Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Explained
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition that affects men as they age, characterised by the enlargement of the prostate gland. Early intervention is crucial for effective management of symptoms.
For mild symptoms, lifestyle changes may be recommended. This could involve factors such as moderate weight management, reducing caffeine intake, and limiting evening fluids. High consumption of red meat and dairy products may worsen BPH symptoms; consider reducing intake and opting for lean proteins like fish and poultry. Engaging in aerobic activities, strength training, and pelvic floor exercises can also help alleviate some BPH symptoms and improve overall health.
Common treatments for BPH include medications, minimally invasive procedures, and surgery.
Medications
Typical drugs prescribed are alpha blockers, which relax muscle fibers in the bladder and prostate to improve urine flow and decrease frequency, and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, which reduce the size of the prostate over time by blocking hormones responsible for enlargement. Sometimes a combination of these medications is used.
Minimally Invasive Procedures
These offer alternatives to surgery with potentially fewer complications. Aquablation, for instance, uses a robot-controlled high-pressure water jet to remove prostate tissue accurately with real-time imaging, preserving nerve function. Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) involves blocking blood flow to the prostate to shrink it, done with light sedation on an outpatient basis with quick recovery and few side effects. Other endoscopic laser treatments like holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) also remove obstructive tissue with outpatient procedures.
Surgery
If medications and minimally invasive methods are ineffective, surgeries are considered. Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is the most common surgical approach, removing part of the prostate through the urethra using an electrical tool. Photoselective vaporization (PVP) uses lasers, especially suitable for patients on blood thinners. Surgical options usually result in hospital stays of 24 hours or less, often requiring temporary Foley catheter use.
Other interventions, such as Foley catheter drainage, may be necessary temporarily if a patient cannot urinate due to bladder obstruction.
Patients should discuss with their healthcare providers to determine the best treatment considering symptom severity, prostate size, overall health, and personal preferences. A digital rectal exam (DRE) is performed to assess the size of the prostate, and a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test may be recommended to rule out prostate cancer.
Untreated BPH can lead to complications such as urinary tract infections, bladder stones, acute urinary retention, and kidney damage. Age is a significant risk factor, with 50% of men in their 50s experiencing some degree of BPH, and this percentage rising to approximately 90% in men over 80. Other risk factors include family history, obesity, hormonal changes, chronic conditions, and lifestyle factors.
Regular monitoring and treatment can help prevent complications associated with BPH. For more information on BPH and its management, consider visiting our platform AI, a valuable resource for evidence-based health answers. If experiencing significant urinary symptoms, difficulty urinating, or notice blood in urine, consult a healthcare provider for appropriate management and treatment options.
[1] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). [online] Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/benign-prostatic-hyperplasia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20373817
[2] Cleveland Clinic. (2021). Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). [online] Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17108-benign-prostatic-hyperplasia
[3] RadiologyInfo.org. (2021). Prostate Artery Embolization. [online] Available at: https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/prostate-artery-embolization
[4] American Urological Association. (2021). Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP). [online] Available at: https://www.auanet.org/guidelines/male-lower-urinary-tract-dysfunction-guidelines/holium-laser-enucleation-of-the-prostate-holep
[5] National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2021). Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). [online] Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/prostate-problems/benign-prostatic-hyperplasia-bph
Science reveals that managing Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) can significantly improve mental health and overall wellness in men. Engaging in fitness-and-exercise routines like aerobic activities, strength training, and pelvic floor exercises can help alleviate BPH symptoms and contribute to mens-health. Additionally, maintaining a balanced diet, reducing dairy and red meat consumption, and opting for lean proteins can be beneficial for health-and-wellness, as high consumption of red meat and dairy products may worsen BPH symptoms.
