Men frequently have an enlarged prostate as they age, a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, or commonly BPH. The good news is that an enlarged prostate does not usually signal a more serious problem like cancer, even though most men will encounter some form of prostate issue at some point in their lives.
On the other hand, an enlarged prostate does come with a unique set of challenges. You may have an enlarged prostate if you are exhibiting any of the following symptoms. It would be best if you got treatment as soon as possible to prevent things from getting worse. You can consult the Best Urologist in Mumbai for treatment.
What is a Prostate?
The prostate, sometimes called the prostate gland, is a walnut-sized organ that is a component of the male reproductive system located behind the bladder. Prostatic fluid is produced and stored by the gland and is a component of semen. The fluid that contains sperm that is expelled from the penis during ejaculation is called semen.
The urethra, a conduit that allows urine and semen to leave the body, passes through the prostate gland. Prostatic fluid is expelled into the urethra during ejaculation through 12 to 20 tiny ducts known as prostatic ducts, where it mixes with other fluids to form semen.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia or enlarged prostate: what causes it?
Medical experts and healthcare professionals are unsure of the exact cause of BPH.
One idea holds that your body produces less testosterone as you age (low testosterone).
Your estrogen levels don’t change at the same time. The growth of prostate cells may result from these hormonal changes. On the other hand, those who take more testosterone may get BPH or make it worse.
DHT levels are likewise higher in older males and AMAB individuals. A stronger kind of testosterone called DHT causes your prostate to enlarge.
How is a benign prostatic hyperplasia diagnosis made?
Along with examining you physically and reviewing your medical history, your healthcare practitioner will likely ask you some questions. A digital rectal exam is a component of the physical examination.
During a digital rectal exam, your healthcare practitioner will carefully enter their gloved finger (digit) into your rectum. They will measure the size of your prostate, feel its margins and surface, and look for any hard spots that might be cancerous.
Your medical professional might also prescribe:
- An assessment to gauge how severe your symptoms are.
- A test to gauge the velocity of your urine stream.
- A study to determine the amount of urine that stays in your bladder after you’ve finished.
- A cystoscopy for a bladder inspection.
What are the symptoms of an enlarged prostate?
Although the prostate is generally around the size of a walnut, men frequently get an enlarged prostate as they age. Because it is not malignant, this alteration is frequently referred to as benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH.
BPH symptoms arise when the proliferating prostate begins to compress the urethra and clog the bladder’s neck, resulting in a blockage of the bladder’s exit. The bladder walls may thicken over time due to pressure, which will reduce its capacity to empty fully.
BPH symptoms can be broadly classified as “storage” symptoms (about the bladder) and “voiding” symptoms (connected to the urethra and bladder neck).
Nocturia: late-night trips to the toilet.
Nocturia, or the constant need to urinate upon awakening from sleep, maybe a consequence of several problems. While waking up once or twice is not unusual, waking up more frequently than that warrants investigation. It all begins innocently enough, with a few late-night restroom breaks. But as time goes on, the excursions increase in frequency, making it harder to endure lengthy meetings at work or car rides without going to the bathroom.
Having trouble urinating.
Urination can become difficult and occasionally painful when the prostate gland, which is all around the urethra, enlarges and blocks the urinary tract. Urinary hesitation is the gradual onset of a steady stream of urine. There is occasionally a feeling of needing to urinate, but it’s insignificant. Another sign of an enlarged prostate is weak flow.
Retention of urine.
Little pee may pass through the body due to the pressure and enlargement of the prostate, which may cause the bladder to retain more urine.
Painful urination.
The prostate gland pressing against other organs may also indicate that the discharge is uncomfortable. This may also impact ejaculation.
Recurring UTI
Chronic urinary tract infections can occur when the bladder cannot empty completely. Although they are more frequent in women, men with enlarged prostates can also have UTIs. This is because germs can accumulate over time if they are not eliminated through urination. Any burning feeling, cold sweats, or hazy urine could indicate an enlarged prostate due to a urinary tract infection.
Urine with Blood in It
Blood in the urine is another symptom of an enlarged prostate; this could indicate the presence of additional issues like an infection or even malignancy.
Complications such as fever, chills, body aches, bloody urine, and stomach discomfort may arise as the symptoms get worse. If any of these symptoms are connected to an enlarged prostate, you should get medical help right away.
What are some tips to soothe BPH symptoms?
Some BPH symptoms can be alleviated by following these four easy steps:
- Men who are uptight and anxious sometimes urinate more frequently. Regular exercise and the use of calming methods like meditation might help you feel less stressed.
- Spend enough time emptying your bladder when you use the restroom. This will lessen the number of times you need to visit the restroom.
- Discuss all of your prescription and over-the-counter medications with your doctor because some may aggravate the issue. Your physician can change the amounts or the way you take these medications, or they may recommend an alternative that doesn’t cause as many urinary tract issues.
- In the evening, stay away from drinking fluids, especially alcoholic and caffeinated ones. Both can cause the kidneys to generate more urine and alter the tone of the bladder’s muscles, which can result in midnight urination.
What is the treatment for an enlarged prostate?
The degree of discomfort, general health, age, and prostate size will all influence the course of treatment. There are medications that can be used to manage symptoms, like Tadalafil (Cialis), 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (which impact hormone changes), and alpha-blockers (which relax the muscles in the bladder). Occasionally, combination therapy is employed for alpha-blockers and inhibitors. If other approaches prove to be efficacious, a variety of minimally invasive surgical options are accessible.
Conclusion-
Benign prostatic hyperplasia, or as we know it, an enlarged prostate, can cause multiple symptoms, such as incontinence, weak urine flow, trouble initiating a stream, and frequent urinating at night.
Complications from advanced BPH include bladder stones, chronic renal disease, erectile dysfunction, and urinary tract infections. Urinary retention that is sudden and potentially fatal if left untreated is arguably the most significant side effect.
Prostate cancer risk is not elevated in people with BPH. You can consult the best urologist in Mumbai if you suspect cancer.
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