Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition indicated by prostate enlargement that commonly affects males as they age. Constipation, continual urination, and other urinary issues are just a few of the problems that can develop when the prostate gland becomes enlarged. Additionally, it might lead to issues with your kidneys, urinary system, or bladder. To better understand benign prostatic hyperplasia, we have put together a comprehensive article covering all aspects of the disease.
Signs and Symptoms
Prostate enlargement can create a wide range of signs and symptoms, and their intensity changes from one individual to another. Typical BPH signs and symptoms consist of the following:
- Nighttime urinating more often than usual (nocturia)
- Prolonged struggle to initiate urinating
- Irregular or weak urine flow
- Slight dribbling after finishing a pee
- Urinary retention
Some of the less typical symptoms include:
- Urinary tract infection
- Impairment of urinary function
- Urine containing blood
If you want to learn more regarding the symptoms of BPH, visit Dynamiq Urology.
Causes
The prostate in the majority of males keeps on enlarging even after puberty has ended. This unrestrained prostate expansion in various males causes symptoms of urinary retention or significantly reduced urine flow. Unfortunately, the root causes of prostate enlargement remain uncertain. However, it could be due to shifts in the sex hormonal amounts as men grow older.
Risk Factors
Many details can lead to an enlarged prostate gland; however, these are a few more typical ones:
- Aging – Symptoms of a swollen prostate are unusual in men under the age of 40. By age 60, around a third of men will have moderate-to-severe signs and symptoms; by age 80, about half will have them.
- Family history – One’s risk of developing prostate concerns is increased if a close family member, such as a father or a sibling, has had the disorder.
- Diabetes and heart disease – Evidence suggests that diabetes, cardiovascular ailment, and beta blockers increase the chance of building BPH.
- Lifestyle – Being overweight increases your threat for BPH; however, regular exercise can minimize it.
Treatment
The great news is there are many alternative for BPH medication. Your doctor will collaborate with you to develop a treatment plan, including lifestyle alterations as the primary line of defense. After that, your doctor may suggest medication, less invasive treatments, or surgery.
Lifestyle Changes
Your urologist would likely suggest you begin by modifying your regular habits. By taking on more healthful habits, you can reduce your signs and symptoms and, in many cases, even see a complete turnaround. Changing your lifestyle presents very little threat. In truth, their efficiency prolongs beyond a single context. For this reason, your doctor will likely recommend trying these measures before thinking about any additional treatments.
Medications
Your urologist might recommend medication for BPH if you still have signs and symptoms despite making lifestyle modifications. Some drugs can diminish the prostate, while others can lessen or eliminate the symptoms. Never try to self-medicate or use anything other than your doctor-approved treatment.
Surgery
If none of the discussed methods successfully relieve your BPH, you need to speak with a urologist regarding surgical choices. The enlarged prostate tissue can be removed, or the urethra can be physically widened through surgical treatments to aid with chronic BPH symptoms. You need to talk with your urologist about whether you are a perfect candidate for the procedure because, just like any surgery, there are dangers included. You can click here for more info.
