- By Iram Hussain
- Tue, 31 Dec 2024 05:00 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Most men deal with health issues as they age, but one thing that’s often overlooked is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. Of course, the prostate has a natural tendency to enlarge with age but recognising the symptoms of BPH can avoid complications and improve the general quality of life. The prostate, a small gland situated just below the bladder plays a vital role in the male reproductive system. But gradually in their 50s, many men find their prostate enlarging. BPH is not life-threatening but it can lead to symptoms that will affect day-to-day life and overall well-being.
Around 50% of men aged 51 to 60, and as many as 90% of men over 80, suffer from Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). When the prostate enlarges it may compress the bladder, obstruct the urethra, and weaken the bladder muscle, making urination more difficult, resulting in a weak or interrupted urine stream.
In a conversation with Jagran English, Dr Dheeraj Kasaraneni, Consultant Urologist, Prashanth Hospital, Vijayawada explained the hidden signs of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia that you shouldn't ignore.
Key Symptoms of BPH
The most common BPH symptoms relate to urinary function. If the prostate becomes enlarged, it may press against the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body, causing problems urinating. Some common symptoms include
1. Frequent Urination: BPH usually disrupts sleep as many men with the condition wake up several times during the night to urinate.
2. Weak or Interrupted Urine Flow: A slowed or hesitant urinary stream can be a sign that the prostate is obstructing the urethra.
3. Inability to Empty the Bladder Completely: Even after urinating, men may feel like their bladder hasn’t been fully emptied.
However these symptoms are thought to usually arise with age, and they need to be taken seriously. BPH will progress without treatment and can pose more serious complications, such as urinary retention or bladder injury. Over time, the risk of these issues grows, which is why it’s important to detect and treat them early. The diagnosis of BPH usually involves a physical exam, which includes a Digital Rectal Exam to check the size of the prostate. Common tests for urinary flow and bladder function are also done, and blood tests to screen for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) to rule out things like prostate cancer may be done.
When symptoms are mild, lifestyle modifications such as reducing fluid intake before bed, or limiting alcohol and caffeine, can help manage symptoms. In more severe cases symptoms can be relieved by medications such as alpha blockers or 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. In more serious instances, particularly when the prostate becomes greatly enlarged, surgical treatment may be necessary.
Given a patient’s age and medical condition, a minimally invasive procedure, Water Vapor Therapy, can be recommended to ensure safety and reduce the risk of complications. There are plenty of treatment options for BPH, ranging from behaviour modification and watchful waiting to medications, minimally invasive procedures, and surgery. Water vapour therapy has demonstrated durability with 5-year clinical data providing high and durable symptomatic relief alongside flow rate improvements with low surgical retreatment rates and no effects on sexual function.
While it’s true age is just a number, so too is the size of your prostate and there is something you can do to keep it healthy and enjoy a better quality of life as you age.
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