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As men age, problems such as prostatitis or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as prostate gland enlargement or prostate size increase, may occur, along with other diseases. Again, the age factor must be mentioned again since benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) risk is high among older men.
BPH is a disease that causes an increase in prostate size, which makes urination painful and uncomfortable. Therefore, it needs to be treated to prevent any further problems. We will learn about them as well in the following titles.
This article will look at benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) symptoms, treatment methods, and general information.
What Is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia?
To understand BPH, we must start by learning about the prostate gland. The prostate gland is an organ about to be walnut-sized under the bladder and close to the urethra. It plays an essential role in urination.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a disease that primarily affects older men and makes the prostate gland bigger than usual. This causes pressure against the urethra and makes the urination process more painful while causing pelvic and back pain and discomfort around the lower parts of the body.
Please note that prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia are different medical conditions.
What Are the Warning Signs of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia?
The warning signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia generally show themselves during urination. Here are the warning signs of BPH, and if you’re having these problems, it would be good to consult professional healthcare to prevent any further issues.
- Frequent urination more than usual, which mainly disturbs at night
- Having difficulties controlling urination and pain while doing it
- Blood in urine
- Having difficulties while urinating, such as incomplete urination
These are the warning signs of benign prostatic hyperplasia, but most are also known as prostatitis signs. Therefore, consulting a doctor would be helpful for you so that medical tests can be done to find out the disease, etc.
What Causes Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia?
Specific causes of benign prostatic hyperplasia are unknown, but changes in hormones, genetic factors, family history, and age are some of the most common symptoms of BPH. Let’s take a look at them in detail:
- Age: BPH shows itself as men age, especially after 40–50.
- Hormones: The changes in male sex hormone and other hormones can cause benign prostatic hyperplasia as men age.
- Genetics: The family history of the men in the family tree may indicate BPH.
Besides these factors, not eating a healthy diet, not being physically active, and obesity can increase the risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia. In addition to them, the cause of the disease is an indicator of whether treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia would be effective or not.
How Is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Treated?
The treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia is based on the symptoms, conditions of the patient, and course of the disease. Various treatment methods exist to treat BPH. The treatment method will be shaped according to the patient’s condition, overall health, other diseases, etc.
- Medication: Your doctor would prescribe certain medications, including alpha-blockers, that help the muscles relax during urination.
- Surveillance: Surveillance to see the course of benign prostatic hyperplasia is sometimes chosen for some patients. Active treatment will begin if any negative symptoms are seen during the surveillance.
- Surgery: In severe cases, surgery is recommended for patients when other treatments are ineffective.
What Type of Doctor Treats Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia?
Various people work on treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia, including:
- Urologist: A urologist is a doctor who specializes in the urinary and reproductive systems. They are researching and conducting some tests to determine the patient’s condition.
- Endocrinologist: An endocrinologist can help you research the disease process since BPH has to do with hormone changes.
Generally, doctors consult each other to research the patient’s condition so that the treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia can be shaped effectively.
Sometimes, your primary care doctor can provide you with help and guidance for further examination. It would be good for you.
