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What is prostate englargement (BPH)?
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) which is also called prostate gland enlargement is a common condition as men get older. It is a noncancerous increase in the size of the prostate gland. The enlarged prostate gland can squeeze the urethra - the tube that carries urine and semen out of the penis and causes uncomfortable urinary symptoms like blocking the flow of urine out of the bladder.
Possible Causes:
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also called prostate gland enlargement, is a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate blocking the flow of urine through the urethra. The prostate cells multiply, creating an enlargement that puts pressure on the urethra through which urine and semen exit the body.
The possible causes for an enlarged prostate are the hormonal changes that take place in your body as you grow older, rising testosterone levels and changes in testicular cells.
Risk Factors:
Benign prostatic hyperplasia put you at a higher risk for developing UTI. You could develop bladder stones, blood in the urine, incontinence and an inability to urinate. In rare cases, bladder or kidney damage can develop due to BPH.
Signs & Symptoms:
Benign prostatic hyperplasia symptoms are of two types:
- Obstructive: those caused by pressure on your urethra.
- Difficulty in starting to urinate.
- You forcefully urinate and the stream is weak.
- Stop and start urinating many times.
- Urine trickles out at the end.
- BPH affecting your bladder, display the following signs:
- Sudden urge to urinate.
- Frequent need to urinate.
- A feeling of incompleteness even after urinating.
- Nocturia.
- Blood, pain or burning sensation when you urinate.
Diagnosis:
A specialist at Medcare will conduct the necessary examinations for a benign prostatic hyperplasia diagnosis. Urologists first ensure that other disorders are ruled out through physical examination and laboratory tests; BPH is often a diagnosis of exclusion.
Symptoms of prostate enlargement are very individual as some people have more growth than others. So, after the specialist makes sure that there is nothing serious, treatment can begin. Regular check-ups once a year or more often enable doctors to watch for early problems and signs that the condition may pose a health risk or major inconvenience.
Treatment Options:
Schedule a consultation with a specialist at Medcare to start on the right benign prostatic hyperplasia treatment for you. The treatment may encompass lifestyle changes, medicine, and surgery.
Make simple changes in your habits. Drink fewer liquids especially caffeine and alcohol before bedtime. Avoid some over-the-counter medications.
Three types of enlarged prostate medications are available if the condition is moderate and each works differently in the body:
- Alpha blockers.
- 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs).
- Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (PDE5 inhibitors).
Sometimes BPH doesn't respond to lifestyle changes, medications, or supplements. If that's true for you, there are both minimally invasive procedures and surgical options available. Minimally invasive procedures to treat BPH include:
- Rezūm water vapour therapy.
- Transurethral microwave therapy (TUMT).
- UroLift system.
Surgical treatment will involve removal of the enlarged part of the prostate, and will be recommended if the condition is interfering with your quality of life, and has not responded to other treatment options.
FAQs:
الأسئلة الشائعة:
Inclusions:
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Will my enlarged prostate affect my life?
A: This condition isn’t fatal, however it can be uncomfortable and inconvenient. With expert treatment from the urologists at Medcare, you will get the best treatment for your enlarged prostate. This will prevent the risk of further complications in the future.
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Does cancer cause an enlarged prostate?
A: BPH happens when your prostate becomes enlarged, but cancer isn’t the cause. A man’s prostate continues growing throughout most of his adult life. This is why many older men are affected by the condition.
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I have been diagnosed as having BPH but can live with the symptoms. Do I need treatment? Is it dangerous to have an enlarged prostate?
A: Yes, you should not neglect BPH even if the symptoms are not bothering you currently. If left untreated, BPH can progress and cause medical problems in the future. When the bladder does not empty completely, there are chances of developing urinary tract infections (UTIs).
More serious problems, such as bladder stones, blood in the urine (haematuria), incontinence, or urinary retention may develop over time. In rare cases, bladder or kidney damage can develop from BPH.
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Can enlarged prostate Be Cured?
A: A majority of men suffer from an enlarged prostate as they age. While there are fewer chances to cure the condition, it can be controlled through lifestyle changes, medication or even surgery.
Generally, alpha-blockers, 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors or a combination of the two are recommended to help patients deal with the condition. In extreme cases, patients may also be advised to undergo surgery done. However, the right treatment depends on the patient's situation and overall health. So, consulting a medical professional is a must in this situation.
Need an expert's help to manage an enlarged prostate? Book an appointment with a Medcare specialist today.
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Is it dangerous to have an enlarged prostate?
A: Most people often think than an enlarged prostate is a symptom of prostate cancer. However, while an enlarged prostate does cause discomfort and difficulty at the time of passing urine, it is a non-cancerous condition.
That, however, does not mean that it cannot have serious health implications. If left untreated, an enlarged prostate can lead to severe kidney problems or even a urinary tract infection (UTI), which often tends to get worse with time. If you are suffering from it, visit a doctor to mitigate your symptoms.
Need relief from an enlarged prostate? Book an appointment with a Medcare specialist today.
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What is the main cause of prostate enlargement?
A: The primary cause of prostate enlargement is age. Age-related deterioration has a massive impact on a person's physiological and psychological health, which includes changes in male sex hormones. Thus, most men are at risk of developing an enlarged prostate as they age.
Additionally, if the older men in a family suffer from an enlarged prostate, it is likely that the younger generation of men may eventually develop the condition too. So if a family member suffers from this condition, speak to your doctor about the risks of you developing it, and the lifestyle changes you may need to make to improve it at the onset.
Need an accurate diagnosis and treatment for prostate enlargement? Book an appointment with a Medcare specialist today.
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Can enlarged prostate be reversed?
A: While you can take medication, make lifestyle changes or opt for surgeries to deal with an enlarged prostate, there is still no treatment to completely reverse the condition.
Although there is research being done for techniques, such as prostatic artery embolisation, to reverse the condition, most of this is still at the nascent stage. The efficacy, as well as the permanency of such treatments, are being researched. Thus, for now, lifestyle changes, along with the appropriate medication, are some of the best ways to manage an enlarged prostate.
Need treatment for an enlarged prostate? Book an appointment with a Medcare specialist today.
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What foods are good for shrinking the prostate?
A: Your diet has been known to affect the condition of your prostate. For instance, it has been observed that men who eat a diet rich in red meat and dairy are at a higher risk of prostate enlargement.
Apart from reducing the intake of such foodstuffs, there are also a few foods that help to control an enlarged prostate. Foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids, such as salmon and cod liver, can reduce inflammation in the body and help with prostate enlargement. Tomatoes, broccoli, nuts and citrus fruits have also shown fantastic benefits for prostate enlargement.
Are you suffering from prostate enlargement and need an expert's help? Book an appointment with a Medcare specialist today.
