Do you have symptoms of an enlarged prostate? Do you even know them in the first place?
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate) is a common condition that affects the prostate. It can cause urinary tract obstruction and other urinary symptoms, but it does not always lead to these problems.
This article will discuss what benign prostatic hyperplasia is, how often it occurs, what its relations are with digestive and kidney diseases, BPH symptoms, and some effective ways to treat it. You’ll find all the information you need about this condition in this article!
Let’s start by knowing what is Benign prostatic hyperplasia first.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: What Is It & What It Has To Do With Prostate Gland?
The prostate gland is a walnut-sized organ located just below the bladder in men. It surrounds the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine and semen out of the body. The main function of the prostate gland as part of male reproductive system is to produce semen.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia or benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) is a medical condition that affects the prostate tissue. It refers to a condition in which the prostate tissue enlarges and presses against the urethra, decreasing urine flow from the bladder.
The prostate tissue enlarges due to the buildup of cells. This makes it difficult for the urine outflow, which can lead to urinary symptoms such as frequent urination or difficulty starting your stream.
BPH or prostate enlargement does not go away over time. The urinary problems tend to increase gradually, and become worse if they are not treated.
So, yes, if you care about your health, you need to take action on this, but what causes this in the first place?
What Causes Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia?
BPH is not a disease but a natural part of aging. In young men, prostate glands are small and firm, while old age is characterized by a larger gland that is soft. When the gland grows, it pinches the urethra and blocks the flow of urine. BPH usually occurs in men over 50 years old; however, it can happen at any age.
The real cause of BPH is not completely clear, but it is most likely due to a combination of factors including aging, hormones, genetics, and environment.
The prostate gland produces testosterone, which is the main male sex hormone. As men age, their bodies produce less testosterone. This may destroy prostate tissue and lead to an increase in the size of the prostate gland.
Hormones may also play a role in the development of BPH. The prostate contains receptors for the male hormones (androgens) and female hormones (estrogens). When there is an increase in the levels of male hormones, such as testosterone, it may lead to an enlargement of the prostate.
Genetics may also play a role in the development of BPH. If your father or brothers had BPH, you are more likely to develop it too.
BPH is also more common in some ethnic groups, such as African American and Hispanic men. This may be due to differences in testosterone levels or the way these groups metabolize hormones.
And finally, some researchers believe that environmental factors may also contribute to the development of BPH. For example, some studies have shown that exposure to certain chemicals or heavy metals may increase the risk of BPH.
Now that you know all about the causes, let’s move on and focus on the symptoms!
What Are The Symptoms Of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia?
The symptoms of BPH can vary from man to man. Many men with BPH do not have any symptoms. Others may have only mild symptoms that do not bother them very much.
However, some men with BPH have more severe symptoms that can interfere with their daily activities. The most common symptoms of BPH are:
A need to urinate more often, especially at night
This is the most common symptom of BPH. You may find that you need to urinate more often, regardless of how much you drink. You may also have to get up several times during the night to urinate.
A weak or slow urinary stream
You may find it difficult to start your stream or to keep it going. The urine stream may also be weak and dribble, which can lead to problems emptying your bladder completely.
A feeling of not being able to completely empty your bladder
You may feel like you have to go the bathroom even after you have just gone. This is called “urinary retention.” This can lead to a buildup of bacteria in the bladder, which causes urinary tract infections.
Difficulty starting your stream of urine (Acute urinary retention or AUR)
This is also called hesitancy. It’s like a feeling of obstruction in the bladder neck that makes it difficult to start urinating.
There are many different causes of difficulty starting urine flow. Some of these causes may be related to medical conditions or diseases that affect the kidneys, bladder, prostate gland, and urethra.
One of the most common causes is prostatitis, which is an infection or inflammation of the prostate gland.
Trouble emptying your bladder completely
You may have a strong urge to urinate right away, but when you actually stand up and start to urinate, not much comes out. The bladder cannot completely empty.
Incomplete emptying of the urinary bladder can lead to many problems such as kidney damage from residual urine in the bladder.
Urgency (a strong need to go right away)
Urgency is a sudden and intense need to urinate.
You may feel like you have little time to find a toilet, especially if it is a public bathroom!
There are many different causes of urgency, but the most common one is a bladder infection or irritation. Some men with BPH may have this symptom from feeling the enlarged prostate pressing on their bladder.
Urinary Frequency (going to the bathroom more than 8 times a day)
This symptom is rare in men with BPH, but can also be caused by an overactive bladder.
It may be caused by other problems such as a bladder infection or an overactive bladder.
Frequency is a symptom that is more common in men with other medical conditions. If you have been going to the bathroom more often than 8 times a day, this may be a sign of a more serious condition and it’s important to see your doctor.
Inability to hold urine for long periods of time
Benign prostatic hyperplasia can lead to a feeling where you have to go right away and often, but are unable to hold it for long periods of time.
If you find that you are not able to wait until you get to a toilet, this is called “urinary incontinence.”
There are many different causes of urinary incontinence, but the most common one is an overactive bladder.
Pain or burning when you urinate (Dysuria)
This symptom is one of lower urinary tract symptoms and a classic one for a urinary tract infection. However, it can also be caused by BPH because the enlarged prostate presses on the urethra and stimulates the nerve endings in the bladder wall.
Blood in the urine (hematuria)
This is a less common symptom of BPH, but it can be caused by the enlarged prostate pressing on the urethra and irritating it.
Anytime you have symptoms that persist for more than two weeks, or are severe, it is important to see your doctor. Remember, not all men with BPH will have these symptoms.
Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is a common problem in men and can be caused by many different medical conditions.
BPH is not one of them.
However, if you are having difficulty getting or maintaining an erection, it’s important to see your doctor to find out the cause.
Prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia: What’s the difference?
Yes, the symptoms that you have read look similar to prostate cancer symptoms.
However, there is a big difference between prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the prostate tissue. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition that causes the prostate gland to become enlarged.
Although both conditions can cause urinary symptoms, even they are different diseases. BPH is not cancer and it will not cause cancer!
The symptoms of BPH are urinary tract symptoms, whereas the symptoms of prostate cancer are bone pain, trouble urinating, or a lump in the area where your penis and testicles meet.
Also men with BPH are not more likely to develop bladder cancer than men without BPH. However, if you have urinary retention and your bladder is not emptied for a long period of time, you may be more likely to develop bladder cancer.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia treatment options (The effective ones)
There are several options for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia, including lifestyle changes and medications.
Which option is best depends on the severity of your symptoms and if you want to avoid surgery.
1. Lifestyle changes
One of the best treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia is to lose weight (if you are overweight) and drink fewer fluids.
Avoid caffeine as it can irritate your bladder and make symptoms worse.
2. Medications or Supplements
There are many different medications and supplements that can be used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia.
One common type of medication is called an alpha blocker. This relaxes the muscles in the prostate and helps to relieve symptoms.
Another type of medication is called a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor. This blocks the production of testosterone, which can cause the prostate to grow.
Additionally both types of medications are effective in treating erectile dysfunction.
But the most interesting one to see is ProstaStream supplement by Frank Neal. Unlike the other solutions, this one is made completely from natural plants extracts.
it can improve urine flow and significantly reduce the size of the prostate.
But hey, it’s not magic. It will need time just like what everything does.
Also people like Jason are experiencing good results with it for treating BPH.
Click on the button below to watch the presentation by Mr. Frank explaining how this can help your BPH: TheProstaStream.com.
3. Prostate Surgery
If medications and lifestyle changes do not work, surgery may be an option.
There are several different types of surgery that can be done to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia.
- Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP): This procedure involves removing the enlarged part of the prostate through your urethra.
- Percutaneous laser prostatectomy: This procedure is similar to transurethral resection of the prostate. Instead of removing the tissue with a scalpel, this surgery uses laser energy to remove the enlarged tissue.
- Hypospadias Surgery: This surgery is used to correct a birth defect in which the urethra opens somewhere on the shaft of your penis instead of at its tip.
- The Laser Treatment for BPH: This surgery uses a laser to destroy prostate tissue and widen the urethra.
- Laparoscopic surgery/prostatectomy: This is one of the minimally invasive procedures that can be used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia. A small incision is made in the abdomen and a camera is inserted to view the prostate. Then the enlarged part of your prostate tissue is removed through this small incision.
Minimally invasive procedures such as laparoscopic surgery are less invasive for you, the patient. They also have a shorter recovery time.
However, not all patients are candidates for minimally invasive surgery.
Conclusion
Although benign prostatic hyperplasia is a common condition in men, many men do not even know they have it.
Having the previous prostate enlargement symptoms in hands can let you know what to do next.
Fortunately there are several treatments available to treat the symptoms of this prostate growth condition. A lifestyle change or medications can help manage your symptoms and surgery may be an option if they do not work.
The best treatment for BPH depends on the severity of your symptoms and your preference. Also bladder stones, prostate cancer, and other diseases can also cause symptoms similar to those of BPH.
So it is important that you see your doctor if you are experiencing any symptoms of BPH. Only your doctor can diagnose BPH and rule out other conditions.
FAQ
Is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) serious?
Benign prostatic hyperplasia is not a serious condition. However, it can cause symptoms that can affect your quality of life and embarrass like no other condition.
Moreover, and as its symptoms may resemble those of other, more serious conditions such as prostate cancer, it is important to see your doctor if you are experiencing any symptoms of BPH. Only your doctor can diagnose BPH and rule out other conditions.
Can benign prostatic hyperplasia be cured?
It depends on the severity of your symptoms. If you are experiencing only mild symptoms, modifications in your lifestyle can help manage them. And if medications do not work for you, surgery may be an option to treat BPH.
What happens if BPH is left untreated?
This is an important question, as many men with benign prostatic hyperplasia do not experience any symptoms. However, if the condition is left untreated, it can lead to more serious problems such as urinary tract obstruction and renal failure.
Does BPH go away?
It is possible for the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia to go away without treatment. However, this is not common and the condition may continue to progress or become worse over time.
How do you shrink a benign prostate?
There is no one cure for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, a lifestyle change or supplements like ProstaStream can help manage them.
Do prostate cancer symptoms come and go?
If you have prostate cancer, your symptoms may come and go. This is because the condition progresses slowly and does not cause any immediate problems. But if it untreated, your problems will gradually worsen over time.
Resources
Here are the references our researchers used when writing this article:
- https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/b/benign-prostatic-hyperplasia-(bph)
- https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/prostate-problems/prostate-enlargement-benign-prostatic-hyperplasia
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9100-benign-prostatic-enlargement-bph
- https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/benign-prostatic-hyperplasia-bph
- https://familydoctor.org/condition/benign-prostatic-hyperplasia-bph/