Overview
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a prevalent condition causing the enlargement of the prostate, affecting men and those assigned male at birth (AMAB) as they age. Symptoms include difficulties with urination and a sudden urge to pee. Treatment options encompass medications, surgery, and minimally invasive procedures.
Contents:
- Overview/Symptoms and Causes
- Diagnosis and Tests
- Management and Treatment
- PreventionOutlook/Prognosis
- Living With
- Additional Common Questions
Symptoms and Causes:
Overview
BPH leads to an enlarged prostate, causing it to press against the urethra and impacting urination and ejaculation.
Definition
BPH is characterized by the growth of the prostate, a walnut-sized gland below the bladder and in front of the rectum, surrounding part of the urethra.
Risk of Prostate Cancer
While BPH is non-cancerous, its symptoms may mirror more severe conditions, including prostate cancer. Regular prostate screenings are crucial, especially for those at an increased risk due to age, ethnicity, or family history.
Affected Population
BPH primarily affects men and individuals assigned male at birth, with almost all individuals with a prostate experiencing some enlargement as they age.
Prevalence
BPH is common, with around 50% of individuals with a prostate showing signs by age 60, and about 90% by age 85. Half of those with BPH will develop symptoms requiring treatment.
Symptoms and Causes:
Warning Signs
Early signs of BPH involve issues such as slow or dribbling urination, difficulty starting to pee, incontinence, urgency, nocturia (nighttime urination), incomplete bladder emptying, pain during ejaculation or urination, changes in urine color or odor.
Untreated Enlarged Prostate Consequences
Without treatment, BPH can lead to increased blockage in the urethra, exacerbating symptoms and causing complications like urinary tract infections, bladder stones, blood in urine, and kidney damage due to pee backflow.
Causes
The exact cause of BPH is uncertain, but age-related hormonal changes, including decreasing testosterone and constant estrogen levels, are considered contributing factors. Higher levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a potent form of testosterone, in older men and those assigned male at birth may also contribute.
Contagious Nature
BPH is not contagious and cannot be transmitted to others.
Specialist Involvement
A urologist, specializing in conditions affecting the urinary system, typically treats BPH.
Diagnosis and Tests:
Diagnosis involves a review of medical history, questions, and a physical examination, including a digital rectal exam. Additional tests may include surveys to evaluate symptom severity, urine flow tests, studies on post-void residual urine, and cystoscopy for bladder examination.
Management and Treatment:
BPH Cure
There is no cure for BPH, but various treatments aim to alleviate symptoms.
Treatment Approaches
- Medications: Relax prostate muscles, reduce tension on the urethra, and inhibit DHT production.
- Surgery: Transurethral resection, incision, electrovaporization, or laser procedures remove obstructive tissue.
- Minimally Invasive Treatments: Prostatic urethral lift or water vapor therapy offer less invasive alternatives.
Post-Treatment Recovery
After surgical or minimally invasive procedures, individuals can typically resume normal activities within days to weeks.
Outlook / Prognosis:
Early detection and appropriate management significantly improve outcomes for individuals with BPH. Regular screenings, especially for higher-risk individuals, are crucial for proactive health management.
Living With BPH:
Effective management involves adopting a healthy lifestyle, adhering to prescribed medications, and, if necessary, undergoing procedures. Regular communication with healthcare providers ensures long-term effectiveness.
Additional Common Questions:
Answers to common questions provide comprehensive information, addressing concerns about BPH contagiousness, specialist involvement, and dietary considerations.
In conclusion, understanding BPH, its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options empowers individuals to proactively manage their prostate health and maintain a good quality of life.
