BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia)
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition that causes swelling of the prostate gland. However, the condition is not cancerous, or abnormal cells. The prostate gland itself has the function of producing semen and is located in the pelvic cavity between the bladder and penis.
This prostate gland is only owned by men. Therefore BPH can only be experienced by men. In most cases of BPH, this condition is generally more common in men over the age of 50.
Symptoms of BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia)
When someone has BPH, there are several symptoms they may experience, such as:
- Always need to urinate, especially at night.
- Experiencing urinary incontinence (wetting) or a significant increase in the frequency of urination.
- Difficulty passing urine.
- Straining when urinating.
- Urine flow is intermittent.
- Excreting urine accompanied by blood.
- Feeling incomplete after urinating.
These symptoms appear due to pressure on the bladder and urethra. This pressure occurs when the prostate gland becomes swollen or enlarged. Therefore, see a doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms.
In the case of BPH, this condition really needs a proper diagnosis. Because there are several other health conditions that have symptoms similar to BPH. For example:
- Prostatitis or inflammation of the prostate.
- Urinary tract infection.
- Narrowing of the urethra.
- Kidney stone and bladder stone disease.
- Surgical scar on the bladder neck.
- Bladder cancer
- Prostate cancer.
- Disorders of the nerves that regulate bladder activity.
Causes of BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia)
Unfortunately, until now, the cause of BPH is not known for sure. However, it is suspected that this condition occurs due to changes in sex hormone levels due to aging.
The male urinary system has a channel that functions to remove urine, or known as the urethra. The urethra passes through the prostate gland. If the prostate gland enlarges, it can eventually narrow the urethra. The condition eventually causes the flow of urine to become blocked. This blockage will cause the muscles of the bladder to enlarge.
Risk Factors for BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia)
There are at least several conditions that can trigger BPH. Here are some risk factors to watch out for, namely:
- Aging factors. An enlarged prostate gland rarely causes signs and symptoms in men under age 40. About one-third of men have moderate to severe symptoms by age 60, and about half have symptoms by age 80.
- Family history. Having a blood relative, such as a father or brother, with prostate problems increases the risk of developing BPH.
- Diabetes and heart disease. Studies show that diabetes, as well as heart disease and beta-blocker use, may increase the risk of BPH.
- Lifestyle. Obesity and lack of exercise can increase the risk of BPH. Therefore, it is important to exercise regularly.
Diagnosis of BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia)
To diagnose this disease, the doctor will conduct a medical interview to find out the symptoms experienced by the patient. The doctor will also generally perform a physical examination such as:
- Digital rectal exam. The doctor inserts a finger into the rectum to check for prostate enlargement.
- Urine test. Analyzing a urine sample can help rule out infections or other conditions that can cause similar symptoms.
- Blood test. The results can show whether there is a problem with the kidneys or not.
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. PSA is a substance produced in the prostate. PSA levels increase when the prostate is enlarged. However, elevated PSA levels can also be caused by a recent procedure, infection, surgery, or prostate cancer.
After that, the doctor may recommend additional tests such as urine flow tests, and post-void residual volume tests. However, if it is more complex, the doctor will also perform examinations such as transrectal ultrasound, prostate biopsy, urodynamic flow and pressure studies, and cystoscopy.
Complications of BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia)
This prostate enlargement can sometimes lead to complications. Especially if not treated properly and quickly. For example, the inability of the bladder to empty urine. In addition, there are also several complications that can occur, such as:
- Urinary tract infection.
- Bladder stone disease.
- Acute urinary retention or inability to urinate.
- Bladder and kidney damage.
The above complications can arise if benign prostatic hyperplasia is not treated effectively.
BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia) Treatment
A variety of treatments are available for prostate enlargement, including medication, minimally invasive therapy, and surgery. Treatment for BPH will vary depending on the size of the prostate, age, overall health, and the amount of discomfort or disturbance experienced. Therefore, BPH treatment will be divided into two groups. Here is the explanation, namely:
1. Treatment for mild BPH symptoms
For mild cases of BPH, it is usually sufficient to treat them with medication, urinary retention therapy, and lifestyle changes such as:
- Start exercising regularly, such as walking for an hour every day.
- Start reducing or stopping caffeine and alcohol consumption.
- Find the right medication schedule to avoid nocturia or increased frequency of urination throughout the night.
- Get used to not consuming anything two hours before bedtime. The goal is to prevent the body from urinating all night (nocturia).
In addition to these things, there are also therapies that can be used to overcome BPH. For example, therapy to hold urine which is carried out through the guidance of medical experts. Here, BPH sufferers will be advised to hold the urge to urinate, at least for a two-hour gap between urinating. In addition, they will also be taught how to regulate their breathing properly, muscle relaxation, and how to divert their minds when they want to urinate.
- Treatment of Moderate and Severe BPH Symptoms
If self-treatment does not relieve symptoms, a doctor may prescribe the following medications:
- Alpha Blockers Medications. These medications relax the bladder neck muscles and the muscle fibers in the prostate, making urination easier.
- 5- alpha reductase inhibitors. These drugs work to shrink the prostate by preventing hormonal changes that cause prostate growth.
- Combination drug therapy. Your doctor may also recommend using an alpha-blocker and a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor together if one drug alone is not effective.
In addition, if the severity of symptoms is moderate to severe, the surgical method will also be recommended by the doctor. There are several types of surgery that can also be performed, one of which is Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). This surgical method is the most common surgical method used to remove excess prostate tissue.
Prevention of BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia)
According to research, the risk of developing benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) can be prevented by consuming foods rich in fiber and protein, and low in fat. Also, avoid consuming red meat. High-fiber foods include green beans, brown rice, broccoli, wheat, cabbage, turnips, spinach, apples, and oats. Meanwhile, high-protein foods include fish, eggs, soybeans, chicken breast, low-fat milk, and cheese.
When to See a Doctor?
If you experience these symptoms, immediately check yourself to the doctor to get the right treatment. Because BPH that is not treated early and properly can trigger various complications. For example, such as urinary tract infections, to bladder and kidney damage.