Benign prostatic hyperplasia: causes, symptoms, treatment

The prostate is a small muscular gland in the male reproductive system. The prostate surrounds the urethra and produces most of the fluid that makes up semen. The muscular activity of the prostate helps propel sperm through the penis during intercourse.
In some men, the prostate gland may enlarge, causing certain symptoms that, if left untreated, can cause various complications.
What is benign prostatic hyperplasia?
Enlargement of the prostate gland is called benign prostatic hyperplasia. This happens when the cells of this gland begin to multiply excessively. The extra cells cause the prostate to enlarge and put pressure on the urethra, limiting the flow of urine.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia should be differentiated from prostate cancer, and it should be noted that this condition does not increase the risk of cancer.
However, benign prostatic hyperplasia can cause symptoms that can affect the quality of life. The disease is typical for men over 50 years of age.
Reasons
Benign prostatic hyperplasia is considered a normal condition of male aging, and men over the age of 80 have symptoms characteristic of this condition. Although the exact cause is unknown, changes in male sex hormones may be a factor.
Any family history can increase the risk of this condition if it includes prostate problems or testicular abnormalities. Men do not develop benign prostatic hypertrophy if their testicles were removed at an early age.
Some studies have shown that about 1 in 5 men develops benign prostatic hypertrophy by the age of 50. In addition, the statistics increase to 70% when a man reaches the age of 70.
In addition to age, ethnicity can play an important role. African Americans develop this disease more often than men of Caucasian or Asian race. Black men can also develop this disease at a younger age.
Obesity is also a manageable risk factor. Overweight men have an increased risk of developing benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Clinical manifestations
The clinical picture of benign prostatic hyperplasia is often mild, but can become severe if left untreated. Common symptoms include:
- incomplete emptying of the bladder;
- nocturia, characterized by the need to urinate at least twice at night;
- incontinence or leakage of urine;
- effort when urinating;
- poor urination;
- sudden and acute need to urinate;
- pain when urinating or ejaculating;
- the presence of blood in the urine.
If these symptoms occur, you should consult a doctor. He will be able to make the correct diagnosis and prescribe the necessary treatment.
Diagnostics
The diagnosis of benign prostatic hyperplasia begins with a physical examination. The examination includes a rectal cough, which allows the doctor to assess the size and shape of the prostate.
Other tests may include:
urine assessment – urine analysis for blood and bacteria;
prostate biopsy;
Urodynamic examinations - the bladder is filled with fluid through a catheter, then the pressure in the bladder is measured during urination;
evaluation of prostate specific antigen (PSA). This blood test can detect prostate cancer.;
assessment of residual urine in the bladder - This method evaluates the amount of urine remaining in the bladder after urination;
Cystoscopy - this method is aimed at examining the urethra and bladder using a small video camera.;
The method of pyelography or intravenous urography uses X-rays or computed tomography after injecting a contrast agent into the body. This substance secretes the entire urinary system.
The doctor should be informed about the previous treatment. Some medications can affect the urinary system, such as antidepressants, diuretics, antihistamines, or sedatives.
Treatment
If symptoms persist within a week, you should seek medical help, and your doctor may recommend medication or surgery. Age and general health also affect treatment.
Natural treatment
Natural treatment for this condition may include certain actions or lifestyle changes. These include:
- urination immediately after there is a need to urinate;
- attempts to urinate, even when the need to urinate is not felt;
- avoiding decongestants or antihistamines;
- abstaining from alcohol and caffeine;
- reducing stress levels, as nervousness can increase the frequency of urination;
- Regular exercise, as lack of physical activity can worsen the symptoms.
Medicines
When lifestyle changes are not enough to reduce symptoms, your doctor may recommend medications.
Medications that can help treat this condition include alpha blockers, hormone-lowering medications, and antibiotics.
Alpha-blockers are drugs that relax the muscles of the bladder and prostate gland, thereby facilitating the outflow of urine.
However, medications can have undesirable side effects such as impotence and decreased sexual desire.
Antibiotics can be used if the prostate is chronically inflamed due to bacterial prostatitis.
Treating bacterial prostatitis with antibiotics can improve symptoms by reducing inflammation. These medications won't work unless the inflammation is caused by bacteria.
Operation
There are various types of surgical procedures that can help treat benign prostatic hyperplasia. They are used when medications are not effective. These interventions include:
Radiofrequency transurethral ablation: Radio waves are used to scar and shrink prostate tissue.;
transurethral microwave therapy: This intervention is aimed at removing prostate tissue.;
Water-induced thermotherapy: heated water is used to destroy excess prostate tissue;
High-intensity focused ultrasound: sound energy is used to remove excess tissue;
transurethral resection of the prostate: the most commonly used surgical treatment method;
Transurethral dissection of the prostate gland: The purpose is to dissect the prostate gland to ensure a free flow of urine.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a disease that affects the vast majority of men after a certain age. This disorder does not always require medical treatment.
Lifestyle changes, medications, and surgery are treatment options for this condition.
If any of the symptoms are specific to these conditions, no matter how minor, the doctor should be notified immediately. He will diagnose and treat the disease as needed. Le toto et les loteries sont des sections souvent méconnues mais très attractives de 1xBet. En utilisant le code promo 1xbet 200 gratuit d'enregistrement, les joueurs peuvent participer à des tirages au sort et à des loteries avec des cagnottes pouvant atteindre des montants considérables. Les billets de loterie s'achètent avec les fonds bonus, ce qui permet de tenter sa chance sans risque financier. Les tirages sont réguliers et les résultats sont publiés dans l'espace personnel.