Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

Benign prostatic hyperplasia: causes, symptoms, and treatment methods

Benign prostatic hyperplasia: causes, symptoms, and treatment methods

Understanding Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition in men over 50 years old, characterized by an increase in the size of the prostate gland. In BPH, the prostate enlarges due to excessive growth of epithelial and stromal cells, which can lead to urinary disturbances and other negative consequences.

Manifestations of BPH include increased frequency of urination, nocturia, weak urine flow, and a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying. While symptoms can vary, diagnosis includes a urologist examination, blood and urine tests, and ultrasound of the prostate. Treatment of BPH can be conservative or surgical, depending on the severity of symptoms and the patient’s desires.

Risk factors for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition in men over 50 years old. Risk factors for the development of BPH may include age and heredity, as the progression of the disease is more common in older men and may have a familial nature. Hormonal disorders also play an important role, specifically the increase in the level of dihydrotestosterone, which contributes to prostate growth and the development of hyperplasia.

  • Age: The increase in the risk of BPH is age-related; the older the man, the higher the likelihood of developing the disease.
  • Heredity: There is a genetic predisposition to the development of BPH, so a family history increases the risk of the disease.
  • Hormonal disorders: Elevated levels of dihydrotestosterone and deoxycorticosterone may contribute to prostate hyperplasia.
  • Obesity: Studies show that obesity can increase the likelihood of developing BPH due to its effect on hormonal balance.
  • Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of physical activity and prolonged sitting may contribute to the development of prostate diseases, including BPH.

Clinical manifestations of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) can manifest with various symptoms, including frequency and pain during urination, weak urine flow, inability to fully empty the bladder, and frequent nighttime urination. In addition, patients with BPH may experience discomfort during urination, a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying after urination, as well as periodic urinary tract infections.

  • Frequent urination: Patients may experience increased urination, especially at night.
  • Weakened urine flow: A decrease in the strength of urine flow may be one of the first signs of BPH.
  • Incomplete bladder emptying: Patients may feel that they cannot completely empty their bladder.
  • Feeling of discomfort: Urination with BPH is often accompanied by painful sensations and discomfort in the area of the prostate gland.
  • Risk of urinary tract infections: Urine stasis due to inadequate bladder emptying can increase the risk of infections in patients with BPH.

Approaches to the treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Expert opinions regarding the approaches to treating Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) emphasize the importance of an individualized approach for each patient. Treatment may vary depending on the severity of symptoms, the patient’s overall condition, and their preferences. The main treatment methods for BPH include conservative therapy, surgical interventions, and minimally invasive procedures such as prostate resection.

Experts also note that when choosing a treatment method, the doctor should consider the potential side effects, benefits, and limitations of each approach. The decision on which method to use for treating BPH should be made after thorough examination and discussion between the doctor and the patient, taking into account the individual characteristics of each case.

Methods for diagnosing Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

For the diagnosis of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), various methods are used, including physical examination, digital rectal examination, prostate ultrasound (US), and blood tests such as the PSA test. With these methods, doctors can conduct a comprehensive assessment of the size and condition of the prostate, identify possible changes in gland tissues, and evaluate the functions of the urinary system.

In addition to the mentioned methods, more specialized procedures may be used to clarify the diagnosis of BPH, such as uroflowmetry to measure the speed and volume of urination, cystoscopy to examine the bladder and urethra, as well as prostate biopsy for differential diagnosis with prostate cancer. The combination of various diagnostic methods plays an important role in determining the presence and degree of development of BPH, allowing for effective treatment and monitoring of the disease’s status.

  • Physical examination: the doctor can assess the condition of the prostate gland through abdominal palpation and direct examination of the prostate via the rectum.
  • Transrectal ultrasound of the prostate (TRUS): this method allows visualization of the size and structure of the prostate, as well as the identification of any enlargement of the gland.
  • Blood tests: measuring the level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the blood can be used in the diagnosis of BPH, as elevated levels of this protein may indicate problems with the prostate gland.
  • Uroflowmetry: this method allows measuring the parameters of urination, such as the flow rate and volume of urine, which may indicate issues with the urinary system.
  • Cystoscopy: a procedure that allows for a visual examination of the bladder and urethra to identify any potential changes and pathologies.

Methods for treating Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) may include conservative and surgical methods depending on the severity of the disease manifestations and the desired effect. Conservative approaches, for example, include medication therapy, such as alpha-blocker drugs and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, which help improve symptoms and control the progression of BPH. Phytotherapy and physiotherapy are also used to relieve discomfort and improve the function of the urogenital system.

In cases where conservative methods do not yield the desired results or the level of symptoms becomes significant, surgical intervention may be required. Surgical treatment methods for BPH may include transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), laser removal of prostate tissue, as well as open adenomechtomy. Doctors choose the optimal treatment method considering the individual characteristics of the patient and the characteristics of the disease, with the aim of achieving the best results and improving the quality of life of the patient.

  • Medication therapy: Includes the use of alpha-blockers and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors to improve symptoms and slow the progression of BPH.
  • Herbal therapy: The use of herbal preparations to alleviate symptoms and improve prostate function.
  • Physiotherapy: The application of physical procedures and exercises to improve urination, reduce discomfort, and restore urinary system function.
  • Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP): A surgical method where part of the enlarged prostate tissue is removed through the urethra using an endoscope.
  • Laser removal of prostate tissue: A surgical procedure in which a laser is used to remove part of the prostate and improve symptoms of BPH.

Prevention measures for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Prevention of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) includes a number of healthy habits and measures aimed at maintaining overall health of the urinary and reproductive system. Regular physical exercise, a healthy diet with moderate fat consumption and rich in nutrients, weight management, and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and coffee can help reduce the risk of developing BPH.

Visiting a doctor for regular medical check-ups and monitoring can also play an important role in preventing and early detecting symptoms of BPH. Following doctor’s recommendations, seeking timely consultation when any changes in the urinary system occur, and being mindful of one’s own health contribute to the long-term well-being of the prostate gland.

  • Balanced nutrition: Consuming nutritious foods, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, fish, and plant oils, promotes overall health and can have a positive impact on prostate function.
  • Regular physical exercise: Physical activity, including moderate sports or daily walks, helps maintain healthy circulation and the overall well-being of the body, including the urogenital system.
  • Avoiding harmful habits: Quitting smoking, moderate consumption of alcohol and coffee, as well as minimizing stressful situations can help reduce the risk of prostate diseases.
  • Regular medical check-ups: Timely visits to a urologist for preventive examinations and monitoring of prostate health allow for the early detection of potential issues and the implementation of necessary measures.
  • Self-monitoring and awareness: A conscious approach to one’s health, knowledge of the main symptoms of prostate diseases, and readiness to consult a specialist when experiencing a deterioration in condition help maintain urogenital health.

Interesting aspects of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

BPH, although considered a benign disease, can cause significant urination dysfunction in patients due to the enlargement of the prostate and compression of the bladder. Frequent urination, inability to completely empty the bladder, overflow bladder, and other symptoms related to urogenital function can pose a serious challenge for patients.

An interesting fact about BPH is that although age is the main risk factor for developing this disease, it is not always found in all elderly men. This is due to individual body characteristics, the degree of hyperplasia, and the presence of comorbid conditions. Such nuances highlight the importance of timely diagnosis and a comprehensive approach to the treatment of BPH.

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