The Best Treatments for BPH aka an Enlarged Prostate

BPH stands for benign prostatic hyperplasia, which is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. The prostate gland is a small walnut-shaped gland located just below the bladder that surrounds the urethra; the pipe that carries urine from the bladder to be expelled out of the penis.

As men get older the prostate gland grows. In the case of BPH, the prostate gland becomes enlarged, causing it to squeeze and narrow the urine pipe (the urethra) leading to urinary problems. Initially checked by a DRE, it can result in various symptoms and difficulties.

The exact cause of BPH is not fully understood, but hormonal changes, particularly involving the male sex hormones testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), are believed to play a part. DHT is a hormone derived from testosterone that is involved in the growth and maintenance of the prostate gland. Changes in hormonal balance, along with other factors such as age and genetics may contribute to the development of BPH.

What are the symptoms of BPH?

1. A need to urinate more often than usual.
2. A sudden and compelling urge to urinate that may be difficult to postpone.
3. A weak or slow urine stream during urination.
4. Straining or hesitating before peeing begins.
5. A feeling that you have not fully emptied your bladder after urination.
6. Dribbling after you’ve finishing urination.
7. Waking up in the middle of the night to urinate.

If you are experiencing symptoms of BPH, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare provider. They can evaluate your condition, perform appropriate tests, and recommend appropriate treatment options to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Read also; A Mans Prostate Journey

The fastest most reliable way to treat BPH

An enlarged prostate or “BPH” is a chronic condition and treatment options are aimed at managing symptoms and preventing complications. However, there are various treatment approaches available that can help reduce the size of the prostate gland ergo relieve the symptoms of BPH.

Medications

Certain drugs can help relax the muscles of the prostate and bladder, improving urine flow and reducing symptoms. Examples include alpha-blockers, 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, and combination medications. These medications can be prescribed by a healthcare provider and should be taken as directed.
Minimally invasive procedures: There are several minimally invasive procedures that can be used to treat BPH and reduce the size of the prostate. These include Greenlight laser, Urolift, Rezum, iTind, transurethral needle ablation (TUNA), TURP and HoLEP. These procedures aim to remove or shrink excess prostate tissue that is causing urinary obstruction.

Surgery

In cases where BPH symptoms are severe or other treatments have not been effective, surgical intervention may be recommended. Surgical options include a procedure called transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP), open prostatectomy, or robotic-assisted (DaVinci) prostate surgery.

Note that treatment depends on various factors, including the severity of symptoms, the size of the prostate gland and your overall health. Your consultant should discuss these with you. It is also worth mentioning that taking regular exercise, having a balanced diet, and avoiding excessive fluid intake before bedtime can help manage symptoms of an enlarged prostate.

What happens if you don’t treat BPH?

If an enlarged prostate (BPH) is left untreated, it can lead to various complications and potentially affect your quality of life. Some of the potential consequences of untreated BPH might include;

• Worsening urinary problems, such as increased frequency, urgency, a weak urine flow, difficulty starting or stopping urination, incomplete emptying of the bladder and night-time waking to urinate. Without treatment, these symptoms may worsen.
• The incomplete emptying of the bladder due to BPH can increase the risk of urinary infections. UTI’s may cause pain and can potentially lead to more severe kidney infections.
• When the bladder does not fully empty, stagnant urine can lead to the formation of bladder stones. These stones can be very painful and can cause further difficulties in going to the toilet.
• In some cases, BPH may cause a sudden and complete inability to urinate, a condition known as acute urinary retention. This can be a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention to relieve the obstruction and empty the bladder.
• If urinary flow is severely obstructed due to untreated BPH, it can lead to kidney problems such as enlargement of the kidneys, and possible urine flow back into the kidneys leading to kidney damage.
• Left untreated an enlarged prostate can put pressure on the bladder, causing it to weaken and reduce its ability to contract. This can result in a condition called bladder muscle dysfunction, which can further contribute to toilet problems.

It’s important to remember that BPH is a progressive condition and may start with mild symptoms, the condition can worsen over time. If you suspect you have an enlarged prostate or are experiencing urinary symptoms, please do not hesitate to consult your doctor who can rule out other causes and start appropriate treatment.