benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

Definition

With age (from 50 years old), the prostate increases in size and compresses the urethra, making it difficult to pass urine.
When the prostate enlarges, we speak of benign prostatic hyperplasia, benign prostatic hypertrophy (in English: benign prostat hyperplasia or BPH) or even prostate adenoma.
Enlargement of the prostate (benign prostatic hypertrophy) usually occurs slowly, and it can take years for very troublesome symptoms to appear.
In all cases, the doctor will make an accurate diagnosis, as in certain (rare) cases prostate problems can lead to cancer.

Epidemiology

– After the age of 60 about 30% of men suffer from benign prostatic hyperplasia. Of these 30%, approximately 10% will require surgery (see below under Treatments) to treat the condition.

– Between 60 and 80 years old, 85% of men are affected by benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Causes

Age seems to be the number one cause of benign prostatic hyperplasia (or hypertrophy), certainly due to decreased expression of sex hormones. However, we still do not know the exact causes that lead to an enlarged prostate and its complications.

We know that about 50% of men with prostatic hyperplasia have symptoms, that is, the other half do not have symptoms or they are not significant enough to lead to medical consultation or treatment.

Heredity can also play a role in the development of this disease.

Symptoms

In case of benign prostatic hyperplasia, the need to urinate is more frequent and the force of the urinary stream is weaker than normal. In general, symptoms get worse over time. Often, the man has difficulty urinating and, therefore, to completely empty his bladder. He may also have difficulty initiating urination.

Pain or burning may be associated with passing urine (urination) and urinary tract infections may also occur. In the most severe cases, this can lead to a complete inability to urinate.

Sometimes, when urine does not come out, there may be a risk of complication in the kidney region, which can be infectious. If in doubt, do not hesitate to consult a doctor.

In some men, symptoms have been observed to stabilize or resolve naturally over time without specific treatment.

In the case of benign prostatic hyperplasia, which presents symptoms, is not treated properly, it can cause urinary problems and complications.

Diagnosis

In addition to the patient’s reported symptoms and the patient’s medical history (anamnesis), the physician may perform a rectal examination to assess prostate size and consistency. A blood test can also identify certain markers.

complications

Kidneys can be affected.

Treatments

Treatment varies according to symptoms and disease progression. If symptoms do not improve over time, the doctor may suggest the following therapies:

Medicines
The most classic therapy to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia is the use of prostate alpha-adrenergic antagonists (eg tamsulosin ) or 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors (eg finasteride).
In some cases, the patient must take alpha-blockers and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors.
In the United States, mainly, doctors prescribe tadalafil, a drug indicated for erectile dysfunction, in specific cases of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Surgical
In advanced cases, or if the doctor considers it necessary, a surgical intervention can be performed to treat benign prostatic hypertrophy.

Non-invasive
methods Other surgical methods considered non-invasive or less invasive have been developed in recent years.
There are several non-invasive methods available to the patient, such as (with the terms in English):
–  Transurethral resection of the prostate  (TURP).
– Transurethral incision of the prostate  (TUIP).
–  Transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT).
–  Transurethral needle ablation  (TUNA).
– Laser therapy. A high-energy laser destroys the growing tissue in the prostate.

Herbal medicine

In case of benign prostatic hyperplasia, herbal treatments (in general, rich in phytosterols) that can be purchased at pharmacies, such as:

– As a result of urtiga

– Pumpkin seeds

– O saw palmetto

– The epilobe

Tips

– Avoid drinking too much alcohol, it can promote hyperplasia (hypertrophy) of the prostate, increasing urine retention.

– Avoid drinking heavily 1 to 2 hours before bedtime.

– Avoid consuming caffeine-rich beverages, such as coffee.

– Do not eat very spicy dishes.

– Avoid taking certain medications such as antihistamines or decongestants, these treatments can make urination difficult. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

– Adopt a diet rich in dietary fiber, such as fruits and vegetables, a good diet to fight against prostatic hyperplasia.

– Regular exercise is a good way to reduce urinary problems caused by BPH.
– Try to urinate as much as possible during the day.
– Urinate when the need arises, as in cystitis, “holding” is not recommended, as it can weaken the bladder muscles.

Jeanne Kenney
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I’m a stylist trainer, a content creator, and an entrepreneur passion. Virgo sign and Pisces ascendant, I move easily between my dreams, the crazy world I want, and my feet on the ground to carry out my projects.

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