The definition of benign prostatic hyperplasia
The medical name for an enlarged prostate is “benign prostatic hyperplasia.” The urethra, the tube that empties the bladder of pee and exits through the penis, is encircled by the prostate gland. As a person ages, this gland frequently enlarges.
The condition known as “BPH,” or benign prostatic hyperplasia, is widespread. Prostate cancer is unrelated to it. Truth be told, the word “benign” literally means “not cancer.”
Read more: All you need to know about prostate cancer ≡ Know99
What signs and symptoms exist for BPH?
Many BPH patients exhibit no symptoms at all. When symptoms do appear, they may consist of:
- Having frequent urination, especially at night
- Hard time starting to urinate (this means that you might have to wait or strain before urine will come out)
- Inadequate urine flow
- Urine that is dripping or leaking
- Feeling that your bladder is still full even after urinating
- Rarely, BPH might cause complete inability to urinate. This is a major issue. Call your doctor straight away if you are unable to urinate at all.
Is BPH subject to testing?
Yes. Rectal examinations are one way for your doctor to look for BPH. In order to measure the size of your prostate and experience how it feels, they will insert a finger into your anus. In order to rule out other conditions, like a bladder infection, that could be causing your symptoms, your doctor may also order blood or urine tests.
See a doctor or nurse if you have any of the aforementioned symptoms. They can determine whether BPH is actually the cause or not. It’s crucial to have them examined because those symptoms could potentially be brought on by other issues.
Can I do anything on my own to feel better?
Yes. You might be able to lessen the signs and symptoms of BPH if you:
- Consume fewer fluids, particularly before going to bed or going out.
- Consume less booze and coffee. These beverages may increase your frequency of urination.
- Avoid over-the-counter cold and allergy medications that contain decongestants or antihistamines. These medications have the potential to worsen BPH symptoms.
- Practice “double voiding.” In other words, when you urinate, you wait a while, unwind, and then try to urinate again. Even if you don’t think you need to, you should try to urinate at specific times.
- When you first have the need, urinate.
How does BPH get treated?
If BPH is present, your doctor can discuss your treatment choices with you. But, if your symptoms do not disturb you, you are not required to seek treatment. BPH is not harmful to you until you entirely lose your ability to urinate.
Therapy choices include of:
- Watchful waiting is when you wait to see if your symptoms improve but do not immediately receive therapy. If you decide to practice careful waiting, you can change your mind and pursue treatment down the road if your symptoms worsen or become more bothersome.
- Medications : There are two classes of drugs that are frequently used to treat BPH. One kind eases the urethra’s encircling muscles. The alternative prevents the prostate from expanding further or perhaps aids in prostate reduction. In some circumstances, doctors advise taking both types of medication together. Your doctor might also recommend various medications depending on your symptoms.
- Surgery : There are various surgical procedures that can be used to treat BPH. These may entail removing a portion of the prostate, reducing its size, or enlarging the urethra to allow for greater urine flow. Often, a doctor will inject unique equipment into the urethra to do these treatments.
Which medical procedure should I choose?
The appropriate course of action for you will depend on:
- How much your symptoms are affecting you
- How you feel about the various therapeutic choices
Perhaps no treatment is necessary if your symptoms don’t bother you all that much. But, you should probably seek medical attention if your symptoms disturb you.
Often times, doctors advise trying medications first to see whether they work. Surgery is another possibility if medications aren’t effective enough. Consider the potential drawbacks of therapies as you consider your options. Medicines, for instance, may have negative effects. However, there are certain general dangers associated with surgery, as well as a potential for sexual dysfunction and other adverse effects.
Ask your doctor or nurse the following questions while deciding which course of action to take:
- How likely is it that this therapy will make my symptoms better?
- What are the treatment’s potential drawbacks or risks?
- What will happen if I refuse to have this treatment?
When should I contact a doctor?
Consult a professional if
- You’re feeling discomfort in your back, shoulder, or stomach.
- You have chills, burning, or pain when you urinate, as well as a fever of at least 100.4°F (38°C).
- You are unable to urinate or experience more difficult urination.