Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
What Is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition in which the prostate gland enlarges, causing uncomfortable urinary symptoms. It is also known as benign prostatic hypertrophy or enlarged prostate. Although medical professionals consider BPH to be a common and mild health problem, it can result in lower quality of life for patients if left untreated.
The prostate gland is a small walnut-sized organ located near the bladder, just below the urethra. It helps in the production of seminal fluid, which carries sperm during ejaculation. With age, the cells of the prostate can start to multiply and cause it to enlarge. This means that it can put pressure on your urethra, making it difficult to urinate.
BPH Symptoms
The most common symptoms of BPH include:
- Difficulty starting or stopping urine stream
- Weak or interrupted urine stream during urination
- Frequent trips to the bathroom at night — or nocturia
- An urgent need to urinate, even if you may not have a full bladder
- Pain when urinating
- Leaking or dribbling after you finish urinating
These symptoms can range from mild to severe. However, it’s important to note that the severity of these symptoms does not necessarily correlate with the size of the prostate. Some men with a large prostate may experience only minor urinary symptoms, while others with a smaller prostate may experience more severe symptoms.
BPH Causes
The exact cause of BPH is unknown, but age and hormones are thought to be contributing factors. As men get older, their testosterone levels start to decrease while the levels of estrogen increase. Researchers believe this hormonal imbalance plays a role in the development of BPH. Other contributing factors include genetics, diet, lifestyle choices and certain medications.
What Happens If BPH Is Left Untreated
If left untreated, BPH can lead to a number of medical complications, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) and bladder stones. In severe cases, BPH can also obstruct urine flow and cause kidney and bladder damage. This can lead to serious health complications such as sepsis, a life-threatening condition caused by infection in the bloodstream.
It’s also important to note that untreated BPH can worsen over time, making it more challenging to treat. That’s why men with symptoms of BPH need to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
BPH Treatment
The treatment for BPH will depend on the severity of your symptoms and the size of your prostate. Your doctor may recommend a combination of lifestyle changes, medications or surgical procedures to relieve your symptoms and reduce the size of your prostate gland.
Lifestyle changes can include avoiding caffeine and alcohol, limiting fluid intake at night and avoiding certain medications that can worsen your symptoms. Medications such as alpha-blockers can relax the muscles in the prostate and urethra to relieve urinary symptoms. Surgery may be recommended if your symptoms are severe or if medications haven’t been successful.
Living With BPH
Living with BPH can be challenging, but there are steps you can take to manage your symptoms and reduce complications. It’s important to talk to your doctor about any urinary problems you may be having and discuss the best treatment options for you. Additionally, it’s important to stay active and ensure you’re drinking enough water throughout the day to help reduce urinary symptoms.
Making healthy lifestyle choices can also help reduce your risk of developing BPH. These include eating a balanced diet, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, exercising regularly and quitting smoking.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia is common in men over 50. If left untreated, it can lead to more serious medical complications. However, managing your BPH symptoms and reducing the risk of further complications is possible with the right treatment and lifestyle changes.
BPH Treatment at Texas Vein & Wellness Institute
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition where the prostate gland enlarges, causing uncomfortable urinary symptoms. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, leading to serious health complications such as kidney damage if left untreated. Treatment for BPH may include lifestyle changes, medications or surgery depending on the severity of symptoms and size of the prostate.
Making healthy lifestyle choices can help reduce your risk of developing BPH and managing urinary symptoms. Talk to your doctor if you think you are experiencing signs or symptoms of BPH, and Texas Vein & Wellness Institute can help. We offer prostate artery embolization to best serve you and get you on the road to recovery. Read through our frequently asked questions below or contact us at 281-888-1464 for more information.
FAQs
Q: What is benign prostatic hyperplasia?
A: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition in which the prostate gland enlarges, causing uncomfortable urinary symptoms.
Q: What are the symptoms of BPH?
A: The most common symptoms of BPH include difficulty starting or stopping urination, a weak or interrupted urine stream, frequent trips to the bathroom at night, an urgent need to urinate even if you may not have a full bladder, pain while urinating and leaking or dribbling after you finish urinating.
Q: What causes BPH?
A: The exact cause of BPH is unknown, but age and hormones are thought to be contributing factors. Other contributing factors include genetics, diet, lifestyle choices and certain medications.
Q: What happens if BPH is left untreated?
A: If left untreated, BPH can lead to a number of medical complications, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), bladder stones and even kidney damage. In severe cases, BPH can also obstruct urine flow and cause kidney and bladder damage.
Q: How is BPH treated?
A: The treatment for BPH will depend on the severity of your symptoms and the size of your prostate. Your doctor may recommend a combination of lifestyle changes, medications or surgical procedures — such as prostate artery embolization — to relieve your symptoms and reduce the size of your prostate gland.
Q: How can I prevent BPH?
A: Making healthy lifestyle choices can help reduce your risk of developing BPH. Eating a balanced diet, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, exercising regularly and quitting smoking can all help lower your risk of developing the condition. Additionally, it’s important to talk to your doctor if you think you may be experiencing signs or symptoms of BPH. Early diagnosis and treatment are important in managing your symptoms and reducing the risk of further complications.
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