Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, Symptoms and Causes
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a health issue that becomes more common with age. It's also called an enlarged prostate. Read the article to know more.
Nivedita Dar27 Aug, 2024
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Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: a common benign tumor found in men - Benign prostatic hyperplasia, a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, is the most common benign tumor found in men. BPE/ Benign Prostatic Enlargement( same meaning as Hyperplasia) is common in men aged over 50. It's not a cancer and it's not usually a serious threat to health. The risk of prostate cancer is no greater for men with an enlarged prostate than it is for men without an enlarged prostate.
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What is Prostate?
The prostate is a walnut-shaped gland that is part of the male reproductive system. The main function of the prostate is to make a fluid that goes into semen. Prostate fluid is essential for a man’s fertility. The gland surrounds the urethra at the neck of the bladder. The bladder neck is the area where the urethra joins the bladder. The bladder and urethra are parts of the lower urinary tract . The prostate has two or more lobes, or sections, enclosed by an outer layer of tissue, and it is in front of the rectum, just below the bladder.Cause of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia?
The cause of benign prostatic hyperplasia is not well understood; however, it occurs mainly in older men. Benign prostatic hyperplasia does not develop in men whose testicles were removed before puberty. For this reason, some researchers believe factors related to aging and the testicles may cause benign prostatic hyperplasia.Symptoms of BPH
The prostate is a small gland, located in the pelvis, between the penis and bladder. If the prostate becomes enlarged, it can place pressure on the bladder and the urethra, which is the tube that urine passes through. This can affect how you pee and may cause:- difficulty starting to pee
- a frequent need to pee
- difficulty fully emptying your bladde r
Diagnosing Benign Prostate Enlargement
The clinical diagnosis of BPH is based on a history of LUTS (lower urinary tract symptoms), a digital rectal exam, and exclusion of other causes of similar signs and symptoms. The degree of LUTS does not necessarily correspond to the size of the prostate. An enlarged prostate gland on rectal examination that is symmetric and smooth supports a diagnosis of BPH. However, if the prostate gland feels asymmetrical, firm, or nodular, this raises concern for prostate cancer.Read More - Radiodiagnosis
Treatment
Treatment options for benign prostatic hyperplasia may include- lifestyle changes
- medications
- minimally invasive procedures
- surgery
Read More - Pelvis and Perineum
Lifestyle changes can include reducing intake of liquids, particularly before going out in public or before periods of sleep ,avoiding or reducing intake of caffeinated beverages and avoiding or monitoring the use of medications such as decongestants, antihistamines, antidepressants, and diuretics, training the bladder to hold more urine for longer periods, exercising pelvic floor muscles, preventing or treating constipation.Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia FAQs
What is Hyperplasia?
Hyperplasia is the increase in the number of cells in a tissue or organ, causing it to enlarge.
What are the differences in symptoms of BPH and Prostatic Adenocarcinoma?
BPH typically causes urinary symptoms like difficulty starting urination and frequent urination. Prostatic adenocarcinoma may present with similar urinary symptoms but also include systemic symptoms like weight loss or bone pain.
What is the use of medications called alpha blockers in BPH?
Alpha blockers relax the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier to urinate.
What is the use of medications called Finasteride in BPH?
Finasteride shrinks the prostate over time by inhibiting hormone (DHT) production, improving urinary symptoms.
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