Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): what you need to know
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most common urological conditions in men over 50 years of age. This condition is characterized by an increase in the volume of the prostate gland, which can lead to urethral compression and difficulty urinating. Although BPH is not a malignant disease, it can significantly reduce quality of life if not addressed in a timely manner.
Causes of the development of BPH
The exact causes of the development of BPH are still not fully understood, but researchers have identified several factors that may contribute to the disease:
Hormonal changes: As men age, testosterone levels decrease and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels increase, which can stimulate prostate cell growth.
Age: The likelihood of developing BPH increases significantly after the age of 50, and almost one in two men over the age of 60 is found to have an enlarged prostate.
Genetic predisposition: If a father or brothers have been diagnosed with BPH, the likelihood of developing the disease is also increased.
Symptoms of CGD
Symptoms of BPH range from moderate to severe and include:
- Frequent urination, especially at night (nicturia).
- Difficulty starting urination.
- Weak or intermittent urine flow.
- A feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder.
- Urge to urinate urgently.
- Urine leakage or incontinence.
Diagnosis and treatment methods
Several methods are used to diagnose BPH:
Questionnaire: Doctors may ask you to fill out a questionnaire to assess the severity of your symptoms.
Rectal examination: The doctor may palpate the prostate gland through the rectum.
Urine and blood tests: These help rule out infections and assess kidney health.
Ultrasound and urodynamic studies: These methods can accurately determine the size of the prostate and the degree of urinary dysfunction.
Modern methods of treatment
Treatment of BPH depends on the severity of symptoms and includes the following approaches:
Drug therapy: Alpha-adrenoblockers, which relax the muscles of the prostate and bladder neck, and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, which reduce prostate volume, are used.
Minimally invasive procedures: For example, transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) or laser ablation. These techniques remove excess prostate tissue through the urethra without incisions.
Surgery: In rare cases, open surgery may be necessary if the condition is severe and other methods are not effective.
Prevention and lifestyle
While it is impossible to completely prevent BPH, you can reduce your risk of developing the disease and relieve symptoms with a healthy lifestyle:
- Maintain a normal weight and monitor your cholesterol levels.
- Exercise regularly.
- Limit caffeine and alcohol intake.
- Avoid prolonged retention of urine and try to empty the bladder completely.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a disease that many men face, but timely diagnosis and proper treatment will help manage symptoms and keep quality of life at a high level.
Content Manager: Dr. Eric Klein
