Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH) is a common health problem that affects men, especially those who are older. It is a non-cancerous condition in which the prostate gland, which is located just below the bladder, enlarges.

The condition can lead to various symptoms, such as difficulty in urination, weak urine stream, urinary tract infections, and frequent urge to urinate.

What Causes Benign Prostate Hyperplasia

The exact cause of Benign Prostate Hyperplasia is unknown. However, studies show that the condition is common among men over 50 and is associated with aging.

According to research, when men age, the levels of testosterone and estrogen hormones in their body also change, leading to an increase in the production of cells in the prostate gland, causing it to enlarge.

In addition, there are several other factors that can contribute to the development of the condition, including family history, obesity, use of certain medications, and lifestyle factors such as lack of physical activity, unhealthy diet, and smoking.

Symptoms of Benign Prostate Hyperplasia

The symptoms of Benign Prostate Hyperplasia usually appear gradually and worsen over time. Some of the common symptoms include:.

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Difficulty starting urination
Weak urine stream or dribbling
Frequent urge to urinate
Nocturia (waking up at night to urinate)
Incomplete bladder emptying
Blood in urine
Urinary tract infections

Although these symptoms may not necessarily indicate Benign Prostate Hyperplasia, it is essential to consult a doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.

Diagnosis of Benign Prostate Hyperplasia

To diagnose Benign Prostate Hyperplasia, a doctor will perform various tests, including:.

Medical history and physical examination
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, which measures the level of PSA in the blood and can determine the likelihood of prostate cancer
Digital rectal exam (DRE), which involves the insertion of a gloved finger into the rectum to feel the prostate gland
Urinalysis to check for infection or blood in the urine
Ultrasound to determine the size of the prostate gland
Cystoscopy to examine the bladder and urethra

Treatment of Benign Prostate Hyperplasia

The treatment for Benign Prostate Hyperplasia depends on the severity of symptoms and the size of the prostate gland. Some of the common treatments include:.

Watchful waiting – this involves regular monitoring of the condition, especially if the symptoms are mild or do not interfere with daily activities.
Medication – there are several medications that can be used to reduce the symptoms of Benign Prostate Hyperplasia. These include alpha-blockers, 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors, and phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors.
Minimally invasive therapy – this involves the use of procedures such as transurethral microwave therapy (TUMT), transurethral needle ablation (TUNA), or laser therapy to destroy or remove the excess prostate tissue.
Surgery – in severe cases where other treatments do not work, surgery may be recommended. The most common surgery for Benign Prostate Hyperplasia is transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), which involves the removal of the excess prostate tissue through the urethra.

Prevention of Benign Prostate Hyperplasia

Although there is no known way to prevent Benign Prostate Hyperplasia, adopting a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of developing the condition. This includes:.

Having a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
Maintaining a healthy weight
Regular exercise
Avoiding smoking
Reducing alcohol consumption

Conclusion

Benign Prostate Hyperplasia is a common condition among men over 50. Although it is not life-threatening, it can lead to several uncomfortable symptoms, including difficulty in urination and urinary tract infections.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is essential to consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, adopting healthy lifestyle habits can help reduce the risk of developing the condition.