What is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia(BPH) ? Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition in older men where the prostate gland grows and begins to put pressure on the urethra, causing difficulty with urination. While the exact cause of BPH is unknown, age and changes in hormone levels are thought to play a role. Symptoms of BPH can include a weak urine stream, frequent urination, difficulty starting and stopping urination, and a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying. Treatment options for BPH range from watchful waiting to medication to surgical intervention, depending on the severity of symptoms and the patient’s overall health. In this blog, we will explore the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for BPH in more detail.

What is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia(BPH)?

A non-cancerous disorder that affects men’s prostate glands is known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It is characterized by the enlargement of the prostate gland, which can cause the gland to press against the urethra and obstruct the flow of urine from the bladder. BPH is a common condition that typically affects men over the age of 50, with approximately 50% of men experiencing some degree of prostate enlargement by the age of 60. While the exact cause of BPH is unknown, age and changes in hormone levels are thought to play a role in the development of the condition.

Causes of benign prostate hyperplasia

The exact cause of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) is not entirely clear, but several factors are believed to contribute to its development.

One of the primary factors that contribute to BPH is age. As men get older, the prostate gland naturally begins to grow, and this growth can lead to the enlargement of the prostate gland, which can cause the gland to press against the urethra and obstruct urine flow.

Hormonal imbalances are also believed to play a role in the development of BPH. Specifically, an increase in levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone derived from testosterone, is thought to contribute to the growth of the prostate gland.

Other factors that may increase the risk of developing BPH include a family history of the condition, obesity, diabetes, and certain medications.

Symptoms prostate enlargement

Prostate enlargement, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), can cause a variety of symptoms related to urination. These symptoms may range in severity and comprise:

• Weak urine stream: The urine flow may be weaker than usual, and it may take longer to empty the bladder.
• Frequent urination: Men with BPH may need to urinate more frequently, particularly at night, which can disrupt sleep.
• Difficulty starting and stopping urination: It may take some time to start urination, and the stream may stop and start intermittently.
• Urgency: Men with BPH may feel a sudden urge to urinate that cannot be postponed.
• Incomplete bladder emptying: After urination, there may be a feeling that the bladder is not completely empty.
• Dribbling: Men with BPH may experience post-void dribbling, which is urine leakage after urination has ended.

Diagnosis of benign prostatic hyperplasia

The diagnosis of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and various tests.

During the physical examination, a healthcare provider may perform a digital rectal exam (DRE) to assess the size, shape, and texture of the prostate gland.

Additionally, a urine test may be done to check for the presence of blood or infection. Blood tests may also be done to evaluate kidney function and assess levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a protein produced by the prostate gland.

Imaging tests, such as an ultrasound or MRI, may be ordered to get a detailed image of the prostate gland and assess its size and shape.

A urodynamic study may also be done to assess how well the bladder and urethra are functioning during urination.

Ultimately, the diagnosis of BPH is based on the combination of symptoms, physical examination findings, and test results. It is essential to speak with a healthcare provider if any symptoms related to urination occur to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.

Treatment of prostate hyperplasia

Treatment options for prostate hyperplasia, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), vary depending on the severity of symptoms and the patient’s overall health. Treatment options may include:

• Watchful waiting: For mild symptoms, a healthcare provider may recommend monitoring the condition and making lifestyle changes, such as avoiding caffeine and alcohol, limiting fluids at night, and double voiding.
• Medications: A healthcare provider may prescribe medications, such as alpha-blockers or 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, to help relax the muscles in the prostate gland and reduce its size.
• Minimally invasive procedures: Minimally invasive procedures, such as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP), or laser therapy, can help relieve symptoms by removing excess prostate tissue.
• Surgery: In severe cases or when other treatments have been unsuccessful, surgery may be necessary to remove the prostate gland.

How can Dr. Dushyant Pawar help with benign prostate hyperplasia?

Dr. Dushyant Pawar can help with BPH in the following ways:

• Diagnosis: He can perform a thorough evaluation of a patient’s symptoms and perform tests to diagnose BPH accurately.
• Treatment: He can recommend and provide treatment options for BPH, including medications, minimally invasive procedures, and surgery.
• Monitoring: He can monitor the progression of BPH and adjust treatment plans as needed.
• Prevention: He can advise patients on lifestyle changes that can help prevent or slow the progression of BPH.
• Education: He can educate patients about BPH, including the causes, symptoms, and treatment options, and help patients make informed decisions about their care.

Conclusion

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition that affects men as they age.  Working with Dr. Dushyant Pawar can help diagnose and manage BPH and improve a patient’s quality of life. It is essential to seek medical attention from a Urologist like Dr. Dushyant Pawar if any symptoms related to urination occur to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.

Dr. Dushyant Pawar is one of the best Urologists available across India, known for providing patients with the most suitable treatment. The best part is: he first do several tests to diagnose the right problem so that he can provide the best treatment possible!