The prostate gland, which is part of the male reproductive system, sometimes changes as men get older. Coming down to one of the most common aging-related conditions, there is an enlarged prostate, medically known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH).
What you need to know about Enlarged Prostate (BPH)
BPH is a benign (not cancerous) enlargement of the prostate gland which is common in men over 40 and increases in frequency with age. As the prostate grows it exerts pressure on the urethra, which interferes with bladder function and this condition develops. Aging, family history, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle are risk factors, including ours. BPH is not associated with prostate cancer but can have a big impact on quality of life.
Early Stages of an Enlarged Prostate
- Early stages of an enlarged prostate, a man may struggle with having to get up more often than usual to urinate, especially during the night (urinary frequency), often hastily and not fully (nocturia), while urinating he may experience a weak stream (urinary urgency), and the feeling that his bladder has not emptied completely (incomplete voiding).
- Early BPH symptoms are very mild but as the condition progresses become more noticeable. A hallmark sign is being prompted to urinate frequently (especially during the night) called nocturia. This symptom can both disrupt sleep and disturb daily functioning.
- Other early symptoms are the need to start or continue urine flow, decreased or disrupted urine flow, and a sense that the bladder does not completely empty. Despite being initially manageable, however, these symptoms may progressively become more and more severe if not treated.
When to See a Doctor
Effective management of BPH requires being able to recognize when to get medical advice. Consult best urologist in Lahore if:
- Symptoms affect your daily activities or sleep.
- You suddenly have trouble or cannot urinate.
- There is blood in the urine.
- You have pain or signs of infection, such as fever.
Procrastinating with treatment can cause complications — such as kidney damage — which can have ongoing health ramifications.
Diagnostic Process
A doctor will start by checking your medical history and talking about your symptoms. Prostate size and abnormalities are often assessed by Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) performed as part of a physical examination.
Additional diagnostic tests may include:
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test: It measures PSA levels in your blood to rule out prostate cancer.
- Imaging Tests: Visualization of the prostate and surrounding structures may be related to ultrasound or MRI.
- Urodynamic Studies: Check how the bladder and urethra work.
These tests may be able to tell how severe the disease is and which treatment may be best.
Treatment for Enlarged Prostate
The treatment of BPH will vary based upon the severity of the patient’s symptoms and the impact on the patient’s quality of life.
Lifestyle Changes: For many, mild symptoms, such as excessive thirst and urination, can be managed with simple lifestyle changes, such as reducing the amount of fluid consumed before going to bed, cutting down on caffeine and alcohol, and staying at a healthy weight. It can also improve urinary function.
Medications:
- Alpha-blockers: It relaxes the muscles of the prostate and the bladder neck to ease the flow of the urine.
- 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors: Block hormone related growth and so reduce prostate size.
- Minimally Invasive Procedures: In milder cases, lifestyle changes like this can help. However, more severe cases may need procedures such as Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) or laser therapy, where excess prostate tissue is removed to relieve symptoms.
- Surgical Options: In rare cases in which other treatments fail, the enlarged portion of the prostate may be surgically removed.
Preventing What You Can Do
Although it’s often impossible to prevent BPH, living a healthy lifestyle can prevent BPH from occurring or reduce its symptoms. A good prostate diet includes lots of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Regular physical activity is good for your overall health and can help prevent disease.
Regular check-ups, especially if you are a man over 40, can detect changes to your prostate early. Consulting a urologist in Islamabad can ensure timely diagnosis and treatment of prostate or bladder-related issues. A number of self-care measures can also help manage the symptoms of bladder pain syndrome, including avoidance of triggers such as caffeine and alcohol that can increase irritation of the bladder.
Conclusion
A common condition, enlarged prostate, can have a huge impact on quality of life if it is not treated. Effective management requires that the early signs are recognised and that prompt medical advice is sought. Diagnostic techniques and treatment options are available for men to enjoy relief, and to continue with an active and healthy lifestyle.
If you or someone you know has symptoms of an enlarged prostate, see a healthcare professional now. Early intervention can help prevent complications and better health outcomes.
