8 Min Read
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), or prostate enlargement, is one such common disorder that silently grips men as they age. What may start as a small annoyance could quickly become a significant health challenge that affects the quality of life, sleep, and general well-being. Hence, understanding the variances of the condition becomes crucial to early intervention and effective management of enlarged prostate.
Synopsis
What is Prostate Enlargement?
The prostate gland, being in itself a small but most important structure of the male reproductive system, naturally grows larger with advancing age. This hyperplasia of the gland beyond normal limits produces various urinary disturbances. The enlarged gland impinges on the urethra like a closing hand around a drinking straw, thereby interfering with the normal passage of urine.
The first sign of BPH manifests itself between the late 40s and early 50s of most men, although often not at the same time. It affects about 50% of men in their 50s and 60s, which increases to a staggering 90% of men over the age of 80. These symptoms nod on slowly with time, making them more noticeable in later stages. Most men tend to ignore the initial signs of an enlarged prostate with their growing age, which also contributes to late diagnoses and potential kidney disease and urinary complications.
Warning Signs of BPH
Early detection is key to the effective management of prostate enlargement. The most common symptoms of an enlarged prostate include:
-
Frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia)
-
Straining to urinate
-
Sudden urgency to urinate
-
Intermittent flow of urine
-
Weakened stream of urine
-
Sensation of incomplete emptying of the bladder
Potential Dangers of Delaying BPH Treatment
Ignoring the symptoms of prostate enlargement can lead to severe health complications. The persistent strain on the urinary system can make men vulnerable to urinary tract infections (UTIs). If the urinary tract is obstructed or narrowed, it can prevent emptying of the bladder, leaving residual urine that becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. These recurring infections can cause significant discomfort and, if left untreated, may spread to the kidneys, leading to more serious conditions like pyelonephritis.
Chronic obstruction can cause bladder stones, resulting in intense pain and blood in the urine, and further worsen urinary flow problems. Sometimes, men with severe BPH can’t urinate at all (urine retention) even when they have the urge to do so. In such cases, urgent intervention is required to drain the bladder and relieve pressure.
Bladder damage may occur due to prolonged strain on the bladder, which may also lead to hydronephrosis, a kidney problem where urine is stored in the kidneys, which may cause the kidneys to swell, potentially leading to kidney failure.
Read more: Early Signs of Kidney Disease You Should Never Ignore
Treatment of Benign Prostate Hyperplasia
Historically, treatment options have included either medical management or surgical intervention. Now, we have newly developed modalities, such as Rezum Water Vapour Therapy and UroLift, that have revolutionised the treatment of the prostate by creating a less invasive approach with rapid recovery.
Medical Management:
Mild BPH symptoms can be managed with medications such as alpha-blockers and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors. They help relax the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck and shrink the prostate over time, effectively reducing prostate symptoms. However, these medications are not a permanent fix for BPH and may have side effects.
Traditional Surgical Interventions:
For men with severe symptoms or those who don't respond to medication, traditional surgical procedures like Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) have been the gold standard. TURP involves removing excess prostate tissue using a resectoscope inserted through the urethra. While effective, TURP is more invasive and carries a higher risk of complications compared to newer techniques like Rezum and UroLift, with a longer recovery period. Other surgical options include open prostatectomy, which is even more invasive and is usually preferred only for very large prostates where minimally invasive approaches are not recommended.
Rezum Water Vapour Therapy
Rezum Water Vapour Therapy uses natural thermal energy to ablate and vaporise excess tissues in the prostate gland responsible for BPH symptoms. Controlled doses of sterile water vapour is injected into the prostate area, where heat causes the death of the enlarged tissue. This is a minimally invasive procedure and mostly performed on an outpatient or inpatient basis with a short recovery period.
With the urethra relieved from pressure following the procedure, there is better urine flow and reduced symptoms. Rezum is a preferred choice for men who want to avoid more radical alternatives for surgery but do not wish to compromise on results.
UroLift Procedure
Another newer and safer alternative to prostate surgery for BPH treatment is UroLift. The UroLift procedure is a minimally invasive procedure that doesn’t require any cuts or stitches. A daycare procedure, this procedure uses tiny implants to push and hold the obstructive prostate tissue off the urethra, thus relieving the pressure.
The UroLift procedure helps to improve the quality of life, providing quick relief from all symptoms of an enlarged prostate and preventing men from any urinary tract diseases or kidney problems. It also preserves sexual function that many men, especially younger patients, worry about when talking about prostate treatment. This procedure results in a shorter surgery time and recovery period, which means you can return to your normal life in a shorter period.
Get expert treatment for Benign Prostate Hyperplasia from the best Urologist in Bangalore today!
Lifestyle Management and Prevention
While treatment is imperative to treat prostate symptoms, lifestyle factors can also contribute significantly to prostate health:
-
Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, especially those rich in antioxidants, like berries and cruciferous vegetables.
-
Maintain a healthy weight and lead an active lifestyle by exercising regularly. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week, including aerobic activities like walking, swimming, or cycling.
-
Keep stress levels under control through practices like yoga or meditation.
-
Avoid excessive alcohol use.
-
Drink plenty of water and avoid too much caffeine (not more than 2 cups of coffee every day).
Diagnostic Strategies
A comprehensive assessment to detect prostate enlargement includes a medical history and a physical examination, followed by urine flow tests, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests, and ultrasounds. Sometimes, doctors may also recommend a prostate biopsy for further evaluation of complications.
See an experienced urologist in Bangalore at once if you have:
-
Inability to urinate
-
Blood in urine
-
Fever associated with urinary symptoms
-
Severe pain in the lower back
-
Substantial interference with usual activities
-
Urinary tract infections occurring repeatedly
Prostate enlargement is a complicated condition that requires attention, awareness, and active management. By identifying symptoms early, visiting medical professionals, and investigating advanced treatment, men can effectively manage their condition and improve their quality of life.
FAQ's
Check-ups are advised from the age of 50 or sooner if there is a family history.
Individual evaluations are required to assess the most suitable treatment for BPH. An expert urologist will determine the right treatment for you.
Lifestyle modifications for prostate problems can be effective but are generally most beneficial when supplemented by medical therapy.
Prostate enlargement (BPH) is benign and not cancerous. However, routine screening, including the PSA test, is important to rule out prostate cancer.
After the Rezum procedure, most patients recover within a few days, with mild discomfort (commonly mild burning sensation during urination) lasting up to a few weeks. However, recovery from UroLift is typically quick, with regular activities resuming in 2–3 days. Minor discomfort and some blood in the urine can be expected for a short time after the procedure.
Share this article on:
