Managing Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Symptoms and Treatment Options

What is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a health issue most commonly seen in older men. In simpler terms, it is an enlargement of the prostate. As the name suggests, benign means its non-cancerous; The prostate gland located under the bladder and plays an important role in semen production. With age, this gland tends to enlarge, leading to BPH.

But what does this mean for you? An enlarged prostate can cause bothersome symptoms that interfere with your daily life. It may block the flow of urine from the bladder, leading to bladder complications or urinary tract infections. Understanding BPH is essential as it will help you make informed decisions about your health.

Does having benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) increase the risk of prostate cancer?

It is a common question faced by the healthcare providers. The good news is that benign prostatic hyperplasia does not increase your risk for prostate cancer. Although both diseases affect the same organ and have similar symptoms, they are distinct in nature and have different cell growth patterns. However, regular check-ups are important as age-related changes can increase the likelihood of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Who does benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) affect?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) mainly affects older men. Studies shows that this condition rarely triggers symptoms before age of 40. However, as men age, frequency of benign prostatic hyperplasia symptoms increases. Approximately 50% of men between the ages of 51-60 have benign prostatic hyperplasia, and this number rises to 90% of men over 80.

How common is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is quite common among older men. It's estimated that there are more than 10 million BPH cases in India per year.

What are the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) can cause a variety of urinary symptoms such as:

• More Urges to Urinate at Night (nocturia)
• Urgency to Urinate
• Difficulty in starting a urine stream
• A weak or interrupted urine stream
• Dribbling at the end of Urination
• Urinary Retention
• Inability to completely empty the bladder
• Accidental loss of Urine (Incontinence)
• Painful Urination
• Discomfort after Ejaculation

What happens if you leave an enlarged prostate untreated?

If left untreated, an enlarged prostate can lead to complications such as urinary retention, urinary tract infections, bladder stones, and kidney damage over time.

What causes benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)?

The exact benign prostatic hyperplasia causes remain unclear. However, the hormonal changes appear to play a role. Along with the age in men, the level active testosterone level declines and the share of estrogen increases. Higher levels of estrogen can stimulate the growth of prostate cells.

Another theory on benign prostatic hyperplasia causes involves dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which plays a vital role in the development and growth of the prostate. Even with declining testosterone levels, older men continue to produce and accumulate high levels of DHT in the prostate, possibly leading to BPH.

What type of doctor treats benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)?

A urologist who specializes in diseases that affect urinary tract is usually the healthcare provider who diagnosed and treats a benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

How is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) diagnosed?

A healthcare provider diagnoses benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) by using different methods such as:

• Personal and family medical history: Your doctor may ask you about your symptoms, their frequency and severity, your medication regimen, fluid intake, any previous health problems, etc.
• Physical exam: The doctor examines your body for any abnormalities like enlarged lymph nodes or discharges from the urethra. They may also perform a digital rectal exam to check for an enlarged prostate.
• Medical tests: These can include blood tests, urine tests, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, and imaging tests.

Can benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) be cured?

Although there is no cure for benign prostatic hyperplasia, there are treatment options available to effectively manage symptoms and improve quality of life. These benign prostatic hyperplasia treatment includes lifestyle changes, medications, minimally invasive procedures, and surgery.

How is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) treated?

Your healthcare provider might opt for different benign prostatic hyperplasia treatment strategies based on your symptoms' severity and how they impact your daily life.

There are several ways available for benign prostatic hyperplasia treatment, including:

• Lifestyle Changes: For those with mild BPH symptoms, making lifestyle changes can provide relief. These could include reducing the intake of liquids before bedtime or going out, avoiding caffeinated beverages and alcohol, monitoring the use of certain medications such as decongestants and antihistamines, and exercising pelvic floor muscles.
• Medications: Variety of medications can help in the management of the benign prostatic hyperplasia symptoms. These includes alpha-blockers, which relax the muscles of the prostate and bladder to improve the urine flow; 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, which block the production of DHT and promote the growth of prostate cells; and phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, which relieve BPH symptoms by relaxing the smooth muscles of the lower urinary tract.
• Minimally Invasive Procedures: If the medications proved ineffective, there are several minimally invasive procedures available to help relieve the benign prostatic hyperplasia treatment symptoms. These include transurethral needle ablation and transurethral microwave thermotherapy, both use heat to destroy the tissue of the enlarged prostate.

What is the best treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia?

The best benign prostatic hyperplasia treatment will depend on an individual's unique health profile which includes their age, overall health status, the severity of their BPH symptoms, and their personal preferences. However, Transurethral Prostatectomy (TURP) is considered as the “gold standard” of benign prostatic hyperplasia treatment.

What can/can’t I eat/drink if I have benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)?

There isn't a specific diet to follow for those with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), but some general dietary tips might help manage symptoms:

Do's –

• Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
• Include more lean protein sources such as fish.
• Stay well hydrated all day, but limit the liquid intake in the evening to reduce night urination.

Don'ts –

• Avoid caffeinated beverages as they can irritate your bladder and make symptoms worse.
• Limit alcohol intake as it acts as a diuretic, causing more frequent urination.
• Reduce spicy foods if you notice they worsen your symptoms.

Can an enlarged prostate go back to normal?

While medication can help in managing the benign prostatic hyperplasia symptoms and prevent further enlargement, currently, there is no cure available which can return an enlarged prostate to its normal size.

How can I reduce my risk of developing benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)?

While you can't control some risk factors, such as age and family history, certain lifestyle changes can help reduce your risk of developing benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

These include:

• Regular Exercise
• Healthy Diet
• Maintaining a Healthy Weight

What can I expect if I have benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)?

Living with benign prostatic hyperplasia means managing its symptoms that can range from uncomfortable to disruptive. You may experience frequent urination, difficulty urinating, a weak urine stream, or the feeling that you are not completely emptying your bladder. In more severe cases, urinary tract infections or kidney problems may occur. However, with the right treatment and management strategies, most men lead full and active lives despite BPH.

When to see a doctor?

If you have symptoms that suggest benign prostatic hyperplasia, you should consult a doctor immiditely. Also, seek immediate medical attention if you experience a complete inability to urinate, painful and urgent need to urinate with fever and chills, blood in the urine, or great discomfort or pain in the lower abdomen and urinary tract.

Conclusion

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a common condition which can greatly impact a man's quality of life. However, understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatment options can make it easier to manage.

Remember, regular health check-ups play a crucial role in early detection and effective management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Metropolis Healthcare is a leading diagnostic centre that offers at-home sample collection for a wide range of tests. Our dedicated team of qualified technicians ensures accurate results to help you take control of your health.