Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): Symptoms & Treatment

What is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a disease which occurs due to the enlargement of the prostate gland in men. If not treated properly, the disease can cause the urine to flow out of the bladder and result in bladder and urinary tract infections or kidney diseases.

Symptoms

The prominent symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia include:

Frequent urination especially at night
Thin or irregular stream of urine
Strained urination
Urinary tract infections
Restricted urination
Blood in the urine

Causes

The causes of benign prostatic hyperplasia include:

Urinary tract infections
Swelling of the prostate gland
Thinning of the urethra
Scarring in the bladder
Bladder or kidney stones
Problems with the bladder nerves
Prostate cancer

Risks

The factors which increase the risk of developing benign prostatic hyperplasia include:

Older people are at a higher risk of having benign prostatic hyperplasia
Family history:The disease could be running in the family lines and may get passed onto the next generation.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia is more common in white and black men as compared to Asian men.
People who are diagnosed with Diabetes are at an increased risk of BPH.
Obesity: An unhealthy lifestyle and obesity can increase the risk of BPH in men.

Prevention

Benign prostatic hyperplasia can be prevented by limiting the intake of beverages, caffeine, tobacco and alcohol. Drugs like decongestants or antihistamines should be avoided because they constrict the muscles around the urethra which creates problems while urinating. One should adopt an active lifestyle which includes a healthy diet and regular exercise.

How is it diagnosed?

This diagnosis of benign prostatic hyperplasia includes the following tests:
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How is it treated?

The treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia depends on several factors like the size of the prostate, the extent of the disease, the age of the patient and the overall health.t of the disease, the age of the patient and the overall health.

Medications
Medications like Alpha blockers, 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, and Tadalafil are commonly used to provide relief to the patient by reducing the symptoms of prostate enlargement and allowing easy urination.
Minimally invasive surgical technique
Minimally invasive surgical therapy is used when the symptoms are severe and cannot be relieved using medicines. The doctor also opts for this technique in case of urinary tract obstructions, bladder stones or kidney problems.
Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)
A lighted scope is inserted into your urethra, and the surgeon removes all but the outer part of the prostate. TURP generally relieves symptoms quickly, and most men have a stronger urine flow soon after the procedure. After TURP you might temporarily need a catheter to drain your bladder, and you'll be able to do only light activity until you've healed
Transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP)
A lighted scope is inserted into the urethra and the surgeon makes one or two small cuts in the prostate gland which makes it easier for urine to pass through the urethra.
Transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT)
The doctor inserts a special electrode through your urethra into the prostate area. Microwave energy from the electrode destroys the inner portion of the enlarged prostate gland and shrinks it.
Laser therapy
In this technique, a high-energy laser removes the overgrown prostate tissue. Laser therapy generally relieves the symptoms immediately and has lower side effects than non-laser surgery.
Open or robot-assisted prostatectomy
The surgeon makes an incision in the lower abdomen in order to reach the prostate and remove the tissues. Open prostatectomy is generally done if the patient has a very large prostate, bladder damage or other complicating factors.

When do I contact the doctor?

One should consult a doctor if one experiences urinary problems or any other symptoms of prostate enlargement. Benign prostatic hyperplasia, if left untreated might lead to the obstruction of the urinary tract and cause infections.

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How does Medanta provide care?

Medanta ensures expert care for its patients who are diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia at the Institute of Kidney and Urology. The institute is a unique resource for patients who are suffering from any disorder associated with the urinar..