BPH: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, is a common condition that affects men as they age. BPH is characterized by the enlargement of the prostate gland, which can cause a range of urinary symptoms. While BPH is not a life-threatening condition, it can have a significant impact on a man's quality of life. In this article, we will discuss the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for BPH.

Symptoms of BPH

The symptoms of BPH are primarily related to urinary function. Common symptoms of BPH

include:

• Difficulty starting urination

• Difficulty stopping urination (dribbling)

• Weak urine stream

• Frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia)

• Urgency to urinate

• Incomplete emptying of the bladder

• Incontinence (leaking urine)

These symptoms can range from mild to severe and can have a significant impact on a man's quality of life. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see your healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause.

Causes of BPH

The exact cause of BPH is not well understood. However, it is thought to be related to hormonal changes that occur as men age. The prostate gland is an important part of the male reproductive system, producing a fluid that helps to nourish and transport sperm. It is the size of a walnut and sits just below the bladder in men. It typically affects older men and is estimated to affect about 50% of men over the age of 50. As men age, the levels of certain hormones, such as testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), can increase, which can cause the prostate gland to grow. Over time, this growth can cause the prostate gland to press against the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the bladder, leading to the urinary symptoms associated with BPH. It is diagnosed based upon symptoms and a prostate symptom score as well as the dreaded digital rectal exam.

Treatment of BPH

The treatment of BPH depends on the severity of the symptoms and the impact on the patient's quality of life. Mild symptoms may not require treatment and can be managed with lifestyle changes, such as reducing caffeine and alcohol intake, and avoiding fluids before bedtime. For more severe symptoms, supplements, medications and surgery may be necessary. Usually the approach is to reduce inflammation and and prostate enlargement. The premise is usually two-fold to relax muscles in the bladder neck and prostate to improve the urine flow as well as to block the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

Supplements to try for BPH include several products that are antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and help in the reductions of Testosterone --> DHT. These include saw palmetto, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, Lycopenes, Green Tea extract and Resveratrol. A more plant based diet can also play a huge roll (as well as reducing meat, eggs and dairy products). Physical exercise can help and avoiding certain medications specifically over the counter medications for colds and flu's. Family history is at play here with increase risk if you have someone in your family that has BPH Medication for BPH typically includes alpha-blockers and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors. Alpha-blockers work by relaxing the smooth muscle in the prostate gland and bladder neck, which can improve urine flow and reduce symptoms. 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors work by reducing the levels of DHT, which can help to shrink the prostate gland and reduce urinary symptoms.

Surgical treatment options for BPH include minimally invasive procedures, such as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), and more invasive procedures, such as open prostatectomy. TURP involves removing the inner portion of the prostate gland that is pressing against the urethra, which can improve urine flow and reduce symptoms. Open prostatectomy involves removing the entire prostate gland, which is typically reserved for patients with very large prostate glands. There is always the risk with surgery that you might cause further incontinence of urine or difficulty with ejaculation.

Important considerations before surgery is undertaken

In conclusion, BPH is a common condition that affects men as they age, and can cause a range of urinary symptoms. While BPH is not a life-threatening condition, it can have a significant impact on a man's quality of life. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of BPH, it is important to see your healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and discuss appropriate treatment options.