencing. He or she will inquire about symptoms such as difficulty urinating, weak urine stream, the need to urinate frequently, and getting up at night to urinate. It is also important to inform the doctor about the duration, severity and effects of the symptoms.
urine testing
Some urine tests may be ordered to diagnose BPH. These tests are done to rule out urinary tract infections and other urinary tract problems. Also, tests to determine if there are blood or other abnormalities in the urine can be helpful in diagnosing BPH.
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test
PSA is a test that measures the level in the bloodstream of a protein produced in the prostate gland. BPH can usually cause a slight increase in PSA levels. The PSA test can help differentiate between other prostate conditions, especially prostate cancer and BPH.
Imaging tests
In some cases, the doctor may order imaging tests to see the extent of the BPH and how it affects the urinary tract. Tests such as ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) can be used to determine the size of the prostate, stenosis, or obstruction in the urinary tract.
Bening prostatic hyperplasia treatment methods
Bening prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition associated with an enlarged prostate gland and can cause urinary tract problems in men. Treatment options for BPH can vary depending on the severity of symptoms, the patient’s age, general health, and preferences. Here are the common treatment methods of Bening Prostatic Hyperplasia:
Medication
For some men with mild symptoms of BPH, drug therapy may be effective in controlling the symptoms. Drugs usually have mechanisms of action that inhibit the enlargement of the prostate gland or relax the urinary tract. Medications such as alpha blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors are common treatment options. Drug therapy may not completely relieve symptoms and may need to be used regularly.
Minimally invasive procedures
Minimally invasive procedures may be considered in some patients with more severe symptoms who do not respond to drug therapy. These procedures are used to shrink the prostate gland or widen the urethra. For example, procedures such as laser prostate ablation or transurethral microwave therapy may be used. These treatment methods are interventional methods that generally do not require general anesthesia and have a short recovery period.
Surgical procedure
Surgery may be considered in patients whose BPH symptoms are severe or unresponsive to other treatment modalities. Surgical procedures such as transurethral resection (TUR) or laser resection of the prostate involve removing part of the prostate gland. These methods remove the stenosis in the prostate and improve urine flow. Surgery usually requires general anesthesia and may require a longer recovery period.
Other treatment options
In some cases, other treatment options may be used to control BPH symptoms. For example, newly developed methods, such as prostate artery embolization, aim to stop growth by reducing blood flow to the prostate gland. These procedures can be minimally invasive and have a short recovery time.
What is Bening Prostatic Hyperplasia?
Bening prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition that occurs when the prostate enlarges over time. This growth can compress the urethra and cause various symptoms related to the urinary tract.
What Causes Bening Prostatic Hyperplasia?
The exact cause of BPH is unknown. However, it is thought to be related to the aging process. Hormonal changes and genetic factors may also be effective in the development of BPH.
What Are the Symptoms of Bening Prostatic Hyperplasia?
Common symptoms of BPH include difficulty urinating, having to urinate frequently (urge), getting up at night to urinate (nocturia), incomplete urination, and difficulty holding back urine.
How Is Bening Prostatic Hyperplasia Diagnosed?
The diagnosis of BPH is made using a physical exam, assessment of symptoms, urine tests and, if necessary, imaging tests. These tests help assess the severity of symptoms and the condition of the prostate gland.
Can Bening Prostatic Hyperplasia Be Treated?
Yes, BPH is treatable. Treatment options include medication, minimally invasive procedures, and surgical procedures. The treatment option is determined by the severity of the symptoms, the patient’s preferences, and general health.
Which method is preferred for the treatment of Bening prostatic hyperplasia?
The choice of BPH treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms, the patient’s preferences, and the physician’s judgment. Medication may be preferred in patients with mild symptoms, while minimally invasive procedures or surgical intervention may be considered in patients with more severe symptoms.
Is Bening Prostatic Hyperplasia Surgery Risky?
BPH surgery, like any surgery, can have risks. However, technological advancements have reduced these risks. Before surgery, your doctor will give you detailed information about the risks, benefits, and possible complications.
What can I do to prevent BPH?
While it’s not possible to completely prevent BPH, some lifestyle changes can help control symptoms. These include exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, regulating urination habits such as low fluid intake, and avoiding irritating substances such as caffeine and alcohol.