BPH: Symptoms, Complications, and Treatments

Contents

In this article, we will take a look at:

• What is BPH?
• How does BPH occur?
• Who is prone to BPH?
• Symptoms of BPH
• Diagnosis of BPH
• Complications of a BPH
• Treatment for BPH

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What is BPH?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a common condition in men as they age. It is also known as prostate gland enlargement. It leads to several uncomfortable urinary symptoms and may lead to the blockage of flow of urine out of the bladder. It may cause kidney, bladder and urinary tract problems. Although there are several effective treatment methods, it is best to consult your doctor. Your doctor will consider your symptoms, your prostate size and other health conditions and choose a treatment method that suits you best.

How does BPH occur?

The prostate gland lies beneath the bladder. The tube that transports urine from the bladder to urethra passes through the centre of the prostate gland. The enlargement of the prostate gland blocks the flow of urine. Many men have continued growth of the prostate gland. This may lead to this blockage and cause other urinary symptoms as well. The two main causes of BPH are:

Age

Changes in the Balance of Sex Hormones

Who is prone to BPH?

Some people are more prone to the disease than others. Here are the risk factors of BPH:

Lifestyle – Obesity increases the risk of contracting BPH. Exercising on a daily basis can help lower your risk.

Family History – Having a blood relative with BPH increases your likelihood of suffering from the disease.

Diabetes and Heart Disease – Men with diabetes and heart disease are at a higher risk than others.

What are the symptoms of BPH? How is BPH diagnosed?

The severity of the symptoms of the disease varies in people. The symptoms tend to get worse with time. Here are a few of the common symptoms and signs of BPH:

• Inability to completely empty the bladder
• Dribbling ensuing at the end of urination
• A urine stream that stops and starts, or a weak urine stream
• Urgent or frequent need to urinate
• Increased frequency of urination at night
• Difficulty in starting the urination process

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask you about the severity of your symptoms and conduct a physical examination. The initial examination is likely to include the following:

• Digital Rectal Exam – To check whether the prostate is enlarged.
• Urine Test – To rule out an infection or any other condition that can cause the same symptoms.
• Blood Test – To indicate if there are any kidney problems.
• PSA Test – PSA levels increase when the prostate is enlarged.
• To rule out other conditions, your doctor may order the following tests:
• Urinary Flow Test
• Postvoid Residual Volume Test
• 24-Hour Voiding Diary
• If you condition is complex, your doctor may prescribe the following tests:
• Transrectal Ultrasound
• Prostate Biopsy
• Urodynamic and Pressure Flow Studies
• Cystoscopy

What are the complications of a BPH?

There are several complications of an enlarged prostate. The more advanced the stage of BPH, complications are likelier. They include the likes of:

• Urinary Tract Infections
• Bladder Stones
• Sudden Inability to Urinate
• Bladder Damage
• Kidney Damage

What is the treatment for BPH?

There are a number of treatment methods available for BPH. The best treatment option for you depends on the size of your prostate, your overall health, the amount of pain and discomfort you are experiencing and your age. In some men, the symptoms can ease without treatment. If your symptoms are tolerable, you can postpone your treatment and monitor your symptoms for a while. Here are the best treatment options:

• Medication
• Surgery
• Prostate Lift
• Laser Therapy
• Embolization
• Open or Robot-Assisted Prostatectomy